Troubled Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon entered a rehab facility just a week and a half before his suspension would be complete. Gordon was suspended for four games following a failed alcohol test.
He has failed numerous drug and alcohol tests in his brief NFL career.
Gordon has been suspended for 30 of the Browns’ last 35 games, and with his latest development, it appears the Browns are prepared to walk away from his potential, according to Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson.
Jackson on Josh Gordon “We wish him well…We need to close that chapter right now. We’re moving on.”
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) September 30, 2016
Gordon had a warrant for his arrest earlier this month after he failed to show up for a court hearing on Aug. 31. Gordon’s call to court stemmed from a complaint from Christina Lockhart, who claimed he was the father of her 1-year-old daughter and needed to pay child support.
A paternity test showed that Gordon was indeed the father of the little girl.
Gordon released a statement through the Browns on Thursday.
“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,” Brown said.
“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.”
Gordon was selected by the Browns in the 2012 NFL supplemental draft. In college, Gordon received a marijuana-related suspension at Baylor University. He transferred to Utah, but was forced to sit out the year before he committed to the NFL.
As a member of the Browns, Gordon has recorded 161 receptions for 2,754 yards and 14 touchdowns.
• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.
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