Josh Gordon’s bold open letter to his critics reveals that he is a thoughtful and emotional young man. But is he right that he is being unfairly criticized? As Patrick Sallee explains, the proof will be in his actions.
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Josh Gordon is an outstanding wide receiver. He also makes bad choices off the field. He fits perfectly in the NFL.
It has been a difficult year for the NFL, with a wide range of off the field issues. Gordon, an All-Pro receiver for the Cleveland Browns, has been part of the problem. He was suspended for the first 10 games of this season due to previous failed drug tests and a DWI last summer. After failing another drug and alcohol test this month, he is now again facing another year long suspension.
Following this recent failed test, the critics came out in droves. Particularly a few of the more vocal, Stephen A Smith, Cris Carter and Charles Barkley. All expressed concern for Gordon, but also criticized his behavior and encouraged the Browns and NFL to come down hard on him.
This week, Gordon responded with some attacks of his own. In an open letter posted to the site, Medium, subtitled “I have a “problem,” but it’s not the one all of you seem to think it is,” Gordon goes after his critics:
“Thank you for your recent outpouring of concern about my well being. In what has been a difficult time for my family, friends and fans, you — and those like you — have taken it upon yourselves to express just how much you care about me and my future. For that, I am truly appreciative.
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad freeThe thing is, though, you don’t even know me.
Chuck, you have never so much as shook my hand, let alone exchanged a single word with me. Few of you have, to be honest. Respectfully, your worry over my “problems” with substance abuse and my twisting descent into darkness and, apparently, my impending death, is misplaced — mostly because you have very little idea what you are talking about.“
He also goes on to accept responsibility and express remorse.
“First, words cannot express the remorse and regret I feel over this latest incident. I acknowledge that the repeated transgressions that have led up to this point have damaged my credibility, and for that, the only person to blame is me . . . . I have let down many in Cleveland . . . Also, I have disappointed the family and close friends who have always stood by me . . . . Most importantly, I have failed myself. Again.”
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Gordon’s letter is direct, believable and emotional. It is refreshing to hear directly from a player, in an honest and candid response to their mistakes. It is also an eye-opening reminder that the players that the sports media talking heads spend the cable news cycle criticizing are actually real people, with feelings.
But here’s the thing…it’s just words.
The PR move stolen directly from the NFL playbook: 1. Redirect; 2. Blame external factors; and 3. Make promises
In his letter, Gordon goes on to talk about his upbringing in a rough neighborhood in Houston, how he hung out with the wrong kinds of people and didn’t make good choices. Clearly he has overcome a lot to even have a chance at the NFL, much less the on- the-field success he has had.
While this is definitely something he should be proud of and says a lot about his determination and work ethic, it doesn’t make up for those bad decisions.
It reminds me of NFL talking about domestic violence, and how their players aren’t guilty of acts of violence against women at a higher rate than the general population. As the NFL’s Greg Aiello has been quoted, “We’re not the criminal justice system. We can’t cure every ill in society. You know, we’re putting on football games. And unless it impacts the business, we have to be very careful about the disciplinary action we take. A player has rights too.”
Josh Gordon’s letter, closes with a strong statement about his issues with alcohol and drugs and states, quite bluntly, that he is not an addict or alcoholic.
“What I do know is the following: I am not a drug addict; I am not an alcoholic; I am not someone who deserves to be dissected and analyzed like some tragic example of everything that can possibly go wrong for a professional athlete. And … I am not going to die on account of the troubled state you wrongly believe my life to be in. I am a human being, with feelings and emotions and scars and flaws, just like anyone else. I make mistakes — I have made a lot of mistakes — but I am a good person, and I will persevere.
If I have a “problem,” it is that I am only 23 years old — with a lot left to learn. I’ve come a long way from those mean Fondren streets, but it’s clear that I can be a better me — one who kids coming up to me for selfies and autographs can be proud of. I want that future for myself. And I truly believe that what I am going through right now will only make me stronger. I believe that my future is bright.”
I admire how direct he is here and how he owns his mistakes. But it also reminds me of the final statements from Roger Goodell on the Ray Rice situation:
“I got it wrong in the handling of the Ray Rice matter and I’m sorry for that. I got it wrong on a number of levels from the process that I led to the decision that I reached, but now i will get it right and do whatever is necessary to accomplish that.”
For both Goodell and Gordon, these are still just words. It is their actions over the next few months and year that will determine what place they hold in the NFL moving forward.
Reading Gordon’s letter, I gained a new respect for where he is coming from, but I also don’t give him a free pass for the mistakes he has made. For many reasons, I hope he grows up quickly. I hope fans and the League give him that chance.
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Photo Credit: AP/file