CLEVELAND (AP) — Jadeveon Clowney now says he’s sorry.
Clowney said he apologized to Browns star Myles Garrett more than a week after the defensive end criticized Cleveland, saying the organization favors his teammate and is more focused on getting him into the Hall of Fame than to win.
Clowney also claims his comments in an interview with cleveland.com were “completely misrepresented” and “taken out of context.”
The Browns disciplined Clowney for his statements, sent him home before practice a week ago and then kept him home for the season finale in Pittsburgh. The Browns finished 7-10.
“As a son and as a parent, I want to apologize to everyone I have offended, especially Myles Garrett and his family,” Clowney said. “As a man, I have specifically reached out to Myles to apologize. I will continue to learn and grow as I progress.”
Clowney spent two seasons with the Browns. After reviving his career with nine sacks in 2021, he has had just two this season and missed four games with injuries.
The 29-year-old isn’t signed for next season and it’s unlikely Cleveland would want him back after his late-season stunt.
Following Clowney’s comments, Browns defensive line coach Chris Kiffin revealed that the three-time Pro Bowler ‘refused to refuse to play first or second against Baltimore on Oct. 23. Clowney was upset that Cleveland had changed their game plan to give Garrett cheaper matchups.
Clowney was benched for the first series in a game against Cincinnati the following week.
Garrett said he was aware of Clowney’s frustration and wished he had spoken to him about it instead of speaking out publicly. He also said he doesn’t take Clowney’s comments personally, but added that he won’t play with anyone who doesn’t want to be in Cleveland.
“I want volunteers, not hostages,” Garrett said. “If you feel like nobody here believes in you, then leave. Go where you feel wanted, loved, and valued.”
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