CLEVELAND – Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been suspended for the first two regular season games of the season.
The second-year player violated the NFL Policy and Program for substances of abuse, Browns media relations coordinator Dan Murphy said on Friday.
Gordon is suspended without pay and fined two additional game checks. He will be allowed to participate in preseason practices and games.
Gordon released the following statement on the suspension:
“In February, I was diagnosed with strep throat for which a doctor prescribed antibiotics and cough medicine. Apparently, the medicine I took contained codeine, which is prohibited by the NFL policy. The policy terms are strict about unintentional ingestion, but the NFL has not imposed the maximum punishment in light of the facts of my case. Therefore, I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation. I sincerely apologize for the impact on my team, coaches, and Browns fans. I look forward to working hard in training camp and pre-season, and contributing immediately when I return in week three.”
Gordon was selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2012 supplemental draft. He was among the top rookie wide receivers with five touchdowns.
