November 20, 2008 Browns general manager Phil Savage admitted to replying to an email from a fan that called him the worst GM in the NFL with a response that went, "Go root for Buffalo - f&@* you," according to Scout.com. Savage has since apologized for his actions, saying, "There had been previous e-mails from him over the months and enough was enough. We have both apologized to each other."
Our View:Savage and the Browns have endured a tough season so far, a year after going 10-6 but making the playoffs, so there is clearly frustration in Cleveland.
September 19, 2008 Clevelandbrowns.com reports that Willie McGinest missed practice all week with a sore hamstring and he appears doubtful against Baltimore this week.
Our View:The Browns are banged up and will likely pick up a few more bruises over the weekend when they square off against the Ravens.
September 12, 2008 Cleveland linebacker Willie McGinest was fined $12,500 for an unpenalized hit he put on Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, according to the Dallas Morning News. Romo required 13 stitches to close the wound on his chin he suffered as a result of the hit.
Our View:The NFL protects their quarterbacks, especially the stars, as much as possible, so this fine probably did not come as much of a shock to McGinest.
May 6, 2008 Cleveland LB Willie McGinest has announced he will retire after the 2008 season comes to an end, according to SI.com.
Our View:"This will be it," said McGinest, entering the final season of a three-year contract with the Browns. "This will be my 15th season. I've worked hard; I think I've done everything I set out to accomplish. The hard work, the sacrifice, dedication... I committed myself to doing it the right way and playing it the right way. I've been blessed to play with some of the best players in the world and play against some of the best in the world. I think 15 years going strong I've held my own."
March 16, 2008 Willie McGinest has taken about a 47 percent pay cut for 2008 after agreeing to rework his contract with the Browns, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He could increase his pay significantly if he meets playing-time incentives.
