Jermaine Whitehead ‘Deeply Regretful’ for Twitter Rant

Justin Morgan
By Justin Morgan
November 5, 2019Sports News
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Jermaine Whitehead ‘Deeply Regretful’ for Twitter Rant
Jermaine Whitehead, #35, of the Cleveland Browns defends during the game’s first quarter in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 3, 2019. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Cleveland Browns defensive back Jermaine Whitehead apologized Tuesday for the alarming postgame Twitter rant that led to his release by the Browns organization.

Whitehead was cut from the team Monday after posting a barrage of threatening and profane messages on Twitter following Cleveland’s 24-19 loss in Denver on Sunday.

One message posted by the 26-year-old starter was directed at a former NFL player who had questioned his tackling. Whitehead used a derogatory racial term toward the player. In another response to a fan he wrote, “Imma kill you.”

According to Cleveland19 News, The Twitter account allegedly belonging to Whitehead was suspended Sunday night.

Jermaine Whitehead
Defensive back Jermaine Whitehead of Auburn competes during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Feb. 23, 2015. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Following the tirade, Whitehead later expressed remorse on his Instagram page.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for my actions following our game with Denver,” he wrote.

“That was totally out of character for me. I do not justify my actions, but was extremely frustrated with the way I had played and our team losing because of it. I was playing with a broken hand, but that is no excuse for my actions, and I am deeply regretful.

“I want to personally apologize to anyone who I offended, especially those who I was responsive to on Twitter. My choice of words did not reflect who I am, but only what I was feeling. Also, my sincerest apologies to my teammates, coaches, the Browns organization and most of all, the fans and kids that motivate me to even pursue this dream.

“Again I am deeply sorry for my unacceptable behavior, and I wish the Browns the best of luck in the future. I love you!”

Accoring to fox8, the Browns issued a statement Sunday condemning Whitehead’s actions.

“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.”

Jermaine Whitehead
Cleveland Browns defensive back Jermaine Whitehead (35) runs a play against the Denver Broncos during the second half of the game, in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Whitehead started the Browns’ first eight games, and he entered Sunday’s game leading the team’s secondary in tackles. The Browns signed him last year, after Green Bay let him go for punching a New England lineman in a game.

Browns safety Morgan Burnett—who was also Whitehead’s teammate with Green Bay—has voiced concern for his well-being.

“I just feel like it was a situation where his emotions got the best of him,” said Burnett. “We’re going to miss him but I think for me personally because I played with him in Green Bay, I take it past football and it’s just something where I just want to pray for him.”

“Wish him the best and get the help that he needs and pray that he gets back on his feet,” Burnett added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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