Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon announced on Thursday, Sept. 29 that he’s entering rehab.
According to ESPN, Gordon was eligible to return to the Browns in week 5 (next week) after being suspended for the first four games of the season. Gordon missed the entire 2015 season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policies. In July, league commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated Gordon but he was still suspended for the first four games of this season.
"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," Gordon said in a statement that was released via the Browns Twitter account. "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."
The Browns also released a statement saying that they support Gordon’s decision.
"We support Josh in taking this step to seek additional help and treatment," Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown said. "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 led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,646 yards in 2013. However, he has played in just five games since then due to multiple suspensions.
The Browns are currently 0-3.