Browns QB Baker Mayfield Walks Out of Weekly News Conference After Heated Exchange With a Reporter
Just days removed from a third-consecutive loss, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield abruptly exited from his weekly news conference after a tense back-and-forth with a reporter.
Mayfield, who struggled at times during Cleveland’s 27-13 loss to New England last Sunday, appeared to be asked about a drive that stalled, responding, “Stop saying but. I just told you the clock was running and we have a penalty. You want to give them the ball back? No. You don’t play, you don’t know. That’s just plain and simple.”
The reporter followed up by asking if Mayfield was happy with the drive, to which the QB responded, “Was I happy with the drive? No, we didn’t score points. That’s the dumbest question you could ask.”
Less than an hour after the initial exchange, the Cleveland QB addressed the moment on Twitter.
"Everybody wants to hear the truth until they actually get it....I am who I am and always have been," he wrote. "Don’t call it emotional when it’s convenient and then passion when it fits. I care about winning, so yeah I’m frustrated. If I was to act like it’s okay to lose, then y’all would say that I’ve gotten complacent. My sense of urgency is at an all time high. And if I offend anybody along the way... that’s too bad."
The Browns entered the season with high expectations and bettors viewed Cleveland as one of the Super Bowl favorites. A 2-5 start, however, has cut into those expectations and both Mayfield and head coach Freddie Kitchens have been frequent targets of criticism.
Cleveland visits the Broncos this Sunday. Kickoff from Empower Field at Mile High is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.