I think we can all agree the NFL‘s decision on the potential reinstatement of Cleveland Browns wideout Josh Gordon has dragged on way too long. What the league is doing in this lengthy vetting process is beyond me. However, it’s high time (no pun intended) to find out if Gordon is eligible to play next season.
You’d think this opinion is based entirely on the fact that the record-breaking receiver had been displaying an improved work ethic during his time away from the league. However, now I just want to get Gordon back in the league so he can stop hanging out with Johnny Manziel.
Per ESPN’s Skip Bayless, Gordon is apparently staying with the former Cleveland quarterback out in Hollywood. Obviously, the consensus opinion of Bayless isn’t a popular one. Still, if this is indeed the case, it’s certainly cause for alarm.
If true, it just forces you to ask Gordon a very simple question: What in God’s name are you doing hanging out with Manziel so often?
These two players are close friends off the field, which I get. They’ve been photographed at various events throughout the offseason, and each has been more than happy to tweet about it.
At the same time, if you’re a player who’s already been suspended three times for substance abuse, why would you be hanging out someone whose own off-the-field problems are the reason he’s currently unemployed?
Switching the perspective, if you’re the Browns, how are you supposed to take this?
Everyone has told you how serious Gordon has been about putting his problems behind him and staying on the straight and narrow. And yet, there he is, hanging out with a player you couldn’t wait to send packing. If it were me, it would sure make me question just how serious Gordon is about no longer being a problem.
The thing is, it’s difficult to believe Gordon is unaware of why this would be a bad idea. He went through and deleted all of his past tweets, including any which involved Manziel. It sure seemed like it was a subtle way to let the league know he made a mistake.
How is the league supposed to feel now? Gordon keeps spending time with Manziel, who’s made no bones about the fact he’s going to keep drinking regardless of the fact it got him released from Cleveland. What message does that send?
Personally, I read it in one of two ways. Either he knows exactly what he’s doing and is just rubbing it in, or he’s incredibly oblivious to just how bad an idea this is.
If it’s the latter, I’d advise him to wise up soon. Again, one more issue and he’s done for good. Why risk that by hanging with someone who’s a walking red flag? Who’s received minimal interest around the NFL since his release because of ongoing drinking issues?
If Gordon is so desperate to revive his career with the Browns, why would he risk it by hanging out with someone who was unceremoniously booted from the same team just over a month ago?
I have no idea, but it’s definitely not helping Gordon’s case. If I were him, I’d avoid Manziel at all costs. It’s tough to think of worse company for someone trying to prove he’s clean and is taking things seriously now.
