The Cleveland Browns dropped Jermaine Whitehead on Monday after the NFL safety posted profanity-laden threats on Twitter following the Browns’ loss against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Whitehead missed a tackle on a couple big plays, including a 75-yard touchdown by Broncos tight end Noah Fant, drawing criticism from fans and journalists, reported ESPN. Moments after the game ended, Whitehead lashed out on social media, using profanity, racial slurs, and threats against fans and reporters, including to former NFL player and Browns’ radio analyst Dustin Fox.
“Come get in blood [expletive] made [expletive] lil boy. I’m out there with a broke hand .. don’t get smoked [expletive] [expletive][expletive,]” he wrote in response to Fox, who criticized Whitehead’s performance, writing on Twitter: “Whitehead’s tackling today is a joke.”
Zac Jackson of the Athletic reported that Whitehead was still in the locker room and wearing his uniform while he was writing a series of profanity-laced tweets, reported Yahoo.
Fifteen minutes after the game, his Twitter account was suspended.
On Sunday night, the Browns condemned his behavior in a statement, writing on Twitter: “Jermaine Whitehead’s social media posts following today’s game were totally unacceptable and highly inappropriate. 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.”
On Monday, Whitehead was released from the Browns, according to multiple reports.
Whitehead took to Instagram on Monday to apologize for his performance on the field Sunday night, but not his conduct on social media, writing,“Crazy world. They line it up and say anything in the book too you. 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, can’t nobody [expletive] with you. I dare em to try.”
He has since deleted the Instagram post and appears to have disabled the comments function on all Instagram posts.
