Coming off a frustrating 2019 season, Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is more motivated than ever to prove himself in 2020. He’ll need to be when he arrives for camp, because new Browns general manager Andrew Berry set a clear message to his star regarding his behavior.
When asked by reporters during his introductory press conference about OBJ and restricted free-agent Kareem Hunt, Berry made sure everyone knows there is a new expectation for behavior. Falling short of being smart and accountable will mean that player is potentially no longer a fit for the Browns.
The message comes less than a month after Beckham Jr. slapped an officer on the butt and handed cash to LSU players following the National Championship Game. The star receiver also went after his head coach late in the year and failed to live up to the expectations the team had for him on the field.
Meanwhile, Hunt must overcome his own challenges and show greater maturity. He was recently cited for speeding and admitted to officers he’d fail a drug test if it was given to him. While Cleveland would love to have the talented running back return, Hunt must prove he is accountable and trustworthy to the new coaching staff.
Cleveland’s new head coach Kevin Stefanski plans to meet with OBJ to offer him a fresh start. Beckham Jr. battled through a painful sports hernia injury all season, which limited his abilities and effectiveness. He’s proven his toughness already and if he can show to the coaching staff and front office that he’s accountable, the Browns will keep him.
If OBJ falls short of the standards set by Berry, the general manager likely won’t hesitate to move the star receiver for whatever he can get.