Browns releasing receiver Josh Gordon

[True Dough]

CLEVELAND -- Josh Gordon's troubled tenure with the Cleveland Browns has ended.

The team announced Saturday night that it intends to release the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose immense talent has been overshadowed by substance abuse that has derailed a promising career.

The stunning news came just hours after the Browns said Gordon would miss Sunday's game in New Orleans with a hamstring injury. Gordon has been suspended by the NFL for most of the past four seasons because of multiple drug violations, and the Browns have been supportive of him for years as he tried to get his life together. Not anymore.

"This afternoon we informed Josh Gordon and his representatives that we are going to release him on Monday," general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. "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."

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24690655/josh-gordon-released-cleveland-browns-monday

[RockRaven]

1. Various explanations flying around from different "insiders" and reporters...

he has a hamstring injury... no he doesn't...
it occurred during a promotional appearance... no it didn't...
he lied about the hamstring injury to the GM... no he didn't...
he was behaving erratically... no he wasn't...
he was late to practice on Friday... he practiced normally...
The Browns will actually try to trade him before cutting him on Monday... no they'll just cut him...

[True Dough]

2. You're right

a lot of confusion at this point. But, safe to say that after all the time that Cleveland has invested in this enormously talented player over several years, if he still doesn't have his act together then the Browns are reluctantly having to show him the door.

It's too bad. I hope they can get something in return for him and not just release him outright. The Cowboys are desperate for a receiver. Maybe Dallas would give something up for Gordon.

[JonLP24]

3. So does Arizona

I'd take Gordon in a heartbeat.

[True Dough]

5. So does Buffalo

Dem Bills are atrocious!

[JonLP24]

8. Buffalo cut Corey Coleman

Who was traded by the Browns earlier this year somehow was good enough for New England. It seems Buffalo isn't interested in good players this year.

[True Dough]

9. No mention of the Cards yet, Jon

but you never know...

Link to tweet

[JonLP24]

10. You were right about the Cardinals

Bradford is throwing for like 4 yards per pass attempt in 2 games which surprised because he was either accurate or hurt. He'll probably stay healthy all year long. The offense under Mike McCoy. The defense is not adjusting well at all to the 4-3 and Goff is shredding the zone coverage.

On edit : the online is playing well though not their fault they're losing.

[True Dough]

11. And only 48 yards for David Johnson this week

after 37 last week (but at least he got into the endzone in Week 1).

Oh well, the Cards are at home to the Bears next Sunday. Probably a better outcome there.

[JonLP24]

12. DJ hasn't been the problem because they fall behind early

What is disappointing that they aren't using him on receiver routes like Arians though that is what got him hurt last year.

[True Dough]

18. Maybe the Cards

can hang on against Da Bears. 14-13 in the 4th quarter as I type this...

[JonLP24]

19. Nope (to their ability to hang one) terrible play call on 3rd on 2

Rosen threw a pick but he had no choice on 4th down with a pass rush so I don't blame him he was put in a very tough situation. Bradford coughed up the game with 2 pints and at least one fumble in field goal attempt range.

I will be at the Seattle game next week. I wonder if they roll with Rosen. That was a tough situation they put him in.

[True Dough]

20. Enjoy the game against the Seahawks

Seattle has been inconsistent this season. Good this week, bad last week. So you never know.

[JonLP24]

4. I found this

The Browns provided no details behind their decision to part ways with Gordon, but a source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that he broke the team's "trust" when he reported to the facility with a hamstring issue after being a full participant in practice all week. The source said there were other "mitigating factors" inclusive of present and past incidents.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24690655/josh-gordon-released-cleveland-browns-monday

Why would someone show up to practice then fake a hamstring for a game. Maybe practice caused the hamstring issue. It seems they weren't happy with his injury. They didn't even throw him the ball til it mattered the most against Pittsburgh. I could understand releasing him a long time ago but it looks like they weren't happy he had a injury.

[True Dough]

6. I think there's a lot more to it

than just an injury.

[JonLP24]

7. Also showing up late Saturday

They picked the worst time to do it. I don't understand standing by him then when he is eligible hasn't violated a league conduct policy they should have done it a long time ago. He missed a great deal of training camp to treat his mental health which probably was another contributing factor but you stand by him after all this time and when things appear to be turning around they do this to him. They need receivers too.

[True Dough]

13. Gordon now signed with the Patriots

We'll see how this works out. Maybe Belichick gets him on the straight and narrow, maybe not.

Link to tweet

[JonLP24]

14. He can play even while high

[True Dough]

15. Maybe Denver

would have been the better destination!

[JonLP24]

16. I thought cannabis was legal in Massachusetts?

In any case the NFL should allow it. Treats traumatic brian injury as well as pain management for other types of pain.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sfchronicle.com/sports/amp/Cannabis-and-concussions-The-NFL-needs-to-listen-11718006.php

[True Dough]

17. You'll get no

argument from me on that point!