BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh Gordon’s off-field issues didn’t put him out of shape.
The embattled Pro Bowl wide receiver reported to Browns training camp on Friday and passed his
conditioning test as he awaits an appeal hearing with the NFL on a possible suspension.
Gordon is scheduled to meet with the league on Aug. 1. He’s facing a one-year ban for violating the
substance abuse policy for at least the third time. Gordon was suspended for the first two games last
season, but still led the league with 1,646 yards receiving and scored nine touchdowns.
He entered the league with a history of marijuana abuse after failing two drug tests in college. Gordon
reportedly entered a rehab clinic following a recent DUI arrest in Raleigh, North Carolina and spent two
weeks at a clinic in California.
Looking fit and fast, Gordon participated with Cleveland’s other veterans in the grueling conditioning
test.
As first-year coach Mike Pettine, general manager Ray Farmer and the team’s quarterbacks, rookies and
injured players looked on, Gordon and others ran 20 sprints they had to finish in mandated times.
Mammoth defensive tackle Phil Taylor did not complete the sprints, and tight end Gary Barnidge looked
woozy as he was helped off the field by trainers before being driven on a cart to the team’s
headquarters.
Safety Donte Whitner finished the test by doing a somersault over the goal line. He slowly walked into
the training facility escorted by a trainer.
It’s the first time in years the Browns have had their conditioning test open to the media.