Here's the deal. Banner wants to change the culture of the entire organization. Gordon still doesn't know the playbook, he's still a regular at certain nightclubs, he's lost his driving privileges, he shows up late to meetings, accused of loafing in practice, and he's failed two NFL drug tests already. I have heard from a former Browns employee, now working for another AFC North team, that word around the NFL is that Josh Gordon just doesn't get it; that Banner hasn't seen any growth in maturity and the fact he's very cavalier about his "situation" (he thinks he's above the law) compounds the issue. There are rumors out there that some teams wouldn't take him even if the Browns simply waived him, that's supposedly how disruptive this kid is.....
I've said this after the Richardson trade and it's applicable now; let's put things into perspective. Is Josh Gordon the Browns biggest playmaker? That's an easy no, Jordan Cameron is. Is Josh Gordon one strike away from a one year suspension? Yes. Is Josh Gordon making the right decisions to ultimately live a drug free life? It doesn't appear so. Do the Browns need a Josh Gordon type receiver to win? No, a better QB will take care of that. Do we as fans have as much information on the situation as the front office does to make a rational decision? No, we don't.
I just don't see why any fans should have an issue if it's deemed that Josh Gordon's personality isn't a fit for the new Browns. Do people really think Banner is just trying to mess with the fans? Come on. Just because we've won three games, does that mean Banner needs to sellout on his culture changing crusade? Want some stats? Only 12 of the current top 50 receivers in the NFL were 1st round picks so I reject the assertion that talented receivers can't be found late in the 2nd round or at any point after it. I get that fans would be upset because they'd lose a flashy playmaker but fans should be more concerned over the line play and QB play because those two things, in conjunction, would take care of the WR play. I've said it before, I'll say it again, it might take some time to understand it, but Banner really knows his shit. It's fun to bash him because he's quirky and makes shrewd decisions but he knows more than all of his predecessors combined (but that's not saying much).