Report: Josh Gordon suspended due to 'multiple violations' of NFL substance abuse policy

Liz Roscher

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon received an indefinite suspension from the NFL on Thursday for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. This suspension, Gordon’s fifth, reportedly stems from more than a single violation for a single substance.

Gordon violated NFL substance abuse policy ‘multiple’ times

Gordon’s issues with alcohol and recreational marijuana are well known, but according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, it was more than marijuana that led to his indefinite suspension. And Gordon wasn’t suspended for a single violation, but for multiple violations.


It’s not know what additional substances may have been involved. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, no one on the Patriots had any idea the suspension was coming, and no one noticed any difference in his personality or play.

Gordon’s teammates show their support

Gordon made quite an impact on his teammates in a relatively short time. After news of his indefinite suspension came down, several of his Patriots teammates showed their support in different ways. Rob Gronkowski called Gordon a “great teammate” and said that everyone was going to miss him.


Julian Edelman changed his Twitter profile picture to Gordon’s jersey and posted a supportive message on Instagram.



Tom Brady, after initially seeming detached from the news when he spoke about it, posted a picture of him and Gordon on the field with the caption “prayers up!!!”


Could Gordon be back in 2019?

While it’s possible that Gordon’s NFL career could be over, Gordon could return to the NFL — even for the start of the 2019 season. According to Rapoport, Gordon would have to show the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell that he’s been “clean for a sustained period of time.”

With NFL training camp starting in July and the season starting around the beginning of September, that would give Gordon 7-9 months to accomplish that. That’s a tight timeline, especially considering that Gordon has violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy several times. But with the support Gordon is receiving from his teammates and from Goodell, if he wants to return to the NFL, it seems like that’s completely up to him.

Josh Gordon has missed all of the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy. (Getty Images)

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