Giants cut Brown after abuse reports
The NFL originally suspended kicker Josh Brown one game for domestic abuse, but disturbing details of the case emerged last week and prompted the Giants to cut Brown on Tuesday.
The Giants released kicker 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 the 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. “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.”
Brown was suspended for the season opener for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after the league investigated his arrest in May 2015 for spousal abuse against his now ex-wife, Molly. He was not charged by local authorities in the case in Washington state.
But documents released by the King County Sheriff’s Office, including journals and emails, detailed a history of abuse far greater than Brown had acknowledged-before the season.
“I have taken measures to get help so that I may be the voice of change, not a statistic,” Brown said. “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.”
Cutler speaks: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said coach John Fox has no choice but to support him after Brian Hoyer was placed on injured reserve.
“He doesn’t have a choice at this point,” said Cutler, who has been out since Week 2 with a sprained thumb. “Brian is out, so I’ve got to go. I’ve had good conversations with Foxy this week, last week, the week before. There’s never been any strain in our relationship. We’re both very open and honest, and we’re on the same page. We just want to win.”
Osweiler backed: Texans coach Bill O’Brien said he has no plans to bench struggling quarterback Brock Osweiler.
“He’s a good player,” O’Brien said. “I think it’s very difficult to come into a new system and a new team and just pick it up right away. I think everybody has to do a better job.”
Osweiler is 4-3 this season and has thrown eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Extra points: Jaguars DT Roy Miller will miss the rest of the season with a torn right Achilles tendon. … Police are investigating a break-in at Broncos LB DeMarcus Ware’s home that occurred Monday night. … Jets great Joe Namath apologized to QB Geno
Smith after it was revealed Smith had a torn ACL. Namath had criticized Smith for not returning to the team’s win over the Ravens. … A 36-year-old Broncos fan died Monday night after falling 60 feet at the team’s stadium.