The Cleveland Browns just can’t seem to avoid some type of off the field drama. Wednesday, veteran linebacker Mychal Kendricks revealed that he has been charged with insider trading. He takes inside linebacker takes to a whole a new meaning now. It appears Kendricks has earned his stripes, they just may not be orange, white and brown.
All kidding aside, here is another black eye for a franchise with a history of miscues. So what should the Browns do with the Super Bowl winning linebacker? Should they keep Kendricks or trade or cut him?
Kendricks signed a one year deal with the Browns this offseason after the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles cut him. If Cleveland decides to say goodbye to Kendricks, it could be good news for linebackers Carl Nassib and Nate Orchard. An extra linebacker spot on the 53-man roster would be open. If you have followed Hard Knocks this season, there has been a focus on the battle for the final linebacker spot between Nassib and Orchard.
Kendricks was a big addition to a young Browns defense. Super Bowl experience and a guy who is very smart on the football field. It’s a shame that one not so smart decision just might cost him his football career.
The insider trading took place four years ago. Attorneys for Kendricks released the following statement from the linebacker.
A statement from #Browns LB Mychal Kendrick, who has just been charged by the feds for insider trading. Wow. pic.twitter.com/0IEsV6lPTh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2018
“I would like to apologize. Four years ago, I participated in insider trading, and I deeply regret it. I invested money with a former friend of mine who I thought I could trust and who I greatly admired. His background as a Harvard graduate and an employee of Goldman Sachs gave me a false sense of confidence.”
“To this point, I had worked my tail off since I was 5 years old to become a football player. I was drawn in by the allure of being more than just a football player. While I didn’t fully understand all of the details of the illegal trades, I knew it was wrong, and I wholeheartedly regret my actions.”
“Since the beginning of the investigation, I have fully cooperated with the authorities and will continue to do so. I accept full responsibility for my actions. Although I did not take any of the profits for myself, I am committed to repaying all of the funds gained illegally and accept the consequences for my actions.”
“I sincerely apologize to my coaches, the owners, and my teammates on the Eagles and the Browns, the NFL, and the magnificent fans to whom I owe my career. I also apologize to my family, who I have failed in this. You all deserve better. I will work my hardest to re-earn your trust and respect, serve as an advocate to educate others, and show you that I will never be involved in anything like this again.”
A Browns spokesperson released the following statement.
“We are aware of the situation and in communication with the league office as we gather more information. Mychal will not make the trip to Detroit. We will comment further at the appropriate time.”
Scott Piker is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Browns. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
