HawkeyeState wrote:Wanted to revive this thread as we are 21 days away from the first possible date that Gordon can apply for reinstatement.
Anyone know any scenario where he wouldn't be reinstated? Obviously any positive test. But did he need to complete off field therapy/classes etc. to meet NFL guidelines? Anyone know?
Also, assuming he is reinstated, what's his value once he is reinstated?
What's his value today without knowing if he will be reinstated?
Also, my memory isn't serving me well and I can't find anything with quick google search; What point is he at in the substance abuse process? His last offense he was punished under the old collective bargaining agreement. Does he know get transitioned into the new policy with less harsh penalties and more offenses allowed before being completely banned? Or does he stay in the old policy and his next strike is a ban (I believe that is the next step after the 1 year ban he just got under the old policy)
I posted this a few months ago, but I think it is worth revisiting as Gordon's possible reinstatement is nearing.
The following is directly from the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE POLICY AND PROGRAM ON SUBSTANCES OF ABUSE:
(b) Discipline for Stage Three Violations
Failure to Comply in Stage Three: A Player who: fails to cooperate with
testing, treatment, evaluation or other requirements imposed on him by this
Policy or fails to comply with his Treatment Plan, both as determined by the
Medical Director; or who has a Positive Test Result, will be banished from
the NFL for a minimum period of one (1) calendar year.
Banishment: A Player banished from the NFL pursuant to this subsection
will be required to adhere to his Treatment Plan and the provisions of this
Intervention Program during his banishment. During a Player’s period of
banishment, his NFL Player Contract shall be tolled.
(c) Ten-Game Suspension for Marijuana
If a Player’s first Positive Test Result after being advanced to Stage Three is
for marijuana, the Player shall be suspended without pay for ten (10) regular
season and/or postseason games (including the Pro Bowl, if selected). For
any subsequent violation (i.e., failure to comply with Treatment Plan; failure
to cooperate with testing, treatment, evaluation or other requirements
imposed by this Policy; or a Positive Test Result for any substance), the
Player shall be banished as set forth in Paragraph (b) above.
(d) Duration
A Player in Stage Three will remain in that stage for the remainder of his
NFL career. However, after 24 months in Stage Three, if the Player has not
had any additional positive tests, within a reasonable time period, the
Medical Director and Medical Advisor will assess the Player and decide
whether he will be discharged at that time. Such determination shall be
based on the Player’s compliance with the Program, clinical progress and
negative testing record. If the Player is not discharged, the Medical Director
and Medical Advisor will, after twelve (12) months, assess whether the
Player should be discharged at that time. After every such assessment, the
Medical Director and Medical Advisor shall notify the Player in writing of
their decision if they do not discharge the Player. Any decision to discharge
a Player from the Program early as set forth in this Section shall be within
the sole discretion of the Medical Director. Once a Player is discharged, he
will be afforded the same status as a Player who had never by Behavior or a
Positive Test been referred to the Intervention Program.
(e) Reinstatement
Criteria: After the completion of the one-year banishment period, the
Commissioner, in his sole discretion, will determine if and when the Player
will be allowed to return to the NFL. A Player’s failure to adhere to his
Treatment Plan during his banishment will be a significant consideration in
the Commissioner’s decision. A Player seeking reinstatement also must
meet certain clinical requirements as determined by the Medical Director
and other requirements as set forth in Appendix B.
Procedures after Reinstatement:
If a Player is reinstated, he will be
returned to Stage Three for the remainder of his NFL career pursuant to (d)
above and subject to continued testing and indefinite banishment. A Player
allowed to return to the NFL following banishment must participate in
continued treatment under this Intervention Program as required by the
Medical Director.
______________
Considering the fact that if Gordon had entered the league under the current NFL Subtance Abuse Policy, his 'positive' marijuana test would not be a positive and he would not be in Stage 3, I think it is at least possible the scenario in paragraph (d) becomes reality.
Before I get bashed by the OBJ cult, let me say - Yes OBJ is a great talent, yes, I'd confidently draft him as a top 3 start up pick and be very happy about it. But for all that is good in the world... act like you've been there. I hate hearing young kids mention him and pretend to be him, and then celebrate like him after a play. 
