Browns waive Jermaine Whitehead

The Cleveland Browns waived veteran safety Jermaine Whitehead on Monday, hours after he posted a rant on social media.

The team did not elaborate on the move, other than to say that Whitehead played in eight games this season, posting 41 tackles and an interception.

Following Sunday’s 24-19 loss to the Denver Broncos, Cleveland’s fourth consecutive defeat, Whitehead took to Twitter to make profanity-laced and threatening comments, most notably toward Dustin Fox, a radio host on 92.3 The Fan and a member of the station’s postgame coverage.

Twitter quickly suspended Whitehead’s account and the Browns issued a statement:

Whitehead was involved in one of the biggest plays of the game as he blew a tackle on what turned into a 75-yard touchdown reception by Broncos tight end Noah Fant in the second quarter.

It was one of a handful of misplays by Whitehead, who was also busy on Instagram after the game, where he apologized for his poor play, but not for what came after, according to ESPN’s Jake Trotter:

“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 f--- with you. I dare em to try.”

Whitehead was in his second season with the Browns. He was waived by the Green Bay Packers in November of last season, a day after being ejected for slapping David Andrews of the New England Patriots. Browns general manager John Dorsey quickly claimed Whitehead off waivers.

Whitehead ended up playing 15 games for the Browns, making eight starts this season.