Josh Gordon Officially Suspended For At Least The 2015 Season

The NFL announced Tuesday that Browns WR Josh Gordon has officially been suspended for at least one year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

Statement from the NFL:

“Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns has been suspended without pay for at least one year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. Gordon’s suspension begins immediately.”

Browns general manager Ray Farmer also released a statement regarding the matter:

“As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh. Throughout his career we have tried to assist him in getting support like we would with any member of our organization. Unfortunately our efforts have not resonated with him. It is evident that Josh needs to make some substantial strides to live up to the positive culture we are trying to build this football team upon. Our hope is that this suspension affords Josh the opportunity to gain some clarity in determining what he wants to accomplish moving forward and if he wants a career in the National Football League. We will have no further comment on Josh as he will not be permitted in our facility for the duration of his suspension.”

 Gordon will need to be reinstated following the 2015 season.

Reports surfaced close to a week ago that Gordon was facing a one-year suspension after failing another drug test.

Gordon tested positive for alcohol, but since he was previously arrested for a DUI, alcohol was one of the substances he was being tested for.

The Browns wound up suspending Gordon for violating team rules ahead of their season finale, which happened to be his third suspension in the past two years. This will prevent Gordon from becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season.

Gordon, 23, would have had just one more year remaining on his four-year, $5.342 million rookie contract that$3.8 million included guaranteed.

However, Ian Rapoport points out that Gordon’s suspension will keep be under contract through the 2016 season, at which point, he’ll just be a restricted free agent.

This year, Gordon appeared in five games and caught 24 passes for 303 yards receiving, but no touchdowns.