There's a reason why Roger Goodell hasn't reinstated Josh Gordon yet, and it has to do with a recent misstep that has muddled the process for Gordon.
The suspended Cleveland Browns wide receiver, who missed the entire 2015 season after testing positive for alcohol, failed an NFL-administered drug test last month, sources have told FOX Sports.
Gordon's sample, which was collected in early March, tested positive for marijuana and dilute, according to a source informed of the results of the test. The source added that both the "A" and "B" samples collected were positive for marijuana and dilute. Though the level of marijuana was below the 35 nanograms per milliliter required for a positive test, the diluted sample is considered a positive test.
This development is a red flag for Gordon but it doesn't necessarily mean he will miss yet another season. He applied for reinstatement in February and, if all went well, could have been reinstated within 60 days. However, the league has said Goodell wasn't required to make a decision within that timeframe and it's clear now the positive test has at least given him and the experts who evaluate Gordon's case pause.
The article leaves open the possibility that Gordon won't be punished for another failed drug test, but it's hard to believe that the league will ignore yet another misstep. Even though the test was below the 35 nanogram threshold, the presence of the dilute is an automatic positive test. Gordon and his fantasy owners wait in limbo.
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