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Caleb Brantley following assault allegation, draft slide: ‘There’s definitely a chip on my shoulder’
Despite being selected with the first overall pick in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Caleb Brantley’s future in Cleveland could be seen as tenuous at best heading into the summer. After all, the former Florida defensive lineman tumbled all the way down draft boards for a reason.
In the days leading up to the NFL’s annual draft, Brantley was involved in an altercation with a woman that is still in the process of being figured out. Initially, it was reported that the woman hit him first and Brantley simply pushed her away. However, according to one police report, Brantley was alleged to have punched the woman, causing her to suffer a displaced tooth. The police report indicates there were several witnesses to this incident.
Following the incident, some in league circles appeared quite adamant against not only selecting but even signing the former All-SEC performer as an undrafted free agent.
One league source told me of #Browns Caleb Brantley: “A coach at school told every team he talked to ‘stay away even if undrafted.”’
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 29, 2017
Cleveland opened rookie minicamp Friday, providing Brantley his first opportunity to speak to the media as a member of the Browns organization. Judging by the comments the rookie from Florida made to Pat McManamon of ESPN, Brantley plans to use the experience as a motivating factor moving forward.
“I ain’t going to say I did hear all the stuff that was said about me, but there’s definitely a chip on my shoulder,” Brantley said. “I’m just going to go out and prove everybody wrong who said bad things about me, said I have character issues and all of that. But … I ain’t really worried about it. I’m just ready to move on.”
Immediately after Brantley was selected during the final day of the draft, Cleveland made it clear they are continuing their investigation into the incident and would have no hesitation in releasing Brantley if necessary. Here’s what the rookie had to say when asked about his uncertain status with the club.
“I wouldn’t say it was hanging over me,” Brantley said. “I’m just thankful for the opportunity that the Browns gave me. I’m just thankful I get to be here and try to make the team.”
Brantley also suggested his name will ultimately be cleared and that his past at Florida speaks for itself.
“I feel like I’m a genuine, you know, great person,” Brantley said. “I’m just out here playing football, the game that I love, trying to take care of my mom and my brother. Obviously, everyone got their opinions on social media and stuff like that, but my teammates can speak for that, people who know me.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com