BEREA, Ohio — A day of celebration dissolved into confusion for the Cleveland Browns.
Hours after quarterback Johnny Manziel’s arrival had Cleveland’s football pulse racing faster than it has in years, a report that wide receiver Josh Gordon may be facing an indefinite suspension shattered the city’s joy.
ESPN reported that Gordon, who led the NFL in yards receiving last season, failed another drug test for marijuana and could be banned for a year. The report, based on anonymous sources, described letters the Pro Bowler received about the failed test.
The Browns deferred any comment on Gordon’s situation to the league office. Gordon’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declined comment.
Gordon, 23, was suspended without pay for the first two games last season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy for the second time but still led the league with 1,646 yards receiving in 14 games. He had 87 receptions and nine touchdowns.
Gordon, who was taken in the 2012 supplemental draft, entered the league with a history of substance issues. He was kicked off Baylor’s team for twice failing drug tests and he failed a test after transferring to Utah.
Gordon was expected to be the top play-maker for either Manziel or incumbent starter Brian Hoyer.