Patriots WR Gordon stepping away to focus on mental health

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots receiver Josh Gordon says he is stepping away from football in order to focus on his mental health.

In a statement posted on Twitter on this morning, Gordon said his decision was spurred by him feeling recently that he could have a better grasp on things mentally. He thanked the Patriots for their support and vowed to work his way back.

"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," the Patriots said in a statement.

League officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gordon has been suspended multiple times by the NFL for violations of its drug policies since being drafted by the Browns in 2012. Any sort of violation of NFL substance abuse policy could lead to another indefinite suspension.

He missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons for violating the league's substance abuse policy. After being reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2017, Gordon revealed in an interview with GQ magazine that he drank or used marijuana before games. "Probably every game of my career," he said.

Gordon also said in a 2017 mini-documentary on Uninterrupted.com he took Xanax, cocaine, marijuana and other narcotics.

While not disclosing the specific reasons, Browns officials said before trading Gordon in September they felt it was time to cut ties with him.

Gordon had an All-Pro season in 2013, with 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. He's had 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns since joining New England.

New England officials have insulated Gordon and focused him on getting acclimated to the team's highly-disciplined culture since his arrival.

The Patriots have restricted his media availabilities to once per week and following games, while also limiting reporters to a handful of questions during those sessions.