Josh Gordon's petition for reinstatement is denied
— -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon's petition for reinstatement has been denied by the NFL, a league spokesman confirmed Tuesday. He may re-apply for reinstatement on Aug. 1.
The NFL said it would have no further comment.
Gordon, who turns 25 on Wednesday, failed a drug test last month, sources told ESPN, confirming multiple reports. While the level of marijuana reportedly in his system was below the 35 nanogram threshold, the sample was diluted, which is the same as a positive test by the NFL's standards.
The news of Gordon's failed test came on the heels of sources telling ESPN that Gordon is living with former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel off of Sunset Boulevard. Manziel had told TMZ that he was living with Von Miller. The Denver Broncos linebacker said in an Instagram post Monday that Manziel wasn't living with him, but the quarterback was his "brother" and he has his back.
The Browns plan to determine Gordon's future with the team after a decision on his reinstatement. If Gordon is reinstated, coach Hue Jackson and director of football operations Sashi Brown would have a lengthy heart-to-heart with him. At that time, the team would judge Gordon's mindset and make a decision on his future. Though the team could release him at any time, the Browns have no immediate plans to do so.
Earlier Tuesday, a league source told Schefter that Gordon's reinstatement would be delayed until NFL officials feel comfortable he has 60-90 days of no "red-flag tests.
The news of Gordon's reinstatement denial was first reported by Cleveland.com.
Gordon, who has been suspended since last February, applied to the league for reinstatement earlier this year, formally asking commissioner Roger Goodell to allow him back.
He was initially suspended for the 2014 season after testing positive for marijuana. His penalty was later reduced to 10 games after the league and NFL Players Association changed their substance abuse policies.
Gordon also had to sit out the two games in 2013 for a failed drug test, which he blamed on taking prescription cough medicine.
After Gordon pleaded guilty to driving while impaired on July 5, 2014, in Raleigh, North Carolina, he was required to submit to alcohol testing under the third stage of the league's mandated program.
Gordon said he drank on a flight to Las Vegas a few days after the 2014 season ended and failed a subsequent test. Gordon had assumed any restrictions ended after the season, but he didn't clarify that with the league.
Gordon also had to sit out the two games in 2013 for a failed drug test, which he blamed on taking prescription cough medicine. Gordon led the league with 1,646 yards receiving in 2013 despite that suspension.
Gordon led the league with 1,646 yards receiving in 2013 despite that suspension.
Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and ESPN Browns reporter Pat McManamon was used in this report.
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