Cleveland Browns

Browns wideout Josh Gordon entering in-patient rehab facility

Published Sep. 29, 2016 5:45 p.m. ET

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is entering an in-patient rehabilitation facility, the team announced Thursday.

The former Pro Bowl wideout, who was eligible to return in Week 5, hasn't played this season, serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He also missed all of 2015.

"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. "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."

WR Josh Gordon is entering an in-patient rehabilitation facility. pic.twitter.com/pv7ZD5KZuB
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 29, 2016

Gordon was reinstated by the league in July on a conditional basis after receiving an indefinite suspension for substance abuse in February 2015 following multiple violations.

Gordon took to Twitter to express his gratitude to the Browns and NFL for allowing him to "take a time out for myself."

Under some pressure & stress recently, had to take a time out for myself.Sometimes you have to do what's best for you. Thank u @nfl @Browns
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 29, 2016

“We support Josh in taking this step to seek additional help and treatment,” Browns executive 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, 25, was at training camp and was permitted to attend team meetings and other activities during his four-game suspension, which stems from his most recent substance-abuse violation in March.

"I'm blessed and grateful to be granted this opportunity,'' Gordon tweeted in July after being reinstated. "I can't wait to get back out there and play the game I love in front of the great fans of Cleveland. I want to thank the NFLPA, Commissioner Goodell, the Haslam family and Browns organization, my agent Drew Rosenhaus, as well as my mentors for their continuous support along the way.

"I've heard only good things from my teammates about the positive direction the organization is heading and I want to do everything I can to be there to help further that process not only for the team but to better myself as well. Thank you.''

I'm blessed and grateful to be granted this opportunity. I can’t wait to get back out there and play the game I… https://t.co/1xehJ840fH
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) July 25, 2016

In 2013, Gordon led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards despite a two-game suspension to start the season and made the Pro Bowl.