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The source said Green was reluctant to enter the facility, but finally relented during a conversation with NFL officials, according to the newspaper. Green reportedly entered the facility on Monday.
If Green had refused to go, he could have been suspended for the entire 2004 season.
Green must successfully complete the program and his follow-up care before he is reinstated. According to the source, Green has been in rehab before. He reportedly went through it last offseason and was progressing until he was arrested on a charges of drunken driving and possession of marijuana in late October.
As a result, Green was suspended four games for a repeat violation of the NFL substance abuse policy. He was already enrolled in the league's treatment program, and the suspension meant the second-year back had twice violated his personal program.
Green's jury trial is set for March 10, but he could avoid it with a plea bargain.
Browns officials are not permitted to contact Green while he's under suspension. Most of the players have said they haven't talked to him.
Browns president Carmen Policy previously said the Browns will stand by Green as long as he's willing to make some serious lifestyle changes. If not, the Browns will have to let him go, Policy said.
Green, the Browns' first-round pick in 2002, was believed to be staying in a hotel in the Cleveland area, according to the Plain Dealer. His driver's license has been suspended and his fiancée, Asia Gray, is not permitted to come within 500 feet of him. Police said Gray stabbed him with a steak knife last month at their Westlake, Ohio, home.
Green had a terrific second half of his rookie season, and had 559 yards rushing in limited play this year.
Rookie Lee Suggs is expected to get a good look over the last two games of the season, but Jamel White will continue to line up as the starter.
Also of interest. ...
In an article published Friday, ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli noted that Tim Couch has essentially agreed to rework his contract in the offseason, which probably assures his return to the Browns for 2004, likely as the starter. ...
And according to Pro Football Weekly, Kelly Holcomb will likely be back next year as the No. 2 quarterback. He was effective in that role in 2002 but didn’t handle the transition to starter well.