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Recent comments from Browns Hall of Famer Jim Brown regarding the status of suspended Browns receiver Josh Gordon undoubtedly will create optimism among fans regarding the possibility that Gordon will be back with the team in August. The simple reality, however, is that no one knows what will happen.

Gordon’s status hinges on compliance with a specific treatment plan, the terms of which can’t be disclosed without someone committing a clear violation of the confidentiality terms of the substance-abuse policy. Without knowing the contents of the plan or Gordon’s ability to do everything he’s supposed to do (and to not do everything he’s supposed to not do), there’s no way of knowing whether Gordon has checked all the boxes.

There’s also no way of knowing whether Commissioner Roger Goodell will conclude, in the exercise of his complete discretion, whether Gordon should be reinstated. Likewise, there’s no way of knowing when the decision will be made.

At some level, Gordon could be a pawn in the broader power play between the league and the NFL Players Association, with the NFL yielding broad power because it can and the message to the union being clear: If you don’t like it, change it at the bargaining table. Regardless, he remains on the outside — and there’s simply no way of predicting if or when he’ll get back in.