Josh Gordon applies to the NFL for reinstatement

CLEVELAND A person familiar with the process says suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has applied to the National Football League for reinstatement.

In the event that Gordon is reinstated within that time-frame, the talented young wideout would be able to participate in the Cleveland Browns ‘ offseason program, which opens up in April. Gordon was suspended indefinitely on February 3, 2015 after he violated the league’s policy on substance abuse yet again.

In order to be reinstated, Gordon will have to prove that he’s tested negative during his year out of the NFL.

Gordon was given an indefinite suspension after his third volition.

Any Player who has been banished under Stage Three may apply formally in writing for reinstatement no sooner than 60 days before the one-year anniversary date of the letter so banishing him.

“In support of their applications, players generally put forward verifiable testing records and/or submit to periodic NFL testing during the banishment period”, league spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email.

Gordon’s contract rolled over a year during the suspension, which means he becomes a restricted free agent in 2017. His penalty was later reduced to 10 games after the league and NFLPA changed their substance abuse policies. As part of an agreement to lower that suspension from 12 games to 10, Gordon agreed to alcohol testing.

A big-play threat whenever he touches the ball, Gordon made the Pro Bowl in 2013 when he led the league with 1,646 yards receiving despite playing just 14 games.

New Browns head coach Hue Jackson could use a talent such as Gordon to help kick-start a sputtering offense, and Jackson has a patterned history of working with troubled players to help get them back on track.