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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has announced via a statement released by the team that he will enter an inpatient rehab facility. Gordon had been indefinitely suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, but was granted reinstatement by the NFL just prior to the start of training camp in late July.
"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’s statement read. "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."
Browns executive vice president of personnel Sashi Brown also issued a statement through the team, saying he would not comment on Gordon’s status.
"We support Josh in taking this step to seek additional help and treatment," Brown’s statement read. "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."
The Browns have given Gordon numerous chances to stay out of trouble with the league and on the field contributing, and according to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, this decision may lead to the end of his time in Cleveland.
Gordon was drafted by the Browns in the second round of the 2012 supplemental draft, and since that time, he has served four separate suspensions for violating the league’s policy on substance abuse. Gordon missed the entire 2015 season on the indefinite suspension issued by the NFL.
After being reinstated by the league, Gordon was permitted to participate in training camp and preseason games, and he began serving a four-game suspension at the start of the season. That suspension ends after Sunday's games.
Gordon made an impression in 2013, with 1,646 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in just 14 games. In 2014, he served a 10-game suspension, and he struggled after his return, eclipsing 100 yards in a single game just one time. He missed the entire 2015 season serving the indefinite suspension issued by the NFL.