Josh Gordon’s Failed Another Drug Test, Reinstatement Delayed

Update:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Josh Gordon‘s potential reinstatement will be delayed until NFL feels comfortable he has 60-90 days without any red-flag tests.

• According to Schefter, if all goes well, Gordon could be reinstated for the 2016 season.

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Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports that suspended Browns WR Josh Gordon‘s reinstatement is being hung up, due to a diluted drug test.

According to Garafolo, the test was administered last month, and a diluted sample counts as a failed test for him. Gordon’s two sample both tested positive for marijuana and both were dilute.

Even with the failed/diluted test, Garafolo writes that this doesn’t necessarily mean he will miss yet another season.

Gordon applied for reinstatement back in February, and the expectation was that the league would have a decision regarding him returning to the league within 60 days. However, it’s clear that the failed test has changed things from their perspective.

Garafolo says that there’s  no indication whether Roger Goodell has communicated to Gordon, or even made a decision regarding his future.

At the most recent NFL owners meetings, Goodell said that he was still hopeful Gordon would figures things out.

“When these things happen, it’s about trying to avoid them in the future,” Goodell said. “I’m hopeful that Josh understands that he’s going to have to conduct himself differently going forward to be a member of the NFL and to be representing the Cleveland Browns or any team in the NFL.”

Earlier in the day, ESPN reported that Gordon has been living with former Browns QB Johnny Manziel in Los Angeles, which probably isn’t the best look for him.

Gordon, 24, 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.

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