NFL
Josh Gordon looks fit at conditioning test
Browns receiver awaits appeal of suspension
7/26/2014BEREA, Ohio — Josh Gordon’s off-field issues didn’t put him out of shape.
The embattled Pro Bowl wide receiver reported to Browns training camp on Friday and passed his conditioning test as he awaits an appeal hearing with the NFL on a possible suspension.
Gordon is scheduled to meet with the league on Aug. 1.
He’s facing a one-year ban for violating the substance abuse policy for at least the third time.
Gordon was suspended for the first two games last season, but still led the league with 1,646 yards receiving and scored nine touchdowns.
He entered the league with a history of marijuana abuse after failing two drug tests in college.
Gordon reportedly entered a rehab clinic following a recent DUI arrest in Raleigh and spent two weeks at a clinic in California.
Looking fit and fast, Gordon participated with Cleveland’s other veterans in the grueling conditioning test.
As first-year coach Mike Pettine, general manager Ray Farmer, and the team’s quarterbacks, rookies, and injured players looked on, Gordon and others ran 20 sprints they had to finish in mandated times.
Mammoth defensive tackle Phil Taylor did not complete the sprints, and tight end Gary Barnidge looked woozy as he was helped off the field by trainers before being driven on a cart to the team’s headquarters.
Safety Donte Whitner finished the test by doing a somersault over the goal line. He slowly walked into the training facility escorted by a trainer.
It’s the first time in years the Browns have had their conditioning test open to the media.
Lions sign punter
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions signed free agent punter Drew Butler and released safety Gabe Lynn.
The team announced the moves Friday.
Butler played 16 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2012 season.
He had a net average of 37.8 yards on 77 punts for the Steelers.
Sam Martin, Detroit’s incumbent punter, had a net average of 40.4 yards as a rookie last season.