There are set rules in place for substance abuse. They have been collectively bargained. New rules need to be included in the next CBA. They also need to rethink their punishment for use of marijuana.
Gordon has a long history of substance abuse going back to college. He was in the NFL's substance abuse program and got caught again. He also had a DUI in NC that has to go to court in a week or two. The problem with the NFL's policy is that the suspension removes Gordon from the structure and people he needs. This may be the only way though. The people he associates with outside of the team are not a great group to hang with.
This is no longer about Gordon's future in football. He is an addict and needs help. This is about him living any kind of decent life at all IMO. Yes he made a lot of money. If you know anything about addiction, you know that doesn't matter.
Goodell also has another big problem. The Colts owner, Jim Irsay, was caught driving under the influence. He had many bottles of prescription drugs in his car that weren't his. He also had $30000 of cash on him. The prosecutor generously only charged him with misdemeanors. Goodell has done nothing to him. They all preach that owners should be held to an even higher standard than players. We'll see.
That said, Goodell really screwed up in punishing Ray Rice. He could have and should have been suspended for 8 games. In addition, having Rice and his wife both talk to him together with officials from the Ravens present is mindboggling. You never want both together in talking aboutthe problem. In addition, the person that was abused now praising her abuser is a typical pattern. Either Goodell didn't listen to people with experience in this area or the ones he listened to are loons.
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