CLEVELAND -- Suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon says he's entering a rehab facility to "gain full control of my life."
Gordon is serving a four-game suspension for multiple violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
He was eligible to return next week, but the troubled 25-year-old released a statement on Thursday saying he decided to "step away from pursuing my return to the Browns and my football career to enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility."
The former Pro Bowler has only been able to attend meetings with the Browns during his latest suspension.
He was banned by the league for all of last season. The Browns had been encouraged by the progress he seemed to be making.
Gordon thanked the league, his teammates and agent for their support "through this extremely challenging process."
Gordon has been suspended for 30 of Cleveland's past 35 games.
