The Cleveland Browns released defensive back Jermaine Whitehead on Monday following a series of profane tweets in which he appeared to threaten people who criticized his performance during the team's 24-19 loss against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Fans were upset with Whitehead's performance after several errors that included a missed tackle on a Noah Fant 75-yard touchdown catch. The defensive back made several threatening and profane posts on Twitter, with one tweet directed at Dustin Fox, who works for the Browns Radio Network, after he criticized Whitehead's tackling. Many of Whiteheads' tweets were vulgar, with many of them suggesting he was ready to fight, or even kill, the person he was responding to online.
The Cleveland Browns announced Whitehead's release with a one-line Tweet Monday morning.
“Jermaine Whitehead's social media posts following today's game were totally unacceptable and highly inappropriate,” a team spokesperson said in a statement about Whitehead's release. “We immediately spoke with Jermaine upon learning of these comments. The Browns in no way condone that type of language or behavior. This matter will be further addressed internally.”
Whitehead was in the middle of his second season with the Browns after previously being waived by the Green Bay Packers last year. His record included 41 tackles and one interception during his season with the team this year. The Browns (2-6) have struggled, losing four games so far.
WARNING: TWEETS CONTAIN CRUDE LANGUAGE
Whitehead issued an apology on his Instagram for his poor play during Sunday's game, but not for his later comments.
“Crazy world. They line it up and say anything in the book too you,” he said. “They tell you take the high road, when yo whole life you was taught to meet fire with fire. I do apologize for my performance, but having a broke hand and a strong fear of letting my team down is my downfall. Whatever happens happens. Ain trippin. They probably gone still talk crazy but this me getting smoke off my chest. I don't need one like.. this from me to me! Keep ya head up homie, can't nobody f--- with you. I dare em to try.”
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