Pat McManamon, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

After losing sister to overdose, Andrew Hawkins applauds Josh Gordon's rehab decision

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns receiver Andrew Hawkins essentially spoke for the team Friday regarding Josh Gordon's decision to enter rehab, and Hawkins said he was happy Gordon made that choice.

"I lost a sister this summer to a heroin overdose," Hawkins said. "She had been clean for two to three years, doing an incredible job. Talked to her regularly, but the one relapse cost her her life.

"It was something I didn't see coming, and it kind of opens your eyes up to what addiction is like. It's not a black-and-white situation. It's not cut-and-dried, and it's important for Josh to take this step and try and figure it out.

"It's a hard road, and he understands that. But football isn't important right now."

Hawkins' sister, Lucia Young, was 30 when she died in Pennsylvania in June.

Gordon, a star receiver for the Browns, released a statement Thursday that he will enter inpatient rehab, although it's not known for what substance. The Browns supported the decision, but coach Hue Jackson said the team would move on without Gordon.

Hawkins said he believes Gordon understands that rehab is "the most important thing," far more important than football.

"Him being a good receiver isn't going to save his life 20 years from now," Hawkins said. "Him coming back to help the Cleveland Browns in 2016 isn't going to help him in 2025 if he's still dealing with these same issues, so I'm sincere in what he's doing is important.

"I pray for the best for him, and I'm here for him no matter what."

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