Cleveland Browns

Skip Bayless reveals why Josh Gordon story hits so close to home for him

Published Oct. 1, 2016 5:12 p.m. ET

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There have been plenty of reactions to the news that Josh Gordon is heading to rehab, including from his head coach Hue Jackson, who announced the Cleveland Browns "are moving on" from the troubled wide receiver.

Skip Bayless' reaction was not exasperation or cynicism, but rather genuine pain and concern. Skip said he's gotten to know Gordon and understands the "disease" Gordon's dealing with, having witnessed what addiction is like with his own family.

"I knew this day was coming when we would hear this announcement," Bayless said on "Undisputed" on Friday. "That he finally, I hope, gave up and gave in — it's what they call in AA hitting bottom — and said 'I can't beat it myself. I gotta go to hardcore rehab to beat a hardcore addiction problem.' And I hope he's actually doing that."

But, Skip added, his other fear is that Gordon has squandered his incredible talent and won't be able to continue his career.

"Let's just say he tries to come back sober, clean next football season — 'cause it'll take that long if he's really committed to this — he will have been out for almost three years of playing football. He last played in December of 2014.

"Well, you know, after a while you just sorta lose it. ... I fear that he won't have enough left."