Report: Gordon failed multiple tests, eluded Pats' security during bye week

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon was given an indefinite suspension for violating the terms of his reinstatement under the substance abuse policy on Thursday due to multiple violations this season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, who adds Gordon tested positive for "more than marijuana."

The Patriots had Gordon under surveillance this season in order to try to prevent any sort of violation, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, but the team believes he eluded security during the Nov. 18 bye week.

Gordon would have to show the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell that he was clean for a sustained period of time in order to be reinstated again, though it's possible that could happen in time for the beginning of the 2019 season, said Rapoport.

The current suspension is Gordon's fifth since 2012 and his third indefinite ban.

The Patriots acquired Gordon from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2019 fifth-round pick. The 27-year-old caught 40 of 68 targets with the Patriots for 720 yards and three touchdowns over 11 games, starting all of them. He had just one 19-yard catch off two targets in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15.

A Pro Bowler and All-Pro in 2013, Gordon led the league with 1,646 receiving yards over 14 games with the Browns, scoring nine touchdowns in a 4-12 season.

His rookie 2012 season was the only campaign in which he played a full 16 games after being selected in the second round of the supplemental draft.

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