Josh Gordon may be reinstated by the start of Training Camp

[BTTA]

A timeline of Josh Gordon's history with substance abuse and suspensions | Boston.com

The linked GQ interview in the article is worth reading. It's notable how self-aware Gordon is and yet he still can't help himself. Anyone who's struggled with addiction themselves or gone through it with a love one can no doubt empathize.

Thanks Quantum, that's exactly what I needed for context.

We've got a long way to go in supporting those of us with mental health issues. Isolating a person socially who is using drugs to overcome issues of social anxiety, identity, and self esteem is about as smart as burning people as witches who exhibit emotional instability or signs of poisoning.

 

[Brewskies]

I wish Josh the very best with his recovery. I am a strong believer in giving a second or even a third chance. In Josh's case, he had those chances and screwed them up because of his sickness. If he were to come back there isn't a better support system than with the Pats. However, this support system was in place while he was with the Pats playing football weekly. He still managed to hurt himself again. He is a hell of an athletic person but I think he has proven he shouldn't come back to football. If he is allowed back then it should be with the Pats where he is loved as an individual.

Go Josh Gordon

 

[PatsBoy12]

God help your your son or daughter if they ever have an addiction problem.

There's the football aspect and personal. It seems to me he's only referring to the football aspect.

 

[tasmlab]

God help your your son or daughter if they ever have an addiction problem.

It's reasonable to want to treat a family member differently than one would treat essentially an employee who has a specific job. It's not a fair equivalent, IMO.

 

[borg]

Kraft gets rappers out of jail and pays for Gordon's rehab.
Bob has a big heart and I suspect the team won't close the book on this guy. If no Gronk next year plus lots of WR uncertainty (2-5 quality), nice to have an additional asset tucked away and possibly available at some point next season.
Rehab farm system....BB finds another loophole to exploit until Goodell slams it shut.

I'm curious if Gordon will be at the Kraft's Ring Presentation Bash?

 

[Kontradiction]

It's reasonable to want to treat a family member differently than one would treat essentially an employee who has a specific job. It's not a fair equivalent, IMO.

Even then, after so many relapses, family members eventually adopt that attitude.

That said, I'd personally bring him back. But I'd definitely do more at the position to make sure it's adequately stocked with depth if/when he relapses.

 

[maust]

I feel bad for Gordon, I’m just surprised how someone can beat the **** of their gfs and wives and get less of a suspension vs someone that just smoked weed.
This is a violent sport and players should have the ability to smoke during their off time.

Weed is way less riskier than Alcohol.
Someone smoking weed is less likely to assault someone.

The NBA lets their players do it during offseason and I think the NFL should follow suit.

I despise the 'just smoked weed' argument whenever a player is suspended for substance abuse. The league & union are barred from saying what substance a player is suspended for so naturally the agent gets word out it was 'just weed' because no one gets po'd about weed. In Gordon's case the weed for pain bs is an even lamer path to take,. Not only does it trivialize his struggle but he is on record owning his mental health issues and has openly stated he has abused several substances. As for the NFL's overall approach to testing, only an idiot would get popped by it, it's designed to be defeated.

 

[DaBronxPats14]

First and Foremost, as a Person, I hope he gets his life straightened out and can get some sort of normalcy. As for being a Football Player, He still can give opposing DC nightmares and chemistry he and TB were developing was special. I think Gordon didn't want to let Pats and TB down but his issues were just too over powering. Would be cool if suited up for us again.

 

[Le Numéro Douze]

Kraft gets rappers out of jail and pays for Gordon's rehab.
Bob has a big heart and I suspect the team won't close the book on this guy. If no Gronk next year plus lots of WR uncertainty (2-5 quality), nice to have an additional asset tucked away and possibly available at some point next season.
Rehab farm system....BB finds another loophole to exploit until Goodell slams it shut.

I'm curious if Gordon will be at the Kraft's Ring Presentation Bash?

The Patriots paying for his rehab means they'll take him back when/if he is cleared, I think.

He is not a wife-beater, he is not a PED user, he is just someone with addiction problems. The league should not ostracized these people, they need to help them and give them the proper support system to recover and be successful. Sure, when they relapse, suspend them. However, I'd say if the league wants to plan social police by suspending players with criminal conduct (as they should), they also HAVE a social RESPONSIBILITY towards players with illnesses.

 

[XLIX]

God help your your son or daughter if they ever have an addiction problem.

Weak response. The Patriots are a football team, not a rehab center. Bill Belichick is not his father. They have every right to choose to let a player go based on his unreliability.

They will do what they always do: make a decision which is best for the team. I don’t think any of us have enough information at this time to figure out what that is.

 

[PatsFan2]

What?? is this one of the Major Leagues Steve Howe's kinda last chances?? I am sure we have moved on thanks for the memories Josh.

 

[1960Pats]

God help your your son or daughter if they ever have an addiction problem.

Choosing to support a loved one and choosing to support a player on the team you root for are two totally separate issues.

Everyone wishes the best for Gordon but not everyone wants him taking up a roster spot.

 

[PatsFan2]

That's where I am on this. Tender him, get him in camp and keep him in the rehab program. If he can help the team in 2019 it's a bonus.

The key thing that gives this a chance is how well liked he was by the team. He has a good support system here.

Hope he can get straightened out.

He can't be trusted that ship has sailed and nobody would touch him with a 80 foot pole. I want no part of him and after what he did and I can't see the Patriots even entertaining the thought.

 

[PatsFan2]

Choosing to support a loved one and choosing to support a player on the team you root for are two totally separate issues.

Everyone wishes the best for Gordon but not everyone wants him taking up a roster spot.

Put me with the latter I couldn't have said the last part any better.

 

[RobertWeathers]

He can't be trusted that ship has sailed and nobody would touch him with a 80 foot pole. I want no part of him and after what he did and I can't see the Patriots even entertaining the thought.

We disagree.

 

[PP2]

There's the football aspect and personal. It seems to me he's only referring to the football aspect.

And what if Gordon has done everything that's been asked of him, work-wise? What if he works hard, studies hard, and puts out along with everyone else? He goes over the middle recklessly.

Do you just cut him only because he is an addict?

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

I have a hard time believing that Goodell will reinstate him that quickly. I think he won't play next season at all. I hope that I am wrong.

 

[ohiopatsfan]

Out here in NE Ohio, we are well aware of the Josh Gordon saga. He has always had crazy mad talent and, when on his game, is virtually impossible to stop. However, his mental and drug problems extend back to his college days and show no signs of ending. With his latest episode, if he isn't banned for life, he will be suspended for a significant portion of next season, if not the entire season. As much as the Pats need a WR with his talents, I feel they should pass on him. I wish Gordon much luck with kicking his demons.

 

[long distance]

Tom took him under his wing big time. Seemed like he took it as his personal project. Id guess that is still on . and that means something in this organization as well..

 

[ashley]

I really thought Gordon was a good story and actually played well for us but can anyone trust him going forward?