National Football League

Access to Browns facility a big step for Josh Gordon

Published Sep. 25, 2014 9:45 a.m. ET

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BEREA, Ohio - Josh Gordon can't play until Nov. 23, but he is spending some time with his Cleveland Browns teammates and coaches.

The new drug policy that cut Gordon's NFL suspension from a year to 10 games also allows Gordon to be in the team's facility, attend certain meetings and meet with the team's medical staff and front-office personnel. The NFL's 2013 receiving champion knows the way to general manager Ray Farmer's office.

"He is allowed in the building, allowed to attend some meetings, work out, train, rehab and study," Farmer told one of the Browns flagship radio stations on Wednesday. "That's the league's part of it and we'll follow those instructions.

"We all are trying to help Josh. We will commit our resources, abilities and knowledge to helping Josh in life first, then in football.

"Josh adhering to that plan will be a big part of what happens next."

Gordon's suspension is for another violation of the NFL's marijuana policy. The Browns consider having him in the building a positive step because he can talk with his coaches and teammates and not only be more prepared for a return to the field but because he can have structure in his life.

Gordon pleaded guilty last week to a DUI charge from July in North Carolina. The plea came just before the drug policy change and may help Gordon avoid additional suspension. It will not help him avoid further scrutiny.

"At the end of the day I think Josh understands where he is," Farmer said. "We want to see him get his life right. He understands he needs to be accountable and continue to be accountable to stay in this league."

Assuming he remains eligible for the final six games of this season, Gordon will accrue a third season toward NFL free agency. He's under contract to the Browns through 2015, and if he plays like he did last season could provide a boost to an offense that Browns coach Mike Pettine admitted has "overachieved" through three games this season.

Though he can't participate in practice, Gordon has met with Browns receivers coach Mike McDaniel and expressed his gratitude for being in line to get a chance he didn't know was coming.

"There's no question in my mind (he understands the situation)," McDaniel said. "Now, do I think originally he understood the ramifications of his actions before he ever had a slip-up? Probably not, but it happens as it goes. That's one thing I've really been taken aback by is how much responsibility he's definitely taking and he needs to continue to take.

"It doesn't sit well with him that he's in this situation. We were talking about the things we can improve on from his remarkable 14-game season the year before and then to be unable to play, I think all of this stuff has really put perspective into his eyes from my gatherings talking to him."

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