Baker Mayfield's frustration boils over as he walks out of interview session

The Associated Press
October 31, 2019 at 1:12AM

The losing is beating Baker Mayfield.

Annoyed with a reporter's line of questioning about a drive at the end of the first half in last week's loss at New England, the fiery Cleveland Browns quarterback abruptly ended his weekly interview session on Wednesday and stormed off.

Mayfield, who is tied for the NFL lead with 12 interceptions, grew increasingly agitated when a reporter asked him about a failed two-minute drive in a 27-13 loss to the Patriots. The Browns were called for a penalty, which Mayfield said prevented them from moving the ball.

"Was I happy with the drive? No, we didn't score points," Mayfield chirped. "That's the dumbest question you could ask. What?"

Mayfield then disgustedly walked away from the lectern and toward his locker.

Soon after, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick went on Twitter to explain his exasperation. The Browns (2-5) haven't played up to enormous expectations and have lost three games in a row.

"Everybody wants to hear the truth until they actually get it," Mayfield wrote. "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."

Robinson retires

Former Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson abruptly retired, leaving Jacksonville in the middle of his eighth NFL season.

Robinson told coach Doug Marrone about his decision before the team's morning meeting. The Jaguars, who travel to London to play Houston this week, responded by placing Robinson on the reserve/retired list.

Robinson had played in every game this season, all on special teams. He is the third Jacksonville player to retire this year, following veteran linebacker Telvin Smith and rookie safety Zedrick Woods.

Williams fails physical

Washington left tackle Trent Williams failed his physical because of discomfort trying to put his helmet on, interim coach Bill Callahan said.

Williams, who ended a holdout Tuesday, previously had a growth on his head removed, and the dispute that led to his holdout centered on the medical staff and handling of that situation.

Etc.

• The NFL received its lowest overall score in racial and gender hiring practices in 15 years, according a new diversity report. The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport released its annual racial and gender report card, giving the NFL a B for racial hiring practices and a C-plus for gender hiring practices. The B broke a streak of nine consecutive years of earning an A-minus or higher.

• Buffalo coach Sean McDermott defended the team's decision to stand pat at the trade deadline by raising memories of what he called "irresponsible decisions" made by past regimes. Though McDermott didn't mention names, it's clear he was referring to former Bills General Manager Doug Whaley, who was fired a day after completing the 2017 draft.

• Tampa Bay promoted tight end Jordan Leggett from the practice squad to the active roster and placed linebacker Jack Cichy (Hill-Murray) on injured reserve because of an elbow injury.

• Misdemeanor charges were dropped against Pittsburgh linebacker Anthony Chickillo, who had been accused of injuring his girlfriend earlier this month.

• Detroit signed cornerback Michael Jackson off the Dallas practice squad, adding depth at the position while Darius Slay is slowed by an injury.

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