Lawrence Taylor Confirms Being Treated for Drug Use

Lawrence Taylor, the New York Giants’ All-Pro linebacker, admitted Thursday in a written statement that he has been undergoing treatment for “substance abuse,” and still is engaged in a “difficult and ongoing battle” to overcome problems with drugs.

“In the past year, due to substance abuse, I have left the road that I had hoped to follow both as a player and as a public figure,” Taylor said. “In recent months, I have privately sought professional assistance to help me with these problems.”

Taylor did not indicate where or for how long he has been undergoing treatment, saying only, “I have just completed the first phase in what I know will be a difficult and ongoing battle to overcome these problems.”

Last month, reports said that Taylor had voluntarily entered a drug rehabilitation center. There was no confirmation of the reports until Thursday by either Taylor or the Giants.