NFL suspends Gordon for one year

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

The NFL suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon for at least one year without pay on Monday for violating the league’s substance-abuse program.

Gordon, who has already served two league suspensions, will have to apply for reinstatement. A league spokesman said his one-year ban begins immediately, meaning he will miss the 2015 season. The former Pro Bowler has been a repeat offender of the league’s drug policy, and his latest offense has jeopardized his once promising career.

Last week, Gordon said his failed test was for alcohol. He was prohibited from drinking for the 2014 season because of previous violations.

Gordon said in an open letter posted online that he erroneously thought the season was over when he drank on a flight to Las Vegas with teammates a few days after the Browns lost in their season finale to Baltimore.

Browns general manager Ray Farmer said the team is “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,” Farmer said in a statement. “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.”

Farmer said he hopes the suspension will help Gordon determine what he wants to accomplish.