Former Browns Josh Gordon Applies for Reinstatement

Josh Gordon, the former wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, has applied for reinstatement, a source revealed to the Associated Press on Wednesday. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has 60 days to respond to Gordon's request.

"In support of their applications, players generally put forward verifiable testing records and/or submit to periodic NFL testing during the banishment period," league spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email reported by ESPN.com.

Gordon, 24, will be interviewed by the NFL's medical director and medical advisor. The medical experts will then provide their recommendation to Goodell.

If Gordon gets reinstated within this time frame, he would be able to take part in the Browns' offseason program, which begins in April. He would be under contract for the 2016 season and would be paid a salary of nearly $1.1 million. In the following season, Gordon will become a restricted free agent.

Gordon was suspended from the league in February of last year for violating the substance abuse policy after he failed an alcohol test. During his time away, he has reportedly "been doing well." However, since he is still in "stage 3 of the NFL's substance abuse program," according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, just one positive test could lead to an "indefinite banishment" from the league of "a minimum of a year."

Prior to his suspension, Gordon had a history of substance use and abuse. In 2013, Gordon was suspended two games after he failed a drug test. He claimed at that time that he failed due to a prescription cough medicine that he was taking. In 2014, he was suspended in the beginning of the season after he tested positive for marijuana.

During his college years, Gordon tested positive for marijuana three times. Despite these infractions, the Browns took the gamble and signed him to a four-year, $5.3 million deal.

Gordon had an impressive 2013 season when he amassed 1,646 yards receiving in 14 games. He also had nine touchdowns.