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Josh Gordon was selected in the supplemental draft vice the normal draft because he had character issues, and those issues have apparently proven to be well founded. In his first offseason since lauding Browns brass for "taking a risk on him, so that he can prove the problems of his past are history" Josh Gordon has apparently been busted for the same offense that lost him his spot on two college teams.
BREAKING: #Browns WR Josh Gordon will be suspended 2 games and docked 4 games pay for NFL substance abuse violation. More to come!
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) June 7, 2013
Here is Head Coach Rob Chudzinski's take on the suspension:
#Browns coach Rob Chudzinski on Josh Gordon's two-game suspension. "Obviously we are all disappointed in this news."
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 7, 2013
Chudzinski: "In our short time with Josh, he has done everything that we’ve asked him to do and he has exhibited substantial improvement."
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 7, 2013
Obviously, there's going to be a large amount of fan frustration in response to the news. The only silver lining in this bad news is the fact that it's only a two game suspension, instead of the four game PED form of suspension that players like Joe Haden have served.
[UPDATE]
Gordon released the following statement, claiming to have taken a medication containing codeine that he was prescribed for strep throat and apologizing to the team, coaches, and fans:
In February, I was diagnosed with strep throat for which a doctor prescribed antibiotics and cough medicine. Apparently, the medicine I took contained codeine, which is prohibited by the NFL policy. The policy terms are strict about unintentional ingestion, but the NFL has not imposed the maximum punishment in light of the facts of my case. Therefore, I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation. I sincerely apologize for the impact on my team, coaches, and Browns fans. I look forward to working hard in training camp and pre-season, and contributing immediately when I return in week three.