Josh Gordon's Suspension Reduced to 10 Games: Latest Details and Reaction

The suspension saga of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon took another turn today as the Pro Bowler's suspension was officially reduced to ten games, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora:

Gordon released a statement on NFLPlayers.com:

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“I’m happy that the NFLPA and NFL worked hard to agree on a new Substances of Abuse policy.  I’m very thankful to my union for fighting for a significant reduction in my suspension.  I’m glad I can go to the facility during my suspension. I look forward to going to meetings, working out individually, and learning from my coaches and teammates. I can’t wait until game 11 to get back on the field!”

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Gordon was initially suspended for the entire 2014 season due to a violation of the league's substance-abuse policy. It seemed as though the suspension would be upheld after Gordon's appeal failed, but the star wideout gained new life when the NFLPA negotiated a new drug policy.

It was first reported by Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio on NBC (h/t Michael David Smith) that a new policy could result in either a reduced suspension for Gordon or perhaps even the elimination of his suspension completely.

That was later supported by Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, who anticipated that Gordon would return as well:

ESPN's Adam Schefter initially reported that Gordon's suspension would be reduced to eight games, but he later learned that a 10-game ban was the more likely scenario:

The possibility of Gordon's reinstatement took many by surprise. In fact, it seems as though even Gordon himself wasn't expecting things to change. Per ESPN's Josina Anderson, Gordon accepted a position with Sarchione Auto Group in Randolph, Ohio, so that he could have a job while serving his suspension.

Suing the NFL was an option that was on the table for Gordon, but he decided to move on and accept the suspension, even though he and many others disagreed with it, according to ESPN.com's Elizabeth Merrill.

"The whole being in limbo thing, I'm over it," Gordon said. "I'm not waiting on the edge of my seat anymore."

Now that Gordon is back in the fold, that doesn't necessarily mean that he will escape league punishment completely. Aside from violating the old substance-abuse policy, Gordon was also arrested for driving while intoxicated in July.

With that in mind, Grossi speculated that Gordon might receive a new suspension independent of the former drug policy:

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After Gordon is reinstated, he may eventually be subject to another suspension. The league wants the new substance abuse policy to include a two-game suspension for a first-time DWI conviction. Gordon was arrested for DWI in Raleigh, NC, on July 5. Gordon's hearing on that charge recently was postponed until November. Drunken driving is a real bad thing. Suspension of Gordon for that offense, if convicted, would be justified.

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Even if that is ultimately the case, Gordon and the Browns have dodged a major bullet. The organization was seemingly ready to move on without him in 2014, but it will no longer have to do so for the entirety of the season.

Gordon's eventual reinstatement figures to be a hot-button issue since there are many within the league who believe that he should have to pay the full price for his actions, per Bleacher Report's Jason Cole:

The Baylor product led the NFL in receiving yardage last season with 1,646 yards despite missing two games, and he added nine touchdowns as well. There are still some major question marks within Cleveland's offense, but Gordon's return changes the game in a big way.

He instantly makes the Browns more dangerous and elevates the likes of tight end Jordan Cameron as well as wide receivers Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin. Gordon should also open up the running game for Ben Tate and Terrance West.

Most importantly, though, Gordon will put his quarterback in position to succeed. Whether that is Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel over the long haul remains to be seen, but either signal-caller will benefit greatly from having an elite target like Gordon.

In addition to that, Gordon will shake up the balance of power in fantasy football leagues since he was either a late-round pick or went undrafted in most leagues. He was one of the most dominant forces in fantasy last season, and he figures to have a similar impact in 2014.

No matter how you look at it, Gordon's return to the field is a huge deal. The Browns may not be good enough as a whole to compete for a playoff spot, but Gordon adds a dimension of explosiveness to a franchise that has lacked it for many years.

The onus is now on Gordon once and for all to prove that he has moved past his issues. He is very lucky to be getting a second lease on life, and he has to make the most of it.

If he doesn't, then it is entirely possible that he won't be afforded any more chances at the NFL level.

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