What happened in Washington apparently has stayed in Washington for Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III.
On the heels of Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green calling out Griffin for being “selfish and childish,” Griffin’s new teammates regard him as sufficiently selfless and mature to be entrusted with the role of team captain, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Green, Joe Thomas, Joe Haden, Demario Davis, and Tank Carder were named captains in a vote of the players.
“I was a little surprised because hasn’t been here very long,” said coach Hue Jackson, who counted the votes, regarding Griffin’s inclusion among the group of captains. “He should feel good about that.”
Griffin said plenty earlier in the day about the things Green said about Griffin on 106.7 The Fan in D.C.
“I make sure I don’t focus on those things,” Griffin said Wednesday regarding Green’s remarks, via Cabot. “That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of that. For Darrell, a guy that I know personally, that’s his prerogative. Whatever you say in the public sphere, you have to make sure you’re ready to say that in the private sphere as well.
“Darrell hadn’t approached me about anything and I consider him a friend, so that’s disappointing, but it’s nothing that I can control. I just focus on being here with the Browns, worry about football, focus on that and don’t let anything distract me.”
With the clean slate Griffin has obtained in Cleveland, the distractions have been minimal, so far. With the faith of enough of his teammates to result in the placement of the C on his jersey, Griffin can focus on playing like he has an S in the middle of it -- unless and until some of the defenses he’ll face start throwing Kryptonite at him.