The Cleveland Browns top wide receiver Josh Gordon has been suspended for over an entire season now and is looking to get back on the field as soon as possible. There may be several issues hindering his return as he has reportedly tested positive for marijuana and a dilute in March. The level of the dilute was well below 35 nanograms which is what is required for a positive test, however the sheer presence of a dilute in his body suggests that he may be attempting to hide something.
The NFL has reportedly halted Gordon's reinstatement for another 60-90 days. If he can test cleanly throughout that entire period he should be in the clear, but considering what level of the NFL's substance abuse program he is in, another minor infraction could lead to another season-long suspension.
Gordon applied for reinstatement in February, however the NFL dragged its feet with the process. Gordon missed the entire 2015 regular season after testing positive for alcohol. Gordon's prior suspension required him to abstain from alcohol or any other substances as he would need to remain clean for the entire season.
He slipped up after he had an alcoholic beverage on a flight at the end of the 2014 season which cost him his season-long suspension. The Browns could have used Gordon as they struggled to provide any offense this season. Sure, solid seasons by wide receiver Travis Benjamin and tight end Gary Barnidge showed some steady improvement within the offense, but the franchise lacked a primary playmaker.
Gordon is the best wide receiver on the Browns hands-down and is one of the best receivers in the NFL, however his off-the-field issues have tarnished his Browns legacy. Gordon has been doing everything he can to get back on the field and is reportedly training harder than ever before, however it is incidents like this that keep him away from the game he loves so much.
The troubled wide receiver has a new roommate in former Browns' quarterback Johnny Manziel. Both players have been NFL bad boys and are currently waiting to find out their NFL futures. If Gordon can make it through another two or three months without incident there is a chance he will be reinstated before the 2016 regular season.
