DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Josh Gordon

to continue from the previous thread ...

it was mentioned there, but it made me a little more pessimistic when I heard Haslam's recent comments ... not that he's to ever be trusted, but calling it a "difficult situation" is not spinning it with hope


https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...ut-josh-gordon/

The Browns are in training camp. Receiver Josh Gordon, who missed more than two full seasons due to a substance-abuse policy suspension, currently isn’t, for reasons that still haven’t been made entirely clear. And when owner Jimmy Haslam spoke to reporters on Saturday, he tried to say as little as possible about Gordon.

“I think it is consistent throughout the organization — [G.M.] John [Dorsey] and [coach] Hue [Jackson] have answered this question, and [co-owner] Dee [Haslam] and I have talked about it a lot == first of all, we are interested in Josh the person,” Jimmy Haslam said. “We respect his privacy, and until Josh gets back to camp, we are going to focus on the players that are here.”

Jimmy Haslam was asked whether the team has reached a “breaking point” with the player taken in the second round of the 2012 supplemental draft.

“This is a difficult situation,” Haslam said. “Josh has clearly struggled with addiction == he would tell you that — over a long period of time. I think that we saw a different Josh Gordon here in the spring and during workouts. He is working hard. We are going to continue to work with the person and try to help him out both personally and professionally until it does not make sense.”

It still makes sense, frankly, because the Browns have seen what Gordon can do on the field. In 2013, he generated 1,646 receiving yards in only 14 games, with Brian Hoyer, Jason Campbell, and Brandon Weeden throwing the passes. If they didn’t believe Gordon could still be a game breaker, the breaking point would have been reached a long time ago.

Jimmy Haslam also sidestepped a question about “reports” (it’s not a report; it’s a fact) that Gordon’s status on the “did not report” list means he must apply for reinstatement, culminating in approval from the Commissioner.

“I really do not want to comment on that,” Jimmy Haslam said. “We are focused on hoping Josh gets better and respecting his privacy. At the same time, we have a lot of good football players here that we are anxious to see this afternoon.”

So while Jimmy Haslam hasn’t reached the breaking point with Gordon, Haslam eventually reached the breaking point with questions about Gordon.

“I think that is actually enough talk on Josh,” Haslam eventually said. “I know that he is a star player and attracts a lot of attention. On the other hand, we have 90 guys at camp, and I think that we need to focus on them for now.”

With lingering talk of the Browns signing Dez Bryant, it could be that, if the signing ever happens, the Gordon won’t be one of the 90 guys at camp, or ultimately one of the 53 guys on the roster.

Looks like this writer is pushing for more mud. The Haslam treatment does not inspire confidence, and if it is a spin or issue avoidance, Haslam and FO mangled it.

Just wait for it. I don't think you stoop to Bryant without a good reason. Or bad one.

So we are still "moving on"?

I feel like "This is a difficult situation" refers to Gordon in general and not this specific incident. But I could be wrong.

To me, that sounds rather ominous...

It doesn't to me. It, and even Haslam's words, seem to reinforce the "let Josh stay away from Hard Knocks" theory. If nothing else, it says to me that Haslam just wanted them to move their questions onto something other than Josh and most likely because there is a lot of positive happening on the field in Berea, so why spend all their time talking about the guy that isn't in Berea?

He's really ripped now, pic from June:

https://thesportsdailydigital.files.word...=600&crop=1

Josh def going to be on hard knocks. This really just gets him more airtime tbh

Hard Knocks.. LOL.

IMO, If there isn’t something serousily up with Josh he’d be in camp getting his reps in. Hard knocks is a convenient excuse for fans.

Dear Lord, that freaking triceps!

Won't be ANY problems pushing a DB away with that arm, lol!

He could defy the laws of physics and push gravity away... unfortunately his addiction problem is x100000 the size of his freakishly enormous triceps.

The smart money is that he failed another test and he's hiding out for appeal. Please let me be wrong.

Rumors floating that it was a diluted sample, which would count for the same thing I believe

Facing a lifetime ban right?

https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nfl/...ns/95-578639540

Cleveland Browns teammates proud of Josh Gordon for seeking out help to address off-field concerns
Josh Gordon has the full support of his Cleveland Browns teammates after seeking out help for off-field concerns.

Author: Matthew Florjancic
Published: 10:12 AM EDT July 30, 2018
Updated: 10:46 AM EDT July 30, 2018

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns knew before the starting of training camp Thursday that wide receiver Josh Gordon would not be at the team’s headquarters in Berea while he tended to some personal matters in order to better prepare himself for a return to the NFL.

And those who have shared the field with Gordon were happy he took the steps necessary to take care of himself and put football on the backburner.

“I'm definitely excited for him in this process because, a lot of times, we get looked at as just football players and not actual humans,” running back Duke Johnson Jr. said. “For him to want to take that step and want to get himself together before he comes back, I think it's awesome, and I'm pretty sure myself and the teammates said it, we're all going to welcome him back when he gets back.

“No love lost. We're going to love him even more for being a grown-up and making that decision because a lot of people wouldn't ask for help and definitely wouldn't go out in public and tell people they're asking for help, so we appreciate it.”

Since joining the Browns through a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft, Gordon has turned 179 catches into 3,089 yards and 15 touchdowns.

During the 2013 season, Gordon set a franchise record with an NFL-best 1,646 yards on 87 receptions with nine of those catches going for touchdowns after missing the first two games because of a suspension.

However, after the Pro Bowl season, Gordon was suspended for 44 consecutive games, which brought his career total to 56 missed games, 55 of which were NFL bans for positive drug and alcohol tests. Gordon has played in just 10 regular-season games since the end of the 2013 season.

“It came as a surprise to me,” quarterback Tyrod Taylor said. “I’m sure it came as a surprise to a couple of guys. Like I said, whatever he has to do to take time to get himself right and to be able to come back to this team and contribute, we are all for it. We stand behind him. We support him 100 percent.

“More importantly, I am a friend of Josh Gordon, so I want him to be right, mentally and physically. Whatever he has to do to get himself together to come out and play at a high level for us, then I am all for it. More so, a friend than a teammate.”

Fellow quarterback Baker Mayfield added, “Josh’s health is the most important thing. He’s doing all the right things to take care of himself, and to me, that’s the most important thing.”

And whenever Gordon is able to return to the Browns, his teammates know the kind of player they will be getting back on the field.

“His talent is one of a kind, especially being his size to move the way he does and catch the ball, it's freakish,” Johnson Jr. said. “But again, he wants to make sure that his mental part of the game is as strong as his physical.”

I believe that is correct, but not certain.

P.S. I didn't hear any rumors like that until now. It wouldn't surprise me if that or somethin' just like that turned out to be true.

This picture is actually from last season.

Are you implying he's fat and out of shape now? lol. J.K. My bad.

I saw another pic of him, six pack abs and all. One of the comments was, "He's really let himself go." Very funny.

Nope. He's definitely in shape. I was just pointing out the picture was from last season because when Gordon posted earlier this off-season people were saying he has too many muscles.

At this point I can't help but believe he bailed from camp to avoid detection/suspension. It's possible he can't help imploding. We'll have to wait and see, but I think he's done. That would be so sad too. He should be a hundred millionaire, but instead can't seem to get out of his own way. I hope I'm wrong. The man should be on the field catching passes for the Browns.

Avoiding a pee test? Missing a test is the same as failing.

Josh has the best body type for bodybuilding: Mesomorph.

I lift weights all the time, but sadly? You can hardly tell (ectomorph).

As I stated, I hope I'm wrong. It's just damn disheartening.

IF he did foul up again, we can finally put his Browns AND NFL career to bed. It'll be the last time his name should come up on this board ever.

I doubt that though. Something tells me he's fighting the urges and needs extra support. Remember, and I'm not making excuses for him, he was drunk or high every practice and game since he was in high school (maybe even jr. high too). Being around "the guys", the huddle and the practice facility is probably terrifying in a way. It'd be like Sam Malone working in a bar as a recovering alcoholic. It's hard enough dealing with being sober in your house but to have to revisit the scene of the crime, so to speak, has to be hard.

Something tells me he'll mess up again before he retires from the NFL, but I'm holding out hope that will be a few years away.

Not sure if I agree or disagree....Probably agree.

Yep..this is the [censored] that causes problems..its a rumor..be truth or not...there is still the fact that training camp is going on and it looks pretty good...So lets stop the rumors and negativity that has surrounded this team and fan base and lets look forward to something,

One player wont ruin a season...or make it great..takes 53 to do that.

I just think he started to feel the mental pressure and decided to check in BEFORE he crashed. One of the main reasons people smoke pot is to numb themselves against stress. It's been a very long time since Josh had to actually deal with his problems without the crutch of pot. I imagine that mentally he is feeling a bit overwhelmed and hardknocks constantly pestering him probably doesn't help much.

Let's just hope this was a preventative measure instead of a reactionary one. I honestly don't care if he is there for most of training camp. The QB can just say Josh run X route and I doubt few CBs in this league can keep up with him.

It would be a lot easier to stop speculation on rumors if Josh wasn't such a screw up.

Frankly, I am beyond tired of all the excuses and justifications for his selfish acts.

I have to wonder who is more selfish. A man who has grown up in an environment that most likely wasn't very favorable for him to succeed'

Or the person who wants and expects more out of a person for more than they can give.

I believe you as a teacher would understand the struggles of what young people go through. Their expectations are not to be considered a failure or success. What should be considered is the well being of that person.

If Josh never plays another game of football..but gives his lady and child happiness and love. Then I would say he is not selfish at all.

Okay, my man. I'm more selfish. You sure like insulting me. Hope it makes you feel like a better person.

apparently you did not understand my reply. It had nothing to do with you. It had everything to do with Fans and players all in general.

I re read my post several times and saw no insult. I actually thought I replied in a thought out manner.

Making it about you would make me consider selfish..but Iam not saying that.

You could of responded back to me your experience as a teacher and how you saw societies impact on a young person.

Does society judge on what a person gives to them..or how a person does for them self ?

I personally would rather see Josh be a great father and husband. Than to fail in his personal life to be a better Athlete to meet my desires as a football player.

I would consider myself selfish..If all I cared about was his on field contributions to satisfy my needs.

You are correct. Your post had no insult in it. Not even insinuated.

Thank you

I got a tear reading all the compassion for a waste like GOrdon. Wasted talent, easted opportunity, wasted his life in pursuit of new ways to screwup.

Guess you are a very blessed man with a great life..you should feel very privileged.Must be a great feeling to be so perfect.

So what great contributions have you done for so many people that gives you the right to judge ?

Josh Gordon is 27 years old. If he's fortunate, he has six-ish years left in his career. If he's fortunate, he has sixty-ish years left in his life.

He must absolutely, unequivocally, place his health at the highest priority. Football is a secondary.

It does beg the question, however, ff the continued stigmatism that surrounds mental health and addiction. How Gordon is selfish for placing focus on his own health and sobriety remains a mystery, to myself at least.

What I do know is that Gordon has the full support of both the league and the Browns. Both have stressed that Gordon is not suspended, has done nothing wrong and is meeting the conditions of his reinstatement. The league and Browns have stated the lines of communication remain open.

So Gordon has done nothing wrong regarding his team and the league, and one could at least make the case he has morally done nothing wrong; and, in my opinion, he's made a morally strong decision.

It does highlight that NFL fandom, in some cases, still views these men not as individual human beings but as assets.

That was an incredible post. There has to be a time when people matter.

I love the movie about Bobby Jones...Stoke of Genious. The guy played as an amature all his life because he loved the game. In the movie Q.B said " Money will ruin sports "

Man is that the truth..

I think about that quote quite a bit in todays sports environment. It certainly is true.

I wonder how many posters on this board would actually pass the NFL drug test.

A friend of mine has a daughter that works at the Baseball Hall of Fame.. He gets to hold the bats and handle the baseballs of all the greats.

He recently visited there and told me that there's a room that has shelf after shelf of thin boxes with names on them. He asked his daughter what they were. She told him they were the jerseys of the players.

Talking all the greats. He told me if he could do anything.He would love to be able to come back in time and watch an old Baseball game. I agreed..I told him I would love to be able to be at Baseball game back in the 20's and 30's.