NFL Denies Browns WR Josh Gordon’s Reinstatement Petition

Tom Pelissero of USA Today is reporting that the NFL has denied suspended Browns WR Josh Gordon‘s reinstatement petition.

According to Pelissero, Gordon will be able to re-apply for reinstatement to the NFL later this fall.

There had been reports dating back to last year that the Browns were unlikely to give Gordon another chance after he had another setback and later checked into rehab. However, reports from the past few months mentioned that Cleveland wasn’t completely ruling out the possibility of welcoming him back to the team.

Gordon has reportedly been working out with former Olympian turned speed coach Tim Montgomery in hope of resuming his career. He also changed agents this offseason and hired Joby Branion, who represents Von Miller.

Last year, Gordon made the decision to enter rehab after what was described to him as a “slip-up” or a potential violation of drug and alcohol policy. Mary Kay Cabot later reported that Gordon checked into rehab because of an alcohol problem.

Gordon, 26, is a former second-round supplemental pick of the Browns back in 2012. He would have already been an unrestricted free agent had he not missed so much time due to suspensions, but the Browns hold his rights for two more years, given that he has just two accrued seasons.

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

We’ll have more regarding Gordon’s return to the NFL as the news is available.