Josh Gordon has failed multiple drug tests in college and one in the NFL. (Diamond Images/Getty Images)
Browns receiver Josh Gordon saw his wish fulfilled Thursday night when the team drafted quarterback Johnny Manziel in the first round. But Gordon and Manziel may not get the chance to connect on the field in 2014. ESPN's "Outside the Lines" reports Gordon could face a season-long suspension after his second failed drug test.
Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report cited a source confirming Gordon's pending suspension.
Gordon told "Outside the Lines" he wasn't aware of a failed drug test or possible suspension and deferred to his agent.
Reached by phone Friday afternoon, Gordon said: "That's something you're going to have to talk to [agent] Drew Rosenhaus about. I really don't know anything about it."
Rosenhaus declined to comment but said the information was "not true."
Gordon was suspended two games without pay and two additional pay checks last season for his first violation of the league's policy. Gordon said the banned substance was codeine found in a cough syrup he used.
The second violation reportedly is for marijuana.
Two sources told "Outside the Lines" Friday that Gordon's latest violation is the result of marijuana being found during a drug test. One source said that Gordon received a letter in early winter from a league physician stating he had failed a test. A second letter, informing Gordon that he faced a 16-game suspension but had the right to appeal, was sent in late April.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that top level executives in the Browns organization knew about the suspensions as long as two weeks ago, but were prevented by league rules from informing the coaching staff.
The Browns drafted Gordon despite his dismissal from the Baylor football program after two suspensions for marijuana use, and a failed transfer to Utah that involved another failed drug test.
Despite missing two games to suspension, Gordon led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards and the Browns with 87 receptions and nine touchdowns.
On Friday, Gordon expressed his excitement over the chance to play with Manziel.
"I think I was just a big fan of his overall game, his prowess on it," Gordon said Friday on "SVP & Russillo" on ESPN Radio, before "Outside the Lines" reported the substance abuse policy violation. "His outlook on it. His fire and ambition and will to win was greater than I think any other prospect in the draft.
"Despite all the mixed reviews and the media downsizing him, his perseverance seemed to be a lot greater than that. I saw something a lot deeper than just his talent that could take us to the next level."
