Twitter Reacts to Browns Decision to Release Josh Gordon

The team provided no specifics about what prompted their decision to part ways with Gordon.

Cleveland stood by Gordon through multiple suspensions, including two full seasons he missed due to multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy.

"This afternoon we informed Josh Gordon and his representatives that we are going to release him on Monday", general manager John Dorsey released in a statement.

The Cleveland Browns are parting ways with talented, yet troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon.

He informed the Browns on the eve of training camp in late July that he could not report, because he needed time to sort through some personal issues, which apparently did not, for once, include some manner of drug abuse. Gordon stepped away from the team this preseason to undergo counseling and treatment as part of his recovery.

The 27-year-old receiver has had a tumultuous career in the National Football League filled with highs and lows.

Earlier Saturday, the Browns had downgraded Gordon from questionable to out for the Saints game, with a hamstring injury.

A second-round pick in the 2012 supplemental draft, Gordon, 27, caught 180 passes for 3,106 yards and 16 touchdowns in 41 games with the Browns.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported shortly after Cleveland's announcement that Gordon was fine at Friday's practice, and his release was over a matter of trust. He went on to play five games that season, recording 18 catches for 335 yards. He first was suspended in 2014, and did not play again until November 2017, when he was reinstated on a conditional basis. With Gordon gone, the team will rely heavily on Rashard Higgins and Antonio Callaway to work alongside Jarvis Landry and tight end David Njoku.