Browns defenders say 49ers’ Jennings crossed line with comments

CLEVELAND – Several Browns defenders, including star defensive end Myles Garrett, sharply criticized San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Juwan Jennings for comments they said crossed the line during Sunday’s game between the teams.

During a break in the game caused by an injury to Browns defensive tackle Malik Collins, several Cleveland defenders were seen exchanging words with Jennings. At one point, Garrett entered the field next to the referee and the two sides separated.

“I understand why he got punched,” Shelby Harris said after the game, the 49ers’ 26–8 win. “He says some things that you should never say to another guy. But I don’t respect it because you say that, then run after your O-line. That’s some real soft—, and I want that known.

“I understand exactly why they punched you in the nuts. I’m surprised someone hasn’t punched him in the jaw yet.”

It is the second time in less than a week that Jennings, who was not seen in the locker room after the game, found himself in the middle of an on-field debate. On Monday night against the Carolina Panthers, words were exchanged between Jennings and safety Trevon Moehrig before Moehrig hit Jennings with a low blow at the end of the game.

Jennings did not immediately retaliate, but hit a quick open-handed right cross to Moehrig’s face as the game ended. Jennings and Moehrig were soon separated but both were sentenced last week. After that game, Jennings said he “just responded to some childish behavior,” although Moehrig and other Panthers said Jennings was stalking them from behind and “saying crazy things.”

Moehrig was suspended for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, costing him approximately $65,000 in game checks, while Jennings was fined $12,172 for the postgame punch.

“I can’t explain how he was raised, but if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything to anybody,” Garrett said. “So, he had a lot of things to say that were derogatory and insulting toward some of our players. And I was just trying to alienate everybody. And I went up and tried to ask what the problem was, and then he started coming at me and, I mean, that’s how some guys roll.

“I don’t think it’s in the game. But, hey, if it works for him and them, more power to him. But I’m just trying to keep our guys focused on the game and not worried about things outside of it because our focus is on what’s on the field.”

ESPN reporter Nick Wagner contributed to this report.