Cleveland Browns Head Coach Hue Jackson has indicated the team may part ways with the talented and troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon.
Gordon, 25, made the decision on Thursday to enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility in response to his ongoing struggles with substance abuse. He was slated to make his long-awaited return to the NFL after a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
RELATED: Twitter reacts to Gordon's decision
"Obviously, Josh is not here and is doing what he thinks he needs to do for his life, which we support 100 percent," Jackson said. "I think what is best for our football team is that we move forward and move on. He is not going to be with us. We wish him well, but we are moving forward. We are going to move on.”
Jackson and the Browns' leadership showed support for Gordon throughout the offseason, and were looking forward to him joining the team on the field. This most recent incident appears to have severed that hope.
"I think what we need to do is just close that chapter right now," Jackson said. "He is doing what he needs to do. We need to do what we need to do, which is continue to move forward."
It's unclear what prompted Gordon's return to rehabilitation, but the Cleveland Police Department took to Twitter to dispel rumors that he was caught with a pound of marijuana at Cleveland-Hopkins Airport.
Dispelling Rumors: @Browns @JOSH_GORDONXII was NOT arrested at a Cleveland Airport. @CLEpolice wish him well in his recovery.
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) September 30, 2016
In 2013, Gordon led the league in receiving yards, notching more than 1,600. He's only played in five regular season games since that Pro Bowl season due to multiple suspensions.
Gordon took to Twitter to announce his decision.
Under some pressure & stress recently, had to take a time out for myself.Sometimes you have to do what's best for you. Thank u @nfl @Browns
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 29, 2016
See ya soon.. ??
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 29, 2016
