This is the key of the disagreement, here. What has you thinking they have to comment on something like this? Just because they did last time? Ever heard of "fool me once"? I'm of the opinion that Gordon would not have gone to rehab without some indication that it would heavily influence the NFL/Goodell to reinstate him.
He went to rehab last year right when it was reported that he missed a drug test & wouldn't be reinstated after his 4-game suspension.
Many at the time speculated that it was a "last ditch effort" to salvage the situation. It didn't, and he was suspended indefinitely.
Others think he just relapsed. Whatever. Maybe.
That's not a "whatever, maybe" - it's an important consideration.
The reasons why he was in rehab again could have a massive influence on whether or not his application for reinstatement is seriously considered. It's an important detail.
Even if it's as little as his mentor Tim Montgomery having a connection inside the league (which he no doubt does) who told him to put his client in rehab, that still fits the bill of "Gordon cooperating with NFL by going to rehab."
This is pure speculation. Granted, i hope it's true.
I mean, let's just look at the facts:
Dude went to rehab right when his reinstatement was approaching.
Like he did when he missed his last drug test before 2016 reinstatement.
His worst infractions have been weed and beer.
No, his worst infraction was that he is a repeat offender.
I agree weed & beer aren't that big a deal compared to other things (domestic violence, hard drugs, etc)
but make no mistake: his worst infraction in the eyes of the NFL was violating the terms of the last agreement he made with the NFL and being a repeat offender.
You are minimizing it by saying "it was just ____"
the dude has a problem - any amount of anything contributes to that problem.
He's done a longer stint in rehab than most who are punished for drug-related infractions.
Again - why? Did he do it voluntarily? Did he relapse? Did he fail another test?
We don't know, and it likely matters here.
His mentor, Tim Montgomery, vouches for the kid.
That's pretty much all we know right now. You say the NFL wants nothing to do with him. I say they likely suggested rehab.
I guess we'll find out when he's reinstated
I guess we will. For now we know less than you assert though.