Source: New policy will allow Gordon to rejoin Browns during suspension
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As the NFL and its players union reportedly near finalization of a new drug policy, one of the biggest story lines is the impact the policy will have on players currently serving suspensions after failed tests in the current (soon-to-be-old) policy. And perhaps no name is drawing more headlines than Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon.
From Browns fans to fantasy football geeks to Johnny Manziel himself, it seems everyone in the world of football wants to know exactly when — if ever — Gordon will return to game action this season. He is currently suspended for all of this season for violations of the NFL's current drug policy.
While there have been plenty of reports on when Gordon will be able to play again should the new policy be approved (the latest being that Gordon would have his suspension reduced to 10 games), FOX NFL Insider Mike Garafolo learned Sunday of a couple of notes which could mean even better news for Gordon and the Browns — for this season, the remainder of his career, and perhaps the rest of his life.
According to Garafolo:
A source told FOX Sports on Sunday that Gordon will be able to be around his teammates and coaches at the Browns' facility during his suspension. When his initial suspension was handed down last month, Gordon was officially barred from the building. But under the new policy, his status in the substance-abuse policy comes with access to club activities, save for the games, full practices and travel with the team.
According to Garafolo, people close to Gordon believe the added structure of the team could help keep him focused on football.
In addition, Gordon's new job as a car salesman — a position he began working once the appeal of his suspension was denied late last month — is apparently helping to give Gordon incentives, both financially and personally.
Per Garafolo:
One other added piece of structure in Gordon's life right now could be his job with a car dealership. A source said Gordon, whose suspension could cost him more than $500,000 in salary and signing-bonus forfeitures, received an advance on his salary as part of his job at the dealership. To keep his job and not forfeit on the loan, Gordon must pass regular drug tests, the source said. Add in the regular NFL drug tests he'll be taking and that makes two employers who will be testing Gordon regularly.
Lawyers for both sides reportedly could finalize language and the remaining sticking points in the new policy as early as Monday.
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