FILE - In this April 17, 2013, file photo, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon catches a pass during an NFL football practice in Berea, Ohio. Unable to fix his mistakes but vowing not to repeat them, Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon apologized, Monday, July 22, 2013, for being suspended for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)
Coach Rob Chudzinski and CEO Joe Banner already had concerns about Josh Gordon because the previous regime used a 2013 second-round on him, and that was before Gordon was suspended two games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Neither Chudzinski nor Banner knew in February when they questioned Gordon's work ethic that he failed a test which Gordon said was a result of taking doctor-prescribed cough syrup containing codeine. Codeine is banned by the NFL.
In June, one day after minicamp concluded, the league announced Gordon would be suspended for the first two games. He will not be paid for two other games but will be allowed to play in them.
"Obviously, I'm disappointed in the situation," Chudzinski said Monday. "It's important that Josh understands what my expectations are. I've talked to him about that. He understands accountability and I expect him to work and do everything he can to be the very best player he can be in the meantime and we'll go from there."
Gordon can participate in training camp and preseason games. His suspension starts on Sept. 2, the Monday before the regular season begins, and ends on Sept. 16.
Gordon was remorseful Monday while meeting with reporters after practice. Rookies and select veterans are practicing without pads. He did not go into detail about what he did wrong other than to say taking the codeine did not involve recreational use.
"I need to apologize to the team, the Browns fans, the coaching staff here, my family and friends," Gordon said. "This hurt a lot of people. They're dealing with it, but I definitely plan to move on from it.
"I'm really looking forward to Week 3 when I can come back and contribute to the team. Until then, I'll be out here every day, working out with the team in training camp and helping motivate these guys to get ready for the season. My actions will speak out here on the field, and that's what I came here to do, regardless of who's the coach or who's working here. I'm still going to be in Cleveland, and I've still got to show up and do my job."
Gordon caught 50 passes for 805 yards and two touchdowns last season. His 16.1 average was highest among players with at least 20 catches.
"Obviously, I'm disappointed, but the nice thing about this team is we have guys that can step in and make plays," quarterback Brandon Weeden said. "I have a lot of confidence in all the receivers that are going to be there Week 1. Continued...
"Good teams find a way. When stuff goes on, guys step in and make plays. I'm confident in the guys we have to get that done. When Josh comes back in Week 3, we'll welcome him back and he'll continue to make us a better football team."
Gordon tested positive for marijuana twice at Baylor. He was kicked out and transferred to Utah, where he tested positive for marijuana again.
Gordon said he has not met with Banner since his suspension.
Richardson practicing
Trent Richardson has been "full go" since practice for rookies began Saturday, Chudzinski said. Richardson, the second-year running back from Alabama, is working before the other veterans check in Wednesday because he missed minicamp with an injury. Richardson was sidelined with a strained muscle in his lower right leg.
Richardson had knee surgery last August and played most of the season with two broken ribs. He rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 51 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown.
Injury update
Rookie sixth-round safety Jamoris Slaughter is practicing. He missed OTAs and minicamp recovering from an Achilles tendon tear. ? Wide receiver David Nelson (knee) and rookie offensive lineman Chris Faulk (knee) will begin the season on the active Physically Unable to Perform list. They can work with trainers but cannot practice with the team.
Long work days
Training camp can be long and grueling. The day begins with stretching around 7:30 a.m. and then meetings at 8 a.m. Offense and defense will lift weights on alternate mornings before the meetings begin. Continued...
Portions of the offense and defense will be installed in the morning meetings and then players will study their playbooks with their position groups, study film and then participate in a walkthrough to go through what is being installed on that particular day. Those practices are closed to the media and public.
After lunch the team will meet again to discuss what is planned for practice that afternoon. Practice runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. They meet again after practice to go through corrections of that day's practice.
Mingo all smiles
Rookie linebacker Barkevious Mingo is happy to be practicing after signing a four-year contract Sunday. He said he weighs more than the 237 pounds he carried at the time of the draft, but the first-round pick from LSU won't say how much he weighs.
"I'm pleased with where I'm at," Mingo said. "The coaches aren't concerned. I'm bigger than what I was when I got here and I'm not trying to stop right there, just keep on going. Our strength coaches have been doing a great job, so I'm getting stronger, getting bigger, but I'm keeping my quickness. I think that's the best way to go about that."
Mingo is accustomed to practicing in heat. He said the temperature would typically reach 95 degrees for a noon practice at LSU.
Source: http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2013/07/22/sports/nh7286003.txt
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