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Browns’ Gordon faces uncertain future
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Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon makes a catch during team activities at the team’s facility in Berea on Tuesday. Gordon, who is awaiting a possible second NFL drug suspension, was cited for speeding last week and could be running out of chances in Cleveland.
Associated Press
BEREA
On any given day, Josh Gordon’s size, speed and agility separates him from others on the field. He’s that rare talent, the player everyone notices.
He’s standing out for another reason.
Gordon is awaiting another possible NFL suspension for reportedly failing a drug test, a violation that could cost the Pro Bowl wide receiver a full season. But while his future remains cloudy, Cleveland’s young star is doing all he can to improve his dazzling skills.
After gliding over the middle on Tuesday, Gordon leaped to snag a pass before tucking the ball away and sprinting from a defender.
If he’s burdened, Gordon’s hiding it well.
“He’s showing up every day as the No. 1 receiver, he’s not showing up as a guy who’s uncertain about his future,” said wide receiver Nate Burleson.
“That’s all he can do right now, is go to work as if he’s our No. 1 because he is.”
Arguably Cleveland’s best player, Gordon could be facing a lengthy suspension for marijuana use.
The 23-year-old was suspended two games last season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy and still led the league in yards receiving.
The league has not commented on Gordon’s status.
He complicated his situation last week when he was ticketed for speeding and a passenger in his car was cited for marijuana possession.
Gordon is scheduled to appear in Berea Municipal Court on Wednesday.
Browns first-year coach Mike Pettine believes the uncertainty is weighing on Gordon. It has to be.
“I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t,” Pettine said.
“It would be human nature.”
Gordon politely declined an interview request.
Man walks into Browns practice looking for tryout
A former high school player from New Mexico wandered onto the Cleveland Browns’ practice field hoping to get a tryout.
The unidentified man walked onto the field at the team’s training headquarters on Tuesday with an equipment bag strapped to his back as the Browns worked out. A team spokesman said the man was quickly spotted and escorted from the field through the media gate without incident.
The team believes the man, who appeared to be in his mid-20s, entered the field after walking through the team’s indoor field house.
A member of the team’s media relations staff and a security staffer talked with the man, who told them he came to Cleveland hoping to get a shot with the NFL team.
The spokesman said the man did not pose a threat to any of the coaches or players.