Josh Gordon Slipped Patriots' Security Before Suspension: Reports

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Ex-Patriots receiver Josh Gordon reportedly slipped chaperones assigned to him before he left the team in the face of a looming suspension - a ban that could cost the talented 27-year-old his career.

ESPN reported Sunday morning before the Patriots' game with Buffalo that the team had an elaborate security plan catered to Gordon, who had been suspended multiple times in the past for violations of the league's substance abuse policy. The report said New England "assigned people to be with Gordon at all times so that he could avoid the temptations that landed him on the suspended list last week, according to sources."

Gordon reportedly got away from those people during the Nov. 18 bye weekend. The NFL on Sunday said Gordon was suspended for "multiple violations of the NFL/NFLPA substance abuse policy."

Gordon announced this week he was walking away from football to work on his mental health. Minutes later, reports emerged that the NFL was going to indefinitely suspend him for substance abuse violations.

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)