Ever since the offseason started, there’s been a lot of talk about particular Cleveland Browns players with off-field problems. Specifically, I’m referring to quarterback Johnny Manziel and wideout Josh Gordon.
The former has been getting into trouble ever since before the season ended, and is now facing potential legal charges for domestic violence. The latter is awaiting word from the NFL as to whether or not he’ll be reinstated into the league after his third violation of league substance policies.
The Browns have already given every indication Manziel’s time with the team is up the second they can cut him on March 9. With Gordon, though, there seems to be a different approach.
Coach Hue Jackson intimated yesterday that if Gordon is reinstated, he’ll still need to be evaluated to determine if he’s a fit on the team. New executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown seconded this notion today, but also seemed to leave Gordon a larger benefit of the doubt than Manziel received.
“Everything that we see and hear in talking to his representation and those that have been in communication with him is that he’s eager to get back and contribute,” Brown said today at the NFL Combine. “And we feel like if he’s accomplished those things, there’s a spot for him on the roster.
“He’ll certainly help.”
As you can see, though it isn’t an outright guarantee Gordon will be welcomed back with open arms, it’s definitely more positive than the cold “he’s gone as soon as we can get him out of here” tone Cleveland’s front office has taken with Manziel. When it comes to why Gordon seems to be getting a little more leeway from the Browns, the answer is simple.
Based on everything we’ve seen and heard about Gordon, he truly wants to prove to this new regime that he’s learned from his mistakes and is taking things seriously now. This is the exact opposite of how Manziel has handled his offseason. To be frank, Brown’s comments prove the team is willing to give troubled players a chance to redeem themselves, but only if they truly intend to earn it.
While Gordon still needs to both be reinstated and convince the Cleveland’s front office he means it when it comes to his rededication, he’s certainly done more than a few things to help his cause. This fact wasn’t lost on Brown when he spoke today.
“As I understand as it’s been reported back to me by people who have been in contact with Josh and seen him throughout the offseason, including his representatives, Josh is taking it seriously and he’s learned from his mistakes,” Brown said. “He’s serious about wanting to be a pro and be one of the best wide receivers in the game.”
The consistent video posts of him working out, the vow to change his circle of friends and his staying out of trouble all indicate that what’s been reported to Brown seems legit.
Meanwhile, despite falling out of favor with Cleveland for reportedly taking an impromptu trip to Vegas during the last week of the season, Manziel didn’t seem interested in trying to repair his image with the team. He continued to be spotted partying, made no effort to reach out to Jackson upon his being hired, and now finds himself in the middle of a highly-publicized domestic dispute.
Though it’s difficult to say whether the Browns’ outlook for Manziel would be different if he did try to prove to them he was willing to change his ways, it certainly would’ve helped the cause. Instead, his team has been forced to count down until the day it can severe ties with him.
Likewise, in Gordon, the Browns see a player who has had his issues in the past, but for all intents and purposes, seems ready to put them behind him. They’ve heard all about his newfound focus and commitment to helping on the field. This is why the Browns are willing to let him prove himself, why a roster spot will be available if he can convince the front office he’s truly a changed man.
As it stands, Gordon is proof that Cleveland’s new regime will be willing to offer second chances, but only if the player in question has gone out of his way to prove he deserves it.
We’ll find out soon enough whether Gordon can successfully plead his case. Unlike Manziel, at least he’s put in the effort to give himself that chance.
