PatsFans.com Menu
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans

HOME > Patriots Blog > Patriots Twitter

Josh Gordon Stepping Away From Football, Facing Further Suspension?

Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri on Twitter
December 20, 2018 at 11:08 am ET

Josh Gordon Stepping Away From Football, Facing Further Suspension?
(PHOTO: Stew Milne - USA TODAY Sports)
🕑 Read Time: 2 minutes

J

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon is stepping away from the NFL to focus on his mental health issues, thus no doubt ending his season and probably his time with the Patriots… possibly the NFL.

Gordon released a statement on Twitter that read, “I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level. I have recently felt like I could have a better grasp on things mentally. With that said, I will be stepping away from the football field for a bit to focus on my mental health.”

He added, “I would like to thank Coach Belichick, Mr. Kraft, and countless others within the Patriots organization for their continued support.”

The Patriots released a statement minutes later reiterating their support for Gordon and his health and they added that his health “is a personal and private matter which we intend to respect.” In other words, they will NOT be commenting on this any further.

Tom Pelissaro announced shortly after that, that Gordon was told by the league that he was facing an additional suspension for failing a drug test and that he just acted before the league’s ruling was announced. Gordon played 57 of 63 offensive snaps on Sunday against the Steelers.

In 11 games with the Patriots, Gordon totaled 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns.

What fans should keep in mind, the Patriots issues at wide receiver for the remainder of the season take a far back seat to a man’s long-term health. We’ll address later on how the team can work around his absence for the rest of the season. But for now, the focus is on the man, not the player.

Gordon has long suffered with mental health issues which go hand-in-hand with drug issues, not the other way around.

The news broke as we were recording our weekly podcast and once that is released, we will have more on how the Patriots can adjust their offense.

Like this article?
Support Steve and buy him a coffee.

About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)


Tags: Bill Belichick Cleveland Browns drug use josh gordon mental health issues New England Patriots Patriots wide receivers Robert Kraft Suspension

Comments are closed.

More Patriots News Headlines:

TRANSCRIPT: Caleb Lomu’s Interview with New England media 4/23

TRANSCRIPT: Caleb Lomu’s Interview with New England media 4/23

By: Ian Logue
Here's what New England Patriots first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu had to say after being drafted with the 28th overall pick Thursday night.
9 hours ago
MORSE: Patriots Make a Questionable Selection of Caleb Lomu in the First Round

MORSE: Patriots Make a Questionable Selection of Caleb Lomu in the First Round

By: Mark Morse
The Patriots made a questionable first-round trade-up for Caleb Lomu, raising questions about Will Campbell's role and Lomu's fit at offensive tackle. Scouting reports analyze…
16 hours ago
Patriots Trade Up, Take Utah Tackle in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

Patriots Trade Up, Take Utah Tackle in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

By: Ian Logue
The Patriots traded up in Round 1 of the NFL Draft, acquiring the 28th pick from Buffalo to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, bolstering…
22 hours ago
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 4/23

TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 4/23

By: Ian Logue
Here's what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say prior to Round One of Thursday night's draft.
23 hours ago
TRANSCRIPT: Eliot Wolf’s Press Conference 4/23

TRANSCRIPT: Eliot Wolf’s Press Conference 4/23

By: Ian Logue
Here's what New England Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel, Eliot Wolf, had to say following the selection of Caleb Lomu on night one…
1 day ago

Free Newsletter

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Join 2,000+ fans getting exclusive stats, analysis, and insights delivered straight to their inbox every week. Never miss a play.

📊
Weekly Stats Deep-dive analysis
🎯
First Access New features & tools
📤
Breaking News Player Signings & Rumors

Subscribe Now

* required

Intuit Mailchimp