BEREA, Ohio - On any given day, Josh Gordons size, speed and agility separates him from others on the field. Hes that rare talent, the player everyone notices. Hes standing out for another reason. Gordon is awaiting another possible NFL suspension for reportedly failing a drug test, a violation that could cost the Pro Bowl wide receiver a full season. But while his future remains cloudy, Clevelands young star is doing all he can to improve his dazzling skills. After gliding over the middle on Tuesday, Gordon leaped to snag a pass before tucking the ball away and sprinting from a defender. If hes burdened, Gordons hiding it well. "Hes showing up every day as the No. 1 receiver, hes not showing up as a guy whos uncertain about his future," said wide receiver Nate Burleson. "Thats all he can do right now, is go to work as if hes our No. 1 because he is." Arguably Clevelands best player, Gordon could be facing a lengthy suspension for marijuana use. The 23-year-old was suspended two games last season for violating the leagues substance-abuse policy and still led the league in yards receiving. The league has not commented on Gordons status. He complicated his situation last week when he was ticketed for speeding and a passenger in his car was cited for marijuana possession. Gordon is scheduled to appear in Berea Municipal Court on Wednesday. Browns first-year coach Mike Pettine believes the uncertainty is weighing on Gordon. It has to be. "I cant imagine that it wouldnt," Pettine said. "It would be human nature." Gordon politely declined an interview request. He entered the league with a history of substance-abuse issues. Gordon is known to have failed at least three drug tests in college, but the Browns were willing to overlook his past when they selected him in the second round of the supplemental draft in 2012. His risky behaviour has jeopardized his career, but the Browns insist they will stick by him. Pettine acknowledged some frustration in not knowing Gordons status. "Until we hear from the league, were going to be business as usual," he said. "At this point, there is nothing to act on. Everyone can sense the frustration, and its a difficult thing. But until it happens, we have a plan in place for all eventualities but were still in a holding pattern." While the Browns wait, Pettine said Gordon has not let the uncertainty affect his performance. "He comes out and works hard, puts in a days work, solid in the classroom," Pettine said. "When hes in the building, hes been solid. Its not the first guy in the league to be like that where when hes in the building hes great and has some issues, for whatever reason due to circumstances, when hes out of the building. Im not a stranger to situations like that." The Browns signed Burleson, a 12-year veteran, as a free agent to provide leadership to Clevelands group of young receivers. Burleson hasnt spoken with Gordon specifically about his situation, but has been providing any support he can. "I just do the same thing I was doing before the news came out," Burleson said. "Help motivate him, him and the other guys. Im here as a guy who, one, can show young guys how to be a professional athlete on and off the field and two, try to motivate them in different ways. "Hes so gifted and so talented that its hard to coach greatness. Its hard to motivate greatness." Burleson played with Randy Moss in Minnesota and Calvin Johnson in Detroit. He knows what a superstar wide receiver looks like and believes Gordon has what it takes to be one of the best. Like everyone associated with the Browns, Burleson is eager for a positive outcome for Gordon. "That type of talent you want on the field, whether its at practice or game day," Burleson. "You only get so many guys every few years that redefine the position and hes one of those guys. Hes not your traditional receiver. Theres Calvin and theres Randy, these guys were hit with that special stick and God blessed them with attributes you can only create in video games. "For him to miss any time, its a loss for everybody in general, fans especially. The hope is that hes on the field." Pettine believes the Browns have a good support system in place to help Gordon, and the league has been proactive in helping troubled players. However, theres a shared responsibility. "There has to be a willingness on the other side," he said. "Sometimes they get the message and its too late. In all my time in the league, theres always going to be a handful of guys that just dont get it." ___ AP NFL website:
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