The troubled wide receiver potentially violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy before announcing his decision to enter an in-patient rehabilitation program Thursday, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday.
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According to the report, unnamed sources claimed Gordon committed a “slip-up” that ultimately triggered his resolution to seek treatment. The terms of his reinstatement could also be in jeopardy given the possible violation.
“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.”
Browns coach Hue Jackson had a strong stance on Gordon’s future with the Browns and announced on Friday the team’s intention to release him at some point.
“After today, today is really the last Josh Gordon comment I want to make,” Jackson said at a news conference. “I think what’s best for our football team is that we move forward and move on. He’s not going to be with us, and we wish him well, but we’re moving forward.”
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Gordon was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Cleveland’s game against New England next Sunday was expected to be his first regular-season game since December 2014.
Gordon had previously been banned for two games in 2013 for violating the league’s drug program, then 10 games the following season for another violation and one additional game that year for violating team rules. The NFL then suspended him for the entire 2015 season. He was conditionally reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell on July 25.
