Bad news tends to come in clusters for the Browns.
Fresh from the revelation by Warren Sapp that former Browns coach Bill Belichick wanted to draft Sapp in 1995 -- and Sapp’s proclamation that the team never would have left Cleveland if that had happened -- cornerback Joe Haden has been removed from practice after exchanging “heated words” with coach Pat Shurmur.
Per Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com, Haden was pulled from the field roughly 30 minutes into practice, because it was believed he was being “too rough” with wideout Travis Benjamin. Grossi reports that Haden had been warned about pulling jerseys, and that he eventually dragged Benjamin to the ground in a red zone drill.
Then came the exchange with Shurmur, and off went Haden to the showers.
After practice, Shurmur refused to discuss the situation.
“I’m not gonna talk about it,” Shurmur said. “That’s between me and the player. I have a great deal of respect for Joe. If you want details, you’re going to have to find it on Twitter. My only apology is that I used bad language and the fans were here to see it.”
Shurmur, who according to Grossi was “testy” on the topic, spoke generally about the issue of being careful but effective in practice.
“I think it’s important that we practice smart,” Shurmur said. “You have to be able to practice at game speed [without tackling]. I want all of our guys to make it to the horse race. Everything I do, all my thoughts, revolve around our players and our team. I told the guys that.”
Haden reportedly is facing a four-game suspension for violation of the league’s policy regarding steroids and related substances, for taking Adderall. It’s not known when the internal appeal process will be finalized.