Already facing a year-long suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon was arrested in Raleigh, North Carolina for apparently driving while impaired, according to the Raleigh police captain.
Details of the arrest are not known, except for the fact that Gordon was driving while "appreciably impaired." This is not good news for the star wide receiver who could miss the entire 2014 season for failing another drug test - this time for marijuana use. Gordon failed one for codeine during the 2013 season, which resulted in a two-game suspension. Despite missing two games, Gordon still led the NFL in yards receiving.
But the Browns wide receiver hasn't seemed to learn his lesson. He was also pulled over in late May for speeding and his passenger had possession of marijuana. Although he only had to pay a fine, such behavior is not appropriate for a player who is already on thin ice with the NFL. It's also not helping the case for his upcoming appeal of the year-long suspension issued by Commissioner Roger Goodell during the NFL draft in May.
This suspension is likely to put a dent in the Cleveland Browns' plans for next season. They hope to make a splash after signing some notable free agents (linebacker Karlos Dansby, safety Donte Whitner, runningback Ben Tate, wide receiver Andrew Hawkins, and cornerback Isaiah Trufant) and drafting cornerback Justin Gilbert (8th overall), quarterback Johnny Manziel (22nd overall), and offensive lineman Joel Bitonio (35th overall) in May. If the phenom Johnny Manziel were to start the 2014 season, it was implied that Gordon would be a big help to the rookie.
It was reported yesterday that sources close to Gordon are worried that if he is suspended for the entire 2014 season, it may affect his future with the Browns organization and even his future in the NFL. The 23-year-old has already proved to be a tremendous wide receiver, but his behavior is seemingly affecting his ability to continue producing as a football player.
A close eye will be kept on Gordon as well as any NFL officials or members of the Cleveland Browns organization who may comment on his arrest in North Carolina.
You can read more about Josh Gordon's DWI arrest in this ProFootballTalk article.
