Analysis: Latest Josh Gordon trouble could signal end with Browns

Josh Gordon may finally be out of chances – almost certainly with the Cleveland Browns, and perhaps the NFL.

The troubled wide receiver now faces a banishment of at least one year after yet another violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Gordon tested positive for alcohol, for which he was subject to testing after guilty plea to a DUI charge in September, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. That violation would lead to the ban of at least one year, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because details were to remain private.

"Clearly we are very disappointed to hear the latest report regarding Josh," the Browns said in a statement. "At this point, due to the confidential nature of the NFL's substance abuse policy, we have not been made aware by the league of a failed test. We are in the process of gathering more information and will provide further comment at the appropriate time."

While disappointing is surely an apt word, this latest incident can hardly be described as surprising.

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And now, after this latest incident, it is time for the Browns to cut ties with Gordon permanently.

Gordon has previously served two drug-related suspensions, a two-game ban in 2013 for testing positive for codeine, and an 8-game suspension last year for marijuana. He was initially supposed to be banned for all of the 2014 season but had his suspension reduced when the league and NFL Players Association agreed on a new drug policy in September.

There seems to be little chance of Gordon catching a similar break this time.

It was a previous Browns regime that took the first chance on Gordon, using a supplemental draft pick on him in 2012 despite significant character concerns after Gordon failed multiple drug tests while at Baylor University and the University of Utah. Gordon was kicked out of Baylor, and never suited up for the Utes before leaving Salt Lake City.

Despite an overhaul of the coaching staff and front office before last season, the Browns chose to keep Gordon, even though the team learned in May that he could miss the entire season.

This was the star player treatment – a courtesy Gordon likely would not have been afforded if he were an average player.

But when Gordon returned from his suspension in November, he didn't look like, play like, or behave like a star should. So why would head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer stand by Gordon now?

This Browns' regime only knows a version of Gordon that is a headache – not the player who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2013. This version of Gordon keeps bungling repeated chances by failing to stay clean, then compounded his issues when he failed to produce when given the chance to play.

In his five games last year, Gordon caught 24 passes for 303 yards with no touchdowns. He was suspended for the Browns' Week 17 game against Baltimore for missing a walk through, leaving him one game shy of having the year count toward becoming a vested veteran. Unless Gordon's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the NFLPA, can negotiate a change, Gordon's first stab at becoming an unrestricted free agent won't happen until 2016.

But now, he might not be allowed to play until then anyway. And when that time comes, why would anyone want him?

If Gordon truly cares about resurrecting his NFL career, this has to be his wakeup call. He might believe he doesn't have a problem with alcohol or drugs, but he clearly has a problem with adhering to the NFL's rules.

Contributing: Tom Pelissero