Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sideliens in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 23, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

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BEREA, Ohio– Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is entering an in-patient rehabilitation facility, the team announced on Thursday.

Gordon was expected to play in his first regular-season game since December 2014 against the Patriots on Oct. 9. He was suspended for the first four games of this season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Gordon released the following statement through the Browns:

“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. 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.”

Shortly after the news was released, Gordon posted on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/JOSH_GORDONXII/status/781615365679878144

https://twitter.com/JOSH_GORDONXII/status/781615439315099648

The league suspended Gordon indefinitely in February 2015 for testing positive for marijuana. One month prior, he wrote a letter for medium.com, where he said he is not a drug addict or an alcoholic.

“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,” said Sashi Brown, Browns Vice President of Football Operations in a statement.

Cleveland selected Gordon in the second round of the 2012 Supplementary Draft. During three seasons, he had 161 receptions for 2,754 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Last week, a Cuyahoga County judge issued an arrest warrant for Gordon for failing to address several subpoenas related to the paternity of a 1-year-old girl. His attorney Kevin Spellacy said his client submitted a DNA sample so the warrant was rescinded.

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