It sounds like Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett might not be getting together to hang out anytime soon.
The Cleveland Browns sent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney home on Friday following an explosive interview in which he claimed the coaching staff didn’t believe in him and admitted he was purposefully taking snaps off because he didn’t want to put forth the effort.
“I’m not doing that s***. I’m old. I’ve done my job,” Clowney said. “I don’t have time for that. I’ve made my money. I’m doing this because I love the game but keep [doing things like that] and making me not love the game.”
Clowney also had a lot to say about fellow DE Myles Garrett, who is putting up monster numbers while the No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 draft has been struggling all season long.
In his Thursday interview, Clowney said that he felt like the team was sacrificing wins in order to prop up Garrett.
“You’re all trying to get [Garrett] into the Hall of Fame instead of winning games,” Clowney said. “I don’t even think [Garrett] notices. I ain’t trying to say it’s him. I try to get along with everybody I play with. Me and him don’t have a problem. It ain’t his fault, and it’s B.S., and I don’t have time for it.”
Garrett was asked about Clowney’s comments on Friday and he shared some pretty reasonable sentiments.
Myles Garrett, on Clowney saying the #Browns are more concerned with getting Garrett in the hall of fame than winning games: pic.twitter.com/PWFpc420E8
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) January 6, 2023
“I knew he was frustrated. We’ve all been frustrated; we’re not winning,” Garrett said. “I wish we could’ve talked about this man-to-man. … I wish he would have handled it a little bit differently.”
As for why Clowney wasn’t playing on first or second down against the Baltimore Ravens, Garrett just assumed that injuries were an issue.
“I assumed he was hurt,” Garrett said. “I just assumed something was holding him back.”
The 27-year-old defensive star, who has a team-high 15 sacks and was named to a fourth Pro Bowl, also talked about how he’s succeeding despite being the most double-teamed defender in the league.
#Browns Myles Garrett on Jadeveon Clowney's comments that he got favorable matchups despite Garrett being double-teamed at one of the highest rates.
"It's a little confusing but we could have had clarity if he had just talked to us." pic.twitter.com/csdVj1CNv3
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) January 6, 2023
“If I’m the most double-teamed guy, it’s hard to say I’m getting the most favorable matchups,” Garrett said. “What I’ve done speaks for itself. Of course, they’re going to put me in positions to make plays. But they’re also going to be positions where I’m going to get double-teamed. I move all over the line. [Clowney] has moved, as well. We’re both moved to be put in favorable matchups. He’s getting those same looks, at least that’s what I see. And I wish we could have talked about it.”
Finally, as to whether or not Garrett would welcome Clowney back to the Browns, he put it in terms that put the onus on Jadeveon.
“[We want] volunteers, not hostages,” said Garrett. “If you feel like no one believes in you here then go where you feel like you’re wanted and loved and appreciated.”
[ESPN]
