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Who is ready for the Josh Gordon cycle to commence again?
The cycle usually goes like this: he fails a drug test --> gets suspended --> applies for reinstatement --> fans get excited thinking about his return --> return day comes with no decision --> we find out he’s suspended again.
We’re getting close to the half-way point of that cycle again — August 1st — which is when Gordon can reportedly apply for re-instatement again. According to Ian Rapoport, Gordon actually had a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday:
Sources: Commissioner Roger Goodell met with #Browns WR Josh Gordon yesterday regarding his return to football. Gordon can reapply on Aug. 1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2016
Sense I get is nothing is imminent on Josh Gordon’s return. He can’t even apply yet. The Goodell meeting is a normal step in the process.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2016
Once Gordon officially applies for re-instatement, he should be subjected to the same process he was earlier this year. The NFL is supposed to attempt to make a decision with 60 days of Gordon’s request, but it went well beyond that timeline the last time, so don’t expect Gordon to be with the Cleveland Browns during training camp. If he is re-instated near or at the start of the regular season, though, it’ll be interesting to see how the club handles his presence.
Still, I find it unusual that Goodell would meet with Gordon prior to his application for re-instatement. Earlier this year, we had heard that a meeting with Goodell was a step toward the end of the process. What exactly was the purpose of this meeting? Was a special arrangement made during the last appeal, and is this meeting a good sign for Gordon’s next request for re-instatement? We shall see.