Getty The Cleveland Browns traded Josh Gordon to the New England Patriots.
The Cleveland Browns stunned the NFL world less than 24 hours prior to their Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. After previously announcing wide receiver Josh Gordon was dealing with a hamstring injury, the team announced they had released the 27-year-old wideout shortly after.
Browns to release WR Josh Gordon
Statement from GM John Dorsey:
In a move which took many by surprise, the consensus seems to be that there’s potentially more than meets the eye with this decision from the Browns. After a superb 2013 season in which Gordon caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games, the talented pass-catcher couldn’t stay on the field.
He dealt with multiple issues relating to the substance abuse policy since entering the league. In 2014, Gordon was suspended for the whole year, but it was later reduced to 10 games. The Browns wideout was then suspended for the entire 2015 season for again violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Although Gordon has been with the Browns since 2012, he’s only played in 41 games over seven seasons, totaling 180 receptions, 3,106 yards, and 16 touchdowns. If there is any discipline handed down from the league, it’s unknown what type of punishment the receiver could be looking at. On the flip side, if this was simply an issue with trust, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported, then Gordon should have a new home soon.
After the news came out, Twitter went wild over it, understandably. Let’s take a look at some of the reactions which poured in.
Very Few People Buying the Surface Story
there has to be more to Josh Gordon’s release than him simply not showing up to the facility one morning
Obvious Concern Over Gordon’s Life Even Beyond His Career
Here’s hoping Josh Gordon’s biggest issue is his hamstring. Hope he can get his life back on track.
Some Fans Struggling With the News
My heart just got ripped out 😢 good luck @JOSH_GORDONXII
Others Understand the Decision
And Others Are Already Recruiting Gordon
It’d Be the Most Typical Patriots Move
Patriots sign Josh Gordon in 3, 2, 1…
And Lakers G Josh Hart Is Expecting It
Watch Josh Gordon go to the Pats and dominate
Let the Browns Jokes Pour In
BREAKING: Browns tried to release Josh Gordon, but accidentally filed paperwork signing him to a 5-year, $94 million extension.
Gordon Surely Has Multiple People Rooting for Him
Josh Gordon has sooooo much talent and so many demons. I will always pull for those who battle addiction. Always
Mekka Don is Calling for a Trade of Sorts
Dez Bryant to the Browns? Josh Gordon to the Cowboys?
It’s Hard to Envision Every NFL Team Passing on Him
Josh Gordon has to go through waivers. Someone is most definitely going to claim him before he falls to the really good teams.
Well Wishes Pour in for Josh Gordon
Such a bummer. @JOSH_GORDONXII is a good but very very troubled young man. I wish him the best and my heart hurts for him….
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Twitter Reacts to Browns’ Decision to Release Josh Gordon