Displaying items by tag: cleveland browns

The Cleveland Browns have confirmed the arrests of two players after a traffic stop early Friday morning.

General manager Ray Farmer, in a statement, says the team takes charges against De'Ante Saunders and Armonty Bryant - quote - very serious. He says it's "extremely disappointing" that the players would put themselves in this situation by making poor decisions.

There's no word on what charges were made against the players.

Armonty Bryant won't travel to Kansas City and won't be active against the Chiefs.

Farmer's statement says there's no further comment due to policy, and the pending nature of the legal situation.

(Cleveland Browns) STATEMENT FROM CLEVELAND BROWNS GENERAL MANAGER RAY FARMER:

We are aware of the arrests of De'Ante Saunders and Armonty Bryant after a traffic stop early Friday morning.

These are charges that we take very seriously. The importance of responsible decision-making is something we continually stress to all members of our organization, which makes it extremely disappointing that these two individuals would put themselves in this situation by making such poor decisions.

Armonty will be inactive on Sunday for our game against the Chiefs and will not travel with the team to Kansas City so he can tend to this personal legal matter.

In addition to being a pending legal matter, this incident is subject to the NFL personal conduct policy and we have no further comment at this time.

After the Browns lost to the Seattle Seahawks yesterday in the Great Northwest, many things were to blame for the 30-13 defeat, but the quarterback was not one of them.

Steve King from BrownsDailyDose.com joined the Sam Bourquin Show Monday to talk about the game and what led to the lopsided loss.

"The tackling was terrible," King said. "At some point these guys are going to have to learn to tackle, and if they don't, you will see more games like you did yesterday."

Overall, King gave Johnny Manziel a 'B' grade, saying he made some plays, did somet things moving the pocket, but ultimately, quarterbacks are judged by wins and losses.

"His receivers had some drops, which didn't help," King explained. 

Browns tight end Gary Barnidge will stay a Browns player for some time.

The team announced today that Barnidge, who is a receiving leader in the 2015 season, has had his contract extended.

The team hasn't disclosed further details.

Barnidge tweeted a picture of himself signing the new deal.

I would like to announce I have signed an extension to remain in Cleveland. Looking forward to years to come. pic.twitter.com/X75uXvggCH

— Gary Barnidge (@garybarnidge) December 10, 2015

(Cleveland Browns) Tight end Gary Barnidge, Cleveland's leader in multiple receiving categories who is in the midst of a career season, signed a contract extension with the Browns on Thursday.

Barnidge, 30, long surpassed his career-best totals in all receiving categories and still has four games to play in 2015. The seventh-year veteran enters Cleveland's Week 14 matchup against the 49ers with a team-high 60 receptions and seven touchdowns. He's second behind Travis Benjamin with 817 receiving yards.

"It's a tremendous honor that Cleveland has the faith in me. I want to be here whenever we turn this thing around. I know we haven't had the season we wanted this year but I'm looking forward to the future and getting everything turned around."

After years of playing behind Pro Bowl tight ends -- first with Greg Olsen in Carolina and then with Jordan Cameron during his first two seasons with the Browns -- Barnidge has flourished as Cleveland's top pass-catching tight end. He's caught at least five passes in eight of the past 10 games and ranks third among NFL tight ends in receptions, yards and touchdowns. He's notched three 100-yard games, topping off with 139 in a Week 5 overtime win at Baltimore, and is tied for first in the league among tight ends in third-down receptions (19).

Barnidge is one, 100-yard game away from tying the Browns franchise record for most in a season (Milt Morin, 1968). He's two touchdowns away from tying Ozzie Newsome's franchise record of nine.

"This is good news for both Gary and the Cleveland Browns," Browns General Manager Ray Farmer said. "Gary is someone that does things the right way, both on and off the field. He's a true professional and we are excited to have him remain a Cleveland Brown."

Earlier this month, Barnidge was recognized for his on- and off-the-field work when he was named the Cleveland Browns 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Barnidge helped establish American Football Without Barriers (AFWB, www.AFWBcamp.com), a simple concept with a global impact that brings football to underprivileged kids across the world. Co-founded in 2011 by Barnidge, New York Jets RT Breno Giacomini and college roommate Ahmed Awadallah, the international non-profit aims to develop American football in underprivileged countries. Barnidge is an advocate for OhioGuidestone, a local non-profit organization that aids children and families in Cleveland as it relates to residential care, foster care and community-based services. A movie aficionado who hopes to one day be a movie critic, Barnidge also gives back to Browns fans with a weekly movie giveaway.

"The way Gary goes about his business every single day sets a great example for all of our players," Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine said. "He is a testament of hard work, professionalism and a team-first mentality. I can't say enough positive things about Gary Barnidge."

With his latest edition of the NFL Power Rankings on Bleacher Report, it's no surprise that out of 32 NFL teams, the Cleveland Browns came in 32nd. The situation is a mess and it seems as though there's no light at the end of the tunnel.

Brent Sobleski from the Bleacher Report joined Brad Russell in the Average Sports Show Wednesday to talk about the rankings and the frustrations surrounding the Browns, especially their lack of finding quality talent in the first round of the draft.

"The issues with the rookies are almost identical,  when you are talking technique and lack of functional football strength," Sobleski said, referring to Danny Shelton and Cameron Erving 

For the rest of the AFC,  Brent says the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers are propelling themselves into playoff contention, despite injuries to key players.

The Browns are known for their loyal fans throughout the sporting world, and one of those fans has written a book detailing her journey as an ultimate fan and inspiring others to find their passion in life.

Debra Darnall, AKA "The Bone Lady" joined Sam Bourquin in the studio to talk about the book, her costumed journey with the Browns, and how she found her self-worth through the "Bone Lady" persona.

Fans identify with the Bone Lady and others because of their passion and love for the Browns.

"There is this persona of ultimate fandom and people like seeing you at games and being part of their experience," she says.  Darnall says she boycotted the NFL from the time they left until 1999 when they returned. She entered a 4th of July parade as "The Bone Lady" with full costume and her car painted orange with a bone on top.

 She's been frustrated with the Browns, as we all have, but she says she'll always be a fan no matter what.  You can find the book on Amazon.com or whereever books are sold.

The Browns are heading into their game with the Bengals with a record of 2-9, Third-stringer Austin Davis gets the starting nod at quarterback, and they lost to a team without their starting quarterback, running back, and key wide reciever.

Brad Russell voiced his frustrations during the Browns' "Airing of Grievances" during the Average Sports Show.

"The quarterback play isn't even the biggest problem," Russell said. "Josh McCown played his heart out, we know he's a bridge quarterback, but he came in and did his job."

It all comes down to one concept though: finish the game, something the Browns haven't done a whole lot of since their return in 1999.

Casey Drottar from RantSports.com said he had no reaction when Travis Coons' field goal was blocked and returned for a touchdown by the Ravens' Will Hill.

He says many people feel the same way and if the Browns continue their ways, many people will feel the same way.

A new week, a new starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

Coach Mike Pettine says Austin Davis gets the nod as the Browns take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Josh McCown is hurt, and Johnny Manziel is being punished.

Pettine says it's not about the length of that punishment, but it's about a need to see both young quarterbacks.

Davis led the Browns to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Baltimore replacing the injured McCown, and Pettine says he deserves the chance to start. The Browns also officially signed former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor - but as a wide receiver.

Coach Pettine does say that Pryor being on the roster provides "an insurance policy", should the team need a third quarterback.

The naming of Davis means another name has been added to an infamous Browns jersey display, as the 24th starting Browns quarterback since the return of the team in 1999.

White tape supply running dangerously low. How about some help @theduckbrand pic.twitter.com/xs8thOGH0X

— Brokaw (@BrokawInc) December 2, 2015

Cleveland's Brokaw Advertising jokes that it's running out of white tape adding the names to the jersey.

After the Browns' 33-27 loss at the hands of the shorthanded Baltimore Ravens, frustrations have boiled over with many fans and supporters. 

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown was pulled out of Monday night's game with the Ravens when he was injured.

Now, that injury will sideline him for the rest of this season.

"It's the worst case scenario for Josh," Browns head coach Mike Pettine told reporters in a conference call on Monday. "He will miss the remainder of the season with a fracture to his collarbone."

Coach Pettine says that McCown's injury won't require surgery, but the quarterback won't be able to come back before season's end.

"It's not displaced so he does not need surgery, but it will take more than the rest of the season to get it healed up," Pettine says.

Pettine says Josh means a lot to the team.

"He's in the locker room, practice field, game day, just the positive energy that he exuded, and leadership," Pettine says, "I just can't say enough positive things about Josh McCown and what he's done for this football team, and what he means for this football team."

Pettine won't, however, name a starter in McCown's absence.

Second string quarterback Austin Davis led the Browns to a touchdown drive on Monday. Johnny Manziel was active as the third string quarterback, but did not play.

Johnny Manziel will not only no longer be the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback on Monday Night - he's been bounced to third string.

That announcement was made Tuesday in a statement from Browns head coach Mike Pettine.

Pettine says Josh McCown will be the starting quarterback "going forward".

The move comes after video footage surfaced of Manziel partying and drinking in Austin, Texas, reportedly over last weekend.

-----

(Cleveland Browns, Coach Mike Pettine statement) "Josh McCown will be the starting quarterback on Monday night against the Ravens. I informed the quarterbacks of that decision after I sat down and spoke with Johnny, Flip (John DeFilippo) and Kevin (O'Connell) after practice today. Johnny will be the third quarterback. I've spoken to Ray (Farmer) and Jimmy (Haslam) to inform them of my decision, and they are in full support.

"Everyone in this organization wants what is best for Johnny just like we do for every player in our locker room. I'm especially disappointed in his actions and behavior because he has been working very hard. The improvements from last year to this year have been tremendous but he still has to consistently demonstrate that he has gained a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the quarterback position on this level. It goes well beyond the field. We are going to continue to support him in every way possible, but at this point, we've decided it's best to go with Josh as the starter going forward."

With the Browns in the bye week after the loss to the Steelers, the team already knows who will be behind center when they finish the season.

The 2 and 8 Browns have tapped quarterback Johnny Manziel to play the last six games of the 2015 season.

The move came just before the NFL announced that it won't discipline Manziel for an October incident with his girlfriend in Avon.

Head coach Mike Pettine says that not only has Manziel's play improved through the loss to the Steelers.

"We understand where our season is at this point," Pettine told reporters in Berea on Tuesday, "and this is a kid that we've invested a lot in...and this will give us an opportunity to see how far he's come, and what he's capable of."

Manziel says he's excited to start, and says he's told coach Pettine that he'll be on his best behavior.

"I let him now that I'm not going to do anything that's going to be a distraction to this team, or be an embarrassment to the organization," Manziel says, "and that was the thing that he stressed to me as well, so he kind of stressed that back."

The Browns play next a week from Monday night at FirstEnergy Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens.

After the Browns humiliating 30-9 loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers, there are many questions swirling around the lakefront. 

Our own Sam Bourquin dissected the loss, saying it amazes him why people continue to watch the team, despite their ineptitude this season, and in seasons past.

"How can you sit there and root this team on?" Bourquin asked. "You're not going to see me barking and woofing."

For Akron Beacon Journal Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich, who joined the show, he says he doesn't really see a light at the end of the tunnel with the current trifecta of Ray Farmer, Mike Pettine, and owner Jimmy Haslam.

With the news coming out recently regarding former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar saying that he'd be willing to help the organization regain its footing as one of the league's more competitive franchises, many people have weighed in with their opinions on whether or not #19 would be welcomed back into the fold.

Sammy B caught up with the Voice of the Browns, WKYC Channel 3's own Jim Donovan to talk about Kosar reaching out to the Browns organization, with hopes of changing the culture.

"It's not the first time he said it," Donovan said. "Three owners since 1999 haven't taken Bernie up on his offer, but there's two sides two every story."

Jim says he does not know what role Kosar would like to pursue, whether it's team president, GM, or another role.

Jim Donovan said that one of the obvious things that's going on with the Browns this year, is the lack of talent and it came from some missed draft picks, especially in the first round.

"Guys like Erving, Manziel, Gilbert, those are all guys that should be playing and contributing," he said.

Many people remember when Art Modell took the heart from Cleveland Browns fans 20 years ago (tomorrow) when he moved the franchise to Baltimore.

The memories, the wins, the losses, the Kardiac Kids,  Bernie and the Dawg Pound with Dixon and Minnefield resonated with just about everyone, and just like that, it was gone.

Our own Sam Bourquin offered his take on how he felt 20 years ago when he learned of the Browns being on the move.

"The guy (Modell) was moving our team, a team that we had supported win or lose, a team that we would go to the airport and touch their hands when they came back from a road win," Sammy B said.

"Those were our Browns."

 Bourquin said that since the Browns came back in 1999,  he and many other fans can't wrap their arms around this edition of the Browns, and that their Browns are currently in Maryland.

The article "Lost Dawgs" chronicled the team's move and the fans' heartache over the years. You can check out that article here.

With the NFL in full swing, the latest power ranking came out courtesy of Brent Sobleski of the Bleacher Report.

Sobleski joined Brad Russell in the Average Sports Show on Wednesday to talk about the rankings, the Browns coming in at #25, and what teams are making the most progress.

"If you look at the bottom of the league, it's really not that bad for Cleveland," Sobleski says.

"You look at other teams around the league, the Tennessee Titans fired their coach, the San Francisco 49ers went with Blaine Gabbert as their quarterback, so there's worse situations out there."

 Futher delving into the Browns, Tom Reed from the Cleveland Plain Dealer joined Brad later on in the show to talk about his thoughts regarding the Browns' matchup Thursday night with the Cincinnati Bengals.

 Johnny Manziel will get the starting nod against the Bengals. Reed said the ball is in his court.

""It's all up to Johnny," Reed said.  "This feels different, the team's reeling, and any shot at the playoffs is out the window, so everyone in the organization is under pressure, so they need a a spark."

Will Johnny Manziel be ready to play - if needed - for the Browns this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals?

There's a little matter of the NFL coming to talk to him about that incident with his girlfriend on I-90.

Coach Mike Pettine won't give the exact date of the meeting between his backup and the league, but it will happen soon.

"I'll put it this way, it's imminent," Pettine told reporters at his Wednesday press conference. "There's a sense of urgency to it, and that meeting is imminent."

Coach Pettine says he doesn't know at this time if Manziel will be available Sunday if needed. He's been taking first-team reps this week.

Starter Josh McCown is still nursing a sore shoulder, but Pettine says he's "day to day" and could start on Sunday, even missing practices.