Josh Gordon Stepping Away from Football, Entering Rehab Facility
By Kyle Koster
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is stepping away from the team to enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility, the team announced.
Gordon was serving an alcohol-related suspension for the first four games of this season and eligible to return to the Browns on Oct. 3 and play on Oct. 9.
“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,” Gordon said in a statement. “I appreciate the support of the NFL, NFLPA, the Browns, my teammates, my agent and the community through this extremely challenging process.”
“We support Josh in taking this step to seek additional help and treatment,” Browns vice president of football operations Sashi Brown said in a statement. “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 played in just five games since leading the NFL in receiving yards in 2013. He’s been suspended multiple times for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.