Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been suspended two games and fined four game checks for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
In a statement, Gordon said the drug was codeine, and he took it because it was part of the medicine prescribed by a doctor for strep throat.
"The policy terms are strict about unintentional ingestion, but the NFL has not imposed the maximum punishment in light of the facts of my case. Therefore, I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation," Gordon said in the statement. "I sincerely apologize for the impact on my team, coaches, and Browns fans. I look forward to working hard in training camp and preseason, and contributing immediately when I return in Week 3."
This isn't Gordon's first time running afoul of a drug test. A failed marijuana test at Baylor resulted in an indefinite suspension and ultimately led Gordon to declare for the 2012 Supplemental Draft after sitting out a year at Utah.
Clearly this is a blow to Gordon's stock, but owners interested in drafting him this summer should still do so, albeit in a later round. Two games are a big deal, but as a probable fantasy WR3, owners can "get by" with another wideout for a couple of weeks while Gordon serves his suspension. Gordon's ADP has risen to the early 7th round, but we suspect that will drop a round or two by the time most fantasy drafts are held. He should be a nice value in the 8th or 9th.
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