LeBron James issued some strong words of support for another Cleveland sports star going through a difficult time. James spoke out in support of suspended Browns wideout Josh Gordon, who is getting treatment for substance abuse injuries.
Gordon’s rehab for substance abuse is being documented by James’ company Uninterrupted. And while James said he doesn’t know Gordon very well, he knows how difficult it can be to work through substance abuse issues.
“I have zero relationship with Josh Gordon but I have a lot of knowledge about substance abuse,” James said. ” I’ve had someone in my family that’s had substance abuse and it’s very easy to point the finger at people when you don’t know what they’re going through. And that is a real issue. It’s a real thing and it’s a real mental thing.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7xZHwbNOn8
James stressed that someone in his family has struggled with it, and that battling substance abuse is both a physical and mental strain that never truly goes away. It’s something James said is tough for others unfamiliar with that struggle to understand.
“Everyone is looking at Josh Gordon and saying ‘How can you continue to do this and do that. You’re an NFL player making millions of dollars. There’s no way you should be doing this.’
But you never know what someone is going through. Like I said, it’s a real issue I know firsthand. I know firsthand because a loved one of mine has gone through substance abuse and we made sure that we got him professional help because it’s a real situation.”
LeBron said he “applauds” Gordon and appreciates that he’s letting cameras in on the process to help raise awareness for those battling substance abuse, saying he hopes it changes him long-term regardless of whether he gets back on the field.
“No matter what happens,” James said. “No matter if he even plays another snap — I know that’s his dream. That would be great to see him out on the field — but if he doesn’t do that I just hope he comes out as a better person and it helps him heal.”
Right now James is dealing with a different demon – an ankle injury that might keep him out of the team’s season opener – but it’s nice that James has well wishes for someone taking a risk in letting the public in on his struggles.
