Browns release Whitehead after 'unacceptable' social media tirade
Warning: Story contains coarse language
The Cleveland Browns released safety Jermaine Whitehead, the team announced Monday.
The decision came after the defensive back went on a social media diatribe following Cleveland's loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Whitehead sent threatening tweets from a non-verified account to fans who were criticizing his play. He also threatened a Browns radio host who questioned the defensive back's tackling effort.
Dustin Fox of 92.3 The Fan tweeted, "Whitehead's efforts tackling today is a joke."
Whitehead responded, "Come get it in blood b---- made a-- lil boy. I'm out there with a broke hand. Don't get smoked f--- a--- c------."
In another tweet, Whitehead told a user, "Imma kill you b----."
Browns player Jermaine Whitehead just got his twitter suspended 15 min after losing to the Broncos.
— Sports Nation Ohio (@SN_Ohio) November 4, 2019
Things are going well! pic.twitter.com/yPVPOwtHVW
Whitehead's Twitter account has since been suspended.
In a statement several hours later, the Browns said they've talked to Whitehead about his "unacceptable" conduct.
"Jermaine Whitehead's social media posts following today's game were totally unacceptable and highly inappropriate," the Browns' statement read, according to Andrew Gibble of the team's official site. "We immediately spoke with Jermaine upon learning of these comments. The Browns in no way condone that type of language or behavior."
A Browns media relations official attempted to get Whitehead to delete his tweets postgame in the locker room, but he repeatedly refused while making it clear he wouldn't back down, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson. Whitehead was reportedly still in full uniform while sounding off on social media.
Whitehead also took his tirade to Instagram, posting from his official account.
"They tell you take the high road, when yo whole life you was taught to meet fire with fire," his caption read. "I do apologize for my performance, but having a broke hand and a strong fear of letting my team down is my downfall."
Whitehead went undrafted in 2015. He spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Green Bay Packers before joining the Browns in 2018.