Josh Gordon putting football on hold, entering rehab

Just four days away from reinstatement, Josh Gordon has announced that he will be entering rehab.

In a surprising announcement, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is saying he will be entering drug rehab. Suspended the first four games this year, Gordon was set to make his return to the football field in Week 5. Now, he’s saying that he will enter a rehab facility to “gain full control of his life.” Here is the full statement from Gordon and the Browns:

Gordon led the NFL in receiving back in 2013 with 1,646 yards all while playing in just 14 games. Since then, he’s struggled mightily to stay on the field due to multiple drug violations. He was suspended the two games in 2013, ten games in 2014 and all of the 2015 season, all for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Gordon was recently in hot water again, this time in relation to a paternity test to which he failed to respond. A warrant was out for his arrest but was quickly withdrawn once he complied.

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While this may be frustrating for your fantasy football team, this is a refreshing decision being made by the 25-year-old. The repeated offenses within such a short period of time show he clearly has a problem, and not one that can be fixed so easily. One can only hope that he can use this time to right himself and only then will we get to see his amazing talents on the football field again.

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It’s unclear for how long Gordon will be away from the team, but it’s a big blow. The Browns are already decimated with injuries to quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown. They’re currently relying on the arm of rookie Cody Kessler. With Gordon sidelined indefinitely, you may continue to see more of Terrelle Pryor, who is morphing into quite the weapon himself.