NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell got to look Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon in the eye as they talked about whether the oft-suspended player is worthy of another chance.
Goodell and Gordon met Wednesday regarding the former All Pro’s attempt to return to the NFL, a source familiar with the situation confirmed Thursday. The NFL Network first reported the rendezvous, a step in the process of Gordon trying to gain re-entry into the league.
Gordon has been banished from the NFL since Feb. 3, 2015, because of recurring violations of its substance-abuse policy. He’ll be eligible to apply for reinstatement Aug. 1, three days after the Browns will begin training camp without him.
He filed an application for reinstatement on or around Jan. 20, but the NFL denied the petition in April on the heels of Fox Sports reporting Gordon failed a league-administered drug test in early March. Gordon’s sample tested positive for marijuana and a diluting substance, according to the report.
Once Gordon reapplies for reinstatement, the league will attempt to gather the necessary information to make a ruling within 60 days. However, there is no requirement to deliver a ruling in that time frame.
In March at the NFL owners meetings, Goodell said he “might choose to” meet with Gordon. During Super Bowl festivities in February, Goodell said he wanted to be assured Gordon understood he must change his behavior to be a member of the NFL.
No one knows for sure whether Gordon will be reinstated. But at least he reached the point where he had an opportunity to meet with Goodell and try to convince the commissioner he should receive a shot at redemption. The recent meeting at league headquarters in New York was requested by Goodell.
Legendary running back Jim Brown said last month Gordon had submitted to rehab. That would be another sign Gordon is serious about positioning himself for a comeback.
“I’ve talked with Josh twice on the phone, and the last time I talked with him he sounded very motivated, and I think he was in rehab and feeling good about it and discovering some things about himself,” said Brown, the team’s special adviser. “He really seemed ready to take responsibility for himself.”
Time will tell whether Goodell agrees enough to approve a return for Gordon, who must stay clean to satisfy the league. Should Goodell give his blessing, the Browns’ new regime would need to decide whether it wants to welcome Gordon back or grant him a fresh start elsewhere.
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.