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According to multiple reports this morning, suspended Browns WR Josh Gordon wants to play in the Canadian Football League for the 2014 season.
Josh Gordon is exploring the possibility of playing the rest of the year in the Canadian Football League, per sources. @ESPNNFL
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 28, 2014
However, that possibility seems to have been quickly shot down by the Browns and a few other obstacles. Per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the CFL has a rule that makes any NFL suspended player ineligible to play in the CFL, he'd need to be cut.
Texting with a CFL GM who tells me if Josh Gordon is under contract & suspended, rules don’t allow him to play in CFL. Only if he’s cut.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 28, 2014
Even without that CFL rule in place, Gordon would need the Browns' permission in order to play in the CFL. It doesn't appear as though the Browns would be likely to grant said permission.
#Browns would not give Josh Gordon permission to play in the Canadian Football League, a source tells http://t.co/9CJgNAeo7v
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 28, 2014
So, what have we learned?
Gordon wants to play in the CFL this year while suspended by the NFL. Seems logical to want to stay active while suspended. But, he can't due to the CFL's rules. He'd also need the Browns permission even if that rule wasn't in place. Which they wouldn't grant.
So, we're back to square one. Gordon suspended for a full year, but from ESPN's Chris Mortensen, he may be able to come back for the offseason (not a full year), with good behavior.
Josh Gordon's suspension is for season, not necessarily a full calendar year. If he stays clean, chance he is reinstated for offseason
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 27, 2014
Update:
Mortensen hints to the fact that Gordon exploring the CFL may be a precursor to legal action.
One senses Gordon exploring the CFL option and being blocked is a precursor to legal action. Nobody in authority has said that...yet
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 28, 2014
We'll keep you updated as this story continues to twist and turn.