Less than 24 hours after Johnny Manzielgalvanized northern Ohio, we have received word that Cleveland Browns breakout star Josh Gordon is facing another NFL suspension.
Three sources informed of Gordon's situation have told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that the wide receiver faces a potential lengthy suspension for a positive drug test. ESPN first reported Friday that Gordon could face a suspension.
"I'm not going to comment about anything that has to do with Josh Gordon or any status of our players," Browns GM Ray Farmer said at a news conference Friday. "To the end that the league has really stated what we can say and we cannot say, so until we have definitive clarity as to what those things are, we're going to remain silent."
Rapoport emphasized on NFL Network's 2014 NFL Draft coverage that Gordon's future in Cleveland and with the NFL is in doubt. Gordon's previous failed tests are one reason why former CEO Joe Banner tried to trade him last year, and a reason that Gordon has been a frustration to several members of the Browns' organization. Rapoport believes Gordon will appeal the suspension.
Gordon was suspended two games and fined four game checks by the NFL for violating the league's substance-abuse policy last year. He also failed at least one marijuana test at Baylor, leading to an indefinite ban.
Although Gordon faced criticism for hanging with the wrong crowd and exhibiting a shaky work ethic last offseason, he realized he was running out of chances and insisted that he had learned his lesson.
Riding high after leading the NFL in 2013 with 1,646 receiving yards in just 14 games, though, Gordon now faces another potential career setback.
The timing of the news is a nightmare for the Browns' brass, but at least they learned of Gordon's 2014 fate prior to the draft.
A wide receiver was already on the agenda before the Browns traded for Manziel, but they surprisingly didn't take anyone at the position Friday.
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