Jimmy Haslam Calls Out Browns: We Won’t Tolerate ‘Irresponsible’ Players

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam had some harsh words for his young players following Sunday’s regular-season finale.

Without mentioning specific names, it was clear that Haslam was calling out Johnny Manziel, Josh Gordon and Justin Gilbert after the Browns wrapped up their disappointing 7-9 season with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Haslam called their behavior “irresponsible,” and threatened that they must shape up if they want to remain a member of the Browns organization.

“I think a player who can’t show up for meetings, can’t make practice, can’t make weight-lifting, disrespects himself,” Haslam said. “But I think more importantly, and I think this is what these young guys miss, they disrespect the team, the coaches, the staff, the fans.

“There’s a lot of people in our organization whose livelihood depends on how well we do. We’re not gonna tolerate people who are irresponsible, no matter what round they’re drafted in.”

The ultimatum came one day after the trio of young stars were in the headlines for all the wrong reasons over the weekend. Manziel was fined for being late for treatment on his injured hamstring while Gordon was suspended for Sunday’s game for missing Saturday’s walk-through. Gilbert was inactive Sunday for being late to a team meeting Saturday night.

According to multiple reports, Manziel threw a huge party Friday night that was attended by many members of the team, including Gordon.

Haslam added the Browns have to “figure out” whether Manziel is their quarterback of the future.

“We’re gonna give them a chance,” Haslam said. “They’re young kids. We’re going to work with them — hopefully they grow up.

“But if they can’t grow up and they can’t be responsible to the their teammates and the coaches and our great fans, then they won’t be with the Cleveland Browns.”

Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images