Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon was handed a yearlong suspension for his violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. He first tried to join the Canadian Football League to keep himself in shape during his time away from the Browns, but his scant options have taken him elsewhere.
Gordon has taken a job as the goodwill ambassador for the Sarchione Auto Group in Ohio, of which his duties include being in charge of the company's local community efforts as well as working as an on-floor car salesman. The 23-year-old was suspended for the 2014 season without pay after he failed two drug tests within the same year - one for codeine and one for marijuana.
His suspension has been a confusion to many, especially since Ray Rice received a two-game ban for allegedly knocking out his fiancé at the time and Colts owner Jim Irsay received a six-game suspension and a $500,000 fine for his DWI arrest in March. Irsay's arresting officer found a brief case in his car that contained numerous prescription pill bottles and over $29,000 in cash after he was pulled over for driving 10 mph in a 35 mph zone. Irsay admitted he was under the influence of oxycodone and hydrocodone in court earlier this week.
Gordon hoped to pursue the CFL when he was notified his suspension would be upheld by the NFL hearing officer Harold Henderson. Unfortunately for Gordon, suspended NFL players who are under contract are forbidden from playing football elsewhere, unless (in some cases) their team gives them permission to do so. The Browns informed Gordon that they would not permit him to play in the CFL, leaving the wide receiver with few options.
Although Gordon's punishment is viewed as excessive by many, mainly because marijuana is legalized for medical use in 23 states and the District of Columbia, he knew he had to find work in the meantime since he will not receive the $825,604 he is owed for 2014. He also remains under the NFL's treatment program and is obligated to undergo counseling and random drug testing.
The Cleveland Browns will open their season at the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday at 1 p.m. without the 2013 NFL leader in receiving yards.
