Giants cut Brown, who admitted abuse
The New York Giants released placekicker Josh Brown on Tuesday, six days after police documents revealed Brown admitted to repeatedly abusing his former wife while they were married.
The move came shortly after the player issued a statement insisting that he never hit his wife during a six-year period when he admits spousal abuse.
Giants President John Mara said the team’s beliefs, judgments and decisions were “misguided” in how it handled its relationship with Brown. He indicated the Giants did not know the full extent of Brown’s problem until last week.
“We hope that Josh will continue to dedicate himself to rehabilitation, and to becoming a better person and father,” Mara said in a statement. “We will continue to support him in his efforts to continue counseling, and we hope that Josh and his family can find peace and a positive resolution.”
It is not immediately clear whether Brown will receive the rest of his $1.26 million salary.
Brown was previously suspended for the opening game of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after the NFL investigated his arrest in May 2015 on suspicion of spousal abuse against his now ex-wife, Molly. Brown was accused of grabbing his wife’s wrist as she tried to reach for a phone, causing a contusion and bruising. He was not charged by local authorities in the case in the state of Washington.
But documents released by the King County sheriff ’s office, including journals and emails, detailed a history of abuse far greater than Brown acknowledged when he spoke about being disciplined before the season started.
“I have taken measures to get help so that I may be the voice of change, not a statistic,” Brown said Tuesday. “It is important to share that I never struck my wife, and never would. Abuse takes many forms, and is not a gray area. Through the past several years I have worked to identify and rectify my own behaviors.”
Two days after the admissions became public, Brown was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list on Friday while the league considered further discipline. The league said it tried but failed to get more details from authorities after Brown’s arrest. Molly Brown declined to speak to league investigators, saying she did not trust that the NFL had her best interests at heart, according to a police report.
The Giants discussed Brown’s future after returning from London and a 17-10 win over the Rams on Sunday. They announced their decision on Tuesday. Brown was left home for the game.
Broncos get Patriots tight end Derby
The Denver Broncos traded a 2017 fifth-round pick to the rival New England Patriots in exchange for tight end A.J. Derby . To make room, they released veteran safety Shiloh Keo for the second time this season. Derby was a sixthround draft pick out of Arkansas last year and has played in four games for the Patriots this season after spending his rookie season on injured reserve.
Playing behind Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, Derby played just 36 snaps. But his preseason production — 15 receptions for 189 yards and one touchdown — is roughly what the Broncos’ tight ends have managed this season. Virgil Green, John Phillips and Jeff Heuerman have a combined 17 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown. Broncos General Manager John Elway called Derby “a young tight end who can help us immediately.”
Etc.
The Detroit Lions traded linebacker Kyle Van Noy to the Patriots. The Lions also signed linebacker Josh Bynes . ... The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without defensive tackle Roy Miller for the rest of the season because of a torn right Achilles’ tendon . ... The Atlanta Falcons added insurance for injured running back Tevin Coleman (hamstring) by signing three running backs, including Stevan Ridley, who began his NFL career with New England and also played for the New York Jets. The Falcons also signed Terron Ward from their practice squad. Free agent Jhurell Pressley was signed to the practice squad.