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The Cleveland Browns finally looked to be heading in the right direction this offseason. After a productive free agency and NFL Draft netted them several impact players, it looked as though Cleveland was beginning to climb out of the NFL cellar.
That all changed with news that Josh Gordon, one of the NFL's best receivers, was going to be suspended for the entire 2014 season. Gordon reportedly failed his second drug test since joining the NFL, meaning he's automatically banned for one year.
He may have just ended his career with his latest transgression, as Gordon has reportedly been arrested and jailed in North Carolina:
Ray Farmer - "We are aware of the matter and are disappointed to learn of this situation. We will comment further at the appropriate time."
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) July 5, 2014
Confirmed #Browns WR Josh Gordon Arrested By Raleigh, NC Police. Jail Has Booked & Processed Him
— Matt Anderson (@MAndersonWKYC) July 5, 2014
@DustinFox37 not good... pic.twitter.com/8gViIKCtHg
— Gina Greenawalt (@GinaBeana87) July 5, 2014
BREAKING | Browns' Josh Gordon was arrested in Raleigh, NC for DWI charges early Saturday morning. Photo: Raleigh PD pic.twitter.com/zmBsE0qOZr
— WKYC Channel 3 News (@wkyc) July 5, 2014
The troubled but talented Gordon was set to have his appeal heard, but that looks like it won't help him get back on the field this year.
Gordon finished the 2013 season as the NFL's leader in receiving yards, with 1,646 yards and was named First-Team All-Pro alongside Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions.
His NFL career is close to ending in the same manner his college career did. While at Baylor, Gordon reportedly failed multiple drug tests, leading to a season-long suspension in 2011. He eventually transferred to Utah, but opted to declare for the supplemental draft in 2012.
Gordon would later get drafted by the Browns in the second round. Though they were heavily criticized for spending such a high pick on him, it looked like a steal after he became one of the league's best wideouts this past season.
This is a tragic way to see such a talented player's career end, and it's just the latest chapter in the 'Factory of Sadness'. Even Bengals fans are starting to feel bad for them, right?