Unions at odds with Browns
Members of unions representing Cleveland police officers and paramedics have said they won’t hold a large U.S. flag during pregame ceremonies prior to next Sunday’s Cleveland Browns season opener after a group of Browns players knelt during the national anthem before a preseason game last month.
Steve Loomis, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, cited his service in the U.S. Navy when he told WKYC-TV he was astounded that Browns management knew of the protests but allowed it to occur.
“I am not going to participate or work with management that allows their players to disrespect the flag and the national anthem,” Loomis said.
Nearly a dozen Browns players knelt in a circle and prayed in silent protest during the anthem before a preseason home game Aug. 21 against the New York Giants. A smaller group of players placed hands on the shoulders of their kneeling teammates.
A team spokesman issued a statement at halftime that said the organization has a “profound respect” for the national anthem, the U.S. flag and those who serve in the military.
“We feel it’s important for our team to join in this great tradition and special moment of recognition, at the same time we also respect the great liberties afforded by our country, including the freedom of personal expression,” the statement said.
Dan Nemeth, president of the Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees Local 1975, said he had a similar reaction to Loomis’. He told Cleveland.com he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and finds it “hypocritical” for Browns management to say they support the military while allowing players to kneel during the anthem.
Cravens mulls retirement: Washington Redskins safety Su’a Cravens had to be talked out of retiring on Sunday during a meeting with team president Bruce Allen, and his future with the team is in doubt.
The 22-year-old Cravens, Washington’s expected starter at strong safety, has been out since Aug. 15 following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but he was expected to return to practice this week to prepare for the season opener Sept. 10 against Philadelphia.
It was not immediately clear how the Redskins would designate Cravens, though he was not at practice on Sunday and Deshazor Everett is expected to start against the Eagles. Cravens’ uncertainty explains why Washington kept five safeties on its initial 53-man roster.
Coach Jay Gruden informed players of Cravens’ situation after practice. Gruden was originally supposed to speak with reporters, but that news conference was canceled and moved until Tuesday.
Back to Broncos: Brock Osweiler is returning to Denver 18 months after jilting the Broncos in free agency.
The Broncos agreed to terms with Peyton Manning’s former apprentice Saturday on a one-year deal after the quarterback was cut by the Cleveland Browns. Provided he passes his physical Monday, Osweiler will serve as Trevor Siemian’s understudy in his second stint in Denver.
The Broncos needed another QB because Paxton Lynch, their 2016 first-round draft pick, will miss a month or more with a sprained shoulder.
Bills drop back: Add running back Jonathan Williams to the mix of former Buffalo Bills draft picks no longer on the team.
The 2016 fifth-round pick was regarded as the most surprising Bills player cut Sunday, when Buffalo was required to make room for three players acquired on waivers. Williams had 121 yards rushing and a touchdown this preseason, and was projected to be LeSean McCoy’s primary backup.
Williams’ departure leaves Buffalo with just 16 players drafted by the team, including six rookies this year.