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
Former Cleveland Browns team captain D’Qwell Jackson said he tried multiple occasions to help troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon.
Jackson, now the Indianapolis Colts linebacker, and Gordon were teammates for two seasons in 2012 and 2013.
Jackson told ESPN.com that he took it upon himself to counsel Gordon about focusing on football and doing the right things off the field.
After Gordon was arrested on Saturday morning for suspected DWI in Raleigh, N.C., Jackson tweeted:
“If you’re close to Josh Gordon please help this kid, it’s not about football anymore it’s about picking up the pieces of his life.”
Gordon led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards last season, but this latest arrest puts his playing career in jeopardy.
“He needs help, he really does,” Jackson told ESPN.com. “He needs people to extend themselves and probably have to do more than they wanted to do. But if (the Browns) care anything about the kid, they have to do it.”
Two other people who have worked closely with Gordon told ESPN’s Ed Werder that he has issues with substance abuse dating back to high school and have urged him to seek professional assistance.
Jackson said he plans to reach out to Gordon again soon, but he is not sure Gordon would take his assistance.
“At this point, calling the cellphone is not going to work,” Jackson said. “You have to fly out to him. You have to fly out to wherever he is, take him to dinner and pick his brain to see what’s important to him.”
Raleigh police captain Tommy Klein told ESPN that Gordon was “appreciably impaired.” Gordon was taken into custody after being stopped for going 50 mph in a 35 mph zone on U.S. 70 in northwest Raleigh around 3 a.m., according to the Associated Press.
Gordon, 23, was released on bail. No attorney was list on court records.
Browns general manager Ray Farmer said the team is aware of the arrest and is disappointed. He did not comment further.
Gordon could face a one-year suspension from the NFL for a previous failed drug test. He was suspended two games last season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Gordon’s appeal hearing was set for later this month unless the league and the NFLPA agree on a reduced suspension before that, according to NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk.
Gordon pleaded not guilty to a speeding ticket in June. He was pulled over for driving 74 mph in a 60 mph zone on May 25 and fined $187. His passenger was cited for possessing less than 200 grams of marijuana.
Gordon made 87 catches last season and scored nine receiving touchdowns.
