Josh Gordon is in trouble again. Big surprise right? My initial reaction was that this kid either has a true problem or he really just doesn’t give a fuck. Many other people in the media felt the same way I did. They were paid to voice their opinions on Gordon’s latest transgressions. They did and what spawned from that was a very well written, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six word open letter from Josh Gordon to Charles Barkley, Stephen A. Smith and Cris Carter. In the letter, Gordon explains himself, admits guilt, and more. Check out the letter here and my thoughts below.
1. People stereotypically think of professional athletes as not very smart people. It’s not fair, but it comes with the territory. Reading this letter, you can tell that Gordon is a very intelligent kid.
2a. You can tell that Barkley, Stephen A, and Cris Carter have this young man in his feelings. All three of these men get paid to speak, so their opinions are fine. The cause of concern for me is that if they really are concerened about Gordon, why not reach out to him? If they care like they all publicly stated.
2b. Most players say they don’t pay attention to what the media says about them. Well, that’s not the case for Gordon.
3. I don’t for one second buy Gordon’s story about second hand smoke, but i fully believe his alcohol story.
4. He owns his baggage and that’s pretty dope.
5. Although he owns up to the error of his ways, the entire letter has a tone of justification as well. He needs to stop pointing fingers back at Chuck, Stephen and Cris for doing their jobs. Just focus on you bro.
6. I love the ending. I think Gordon is going to continue to “succeed” in life and get all this stuff figured out. He’s making a lot of excuses as most 23 year-old kids do, but this letter changed my perception of Gordon. I feel like I know him now, which was the point of the letter. Good job, Josh. Best of luck to you homie.