Browns release Whitehead after 'unacceptable' social media tirade

Warning: Story contains coarse language

The Cleveland Browns released safety Jermaine Whitehead, the team announced Monday.

The decision came after the defensive back went on a social media diatribe following Cleveland's loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Whitehead sent threatening tweets from a non-verified account to fans who were criticizing his play. He also threatened a Browns radio host who questioned the defensive back's tackling effort.

Dustin Fox of 92.3 The Fan tweeted, "Whitehead's efforts tackling today is a joke."

Whitehead responded, "Come get it in blood b---- made a-- lil boy. I'm out there with a broke hand. Don't get smoked f--- a--- c------."

In another tweet, Whitehead told a user, "Imma kill you b----."

Browns player Jermaine Whitehead just got his twitter suspended 15 min after losing to the Broncos.

Things are going well! pic.twitter.com/yPVPOwtHVW

- Sports Nation Ohio (@SN_Ohio) November 4, 2019

Whitehead's Twitter account has since been suspended.

In a statement several hours later, the Browns said they've talked to Whitehead about his "unacceptable" conduct.

"Jermaine Whitehead's social media posts following today's game were totally unacceptable and highly inappropriate," the Browns' statement read, according to Andrew Gibble of the team's official site. "We immediately spoke with Jermaine upon learning of these comments. The Browns in no way condone that type of language or behavior."

A Browns media relations official attempted to get Whitehead to delete his tweets postgame in the locker room, but he repeatedly refused while making it clear he wouldn't back down, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson. Whitehead was reportedly still in full uniform while sounding off on social media.

Whitehead also took his tirade to Instagram, posting from his official account.

"They tell you take the high road, when yo whole life you was taught to meet fire with fire," his caption read. "I do apologize for my performance, but having a broke hand and a strong fear of letting my team down is my downfall."

View this post on Instagram

Crazy world. They line it up and say anything in the book too you. They tell you take the high road, when yo whole life you was taught to meet fire with fire. I do apologize for my performance, but having a broke hand and a strong fear of letting my team down is my downfall. Whatever happens happens. Ain trippin. They probably gone still talk crazy but this me getting smoke off my chest. I don't need one like.. this from me to me! Keep ya head up homie, can't nobody fuck with you. I dare em to try.

A post shared by Jermaine Whitehead (@j2whitehead) on Nov 3, 2019 at 5:39pm PST

Whitehead went undrafted in 2015. He spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Green Bay Packers before joining the Browns in 2018.

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