Browns suspend Winslow for one game

Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow drew a one-game suspension for his angry comments concerning his treatment by Browns general manager Phil Savage following Sunday's 14-11 loss at Washington.

Starting Wednesday, Winslow will not be able to practice or attend meetings. After missing Sunday's game at Jacksonville, he can return to the team Monday.

Unless he appeals, the suspension will cost Winslow one game check, which amounts to $235,294, 1/17th of his $4 million base salary.

The Browns announced the decision in a statement from general manager Phil Savage today. Winslow is the first Browns player suspended since Savage and coach Romeo Crennel took over in 2005.

''Kellen has expressed his desire to be a productive member of the Cleveland Browns,'' Savage said in the statement. ''His comments and behavior on Sunday evening, however, were unwarranted, inappropriate, and unnecessarily disparaging to our organization. His statements brought unjustified negative attention to our organization, and violated the team-first concept of our football squad. Therefore, disciplinary action will be taken in the form of a one-game suspension without pay for conduct detrimental to the club.''

Drew Rosenhaus, Winslow's agent, did not respond to requests for comment.

Winslow was upset that Savage did not call him while he was hospitalized for three days in the Cleveland Clinic earlier this month. Winslow revealed Sunday he was being treated a staph infection, the second of his four-year career. Winslow and Savage had a heated confrontation outside the locker room in Washington and later Winslow said, ''Sometimes you just feel like a piece of meat.''

The sixth-overall pick in the 2004 draft is also seeking a renegotiated contract. His current deal has three years remaining and will pay him $4.75 million in 2009 and $4.75 million in 2010. Savage has repeatedly said a new contract for Winslow, who has undergone at least four surgeries on his right knee since a 2005 motorcycle accident, is not a high priority.

Winslow was also unhappy that the Browns chose not to reveal the nature of his undisclosed illness. He told ESPN.com he felt his teammates needed to know. Savage addressed that subject in Tuesday's statement.

''The Cleveland Browns are committed to winning and taking care of our players,'' Savage said. ''We are also committed to protecting the privacy of our players, particularly with regard to medical issues. To that end, following discussions with Kellen Winslow and his representation, the Browns agreed to make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of his recent medical condition.''

Savage said the Browns conducted an ''extensive presentation by experts in the field of infectious diseases'' during training camp and that Winslow attended the session.

(ohio.com)