Longtime Cleveland Browns writer Tony Grossi responded to Baker Mayfield calling one of his questions “Dumb” and storming away from an interview.
TheLandonDemand’s Tony Grossi responded to Baker Mayfield after the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback stormed off from a preseason conference in which he became flustered with the longtime writer.
This isn’t the first time Mayfield’s tussled with Grossi. If you haven’t seen it by now, here’s the Twitter link. Mayfield took exception to Grossi asking about Grossi’s perceived lack of urgency at the end of the first half.
Unfortunately, you probably remember that drive. The Browns were driving, getting to their own 39. The hope, at least from my end, was that the Browns could make the contest a one-possession score by at least coming away with a field goal.
Mayfield acknowledged there was a penalty (false start on Justin McCray, and after he took a 9-yard sack) so they were in “Negative yardage.”
Mayfield said the Browns were trying to protect the ball and busted out the “You don’t play, you don’t know it,” card on the Hall of Fame voter.
Grossi then asked if Mayfield was happy with the drive and the struggling second year sophomore blew up and walked off.
Grossi appeared on the ESPN Cleveland 850-WKNR‘s (subscription) The Next Level, stating it’s “Uncomfortable” being in these situations and he doesn’t want to be in a confrontation with the quarterback of the Browns.
Mayfield’s been known to publicly call Grossi out during press conference in the past. Sometimes it carries a joke like atmosphere, but more recently, it hasn’t. Grossi was critical of Mayfield in the pre-draft process, but quickly admitted he was wrong after watching Mayfield early on his rookie season.
As Mayfield tried to shut him down again, Grossi noted he had two options:. Keep his mouth shut, or press on.
"“It was in the course of that exchange that I decided, ‘You know what, this is bologna, just answer the question…’ And he didn’t like the fact that he was challenged and he didn’t like the fact that I just didn’t stop asking what I was trying to ask him.”"
Seeing Mayfield blow up was not easy to watch. Grossi should be the least of his problems. This signals the gray cloud that’s hovered over Browns’ HQ for the entirety of the expansion era is alive and well.
We all know the story of Mayfield and the giant chip he carries on his shoulder. It worked at Texas Tech. It worked at Oklahoma. He won the most prestigious athletic award in the world and then became the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.
But this is a Wednesday session with the media. Repeat what Freddie says all the time, Baker: “We’ve got to do better.”
As the face of the franchise, it was discouraging to see Mayfield get unraveled over some basic questions.
Grossi was asked if Mayfield staying cool, and that if he can’t take on these questions, how’s QB No. 1 supposed to handle real pressure on the field.
It’s something Grossi has considered.
"“Oh no, is this what it’s come down to? I hope it’s not that. I just hope it’s not that because I thought more of him that stuff like that shouldn’t bother him.”"
Mayfield went on Twitter after walking off and doubled down his interaction with Grossi, tweeting “Everyone wants to hear the truth until they actually get it…”
To which Grossi replied:
"“What is the truth of that drive. Why did it blow up like that. If you want to be a contending team…you have to go down the field and get points there, not just hold onto the ball. Again, it is a stark contract to what they did three weeks earlier against Seattle.”"
Grossi said he’s tried to talk to Mayfield twice, alone, but Mayfield has wanted no part of a one-on-one meeting.
"“If he’s not big enough to do that, I just gotta go on and try and do my job the best I can…We can disagree, but don’t be disagreeable.”"
Things have really escalated in the past couple of weeks, because Mayfield sounded disrespectful and condescending to Grossi coming out the Bye. He had the same attitude today.
And, as for “You don’t play so you don’t know card?” Je’Rod Cherry, co-host of The Next Level and three-time Super Bowl champ gave a player’s perspective on the comeback, stating it was what players would say when they didn’t have anything else to say.