Baker Mayfield was not liking what he was hearing from reporters on Wednesday, October 30. The Cleveland Browns quarterback was fielding questions during a media session when one specific question rubbed him the wrong way and led to a heated exchange.
Mayfield was taking a question from Cleveland reporter and radio host Tony Grossi — a reporter he has had plenty of issues with in the past — when he returned fire. Mayfield was specifically asked about a drive in the fourth quarter during the team’s loss to the New England Patriots when he chirped back and ultimately stormed away.
“Stop saying but,” Mayfield told Grossi. “I just told you the clock was running and we had 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.
“Was I happy with that drive? No, we didn’t score points. That’s the dumbest question you could ask.”
Mayfield went to Twitter following the exchange to defend his actions.
“Everybody wants to hear the truth until they actually get it… I am who I am and always have been. 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,” he wrote.
The Cleveland Browns are currently in third-place in the AFC North — above only the winless Cincinnati Bengals — with a disappointing 2-5 record. After adding weapons in the offseason — most notably star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., there were much higher hopes for Cleveland.
Up next for Mayfield and the Browns as they attempt to get back into the win column is a meeting with the Denver Broncos on Sunday, November 3. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET at Mile High Stadium.
