Why are people sticking up for Josh Gordon? He was not the first to be suspended all year
I am so confused. Maybe it is because I am a law enforcement officer, but today the NFL handed out a very strict one year suspension of the Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Josh Gordon. It was given mixed reviews, because the NFL seemed to drag the process out. Gordon had been given the suspension and was appealing to hopefully win, but that didn’t happen.
Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
#Browns WR Josh Gordon’s one-year suspension for violations of @NFL’s substance abuse policy was upheld on appeal, source tells me.
Gordon becomes the second player to be suspended for the entire year. Daryl Washington of the Arizona Cardinals has been suspended for the same violation. You do not hear NFL fans complaining about his suspension, or him complaining. Why is that? Because Daryl Washington accepted responsibility for his bone headed mistakes.
Washington missed the first four games of the 2013 season also after violating the substance abuse policy. He returned to help anchor what became the sixth-ranked defense in the NFL, and the top rushing defense. In 12 games in 2013, Washington had 81 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.
In a statement released by his agent, Washington acknowledged the violation was related to marijuana use.
“The Policy is very strict, and I have chosen to take responsibility,” Washington said. “I am committed to making changes in my life that will allow me to return to the NFL as soon as possible. I will work extremely hard to stay in top football shape, and will work equally as hard to ensure that my life off of the field meets the high level of maturity and responsibility to which I am committed.
“I sincerely apologize for the effect of my actions on my teammates, coaches and other colleagues at the Cardinals. I also apologize to Cardinals fans for the time I will miss. I will work diligently during this suspension and will return as a better man and football player.”
When you read that he didn’t say the NFL made a mistake for the suspension. He said I made a mistake, I let my team down, and I will fix the problems.
Josh Gordon did exactly what I was expecting him to, he blamed the NFL. Gordon wishes the NFL exercised “better discretion and judgment” in ruling on his case.
Well Josh, I don’t feel bad for you. If you would have accepted the responsibility like Mr. Washington I would not have said anything. I hope you will be able to fix your problem, but it is going to be hard. You have a year to fix your problem, if you can stay out of trouble for a year, I will say you fixed your problems, but I honestly do not believe you can do that.
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