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- Baker Mayfield has no regrets about vowing to kneel for the national anthem (cleveland.com) - Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield doubled down Friday on his statement that he “absolutely” will kneel for the national anthem this season to support racial equality.
- Baker Mayfield says ‘I lost myself’ in Browns’ chaos last season (ESPN) - Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield said Friday that he’s in a better state both physically and mentally, and he admitted to losing his way and doubting himself last year amid the chaos in Cleveland.
- Myles Garrett has an “aura” (Beacon Journal) - Eric Mangini used to order the word painted (all caps) on every practice field. TEAM. Kevin Stefanski has taken a different approach. TEAM (all caps) hung high over Friday’s first day of practice, on the outside of the fieldhouse, on a banner the size of the ones flown behind airplanes inviting everyone to “EAT AT JOE’S.”
- JC Tretter sidelined after procedure on knee (Yahoo Sports) - Cleveland Browns starting center JC Tretter underwent a surgical procedure on his knee Thursday and could be out for an extended period. First-year coach Kevin Stefanski revealed Tretter’s unexpected surgery at the start of his Zoom call with reporters on Friday.
NFL:
- 5 Bills on the hot seat as practices begin (Buffalo News) - The Buffalo Bills haven’t exactly been subtle about their efforts to challenge, if not ultimately jettison, some incumbent players. The following is one man’s list of the top five names that could be on the hot seat this summer as the Bills get set to begin padded practices Monday.
- Coaches are at higher risk in pandemic but not opting out (ESPN) - Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is 58 years old and a survivor of triple bypass surgery. While with the Miami Hurricanes in 2010, some discomfort during his daily workouts prompted him to see a doctor. He was given a stress test, which revealed significant artery blockage that would require immediate open-heart surgery to save his life.
- How can Chiefs keep paying players big money under salary cap? (NFL.com) - How on the pandemic-wrecked, salary-capped earth are the Kansas City Chiefs paying all these high-priced players? It’s a question asked a lot recently. Every time it’s reported a different K.C. player has been handed a bag of gold doubloons, the head-scratching from the general public takes some more hair off its already thinning scalp.
- Seven NFL officials opt out of 2020 season amid coronavirus concerns before deadline (CBS Sports) - The NFL has a shortage of officials this season — for now. The league announced Friday seven officials have opted out of the 2020 season amid coronavirus concerns. Officials had until Thursday to opt out for the year.