Browns cut safety after Twitter rant
CLEVELAND — Jermaine Whitehead’s disturbing social media rant cost him his job.
The 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. “We immediately spoke with Jermaine upon learning of these comments. The Browns in no way condone that type of language or behavior. This matter will be further addressed internally.”
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.
“Crazy world. They line it up and say anything in the book too you,” he wrote. “They tell you take the high road, when yo whole life you was taught to meet fire with fire. I do apologize for my performance, but having a broke hand and a strong fear of letting my team down is my downfall.
“Whatever happens happens. Ain trippin. They probably gone still talk crazy but this me getting smoke off my chest. I don’t need one like.. this from me to me! Keep ya head up homie.” He then added crudely that “nobody” can intimidate him: “I dare em to try.”
EAGLES: DeSean Jackson will have surgery to correct a core muscle injury Tuesday morning, a source close to the Eagles wide receiver said Monday.
The team later would release a statement confirming the surgery.
A timetable for Jackson’s return hasn’t yet been set, but even if he were to be available this season, it might not be until the playoffs, if the Eagles were to advance that far. Recovery from core muscle surgeries can take up to or longer than two months, depending upon the patient.
JETS: The New York Jets are in an all-too familiar position: keeping their fingers crossed while waiting on MRI results.
Running back Le’Veon Bell is the latest player causing some concern after he had one of his knees tested Monday. It was not immediately certain if it could force him to miss some time. Coach Adam Gase thought the Jets would know more Monday night or Tuesday morning.
“I don’t want to get too alarmed with Le’Veon without any information,” Gase said. “It could be nothing and he just felt like something didn’t feel right. It could be something else. It’s hard for me to go anywhere with it mentally just because I feel like it’s just so gray.”
COLTS: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett has a sprained left knee but has not been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Miami.
Coach Frank Reich told reporters on his weekly conference call Brissett was feeling better than expected and no decision would be made until later this week. DOLPHINS: Miami Dolphins running back Mark Walton was suspended Monday without pay for the next four games for violating NFL conduct and substance abuse policies.
The suspension stems from Walton being arrested three times last offseason in his hometown of Miami. He was sentenced in August to six months’ probation after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor weapons charge.
Other charges, including marijuana possession and reckless driving, were dismissed.
… Preston Williams’ breakout season with the Dolphins is over.
The undrafted rookie receiver will miss the final eight games with a knee injury suffered in the Dolphins’ first win of the year against the New York Jets, coach Brian Flores said Monday.