Report: Josh Gordon arrested for DWI
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon was arrested for DWI in Raleigh, N.C., on Friday night, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
A mugshot circulating on Twitter seems to confirm the report.
#Browns Josh Gordon Mugshot pic.twitter.com/H1YPnlHP9p
— Matt Anderson (@MAndersonWKYC) July 5, 2014
Browns general manager Ray Farmer issued a short statement: "We are aware of the matter and are disappointed to learn of this situation. We will comment further at the appropriate time."
Gordon is reportedly facing a year-long suspension from the NFL for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy. The Browns expressed this week a concern that the young wideout's life would spiral out of control if he were to be banished from the league for an extended time.
It isn't immediately clear how this latest arrest will factor into Gordon's appeal of his pending suspension. The NFL works in mysterious ways when it comes to suspending players for off-field incidents. Gordon's previous substance abuse violations may be viewed as an entirely separate matter from this incident from a league discipline standpoint.
What we can say with certainly is that this arrest is a significant setback for fans wishing to see 2013's leader in receiving yards (and one of the 10 most exciting skill position players in football) back on the field in 2014 and beyond.
The obvious comparison here is to Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon. He, too, ran afoul of the NFL's substance abuse policy and it completely derailed his promising career. Blackmon is currently serving an indefinite suspension and is not expected to return to the field until 2015 at the earliest.