NFL Alters Policy To Help Josh Gordon Rescue Career

Josh Gordon hasn’t gotten many breaks in his ongoing problems with the NFL, but following his reinstatement it seems the league is throwing him a bone.

It’s just so difficult to watch a player with such god-given ability throw it all away because he likes the way the smoke from a burning plant makes him feel. When Gordon is on the field, he belongs there. His domination of the 2013 season was evidence of that, yet he just couldn’t stop himself from making the wrong choices. Now here he is, finally back after more than a year away from the game on what is basically strict probation. One slip-up, one instant where he’s not acting like a boy scout and it all goes away for good.

People are pulling for Gordon, hoping he can finally get it right this time. Commissioner Goodell sent a letter indicating his belief in him but also the fact he expected the 25-year old receiver to take responsibility for this opportunity.

"“As we discussed at our (July 19) meeting, as Commissioner, I want nothing more than to see you turn your circumstances around and succeed. Countless others including your agent, teammates and coaches, Mr. Haslam and the leadership of the organization, the Program professionals and Jim Brown also have pledged to provide you with every resource at their disposal. But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility. I have every belief that you can make the right choices, but it will be up to you to do so.”"

There is no doubt of that. However, there is one concession the league is making that is a clear attempt to help Gordon get his football life back on track. For years the policy in the NFL was that players were forbidden to interact or travel with their teams during suspensions. That will not be the case for Gordon who will be permitted to remain with the Browns throughout his absence from activities.

Perhaps it’s becoming clear that the original policy might be doing more harm than good. What should be expected to happen when players with substance abuse problems are shut out for a month from their teams with nothing to do? More substance abuse is often the tragic result, leading to further troubles and further suspensions like a runaway avalanche down a hill. Gordon is a perfect example. Perhaps the NFL is willing to try something different, hoping he can become a guiding light for the benefits of keeping players who make such mistakes in structured environments around people who can help.

That being said, there is only so far the league can bend on this. Josh Gordon is still a man in control of his own destiny. He’s back in, but one more mistake and he’s likely to be out for the last time. It’s a story that either has a happy ending or delivers yet another life lesson for future generations.