Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon and his attorney are working with Cuyahoga County (Ohio) courts to resolve a legal matter after a judge issued an arrest warrant for the suspended former All-Pro selection because he has failed to submit to a paternity test.
The NFL, though, won't punish Gordon in connection with the case. He is still scheduled to play for the first time this season Oct. 9 against the New England Patriots upon completing a four-game suspension for recurring violations of the league's substance-abuse policy. He'll be eligible to return to practice Oct. 3.
"This will not affect his status [with the league]," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told the Beacon Journal on Wednesday afternoon.
Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge Alison Floyd approved the arrest warrant Aug. 31.
Christina Lockhart of Maple Heights, Ohio, filed a complaint July 2, 2015, in juvenile court saying Gordon is the father of her 1-year-old daughter and no one else is presumed to be the father, according to court records. Lockhart is on welfare and seeks child support, according to the complaint.
Gordon was first ordered to submit samples for genetic testing by Sept. 23, 2015. He didn't comply.
Subpoenas were sent to Gordon at multiple addresses in Cleveland and another in Los Angeles but were not returned, per court records.
The arrest warrant was authorized after Gordon failed to attend a hearing Aug. 31.
Gordon, who has been suspended for 29 of the past 34 games for drug violations, was in the locker room late Wednesday morning at Browns headquarters but did not speak to reporters.
The Browns attributed the following prepared statement to a team spokesman: "We are aware of the situation. Josh and his attorney are working with the Cuyahoga County Courts to resolve this matter. We have no further comment at this time."
The Browns have praised Gordon for doing well off the field since the NFL reinstated him in July. This case will cause some to question whether he's still doing well.
"He still is doing well in my opinion" Jackson said Wednesday afternoon. "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.
"I'm not the judge, the jury on any of this. What I do is support. Let's make sure we do the right thing, whatever that is, pertaining to the situation. But hopefully this will be wrapped up sooner rather than later."
Gordon's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not reply to messages seeking comment.
