Running back Mike Goodson was back with the Jets on Tuesday after missing all of training camp.
Goodson now faces a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Goodson said he did not appeal the suspension. He will not be allowed on the practice field after Friday until Sept. 30 ,the day after the Jets’ game with the Titans.
Goodson, who was signed by the Jets in March to a three-year, $6.9 million deal, did not reveal where he was for the past four weeks.
“ (I) just had to handle some personal stuff, some stuff that was going on with me,” Goodson said. “The team’s been real supportive and I appreciate their support.”
Goodson was asked directly if he has been in a treatment facility for substance abuse, something a doctor can recommend for anyone in the NFL’s substance abuse program.
“Like I said, it was personal things (with) me and my family,” Goodson said. “I don’t really want to get into those things here.”
Goodson was arrested in May after being found passed out drunk in a stopped car in the middle of Route 80. Marijuana and a gun were found in the car and Goodson faces drug and weasons charges. He would not comment specifically on the arrest, but admitted it’s been a tough start to his time with the Jets.
“I’m pretty disappointed in myself,” Goodson said. “Like I said, I had some things that I had to do. I’m back now and I was able to address those things and I’m a lot better.”
He said the arrest was tough to deal with.
“It was kind of embarrassing,” he said.
Goodson said he has been able to do a little physical activity but has not had much time to study the playbook. Now, he has four weeks to dive into it.
“I have time to work out for four weeks and go through a workout,” Goodson said. “I think guys will get tired, guys will, going through a season, your body’s going to get weary and I’ll be coming back fresh so I think I’ll be able to contribute a lot when I get back.”