OT: Josh Gordon speaks out about his failed tests

https://medium.com/the-cauldron/an-open-letter-to-charles-barkley-co-cb5c4e64cf3


After finishing this open letter, I kinda change my stance a little and kind of hope the browns cut him and we can bring him in.

If what he's writing here is true, its basically a story of just a kid, making some poor choices, none of which are really huge issues, which with the right environment, and the right people to help him, could turn into a really good player, and person.

Just interesting getting the other side of things.

Interesting letter. As I said a while back, I'd welcome that talent to NE with open arms.

Interesting, articulate and eloquent. But it does come across as a lot of excuse making.

I'm not sure I believe him. But at 23 years old, if he was cut, I'd probably be all over that.

Username said:

Interesting, articulate and eloquent. But it does come across as a lot of excuse making.

I'm not sure I believe him. But at 23 years old, if he was cut, I'd probably be all over that.

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The thing is its easy to prove. just check what he tested at, if he was indeed under the limit for MJ(failed because he was already stage2) and failed the DWI by .01, and then failed this latest test because the league year doesnt end when your teams year ends, then there isn't a whole lot of really big red flags, just a lot of minor, well sloppiness on his part, which is easily something you can fix by setting him up with a spotter so to speak to kind of guide him till hes able to guide himself.

If the Browns cut him, the Pats should absolutely sign him if he comes cheap. It's the definition of low-risk, high reward. Just don't bank on him staying clean, because I'm skeptical that that'll happen.

I'd invest a 7th round pick and then cross my fingers.

This pathetic league otherwise known as the NFL, needs to change its rules. DWI aside, Gordon hasn't really done anything wrong. I feel frustrated for him.

It's not like he's addicted to meth and carries guns illegally.

Reads like an article written by a PR official trying to salvage Gordon's career.

Sounds like he does have a problem though, not making the right choices

Two issues here:

League rules on marijuana are nonsensical. It doesn't even have the logic of banning PEDs it's just that players get in trouble cause a plant is illegal for no scientific reason.

Accepting that or not you still have to abide by the league's stupid rules to make your millions and a guy who can't put down the vape for 10 years has problems.

The reality is nobody knows how Gordon will turn out, not even Gordon himself. He wrote a lot of things, but they're really just meaningless words on a page. Talk is cheap.

Gordon calls out lots of people who don't know him, but the truth is he doesn't seem to know himself either. Few addicts think they are addicts, just as few narcissists think they are narcissists. I'm not claiming Gordon is either, just that his opinion of himself is almost as meaningless as those of other talking heads.

I do think environment plays a large part, and the Browns have probably enabled him because he was one of the few bright spots on a terrible franchise. I wouldn't be opposed to bringing him in if he got cut and surrounding him with vets, but I wouldn't bet a draft pick or anything that he's going to turn it around.

You can read whatever you want into his words, and he can say whatever he wants to believe, but until his actions change, they're pretty meaningless.

Username said:

Interesting, articulate and eloquent. But it does come across as a lot of excuse making.

I'm not sure I believe him. But at 23 years old, if he was cut, I'd probably be all over that.

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Yeah I can see some of it being excuses, but even that's all it was I'd still applaud him for blasting the media talking heads in question for things they've said without even knowing him. Five minutes in a room with BB and I'd take my chances with Bill's judgment call on the kid.

So that being said...if he did get cut, or was even up for trade for a low pick, hells yeah bring him on. It'd be the best possible opportunity and situation for him to prove his doubters wrong. And while still carrying Gronk, Minitron, LaFell, and possibly even Amendola in tow as receivers, a very low risk/high reward signing for the Patriots. They wouldn't need him, but boy would the league regret someone like 2013 Josh Gordon with a flying elvis on his hat.