As training camp gets set to begin, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has tweeted that he will not be present.
The former All-Pro said that his absence is a part of his "overall health and treatment plan" and that both he and the Browns believe that this time away from football will "help me maintain the progress I’ve made for not only today but for many years to come."
In a follow up to his statement, Gordon wrote "Thanks again... see ya soon."
Browns General Manager John Dorsey also issued a statement Monday morning:
"We will continue to support Josh as he receives the care needed to maintain his progress. We are going to respect his privacy while he is away from the team. Josh will be placed on the non-football illness reserve list until he is ready to return."
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Gordon hasn't failed a drug test, nor is he facing an impending suspension. Rather, his leave is "a pro-active, defensive gesture to get extra counseling to try to ensure he does not have any of the setbacks that have marked his past."
An All-Pro selection in 2013, substance abuse issues and suspensions have plagued Gordon throughout his tenure in Cleveland. After being suspended for the first 10 games of the 2014 campaign, Gordon missed the entirety of 2015 and 2016 before returning for the final five games of the 2017 season, catching 18 balls for 355 yards and a touchdown.
Prior to his return, Gordon opened up regarding his battles with addiction. In an interview with GQ, the 27-year-old referred to himself as a "functioning alcoholic" and admitted to having consumed alcohol before games earlier in his career and several other drugs, including marijuana, Xanax and codeine.
In 40 games in Cleveland over the course of his career, Gordon has tallied 179 receptions for 3,089 yards and 15 touchdowns. Despite appearing in just 14 games in 2013, he led the NFL in receiving with 1,646 yards.
Browns training camp is set to kickoff in Berea on Thursday.