Since 2013, Josh Gordon has been plagued by substance-abuse related suspensions that’ve derailed a once promising NFL career. He hasn’t played a game since December 2014.
His first suspension was canceled after he failed a test for codeine, which was in his prescribed cough syrup. He was arrest for DUI in 2014 and suspended 10 games.
Gordon revealed his struggles in a recent, short documentary. He admits he's always been enabled - coaches, friends, etc. - haven't stepped in to help because of his talent.
“I’ve used alcohol on many, many occasions, Xanax on many occasions, cocaine several occasions, marijuana most of my life, codeine, cough syrup, methazine is very prevalent where I’m from,” Gordon said. “It’s what I grew up using.”
Gordon went to rehab, but admitted he didn’t take it seriously. He called it a “publicity stunt” to help media relations.
The problems continued for Gordon the next year. He missed a team walk-through after partying late. He’s been suspended since, and finally decided to do real rehab after fearing for his life.
Gordon intends to apply for reinstatement sometime in the future.
“I need to live out my amends,” he said. “I need to try to make right for all my past transgressions and mistakes and show and prove I can be a better person, I can be a better man,” he said. “Somebody who is accountable, reliable, because I know what’s on the other side of that. If given the opportunity, I believe I can prove my worth.”
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