National Football League

Joe Haden: We had 'no idea' Josh Gordon couldn't drink

Published Apr. 22, 2015 2:04 a.m. ET

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Part of the reasoning behind the ongoing perspective that the Browns are dysfunctional is due to Josh Gordon’s well-publicized issues. Highlighting those issues further is that his latest transgression with the league over substance abuse occurred on the watch of his teammates and a former Browns coach when Gordon drank on a private plane on the way to Las Vegas. Gordon was tested shortly after the flight and the presence of alcohol in his system led to his suspension -- a one-year ban handed down by the NFL in February.

Browns cornerback Joe Haden spoke at the team's OTAs about the circumstances that led to Gordon's latest punishment.

“Nobody was aware that he couldn’t drink,” Haden said emphatically Tuesday, speaking on the second day of the Browns’ offseason workouts.

“Listen, everybody is 21 years old,” Haden said. “We’re going to Vegas on a vacation. We know we can’t do certain things, but we had no idea [Gordon] couldn’t have a drink.

“If I knew he couldn’t have a drink, everybody would have tried to . . . you know what I’m saying . . . it wouldn’t have been that. Josh Gordon, he’s a grown man and sometimes you got to know what decisions you make.”

Ultimately, none of this is Haden’s fault, but it is difficult to stomach the idea of a guy failing his substance test after socializing with his teammates. That speaks to the rules, but also the lack of care that Gordon has continually shown with his decision-making.

While the potential of Gordon catching passes has kept Browns fans hopeful, the negativity he brought to the team sure seemed almost tangible in 2014. It might just be addition by subtraction to not have the distraction of Gordon for the Browns in 2015. I’m not sure that’s the best thing for Gordon, mind you, but it doesn’t seem like anyone knows what’s best for him within the confines of the NFL.

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