NFL rejects Gordon's reinstatement request
NFL officials have denied a reinstatement petition by Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon, who has not played since 2014 after banishment under the NFL substance-abuse policy, a league website report said on Thursday.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Gordon on a conditional basis last season but the former Pro Bowl receiver checked into a rehabilitation facility in September and put his career on hold while spending 30 days there.
Browns coach Hue Jackson said last year that Gordon's tenure was over in Cleveland, although the Browns own his NFL playing rights for at least another campaign.
Gordon, 26, was to have rejoined the Browns last October before his rehab move, which came after the NFL had suspended Gordon four times for violating its substance-abuse policy.
Gordon was suspended for two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014, all 16 games in 2015 and the first four games in 2016. He last played in an NFL game on December 21, 2014.
In 2013, during his second NFL campaign, Gordon made 87 receptions for an NFL-best 1,646 yards.