The Cleveland Browns announced on Thursday that wide receiver Josh Gordon will enter an in-patient rehab facility, putting his football career on hold. The Browns and Gordon himself each released statements via the team's official Twitter account.
From Gordon:
"After careful thought and deep consideration, I've decided that I need to step away from pursuing my return to the Browns and my football career to enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility. This is the right decision for me and one that I hope will enable me to gain full control of my life and continue on a path to reach my full potential as a person. I appreciate the support of the NFL, NFLPA, the Browns, my teammates, my agent and the community through this extremely challenging process."
From the Browns:
"We support Josh in taking this step to seek additional help and treatment. His singular focus must be on his own health. We want nothing more than for Josh to be successful personally and professionally and will not comment on his status with the organization at this time."
Gordon has been suspended by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy four different times. He was suspended for two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014, the entire season in 2015, and the first four games of this season as well.
Gordon had originally been set to return for Week 5, but that is obviously no longer going to happen. It's much more important that he deal with whatever issues are plaguing him than that he get back on the field, but the Browns will surely miss his presence as they are already undermanned at the wide receiver position after losing first-round pick Corey Coleman to a broken hand.
