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How Worried Are You About Josh Gordon Missing "Start" Of Training Camp? (1 Viewer)

How Worried Are You About Josh Gordon Missing "Start" Of Training Camp?

  • Worried A Lot

    Votes: 65 46.1%
  • Worried A Little

    Votes: 49 34.8%
  • Not Worried

    Votes: 27 19.1%

  • Total voters
    141
In the real world, it appears as though he had some sort of set back or issue with his ongoing recovery and is doing what he should do to get help.  It's great he has come this far and can recognize what is truly important in his life.

That said, from a football point of view, the news isn't good.  Veteran or no, the simple fact is he has missed a lot of football the last several years and both he, Taylor and the entire offense stands to benefit from his participating in as much team activities is possible.  Every day he is away hampers his football development moving forward.  It's not the worse case scenario or the absolute end of the world, it's just not good news as a Gordon owner at this point of the season, at least, IMO. 

 
Gordon was a 4th rounder and Wentz a 6th rounder a week ago in the DFWC startup I was watching.  Not really "Good lord" worthy.

  6 hours ago, Dr. Dan said:

Pet peeve for me! 

Someone traded Wentz for Gordon in my dynasty league. Surprise because the guy has been over-valuing every one of his other players (wanted 2 1sts for Freeman, etc). Practically impossible to trade with, but I guess he thinks Gordon is the best WR in the league. 

good lord

 
Obviously he's in the best shape of his life.  https://www.upi.com/Watch-Josh-Gordon-shows-off-ridiculous-dunks-abs/1881490644558/

I suspect he's taking time off because if part of recovery is realizing how you've hurt others in your world.  After a week in camp he'd destroy the confidence of the Browns CBs to the point they wouldn't be mentally fit to play this year.  Putting the team first is a sure sign that he's fully recovered and in for a monster year.  1600 yds and 10 tds are a lock.  Unsure of the receptions until I get a feel for the Browns QB situation.

 
I'm a buyer. This is GOOD news for anyone who understands the treatment program he is in.

This makes me feel much more comfortable that he is taking his sobriety as his #1 priority. 

As it must be.  And as the NFL acknowledges it must be.    

 
care to elaborate?
He is surrendering to the program.  He is clearly putting his sobriety first and it seems clear that the league and the team are all on the same page.  
 

There has to be constant connection to the program.  What my "elaboration" would be is that there are some meetings he needs to make to continue to work on his sobriety and he is putting those meetings first.  That is GOOD for anyone who wants him to stay sober.  

 
He is surrendering to the program.  He is clearly putting his sobriety first and it seems clear that the league and the team are all on the same page.  
 

There has to be constant connection to the program.  What my "elaboration" would be is that there are some meetings he needs to make to continue to work on his sobriety and he is putting those meetings first.  That is GOOD for anyone who wants him to stay sober.  
do those meetings last all day all week? require people to miss work? how does anyone not a millionaire afford to do this program

 
This sounds like it was planned to me. Like part of his plan was “before the season starts why don’t you come back and we’ll do what we can to prepare you.” A little worried.

 
do those meetings last all day all week? require people to miss work? how does anyone not a millionaire afford to do this program
Rehab programs often require retreats, often once a month.  I don't know his specific program.  

When it comes to an alcoholic, sobriety has to be paramount.  Often the employers are supportive of their struggle to stay sober and WANT them to stay sober. 

And health insurance often covers drug rehabilitation costs.  In addition, I am pretty sure he was still working.     

 
Rehab programs often require retreats, often once a month.  I don't know his specific program.  

When it comes to an alcoholic, sobriety has to be paramount.  Often the employers are supportive of their struggle to stay sober and WANT them to stay sober. 

And health insurance often covers drug rehabilitation costs.  In addition, I am pretty sure he was still working.     
so can his owners count on missing Gordon for 4 games during the year for these retreats? 

I have no idea what's going on. curious how this all works 

 
so can his owners count on missing Gordon for 4 games during the year for these retreats? 

I have no idea what's going on. curious how this all works 
His medical information is private.  No one knows what the treatment plan is but those that are in the know. 

But I doubt seriously he will miss any games.  There is a plan in place.  I do expect Josh will need to make regular meetings during the season and stay in constant contact with his treatment program/support group.

But this all seems part of a planned approach.  No one is surprised by this except the public.     

 
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You are a FBG I have come to respect over the years.  This one is out of character for you.
Dude, I'm sorry but this is how it goes for your club. :shrug:

They're (seemingly) counting on a guy whose situation in life calls for him to be at a program rather than at the first day of work.

Or...they were caught by surprise by this and as a result couldn't get ahead of the story to manage the narrative.

This is just what they do. Always.

Edit: I like you too. :hifive:

 
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Dude, I'm sorry but this is how it goes for your club. :shrug:

They're (seemingly) counting on a guy whose situation in life calls for him to be at a program rather than at the first day of work.

Or...they were caught by surprise by this and as a result couldn't get ahead of the story to manage the narrative.

This is just what they do. Always.

Edit: I like you too. :hifive:
Andy,

You don't know anyone in a rehab program, do you?  

I believe this was exactly the way this was planned.  He didn't miss "the first day" of work.  He has been at work for months.  This is the player, the club and the league making sure the player will stay at work.  I don't believe there could be a better sign for someone in his position.  To compare; this isn't a a report of him being seen in a bar or a club.  This is the opposite.
I think in a few years you will agree with me. 

Had there been notice as to when he was going to be attending his "anonymous" meetings, it would have compromised the integrity of his rehabilitation program.  Not to mention HIPAA.  That information isn't supposed to be public.

Regarding the Browns, they have been snake bit for a while.  I would not put it all on the administration though.  They have a tough market to sell and who could have predicted some of the stuff that has happened to the club.

Oh, and I never liked you. Haha!  J/K.        

 
Andy,

You don't know anyone in a rehab program, do you?  

I believe this was exactly the way this was planned.  He didn't miss "the first day" of work.  He has been at work for months.  This is the player, the club and the league making sure the player will stay at work.  I don't believe there could be a better sign for someone in his position.  To compare; this isn't a a report of him being seen in a bar or a club.  This is the opposite.
I think in a few years you will agree with me. 

Had there been notice as to when he was going to be attending his "anonymous" meetings, it would have compromised the integrity of his rehabilitation program.  Not to mention HIPAA.  That information isn't supposed to be public.

Regarding the Browns, they have been snake bit for a while.  I would not put it all on the administration though.  They have a tough market to sell and who could have predicted some of the stuff that has happened to the club.

Oh, and I never liked you. Haha!  J/K.        
Semantics. Either way you cut it he's a guy that can't be counted on for anything, albeit it's great that he himself is doing the best thing for his life.

I guess I should have said Browns fans gonna Brown fan. Which means that now they'll know what it's like to be a Vikings fan - have a little hope that ends up being violently torn from your soul.

 
So maybe the narrative that is developing here is that this was preplanned? And so then why announce it any earlier than today? Is this damage control to announce right before TC opens but not *too* early? IDK. I guess I can see that. Seems a bit of a stretch to call it planned. Need more info.

 
Semantics. Either way you cut it he's a guy that can't be counted on for anything, albeit it's great that he himself is doing the best thing for his life.

I guess I should have said Browns fans gonna Brown fan. Which means that now they'll know what it's like to be a Vikings fan - have a little hope that ends up being violently torn from your soul.
Hahaha! OK, the Vikings comment got me.  

Would you cut TO or Randy Moss, even knowing they may not be there for (lets say) six games? 

Gordon is a freak talent.  He is a WR.  He doesn't need to have his head deep in the playbook to know his route tree.  I would agree with your assessment regarding most positions.  Not so much with WRs.  Especially given the limited financial exposure the Browns have with Gordon.    

 
So maybe the narrative that is developing here is that this was preplanned? And so then why announce it any earlier than today? Is this damage control to announce right before TC opens but not *too* early? IDK. I guess I can see that. Seems a bit of a stretch to call it planned. Need more info.
I am not sure it was "planned" that he miss training camp as much as it was planned that if he was finding himself struggling before camp opened (there was a 5 week break with no structure), he should get with his support group and get to meetings. That seems to be what is happening.    

 
I guess i don't understand the timing of this. Wouldn't training camp,  in a very controlled environment, have the least temptation for a relapse?

 
I am not sure it was "planned" that he miss training camp as much as it was planned that if he was finding himself struggling before camp opened (there was a 5 week break with no structure), he should get with his support group and get to meetings. That seems to be what is happening.    
Yeah I can see that. Doesn't make me feel even a little bit better about him, though. I want to believe he can succeed, but this isn't doing it for me. 

 
First off....in real life, obviously bigger issues at stake here.  Fingers crossed that the best case scenario here is what’s been indicated by Gordon and others.

But turning to FF, even in a best case scenario, where everything he stated is 100% accurate...it feels like his sobriety is sooooo fragile. This isn’t even the first time this has happened in TC/pre-season.  Who knows what the next trigger is, including Gordon.  Such a tantalizing talent.  But he’s living day-to-day at the moment, and likely the foreseeable future.

 
I guess i don't understand the timing of this. Wouldn't training camp,  in a very controlled environment, have the least temptation for a relapse?
No, not really.  Training camp is a pretty intense, all-football environment. Or to put it another way, training camp is "football first."   The previous few months were a much more stable environment from a sobriety perspective, because Gordon could structure his days in such a way that sobriety came first, and he could fit in workouts around his "sobriety program."  In other words, the previous few months were "sobriety first."

 
First off....in real life, obviously bigger issues at stake here.  Fingers crossed that the best case scenario here is what’s been indicated by Gordon and others.

But turning to FF, even in a best case scenario, where everything he stated is 100% accurate...it feels like his sobriety is sooooo fragile. This isn’t even the first time this has happened in TC/pre-season.  Who knows what the next trigger is, including Gordon.  Such a tantalizing talent.  But he’s living day-to-day at the moment, and likely the foreseeable future.
This. Kid is just so deep in addiction. Whether it’s the access, his inherent psyche, or what - it is something he has struggled with for years and I just don’t see it going away. I was really tempted to draft him this year but this is just a sign to stay away if you ask me. 

 
This. Kid is just so deep in addiction. Whether it’s the access, his inherent psyche, or what - it is something he has struggled with for years and I just don’t see it going away. I was really tempted to draft him this year but this is just a sign to stay away if you ask me. 
No.  Addiction does not "go away".  It's a "one day at a time" daily effort.  It shouldn't come as a surprise to you that he has a program he's on.  

 
daveR said:
No.  Addiction does not "go away".  It's a "one day at a time" daily effort.  It shouldn't come as a surprise to you that he has a program he's on.  
I agree with this perspective.  It will never go away, but it will get easier over time.  

To me, the most important thing is that Gordon earnestly wants to change his life.    

I heard Cleveland legend Joe Thomas speculating on the NFL channel that Gordon could miss all of training camp and then make it back in time for the first game.  And that he saw that as a positive thing.  That what was best for Josh was best for the Browns (and that the Browns know that). 

With Hard Knocks filming in Cleveland and Gordon in the early stages of his treatment (possibly identifying triggers going into training camp for the first time), it would not surprise me if Gordon does what Joe Thomas speculated and Gordon misses most (if not all) of training camp.

And, for the record, as a football fan, I am rooting for Josh Gordon.          

 
daveR said:
No.  Addiction does not "go away".  It's a "one day at a time" daily effort.  It shouldn't come as a surprise to you that he has a program he's on.  
It’s not a surprise, just a reminder of his off the field priorities which can spell trouble for his presence on the field at the drop of a hat. 

 
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Hairy Snowman said:
He is surrendering to the program.  He is clearly putting his sobriety first and it seems clear that the league and the team are all on the same page.  
 

There has to be constant connection to the program.  What my "elaboration" would be is that there are some meetings he needs to make to continue to work on his sobriety and he is putting those meetings first.  That is GOOD for anyone who wants him to stay sober.  
I don't understand how you can comment on the connection to "his program."  I understand there are certain things that are common to programs dealing with addiction.  But there are also variable that are different and unique to each person and their recovery process and specific program they are in.  You may be exactly right or you could be totally off base.  My point is, unless I am missing something, it is impossible to comment with any degree of certainty about anything to do with Gordon and the specific program he is in without KNOWING the details and specifics of that particular program.  Specifically, I haven't read anything definitive that says he is missing camp now as part of a pre-planned need to attend any meetings or treatment.  It could be true, then again, maybe it's not.

I'm simply saying, based on the known information to date, it's a good thing for Gordon, as a person, to be taking care of himself, first and foremost.  I'm rooting for him. But from a football perspective, until I see something that talks specifically about his treatment regimen and program, this is not good news for his prospects for this season. 

 
I agree with this perspective.  It will never go away, but it will get easier over time.  

To me, the most important thing is that Gordon earnestly wants to change his life.    

I heard Cleveland legend Joe Thomas speculating on the NFL channel that Gordon could miss all of training camp and then make it back in time for the first game.  And that he saw that as a positive thing.  That what was best for Josh was best for the Browns (and that the Browns know that). 

With Hard Knocks filming in Cleveland and Gordon in the early stages of his treatment (possibly identifying triggers going into training camp for the first time), it would not surprise me if Gordon does what Joe Thomas speculated and Gordon misses most (if not all) of training camp.

And, for the record, as a football fan, I am rooting for Josh Gordon.          
But how many years is he supposedly into his rehab? Why does he need 2 months to deal with it now? Or if he’s checked into rehab can he avoid testing and that has more to do with it. Your take on it doesn’t make sense to me. But if he can avoid testing for two months after doing something stupid, than it makes sense.

 
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Returning to an old routine can bring stress and anxiety, especially if people are dealing with an intense craving for alcohol or drugs.  https://www.michaelshouse.com/drug-rehab/after/

The start of TC brings out intense feelings enough to cause a queasy stomach  (Joe Thomas who just retired was on NFL Network describing this exact feeling)  I sorta forget his exact wording but I believe he mentioned something like TC being nothing but Football 24/7  To me, that doesn't sound very inclusive to someone whose attending meetings and trying to maintain focus on taking things slow while building a sober Life   (Worst case scenario being something like feelings of having already won the battle)  I would imagine most teammates already view the man as a true performer far and above other players  For instance, I would suspect anything close to outperforming recently acquired Jarvis Landry and his big contract could potentially quite literally swell his head bigtime from all the visual/verbal praise from both players, Coach's, and the media

Personally, I just have an issue with what some may feel actually benefits the player attending TC  AFAIK the man has a playbook and knows it  Believe the mans a professional to the point that even if his QB has a rapport (timing) w/ other players that He is still going to eat  Offenses notoriously start the Season slow so making a big deal about the first few games don't add up  Hell the Browns may not even care to really "open up the playbook" to start the Season  Handoffs and high completion percentage shots could be mainstay  Not to mention the fact that Gordon really only needs three or four go routes to have a great day

Also wouldn't you agree that the announcement is almost perfect timing?  No media is allowed to break the story per say and there should be much more to report soon enough  The Browns put the player's well being first while also probably following some regulations of sorts  I'm just saying my business is my business  Who would you be to say I'm not going to be somewhere weeks/months from now?  Or worse yet risking the chance of media coming out w/ multiple stories to address my actual absence  

 
JaxBill said:
I guess i don't understand the timing of this. Wouldn't training camp,  in a very controlled environment, have the least temptation for a relapse?
I heard someone float the idea that Gordon might not want to deal with Hard Knocks. HBO cameras will be everywhere during TC and perhaps he doesn't want his story being put front and center, doesn't want to deal with the questions, isn't sure if he can handle that extra stress. Perhaps there was a deal struck with him and the team about this. It is pure speculation but it makes some sense. 

 
I don't understand how you can comment on the connection to "his program."  I understand there are certain things that are common to programs dealing with addiction.  But there are also variable that are different and unique to each person and their recovery process and specific program they are in.  You may be exactly right or you could be totally off base.  My point is, unless I am missing something, it is impossible to comment with any degree of certainty about anything to do with Gordon and the specific program he is in without KNOWING the details and specifics of that particular program.  Specifically, I haven't read anything definitive that says he is missing camp now as part of a pre-planned need to attend any meetings or treatment.  It could be true, then again, maybe it's not.

I'm simply saying, based on the known information to date, it's a good thing for Gordon, as a person, to be taking care of himself, first and foremost.  I'm rooting for him. But from a football perspective, until I see something that talks specifically about his treatment regimen and program, this is not good news for his prospects for this season. 
I am only speculating based on what we do know.  We do know that this was Josh Gordon, of his own accord, putting himself back into the treatment program.  We also know he did not fail or miss any drug tests.  And we know for sure that Gordon himself has tweeted he will be ready for the season opener. 

So regarding my statement that he was "surrendering" to the program, based on what we do know, it seems to evidence (more likely than not) that he is "earnestly" working his program as opposed to resuming old behavior and habits. 

It would seem to me that TC (when the men are together and there are no games with Hard Knocks) would likely be a time when there was going to be more triggers in the off time away from his family and normal support structure.  Again, strictly speculation. I would simply think that seems more likely than not.  And maybe I am totally off base about everything (that is what makes it speculation), but based on what we do know (in addition to knowing Gordon is not under any discipline from the league or team), that would seem the most likely situation (in my opinion - obviously we can't know).

I agree that I am rooting for him too. And from a football perspective, I think the guy needs to do what he needs to stay on the field.  The best ability is availability.  
 

But how many years is he supposedly into his rehab? Why does he need 2 months to deal with it now? Or if he’s checked into rehab can he avoid testing and that has more to do with it. Your take on it doesn’t make sense to me. But if he can avoid testing for two months after doing something stupid, than it makes sense.
  
Again, this is just my opinion, but I don't believe that it matters how many "years" into a sobriety program Gordon has under his belt.  From what we are seeing, it is still about staying sober today for him (as it is with most recovering addicts), right now and for now on.  It is a difficult adjustment.  But, to answer, he should be in rehab the rest of his life. 

And as far as I know, most facilities test for drugs.  Facilities are also controlled environments where access to drugs is severely restricted (usually).   

 

 
But how many years is he supposedly into his rehab? Why does he need 2 months to deal with it now? Or if he’s checked into rehab can he avoid testing and that has more to do with it. Your take on it doesn’t make sense to me. But if he can avoid testing for two months after doing something stupid, than it makes sense.
Recovery/rehab never really ends for an addict. I think you're looking at this from the wrong perspective. It doesn't matter how long he's been in the program. 

 
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/07/24/report-josh-gordon-is-dealing-with-mental-health-and-anxiety-issues/

This recent article says that gordon is dealing with mental health and anxiety issues.  The article also brings up a point that worries me--why did the league mention that they will "address" the issue with Gordon?  That's the part that worries me.   If Gordon didn't miss or fail any drug tests-why would the league have to "address" anything?
Well he's missing training camp, which is usually fineable. And its a big story. I'd think there has to be coordination with the league on this. 

 
Well he's missing training camp, which is usually fineable. And its a big story. I'd think there has to be coordination with the league on this. 
I'm not sure I agree.  I feel like training camp issues are something that teams handle for the most part.  I'm not sure if the league will address Julio Jones not coming into camp.  I'm rooting for Josh and while I hope that you are right--I personally find the league saying that they will "address" the issue makes me feel more ominous than it does optimistic about things. Fingers crossed that he's good. 

 
Dez said:
Gordon was a 4th rounder and Wentz a 6th rounder a week ago in the DFWC startup I was watching.  Not really "Good lord" worthy.

  6 hours ago, Dr. Dan said:

Pet peeve for me! 

Someone traded Wentz for Gordon in my dynasty league. Surprise because the guy has been over-valuing every one of his other players (wanted 2 1sts for Freeman, etc). Practically impossible to trade with, but I guess he thinks Gordon is the best WR in the league. 

good lord
interesting info.  I can understand the talent and positional issues.  Maybe I'm too jaded from having owned Gordon his first few years, but I don't see any way that I would make that deal at this time if I owned Wentz.

 
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/07/24/report-josh-gordon-is-dealing-with-mental-health-and-anxiety-issues/

This recent article says that gordon is dealing with mental health and anxiety issues.  The article also brings up a point that worries me--why did the league mention that they will "address" the issue with Gordon?  That's the part that worries me.   If Gordon didn't miss or fail any drug tests-why would the league have to "address" anything?
Saying "we'll address the issue at the appropriate time" is not the same thing as saying "we'll address the issue with Gordon at the appropriate time".  To me they are saying at the appropriate time they will address questions about Gordon, not saying they will be addressing issues directly to him.

To me this means nothing bad at all. He cited his medical advisor and referenced help of NFL. He's simply using resources made available to him as part of the NFL substance abuse policy. That's what the NFL will address at the appropriate time,when they can, which will likely involve working with Gordon on the statement they can provide since this falls under a medical issue and privacy laws don't allow them to freely discuss his treatment.

 
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/07/24/report-josh-gordon-is-dealing-with-mental-health-and-anxiety-issues/

This recent article says that gordon is dealing with mental health and anxiety issues.  The article also brings up a point that worries me--why did the league mention that they will "address" the issue with Gordon?  That's the part that worries me.   If Gordon didn't miss or fail any drug tests-why would the league have to "address" anything?
This is a pretty interesting question, although do note they don't say they will address the issue "with Gordon", just "at the appropriate time.  Exact wording:

the NFL is withholding any comment on Gordon’s situation at this time.

“No timetable,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “We’ll address the matter at the appropriate time.”
It could be as benign as everyone and their mother wants a comment from Goodell/the league on it and that won't be happening right now and it could be pretty ominously that they have a big announcement to make but won't drop that bomb just yet.  I tend to infer the former.

 
I give the guy credit for seemingly taking a proactive step here. although what I find interesting is that Gordon himself says hes doing excellent mentally. so why would he lie? seems odd. 

Furthermore, if he did lie and he is in fact dealing with mental health issues, its concerning that he is getting anxiety/having mental health issues at the start of training camp. what kind of outlook does that have for when the real football starts. will this guy be able to mentally cut it.

 
Procedures after Reinstatement: If a Player is reinstated, he will be returned to Stage Three for the remainder of his NFL career pursuant to (d) above and subject to continued testing and indefinite banishment.  A Player allowed to return to the NFL following banishment must participate in continued treatment under this Intervention Program as required by the Medical Director.  https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Agents/2016SOAPolicy_v2.pdf

Now it could be a case of questionable attendance and/or perhaps some preliminary study prior to a 24-month evaluation  Not many players at such (unknown?) levels/stages nor so much history of actual proceedings 

I almost can't believe such soap opera antic's in the NFL  Dude could have been asked by the "Director" if he still feels the urge to which he replied, "Why you got some?"  I'm just stating that some questions could be misinterpreted and/or the Director could have a preconceived notion to any findings  Flash himself is quoted as saying "every game"  Basically it could just be drama about his stating last month: " I think we're the best receiving corps in the league, in my opinion, already. Just based off of talent alone. "  <<  It kinda sorta sounds like he thinks that he's "cured" which doesn't sound very credible considering both time and usage  Bottom line is it's better to be safe than sorry!

Shocker could be that Flash is hoping to be granted a TUE Therapeutic use Agreement for Mary Jane  (j/k)

 
Recovery/rehab never really ends for an addict. I think you're looking at this from the wrong perspective. It doesn't matter how long he's been in the program. 
Yeah but does that mean normal people take 2 months off work to go to rehab once a year? This is getting silly. Hes had months in the off season to do this even if it was the case, which it isn't.

 
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