And you thought Johnny Manziel was Cleveland's Number One Party Animal. Josh Gordon, the Browns' top receiver, has been suspended for one year, meaning he will miss the entire 2014 season after the NFL found he violated their substance abuse policy. It was not unexpected, yet the coaching staff seemed at times in denial that it would happen. Now they may be in dire straits with no passing game.
Gordon released a statement after he lost his appeal to the league to reverse their decision (via Washington Post):
"I'd like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans. I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn't exercise better discretion and judgment in my case."
The bigger disappointment may be for the Browns, however, for failing to better prepare for what was a very likely scenario (via NFL.com):
"The Browns have known since Gordon failed the test that triggered the suspension and ensuing appeal that it would take an extraordinary series of events for them to have the gifted 23-year-old for any portion of the 2014 season."
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