Josh Gordon (12) makes a reception against Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Houston (23) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium last year. Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
With Josh Gordon’s appeal of a one-year suspension complete, the Cleveland Browns are expecting the wide receiver to be suspended for at least eight games.
The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reported Wednesday that Gordon’s defense of second-hand smoke causing a positive test for marijuana use was unlikely to inspire the NFL to overturn the suspension.
“As frustrating as it is for Josh, I think he’s handled it well,” said coach Mike Pettine. “He’s been practicing hard, giving good effort, finishing plays. Assuming if we don’t hear anything, then he’ll be out there Saturday.”
The Browns are hoping for a settlement and anticipate the starting point being close to half the season — which would be eight regular-season games.
Gordon is practicing with the team while the NFL weighs the evidence and arguments during appeal, which was heard Monday. He’s expected to play in the preseason opener at Detroit.
Without Gordon, the Browns’ top receivers are newcomers Nate Burleson and Miles Austin.
Pettine criticized Gordon’s practice habits in the offseason, bluntly asking the Pro Bowl receiver to show more professionalism.
Effort and focus are not a problem in training camp according to wide receivers coach Mike McDaniel.
“He is as good as I’ve ever seen personally,” McDaniel said. “I’ve been fortunate to be around some really great receivers, Rod Smith, Andre Johnson, Pierre Garcon. In terms of naturally talented and catching the ball, he’s as good any one of them, and if you’re in those categories, you’re an excellent football player.”
McDaniel and the Browns are working to insulate Gordon from negative influences and create a strong support system of players and personnel. Veteran linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, who was released in the offseason after serving as defensive captain and locker room leader for several seasons with the Browns, said Gordon needs help, and positive leaders around him.
While the Browns wait for a verdict, their plan to address Gordon the person is at the forefront.
“You can use something like this to define you as a person and your character,” McDaniel said. “Wherever the process leads, I hope that he uses all of this to improve himself as a man, just like you’d want anybody to respond to any sort of tribulation.”
