Josh Gordon's decision to enter an in-patient rehab facility comes after the Cleveland Browns wide receiver potentially violated the NFL's Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse, sources informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Sources told Rapoport that Gordon committed a "slip-up" that acted as a catalyst for his decision to enter rehab. The setback could potentially violate the terms of his reinstatement from an NFL suspension issued in February 2015 for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
The wide receiver announced Thursday he was entering rehab in an effort to "gain full control of my life." Gordon is eligible to play in the Browns' Week 5 contest against the New England Patriots as part of the terms of his NFL reinstatement for a substance abuse violation. Gordon's decision to enter rehab, however, puts his comeback on hold indefinitely.
"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 wrote.
In the wake of Gordon's decision to enter rehab, Rapoport reported the Browns intend to release Gordon at some point.
The 25-year-old pass-catcher was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in July after failing yet another drug test in March. He was slated to apply for reinstatement on Aug. 1, but Goodell chose to speed up the process.
As part of the terms of his reinstatement, Gordon was allowed to practice with the Browns but was suspended from the team's first four games.
The oft-banned Gordon hasn't played in a game since December 2014. Gordon was expected to play as a presumptive starter upon his previously anticipated return to game action on Oct. 9. He's just three years removed from leading the NFL in receiving yards despite playing just 14 games in 2013.
