Justin Masterson willing to sign short-term deal to stay with Tribe
March 5, 2014Browns Draft Smokescreens and Cavalier Legends: While We’re Waiting
March 5, 2014When Davone Bess seemingly went off the rails, it was an obvious next thought that he might get released by the Cleveland Browns. As the images and words got more and more troubling and after his arrest in a Florida airport, the business of the NFL faded away as concern for the man himself took precedence. Even as the Browns have maintained a compassionate public stance with regard to their seemingly troubled player, it appears the time for business has arrived for the Cleveland Browns.
BREAKING: #Browns have released WRs Davone Bess and Brian Tyms, and LB Paul Hazel.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 5, 2014
I don’t know exactly how all the departments work in the Cleveland Browns, but I’m a little bit surprised that they tweeted “BREAKING” for news that, you know, they’re responsible for creating. “Breaking” stories is usually reserved for news that isn’t being self-reported.
The Browns also announced they’ve released receiver Brian Tyms and linebacker Paul Hazel.
WFNY did a lot of work over the course of the Davone Bess story. Here are some selections if you’d like to walk down memory lane with Davone Bess one last time.
22 Comments
So their first concern was with Bess’s health, and they took care of that by releasing him?
Let him get to a point with the arrests, troubles that he can deal with the business of being released. Release him early enough that he cannot point a finger at the organization about cutting him too late to find a job.
There is no good, easy way to do this one. They did it about as well as possible (they could have held onto him and fought to have his contract invalidated).
This was also about his performance as well.
I don’t have as much empathy for people that have the resources to get help, when there are far more that don’t. Devone Bess needs to make the effort to seek help, I don’t think it’s on the Browns to do the leg work on this.
Troubled is troubled. It may be tough for him to see through the smoke (both literal and figurative) to see that he indeed does need that help. Yes, his advantage is that if he comes to that realization and truly wants to come around with his life that he has a vast array of resources at his disposal that most people would not have. But, he still needs to get to that point (and I am not sure he is there yet based on everything that was happening but truly hope he gets there).
He’s going on a de-stress trip to Jamaica.
There first concern is Gordon’s health. 😉
My perspective may be skewed a bit, due to the fact that I see low income/homeless people with mental illnesses everyday at work. Yes, he needs to recognize his illness and go forward, but I just can’t find the empathy for him, when I see hopelessness everyday.
And I applaud you if you are helping make the lives of those better in your work.
I’m sorry if I made it sound as if I’m the one directly treating the clients. I’m in the IT department dealing with their data, but I do see clients in the hallways and lined up outside every morning.
Lombardi’s signature acquisition.
yes, they are breaking the news.
I do not retract. It sounds like what you do helps make their lives better. If someone didn’t deal with their data properly then those who directly treat the clients wouldn’t be able to do their jobs.
I also still have empathy towards those with money too though. Money can be a curse as easy (or easier) as it can be a blessing.
Paul Kruger would like a word. Or, maybe not, maybe he’s happier under the radar right now.
I didn’t respond at first because I agree with your point to an extent. I am responding now because of all the effusive agreement.
That the Browns were in a tough spot does not excuse whatever decision they make. I am a fan and I would be okay with the Browns wasting a roster spot on Bess if that improved his chances at returning to health. That other people don’t have the same resources as he does is irrelevant. He operates in a world where employees make millions of dollars and I expect the same of the Browns as I would expect from the law firm where my great aunt Sally makes $35k a year – don’t fire someone in the middle of a mental breakdown.
Even if Bess can *afford* to get help, people with mental illness are often inherently unable to get help. There’s a reason there’s no involuntary commitment to the cancer ward, and Bess has apparently been involuntarily committed once. I understand that the Browns have nothing to gain by supporting him. But the idea that they shouldn’t support him when they have nothing to gain is reprehensible.
That’s true, and it’s a little sad.
And the team really shouldn’t pat itself on the back for firing an employee. He was canned because he sucks on the field and was a headache off. Own it.
It’s probably for the bess…
Yes, I agree. The Browns should support him. I believe they did (at least to a degree) by not immediately cutting him and I agree that the amount of money he makes doesn’t play into it here.
Now, how they support him is another matter. There is an argument that cutting him before FA is good for him. If he has dealt with his issues and is able/willing to pursue employment again, then the Browns should not block him. It is quite clear that his year in Cleveland was not healthy for him and it is likely best for all parties involved to have a clean break.
If he is still in the midst of his issues and needs help, then I do fully want the Browns to support him. This support does not necessarily have to mean they have him on the roster (though I wouldn’t mind he stay on it for now).
I don’t disagree with what your saying. It’s just the disparity between the two are what affects my feelings on the issue.
*cough*Hoyer*cough*
Define “support him”.
I also don’t think he is in the middle of a mental breakdown. He apparently was behaving this way in Miami.