Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon was conditionally cleared to return to the NFL Monday afternoon, and Monday evening Gordon issued a statement via his Twitter account.
“I’m blessed and grateful to be granted this opportunity,” Gordon said. “I can’t wait to get back out there and play the game I love in front of the great fans of Cleveland. I want to thank the NFLPA, Commissioner Goodell, the Haslam family and Browns organization, my agent Drew Rosenhaus, as well as my mentors for their continuous support along the way.
“I’ve heard only good things from my teammates about the positive direction the organization is heading and I want to do everything I can to be there to help further that process not only for the team but to better myself as well. Thank you.”
Based on the team’s statement about Gordon’s reinstatement, the Browns sound like they’re willing to work with Gordon if he’s willing to play by the rules. He’s played in just five games the last two years due to suspensions but led the NFL in receiving in 2013.
Gordon will be suspended for the first four games of this season if he meets conditions of his reinstatement but will be allowed to participate in team meetings during those four weeks.
The Browns open full camp Friday, but rookies and injured players reported Monday. Gordon hasn’t been allowed to be around the team, so it’s expected he would fly from Los Angeles -- he apparently was there when he was seen on Johnny Manziel’s Snapchat videos Monday morning -- to Cleveland as soon as possible so the requisite meetings can take place and the team can lay down its ground rules for Gordon.
