Browns WR Josh Gordon Suspended without Pay for 1 Year

The NFL has suspended Cleveland Browns Josh Gordon for one year without pay on Tuesday. The wide receiver violated the league's substance abuse program. This is Gordon's third and longest suspension. He will have to reapply for reinstatement if he wishes to return the following year.

"As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh," Browns general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement. "Throughout his career we have tried to assist him in getting support like we would with any member of our organization. Unfortunately our efforts have not resonated with him. Our hope is that this suspension affords Josh the opportunity to gain some clarity in determining what he wants to accomplish moving forward and if he wants a career in the National Football League."

In 2013, Gordon was suspended for the first two games. He ended up leading the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards on 87 catches. In August of 2014, Gordon revealed that he would be suspended for 16 games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy once again. That suspension was shortened to 10 games on Sep. 19.

As a part of his reinstatement deal for the 2014 season, Gordon was required to abstain from alcohol use for the rest of the season. He would also be subjected to drug and alcohol testing.

During the last game of the season, the Browns suspended Gordon for violating team rules. Five days after the season ended, Gordon tested positive for alcohol use. He stated that he drank two beers and two mixed drinks with his teammates. Gordon added that he thought his NFL-restriction ended when the season was finished.

Gordon has not revealed whether or not he plans on appealing the suspension.