Sports

Josh Gordon Fails Drug Test: Did He Party His Way Out of Another NFL Season?

Cleveland Browns wide receiver fails another NFL drug test, Fox Sports reports. Meanwhile, he's living in L.A. with Johnny Manziel.

Suspended Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon, who amazed sports fans across the NFL with his raw talent in his first season on the field, failed another NFL drug test, reports Fox Sports, casting a cloud of doubt over whether he will be reinstated this season.

A source told Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo that Gordon tested positive for marijuana and a diluting agent:

Gordon's sample, which was collected in early March, tested positive for marijuana and dilute, according to a source informed of the results of the test. The source added that both the "A" and "B" samples collected were positive for marijuana and dilute. Though the level of marijuana was below the 35 nanograms per milliliter required for a positive test, the diluted sample is considered a positive test.

This development is a red flag for Gordon but it doesn't necessarily mean he will miss yet another season.

He led the NFL in receiving yards in 2013, and didn't even play the entire season. Gordon sat out the entire 2015 season after he was suspended in February of that year. What impact this failed test has on his request for reinstatement, filed in January, remains unclear.

League policy states "a player's failure to adhere to his Treatment Plan during his banishment will be a significant consideration in the Commissioner's decision. A Player seeking reinstatement also must meet certain clinical requirements as determined by the Medical Director ...''

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell knew about the failed test last month.

Now, Gordon is the subject of amazement for an entirely different reason, as professionals and fans alike marvel at this remarkable athlete's squandered opportunity. Many were looking forward to seeing him on the field with fellow Baylor phenom Robert Griffin III, the latest QB in the Browns' quarterback carousel.

Gordon responded to the report immediately on Twitter.

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Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Gordon is rooming in Los Angeles with failed Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who's been seen partying at one West Hollywood club, the Nice Guy club, five nights in a row. Manziel chatted with TMZ about his prospects with the quarterback-desperate Denver Broncos on one of those nights.

"I love ball," Manziel said, omitting several words that may have added clarity to whatever he was saying.

Sources told ESPN Gordon and Manziel are roomies in an apartment on Sunset Boulevard. Gordon wasn't out with him that night. Just a smiling dude referred to by Manziel as "my man Dan."

The combination of Gordon's failed drug test and his current living situation may be why the NFL is in no hurry to make a decision on Gordon's request to rejoin the league.

Does he even want to play in the NFL? His actions suggest ambivalence, at best.

Writes Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot on Cleveland.com:

One league source speculated that perhaps Gordon hasn't shown the NFL enough of a commitment to his sobriety. Gordon has maintained from the beginning that he's not an addict, and spent two weeks at an inpatient addiction center in 2014, where he says they told him he was not one.

The Browns were not counting on Josh Gordon to play for them in 2016.

What do you think? Should the NFL consider reinstating Josh Gordon at all?

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