BEREA, Ohio — New Browns receiver Isaiah Bond walks toward the podium, and the fun ends here.
Minutes earlier Tuesday, quarterback Joe Flacco stood in the same spot spreading hope for the Browns’ new offense and smiling through questions about his age. At 40, Flacco is old enough for rookie Gage Larvadain (age to call him “Mr. Joe Flacco.” Flacco takes exception.
“... If I heard him say that,” the old man replied, ”I’d probably say, ‘Hey, let’s cut it out on the Mr.”
Funny joke, likeable player. You should read about him. Might’ve written about himself myself on another day.
But on Tuesday, Bond was reciting a statement concerning his recent criminal case. The Browns signed him Monday, less than a week after a Collin County, Texas, grand jury opted not to indict him on a sexual assault charge. He wouldn’t answer questions about it based on advice from his agent and lawyer. Browns fans know this scene by now.
It must be getting old.
I’m reserving judgment on Bond, who has been cleared by the judicial system and will likely not be suspended by the NFL.
Same goes for rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, whose domestic battery charge was dropped Thursday but who still awaits an NFL investigation. And linebacker Devin Bush, whose domestic violence trial begins Dec. 2 in Pittsburgh, is innocent until proven guilty.
But each case adds to a troubling Cleveland trend, if also to the Browns talent pool.
Since hiring general manager Andrew Berry in 2020, Cleveland has acquired eight players who have been accused of violence or misconduct against women during their careers. Judkins, Bush, Mike Hall Jr. and Perrion Winfrey were accused after being acquired. The Browns knew of Bond’s, Deshaun Watson’s, Kareem Hunt’s and Jameis Winston’s accusations before signing them.
None of these players were convicted. And the Browns have said they believe in offering second chances. Worthy mission.
But that doesn’t mean fans have to like it.
I’ll ask directly: How does it feel to cheer for a team that ranks near the top of the league in uncomfortable living room conversations? Did you enjoy hearing broadcasts dance around Watson’s “off-field issues” over the last three seasons? Did you enjoy explaining the background to football novices, then having to explain yourself as a fan?
I only root for the team. I don’t root for him.
It’s hard to separate each party. And it’s hard to enjoy Sundays when every Bond catch, Judkins carry, or Bush tackle comes with an awkward legal explainer.
More to the point: These moves drain fun from the football experience. Fans are supposed to applaud big plays and bemoan bad calls. Reporters should be penning stories about the 40-year-old quarterback. The Browns are trying to distance themselves from the thick, legal cloud that has hovered over their franchise for three seasons.
Instead, another new signee is reciting his statement. He either can’t or won’t discuss the details of his case. And suddenly, your Mr. Flacco Fever has subsided.
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