After the Browns receiver failed another drug test, it felt like open season for the media to chime in with their “expert” opinions. Gordon wrote an open letter for The Cauldron addressing them.
The open letter is geared towards Charles Barkley, Stephen A. Smith, along with other media personalities who have tried to analyze him like a playbook.
“Chuck, you have never so much as shook my hand, let alone exchanged a single word with me,” Brown wrote. “Few of you have, to be honest. Respectfully, your worry over my ‘problems’ with substance abuse and my twisting descent into darkness and, apparently, my impending death, is misplaced — mostly because you have very little idea what you are talking about.”
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Gordon accepts full responsibility and seems remorseful for the pain he’s caused to his family and teammates.
He goes on to say that he has also failed himself, which in some ways has to be more disappointing than them all. Gordon acknowledges the mistakes he’s made, but also realizes that he has accomplished things at the same time.
Gordon also makes the point that Cris Carter, Barkley, and Smith have all dealt with their fair share of controversies. So many times people have the “crabs in a barrel” mentality, they often forget to help people up when they need it the most.
“When you judge me without actually knowing me, you deny the existence of the world I come from,” Gordon said. “I am not going to die on account of the troubled state you wrongly believe my life to be in. I am a human being, with feelings and emotions and scars and flaws, just like anyone else. I make mistakes — I have made a lot of mistakes — but I am a good person, and I will persevere.”
The young receiver says he has no hard feelings toward anyone who’s made negative comments regarding his life. He’s mature enough to not hold a grudge against any of them, and even offers an olive branch for the next time they meet.
“If you see me someday, Chuck, Stephen A., Cris, or any other well-intentioned person to whom this letter is directed, please come on over, shake my hand, and say hello. I won’t be holding a grudge, but I will expect you to admit you were wrong about me.”
