According to a report Sunday from ESPN, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon was arrested and charged with driving while impaired after allegedly speeding in Raleigh, North Carolina. Gordon was already facing a season-long suspension from the NFL for testing positive for marijuana in May which would violate the league’s substance abuse policy.
Josh Gordon Arrest
According to the ESPN report, Gordon was pulled over for going 50 mph in a 35 mph on U.S. 70 in northwest Raleigh at approximately 3 a.m. Saturday. According to a Raleigh police captain, someone has to be “appreciably impaired” to be arrested for DWI in Raleigh. According to WNCN, the NBC affiliate in Raleigh, Gordon’s blood-alcohol level was .09 and Gordon reportedly admitted to having 3 drinks with vodka. The legal driving limit in North Carolina is .08% alcohol level.
Gordon reportedly tested positive for marijuana in May. This latest arrest may constitute Gordon’s third offense under the NFL’s program and policy. Last year in his second season, Gordon was suspended for the first two games for a positive test for codeine and that at that time another failed test would result in a one-year suspension. According to Pro Football Talk, Gordon is set to appeal his May positive test in late July.
In college, Gordon had two incidents involving marijuana in October 2010 and July 2011. The first incident involved an arrest for marijuana at a Taco Bell restaurant (charges later dropped) and the second involved a positive test for marijuana.
In addition to the reported May positive test, ESPN reported that Gordon pleaded not guilty to a speeding ticket for going 74 mph in a 60 mph zone on May 25th. While Gordon was fined $187.00, his passenger was cited for possession of less than 200 grams of marijuana.
The Cleveland Browns gave up a 2013 2nd round draft pick to select Gordon in the supplemental draft hoping that he had put his past indiscretions behind him. The risks of drafting Gordon initially paid off for the Browns. Among the top receivers in the 2012 rookie class, Gordon finished with 50 catches, 805 yards and 5 touchdowns.
In 2013, despite being suspended two games, with 1,646 yards, Gordon finished the season as the NFL leader in receiving yards. Gordon also finished with 9 touchdowns and set an NFL record as the first receiver with over 200 yards in consecutive games with 237 and 261. Gordon was named as a First-Team All-Pro. All of this explosive production was done without an established top-line quarterback in Cleveland.
However, despite the drafting of Johnny Manziel, the Browns seem likely not to have the services of Gordon in 2014. Only a few months ago, it seemed probable that with a talented quarterback at the helm for 16 games, Gordon could easily have become the best receiver in the NFL.
At first, the marijuana positive test seemed to be arguable as something the NFL had view in context with other legal developments in the nation. Instead, the latest arrest puts the focus on the demons Gordon seems to be facing. The focus is more on Gordon as a person who is not well. Brandon Marshall, the Chicago Bears receiver, tweeted Sunday that Gordon’s arrest “ruined” his afternoon. That sympathetic view is well directed to Gordon’s overall well being. Gordon’s career is not the main concern anymore.
Admittedly, not many will support Gordon for jeopardizing his own career by continuing to allegedly commit legal offenses and positive tests. However, putting the career and legalities aside, Gordon is clearly suffering from some sort of ailment whether a physical addiction or mental issue. He needs medical help as a person.
Roger Goodell and the NFL have to consider the transgressions for his eligibility to play in the NFL. But Josh Gordon needs to get help for his physical well being. Let’s hope this is a continuing story that has a good ending.
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Main Photo Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
