BEREA, Ohio (AP) -Despite a disturbing number of staph cases in recent years, the Cleveland Browns did not inform their other players that tight end Kellen Winslow was hospitalized with a staph infection earlier this month.
One day after the Browns suspended the Pro Bowl tight end for one game without pay for comments and behavior disparaging to the organization, coach Romeo Crennel said the team kept Winslow’s illness private after reaching an agreement with him not to disclose his medical condition.
“He was in the hospital and it was a personal issue,” Crennel said Wednesday in explaining the team’s decision to keep Winslow’s illness from his teammates.
The Browns have had at least six known cases of staph since 2005. This was Winslow’s second bout with staph. He first got the infection following surgery on his right knee, which he severely injured in a near-fatal motorcycle crash three years ago.
The team has been proactive in combating the virus, which has become more common throughout the NFL.
Winslow will miss Sunday’s game at Jacksonville and stands to lose $235,294, his one-game paycheck. He can appeal the suspension through the NFL Players Association.
His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not return a phone call or email seeking comment.
Winslow is not allowed to attend practices, team meetings or be at the Browns’ training facility during his suspension, which will end on Monday.
Add A Comment