Suspended Josh Gordon will be allowed in Browns facility

One of the biggest problems with the previous drug policy the NFL had in place was that it practically excommunicated suspended players from receiving help from their employer. In the case of Josh Gordon, who was out with a marijuana violation, nothing could be worse than to have the team structure ripped away along with paychecks and actual playing time. A policy that’s designed to help players get better and stay off drugs is one that would allow them to remain involved in the team culture. The new policy will reportedly allow Josh Gordon to do just that.

He would [not] be allowed access to games, full practices or travel with the team, but he’ll still have the ability to work out and stay close to the Browns, giving him a chance to be ready when his suspension is up.

Additionally, at Pro Football Talk, they indicate that one of the conditions of Gordon’s job at the auto dealership was regular drug tests. I don’t know if this is Gordon himself taking things extra seriously or if this was all set up on the back channels with the Browns or Gordon’s agents, but it all sounds good to me. In order to conquer bad habits, it’s key to set up your life in such a way that you can achieve whatever goals you’re setting for yourself by creating accountability.

It’s been a long time coming with Josh Gordon, who has slipped up numerous times along the way, but it appears there are lots of people trying to make him accountable for his actions. For the Browns and his agents, that’s self-serving as well of course, but at this time it’s hard to argue that everyone’s goals aren’t aligned for mutual benefit.

Thanks to the new rules allowing Josh Gordon to be in and around his team, you can add the NFL to that list too.