Josh Gordon has the ability to be a Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns.
That won't happen if he's not on the field, of course. Gordon took himself out of action for two games (and lost four game checks) for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
On Monday, Gordon addressed his suspension publicly for the first time.
"My priorities are definitely in order, definitely in line," Gordon said from Browns camp, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. "I still got a job to come out here and do every day. I've got to be accountable and be a grown man, help provide for me and my family. So I do definitely have my priorities in order."
Reiterating his explanation in a June statement, Gordon said he tested positive for the banned substance codeine due to medication he was taking for strep throat. Asked Monday if he had a substance-abuse problem, Gordon replied, "It wasn't recreational use."
Gordon failed three marijuana tests in college during his time with Baylor and Utah. The Browns took a chance on Gordon, selecting him in the second round of last year's supplemental draft.
"It's something that's in the past," Gordon said. "It's still going to gloom over me for a long time. But I've still got a long way to go, a lot to prove to the fans here, to the people here. It's just another obstacle in my way of getting there."
Gordon was everything the Browns could have asked for as a rookie, leading the team in receiving. They can hope Gordon will back up Monday's words with his actions.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
