Why Was Josh Gordon Suspended?

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly suspended Josh Gordon for the final game of the season, according to ESPN. The Browns have said it is for violating team rules, although which one has not been specified. It was reported that Gordon was not at the Browns’ walk-through practice today.

Adam Schefter reported that missing tomorrow’s game against the Baltimore Ravens will have him only playing in five games this season, one shy of what is needed for an accredited season. This could make him a restricted free agent next season, instead of the unrestricted free agent he was supposed to be. This will depend on if the Browns decide to suspend him with or without pay. This is the eleventh game he will miss this season after serving a ten-game suspension for repeated drug violations.

“Josh Gordon’s one-game suspension today could cost him millions. By being suspended for last game of season, Gordon will be active for only 5 games this season, falling one game short of what he needs for an accredited season. Thus, after next season, Gordon will be a restricted free agent, not the unrestricted free agent he was scheduled to be. In the NFL, a player needs to be active for six games to earn an accredited season. He needs to become an unrestricted free agent. Gordon was active for five games this season, due to his suspensions, and with this most recent one, will fall one game short of having this count as an accredited season toward free agency.” — Adam Schefter’s Facebook

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