CLEVELAND (AP) – Troubled Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis.
Commissioner Roger Goodell informed Gordon on Monday in a letter that he can rejoin the team during training camp and will be allowed to participate in meetings and conditioning work. The league said once Gordon meets clinical requirements, he will be allowed to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.
Gordon, who was suspended in 2015 for a year for multiple violations of the league’s drug policies, will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016-17 season. He is eligible to return to the team on Oct. 3. During his suspension, Gordon may participate in team meetings and other activities but can’t practice.
Gordon met with Goodell in New York last week, clearing the way for his partial return.
In his letter to Gordon, Goodell made it clear the onus is on the 25-year-old former Pro Bowler to stay clean.