Report: Suspended New England Patriots WR Josh Gordon files for reinstatement
Josh Gordon has taken a pivotal step in his latest comeback attempt.
The suspended New England Patriots wide receiver filed for reinstatement to the NFL, according to ESPN. The appeal will now go to commissioner Roger Goodell; he's the sole individual who can determine Gordon's future status and when such a decision will be made.
The league suspended Gordon on Dec. 20 for violating the terms of his initial reinstatement. He didn't appear in any games following that point as the Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl.
In March, Goodell said he would consider any further punishment, such as a suspension, if Gordon were reinstated.
"The first thing is to focus on Josh himself as a young man, and what he needs to do to get his life on the right track," Goodell said. "That's what our focus is. We have resources supporting that, and that's our hope."
Gordon has struggled with substance abuse throughout his career. His first suspension as a pro came in 2013 when he still managed to lead the league in receiving since despite missing two games.
He played 10 games between 2014-17 and missed two full seasons for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He caught 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns for the Patriots last season. Since Gordon's latest suspension, the Patriots have supported him and left the door open to his return.
If Gordon were reinstated, he'd earn a base salary of $2.025 million since he signed his restricted free-agent tender in April with the Patriots.