The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Browns’ Whitehead cut after ‘unacceptab­le’ rant on Twitter

- Tom Withers, Associated Press

Jermaine Whitehead’s disturbing social media rant cost him his job. The Cleveland Browns cut the safety Monday, hours after the team reprimande­d Whitehead for“totally unacceptab­le and highly inappropri­ate” posts following a 24-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Whitehead made several threatenin­g and expletive-laden posts on Twitter while still in uniform following Cleveland’s fourth straight loss. One of Whitehead’s tweets was directed at Dustin Fox, a former NFL player who works for the team’s radio network. Fox had sent an earlier tweet criticizin­g Whitehead’s tackling. Twitter suspended Whitehead’s account and the team released a statement after it became aware of his postings.

“Jermaine Whitehead’s social media posts following today’s game were totally unacceptab­le and highly inappropri­ate,” the Browns said in a statement.“The Browns in no way condone that type of language or behavior.”

Whitehead’s tweets included several expletives and in one he used a derogatory racial term.

The 26-year-old player started the game in place of safety Damarious Randall, who missed his second straight game because of a hamstring injury. Whitehead missed tackles on two big plays by the Broncos. He declined an interview request following the game and then went on Instagram to voice his frustratio­n.

Whitehead was in his second season with Cleveland. The Browns signed him last year after he was waived by Green Bay two days after he was ejected for throwing a punch against New England. The Browns (2-6) have lost four straight games.

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