Everyone gets a cold or sore throat from time to time. I know the NFL has rules in place, but I find it hard to believe that if Gordon went to the doctor for strep throat and was prescribe medication for it, he would be currently suspended by the NFL.
But, that is Gordon’s story and he is sticking to it.
“In February, I was diagnosed with strep throat for which a doctor prescribed antibiotics and cough medicine,” he said in the statement. “Apparently, the medicine I took contained codeine, which is prohibited by the NFL policy. The policy terms are strict about unintentional ingestion, but the NFL has not imposed the maximum punishment in light of the facts of my case. Therefore, I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation. I sincerely apologize for the impact on my team, coaches, and Browns fans. I look forward to working hard in training camp and pre-season, and contributing immediately when I return in week three.”
Almost every cough syrup on the planet prescribed or over the counter has codeine in it, so I am not buying that. If that was the case NFL players who got sick were just out of luck.
Here is the more likely reason Gordon was suspended (he failed three drug tests in college, so his word is shaky at best), but will never admit it according to a source in the league offices.
NFL players have been testing positive for codeine lately because of the Purple Drank craze, in which prescription-strength cough syrup is mixed with soda and hard candy.
I think that is the real reason, not Gordon’s sore throat.