Warrant Issued For Browns WR Josh Gordon’s Arrest, But NFL Says Playing Status Is Unaffected

Josh Gordon appeared at a hearing on Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest for the Cleveland Browns wide receiver failing to submit to a paternity test.

Warrant Issued For Browns WR Josh Gordon’s Arrest, But NFL Says Playing Status Is Unaffected

“We are aware of the situation,” the Browns organization said in a statement. “Josh and his attorney are working with the Cuyahoga County Courts to resolve this matter. We have no further comment at this time”

Attorneys for the 25-year-old former Pro Bowler — who is serving a four-game suspension to start this season due to violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy — issued a statement saying Gordon appeared at Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court in Cleveland and that “the matter was continued until November should a further hearing be needed.”

The warrant stems from a complaint filed by Christina Lockhart on July 2, 2015. Lockhart is reportedly seeking child support from Gordon, who she claims is the father of her 1-year-old daughter.

The Browns wideout allegedly failed to respond to subpoenas sent to two separate addresses in Los Angeles and Cleveland. Gordon was also asked to submit samples for genetic testing on Sept. 23, 2015, but he failed to comply.

On Aug. 31, the court’s judge, Judge Alison Floyd, approved a warrant to arrest Gordon after he failed to attend a hearing.

Nevertheless, his playing status will remain unaffected, the NFL said. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said Gordon remains eligible to play again in the Browns’ game on Oct. 9 against the New England Patriots. He can resume practicing on Oct. 3.

Gordon is permitted to attend meetings, although he must remain in the facility when the team practices. He is, however, forbidden from speaking to the media during his suspension, the Browns said.

Gordon, who led the NFL in 2013 with 1,646 yards receiving, has been suspended for 29 of Cleveland’s past 34 games.

Coach Hue Jackson lauded Gordon despite the warrant, which comes during the same week the Browns are preparing rookie quarterback Cody Kessler to play at Miami.

“He still is doing well in my opinion,” Jackson said. “I don’t know all the inner workings of that (case). I can’t tell you about everything that goes on outside this building.

“But I know in this building, in our meetings, with me, with our coaches, with the players, he has been outstanding. That’s what I have to judge on. Now we’ll find out about this other part and know a little bit more about it as we move forward, but I have nothing but great things to say about Josh.”

Besides Gordon, another Browns player who has gotten himself into trouble in the last year is former quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was released by the team and dropped by two of his agents after a series of incidents of misconduct. Manziel quickly gained a reputation as a party animal, and was also involved in a legal case surrounding his allegedly violent behavior towards his ex-girlfriend.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 23:  Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sideliens in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 23, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)