by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (6/10/2013) The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports that Browns receiver Josh Gordon already has two strikes against him after testing positive for codeine in February and could get kicked out of the NFL for at least a year if he fails a third drug test. Gordon's two-game suspension and four-game fine for the codeine -- which he said was contained in cough syrup prescribed for strep throat -- means he was already in Stage 2 of the NFL's substance abuse program. For a player to be suspended, he must have violated the policy at least one other time. That means that Gordon -- who failed three marijuana tests in college and was dismissed from Baylor and Utah -- has tested positive at least five times since October 2010. The report says "one more failed test and Gordon's storybook NFL career could be in serious jeopardy."
Gordon suspended two games
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer (6/7/2013) Up to this point in the offseason Josh Gordon had received nothing but positive reviews from the media, coaches and teammates. That changed Friday when Gordon was suspended two games and fined four paychecks for violating the league's substance-abuse program. Gordon will miss the Browns' games vs. Miami and at Baltimore before taking on the Vikings in Week 3. In a statement Gordon claimed he took cough medicine with codeine in it, which is a banned substance. Gordon was reportedly kicked out of Baylor and Utah's football programs after failing three marijuana tests between the two schools. "Obviously we are all disappointed in this news," coach Rob Chudzinski said in a statement. "In our short time with Josh, he has done everything that we've asked him to do and he has exhibited substantial improvement. We believe that he will continue to work diligently through training camp and the preseason. I am confident that others will step up in his absence."
Gordon on verge of breakout
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (6/7/2013) ESPN reports that Browns receiver Josh Gordon "has the most physical ability of any player on the roster." The report says the only thing that can stop him from being an elite player this year is himself. Gordon has done well during offseason workouts, and even offensive coordinator Norv Turner has called Gordon "an impressive guy."
Turner calls Gordon 'impressive'
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/28/2013) New Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner is already fond of second-year receiver Josh Gordon, who caught 50 passes and led the team with 805 yards and five touchdowns. “He’s an impressive guy,” Turner said of Gordon, per the Browns official team website. “He’s young. He has a lot of work to do, but he’s got a lot of ability. If you put those two things together and you just grind, as a player and a coach, I think he can be a really fine player.”
Gordon continues drawing praise
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/20/2013) The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that "the game comes outrageously easy" for second-year receiver Josh Gordon. The report says that if Gordon keeps his concentration and work ethic at NFL caliber, he could have a breakout season in the new "throw it downfield" offense.
Coach sees Gordon improving
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/16/2013) Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said Thursday that he's been impressed with second-year receiver Josh Gordon this offseason. “I’ve really seen improvement from Josh," Chudzinski said. "From his route running standpoint, he is really working at it. A lot of times that takes time. He has really embraced that. He is making plays and really, I’ve been pleased with his progress.”
Gordon more prepared for this year
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/15/2013) Browns receiver Josh Gordon said it's a "tremendous difference" having the offseason to prepare and learn a new playbook after having just a couple of weeks to do so in 2012. "It definitely will transition into the season a lot smoother than it did last year," Gordon said. " ... I sat down and had dinner a couple times with Scott Turner, my position coach, got to meet with coach (Rob) Chudzinski and (offensive coordinator) Norv Turner. They’re great guys. We know their background, so we know they have the stats to prove everything they’re talking about. If everybody buys in to it, we shouldn’t have a problem with success."
Browns consider Gordon a No. 1 WR
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/19/2013) Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said in an interview with CBSSports.com at the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix on Tuesday that he considers Josh Gordon a No. 1 receiver. "Josh is a talented guy," Chudzinski said. "He has all the tools to be a solid receiver, a solid No. 1 receiver in this league." Chudzinski said Gordon has to work to hone his craft and take advantage of his skills. "He has the tools," Chudzinski said. "There’s a certain level of talent, and he has that talent level. Now it’s going to be about his commitment to working and doing the things and learning and progressing and all the intangibles that will determine his success. "
Browns fond of Gordon
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/4/2013) The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Browns are high on receiver Josh Gordon. After a rookie season with 50 catches for a 16.1-yard average and five touchdowns, Gordon looks like a player worthy of a second-round pick in the 2012 supplemental draft. He had only four drops. He ranked 13th in the NFL in yards after catch, averaging 6.3 yards. Forty receptions went for first downs. So there is a lot to like with the 6-3, 225-pounder. At the NFL Combine last week, Browns CEO Joe Banner said: "I think Josh has to keep working hard and improving. ... A top-of-the-second-round pick on a wide receiver, you would hope by the second or third year you'd have a big, big impact player."
