Josh Gordon has been a problem for the Cleveland Browns since he was a supplemental draft selection in 2012. Monday the Gordon era in Cleveland finally comes to an end.
Saturday evening general manager John Dorsey released the following statement announcing the decision to cut the troubled wide receiver.
Browns to release WR Josh Gordon
Statement from GM John Dorsey: pic.twitter.com/bQmWraH8Nr
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 15, 2018
“This afternoon we informed Josh Gordon and his representatives that we are going to release him on Monday. For the past six years, the Browns have fully supported and invested in Josh, both personally and professionally and wanted the best for him, but unfortunately we’ve reached a point where we feel it’s best to part ways and move forward. We wish Josh well.”
A couple hours later, Gordon takes to instagram to comment on the impending release.
Josh Gordon responds to upcoming release/trade. https://t.co/u559Rn8LOp
— Scott Carlson (@ScottCarlson19) September 16, 2018
“Huge shout out to the city of Cleveland. This place will always feel like home to me. I’m extremely honored and blessed to have been able to grow up and start a life amongst such a passionate and motivated group of individuals. It’s been a hell of a journey with you guys. I wish all of you nothing but the best. Thanks to the Cleveland Browns organization for having me, I’ll never forget my time here.”
Gordon only played one full NFL season without injury or suspension. That took place in his rookie year of 2012. Failed drug tests haunted him ever since.
He missed the majority of training camp to deal with personal and health matters.
The last draw took place Saturday afternoon. According to reports, Gordon arrived to the training facility in Berea late for the team’s flight to New Orleans for Sunday’s game against the Saints. Earlier in the day the team announced Gordon would miss the Saints game due to a hamstring injury. The reports also suggest Gordon was not himself when he showed up in Berea.
Josh Gordon spent Friday night with the #Browns Community Engagement group, helping to dedicate Lorain High School's refurbished George Daniel Field.
It would be the last time Gordon would appear in his #12 Browns jersey. https://t.co/DxTcPvn2KS
— Nicholas A. Kovach (@TheKovach) September 15, 2018
Gordon’s career in Cleveland ends with one catch for 19-yards and a touchdown in the week one 21-21 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His highlights include a Pro Bowl selection in 2013. In addition, he led the NFL in receiving yards in his second season.
Multiple league sources believe the Browns will trade WR Josh Gordon before they release him by the Monday date they announced they would let him go.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2018
It remains to be seen whether or not another NFL team will gamble on the troubled wide receiver. According ESPN’s Adam Schefter, teams are calling the Browns about trading for the talented but troubled wide receiver before Monday’s release.
Scott Piker is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Browns. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
