Josh Gordon has had a rough time while he's been in the NFL, resulting in him using drugs multiple times throughout his career.
Gordon has been suspended a total of five times due to violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Throughout his career he has stepped away from the game multiple times to try to better himself and it seemed like he was on the right track following stepping away from the game at the end of 2018. However, he would find himself suspended again at the end of the 2019 season while a member of the Seattle Seahawks, however.
We may now have an idea on why Gordon relapsed at the end of last season now. According to Gordon's lawyer Adam Kenner to Tom Pelissaro, Gordon relapsed as a result of his brother's death in November of 2019, about a month before the suspension.
“Josh had a lapse because of his brother's death,” Pelissaro said in a statement. “That set him back. But since that time, he has realized how important it is for him to take the right steps, do what's proper, and understand how to manage these issues. He's installed the right team around him to make sure he's on the right path. He understands he's been given every chance. He looks forward to making the most of this.”
Gordon has applied to reinstatement to the league today. There is no word yet on whether commissioner Roger Goodell will approve his request or not. After five suspensions already, it's hard to know how many more second chances Gordon will get. Beyond that, the 29-year old Gordon is also a free agent, and with his history, a team would be taking a huge risk on picking him up. It's going to be a steep climb to get back in the league, but Gordon claims he is ready for the challenge.