Browns WR Josh Gordon Being Reinstated, Still Suspended First 4 Games

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Browns WR Josh Gordon is being reinstated to the NFL. However, he will be forced to serve a four-game suspension at the start of the season.

• According to Rapoport, Gordon’s reinstatement is conditional, but he can participate in the Browns’ training camp.
• Rapoport adds that Gordon can play in preseason games, but he’ll still have to participate in treatment. Although, he can still take part in meetings while suspended.

Here’s the statement from commissioner Roger Goodell regarding the decision:

“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. Haslam and the leadership of the organization, the Program 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.”

Gordon met with Goodell last Wednesday regarding being reinstated and continuing his NFL career. Reports said that he may have to wait until August 1 to be reinstated, but it appears as though Goodell decided to give him an opportunity to join the team for training camp.

Back in April, the NFL denied Gordon’s petition for reinstatement from his indefinite suspension, and there was talk that the league could wait two-three months and see if Gordon can remain clean without any further issues before re-considering reinstating him to the league.

Gordon, 25, is a former second-round supplemental pick of the Browns back in 2012. He would have had just one more year remaining on his four-year, $5.342 million rookie contract that$3.8 million included guaranteed.

However, Gordon’s suspension will prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season. Ian Rapoport mentioned a while back that Gordon’s suspension will keep be under contract through the 2016 season before becoming a restricted free agent in 2017.

In 2014, Gordon appeared in five games and caught 24 passes for 303 yards receiving, but didn’t score a touchdown.