Everyone is comparing Gordon to Hill. The comparison that works is comparing Gordon to Martavis Bryant as both have had numerous suspensions for non-PED drugs. Bryant, who’s a free agent, filed for reinstatement a couple of months ago.
If Goodell reinstates Bryant, there’s no argument for not reinstating Gordon as well. You’d think Goodell would rule on Bryant before the season starts, so he could possibly be signed by a team to give him a look see before the cutdown to 53. It makes sense for Gordon to be reinstated at the same time. It would be, if nothing else, a goodwill gesture to the NFLPA because the next CBA will not include sanctions for marijuana use.
The more I think about this the more certain I am that the Patriots orchestrated the timing of this to spare Gordon from having to interact with the press and public during the open access part of training camp.