Cleveland Browns' Josh Gordon reinstated by NFL, still faces four-game ban
Monday 25 July 2016 19:47, UK
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is to be conditionally reinstated by the NFL but will serve another four-game ban before his return.
Gordon missed the entire 2015 season after testing positive for alcohol, breaching the terms of his entry into the league's substance abuse programme in September 2014.
The 25-year-old previously served a two-game ban at the start of the 2013-14 season and missed a further 11 games in 2041-15, 10 of those because of breaches of the same policy.
Gordon will miss the first four games of the 2016-17 season as well but will be eligible to play for the Browns in pre-season and can also take full part in their training camp.
A week five return for Gordon would mean him facing the New England Patriots in his first game back, the same game Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is due to return from suspension in.
NFL.com reported a letter written to Gordon by commissioner Roger Goodell, which read: "As we discussed at our [July 19] meeting, as Commissioner, I want nothing more than to see you turn your circumstances around and succeed.
"Countless others including your agent, teammates and coaches, Mr [Jimmy] Haslam and the leadership of the organisation, the Programme professionals and Jim Brown also have pledged to provide you with every resource at their disposal.
"But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility. I have every belief that you can make the right choices, but it will be up to you to do so."
His return to the team will give Cleveland a huge offensive boost and reunites him with former Baylor team-mate Robert Griffin III.
Quarterback Griffin III joined the Browns during the off-season and is expected to be their starter this season, with Gordon slipping into the No 1 receiver role ahead of rookie Corey Coleman, who also comes from the Baylor programme.
