Texans players irate after beat writer makes Clowney-injury joke
After 35 years of covering the NFL for the Houston Chronicle, beat writer John McClain made a poor choice of words on Tuesday.
After being stiffed for an interview by Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney after practice, McClain took to Twitter to vent his frustrations by joking about the 23-year-old's injury history.
Clowney refused to do interview as he was walking off the field. Maybe he would have gotten injured talking to us.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 16, 2016
McClain may be in for an unfriendly season because his barb did not sit well with several prominent members of the Texans' roster.
I have no respect for jokes about a player's injuries. You don't play this sport and have no idea what our bodies go thru @McClain_on_NFL
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) August 16, 2016
Cmon John, your better than that. Not called for. https://t.co/brSfyCyeVJ
— Deandre Hopkins (@Nukdabomb) August 16, 2016
You have a job to do I respect that. But to throw low blows or downgrade a player is uncalled for. Period. Grow up. https://t.co/e9HAyFZneP
— Cecil Shorts III (@CecilShortsIII) August 16, 2016
McClain appeared to realize his error, saying he intends to apologize to Clowney at Wednesday's practice.
After practice tomorrow I'm going 2 apologize to Jadeveon Clowney 4 cheap shot I tweeted when he didn't do interview with media.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 16, 2016