Report: Gordon’s Tardiness to the Browns Facility Saturday Raised a Red Flag

Now that it’s official that the Browns are going to be releasing wide out Josh Gordon, there’s plenty of speculation as to why the release happened, and if indeed Gordon is guilty of some infraction.

Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer reports that Gordon was late to the teams’ complex on Saturday, and that there was a ‘Red flag for possible substance use was the concern of some in the org, sources tell clevelanddotcom.’

Updated: #Browns Gordon showed up late to the facility on Saturday morning and was 'not himself.' Red flag for possible substance use was the concern of some in the org, sources tell clevelanddotcom https://t.co/KMdBeX9JVO

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 15, 2018

Josh Gordon's pending release is inclusive or present and past issues, a team official said. He reported to team facility this morning w/ hamstring issue after practicing all week. Trust and other mitigating factors were cited. There is no convenience for anyone on this action

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 16, 2018

A couple other reports say that there was a ‘trust’ factor with Gordon and that he was already on thin ice. He was already ruled out for the game on Sunday in New Orleans with a hamstring injury, and it likely was after the team met on Saturday they had decided that it was time to finally cut ties with Gordon.

As far as his NFL future, he will have to pass through waivers and won’t be a free agent right away. It will be interesting to see what team (if there is one) takes a chance on him.

Once the #Browns let him go, Josh Gordon will be subject to waivers. He doesn’t immediately become a free agent. The waiver wire order is the same as the 2018 draft order. So, the #Giants first, then the #Colts and so on.

— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 15, 2018

One Browns player tweeted out about the release, with some surprise.

Didnt see that coming

— Christian Kirksey (@Kirko58) September 15, 2018