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Why Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon ended his season to enter rahab

By The Sports Xchange
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) drives for extra yardage against Atlanta Falcons on November 23, 2014. File photo by David Tulis/UPI
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) drives for extra yardage against Atlanta Falcons on November 23, 2014. File photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will put his football career on hold after the team announced Thursday that Gordon will enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility.

Gordon, who was suspended for the first four games in 2016, was scheduled to play his first game since 2014 on Oct. 9, but instead he is out indefinitely.

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"After careful thought and deep consideration," Gordon said in a statement, "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. 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."

The Browns also issued a statement, which read: "We support Josh in taking this step to seek additional help and treatment. 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."

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The NFL has suspended Gordon four times for violating its substance abuse policy. He was suspended for two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014, all 16 games in 2015 season and the first four games this year.

He was conditionally reinstated by the NFL in July and could have rejoined the Browns on Oct. 3 in preparation for the Oct. 9 game.

Gordon led the NFL in receiving with 1,646 yards in 2013. He has played in just five games since.

The Browns are already short at the wide receiver spot since losing first-round pick Corey Coleman to a broken hand.

Last week, an arrest warrant for Gordon in a child paternity case was dropped after he underwent a court-ordered DNA test.

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