Tom Brady hugs Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon after he caught a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts. (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)
The New England Patriots issued a statement on Thursday in support of wide receiver Josh Gordon, who announced he’s stepping away from football to focus on his mental health just minutes before the NFL Network reported that he’s facing another indefinite suspension.
The full statement reads:
“We support Josh Gordon in his continued efforts to focus on his health. His attempt to do so is a private and personal matter, which we intend to respect.”
Statement from the New England Patriots on Josh Gordon: pic.twitter.com/tXmXrXVrJL
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 20, 2018
The veteran wideout is expected to be suspended for violating the terms of his 2017 reinstatement under the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Substance abuse has been the subject of most of the trouble Gordon has faced throughout his pro football career.
Gordon missed the entire 2016 and 2017 seasons as he served an indefinite suspension, before being reinstated in Nov. 2017. He played six more games for the Browns before they traded him to the Patriots along with a seventh-round pick for the Pats’ fifth round pick in 2019.
The receiver played 11 games for the Patriots prior to this week. He played 58 of 63 offensive snaps for the Patriots in last Sunday’s 17-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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