The threat sounds good, but lets see if Mike Pettine and company say it with their chest. After a disappointing end to the season that saw several high profile players tardy for team meetings, Donte Whitner says change is coming.
Whitner made it clear that he’s not feeling guys like Johnny Manziel, Josh Gordon and Justin Gilbert who all violated team rules over the weekend and were punished for it.
The veteran safety told the Plain Dealer that he’s been assured the “Browns will get rid of guys not buying into the program.”
“I’ve been assured that we’re going to bring guys in and get guys off this bus that don’t really want to be here and do what they are supposed to do,” said Whitner.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslem followed up Whitner’s comments with his own. They were clearly directed at Johnny Manziel.
“A player who can’t show up for meetings, can’t make practice, can’t make weight lifting, disrespects himself,” said Haslam. “But I think more importantly, and I think this is what these young guys miss — they disrespect the team, the coaches, the staff, the fans….we’re not going to tolerate people who are irresponsible no matter what round they’re drafted in.”