Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon announced on Monday that he won’t be with the team once the training camp starts. In a statement released via his Twitter profile, Gordon said that his absence is part of his “overall health and treatment plan.”
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) July 23, 2018
Despite being one of the most talented WRs of his generation, Josh Gordon missed most of the last three seasons due to multiple suspensions for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. According to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter, Gordon decided to seek further counseling that will help him with his mental health and anxiety.
After Gordon’s statement, Cleveland Browns placed the player on non-football illness reserve list.
“We will continue to support Josh as he receives the care needed to maintain his progress,” – said Browns’ general manager John Dorsey in a statement. “We are going to respect his privacy while he is away from the team.“
Although there is no exact timetable for his return, Browns believe that Gordon will make good on his word and join the team once he’s ready.
After All-Pro campaign in 2013 season, Josh Gordon went on to play just 10 games for the Browns since 2014. Since Browns took him in the second round of the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft, Gordon played 40 games in which he had 179 receptions for 3,089 yards and 15 touchdowns.
