Cleveland Browns Antonio Callaway Suspended Four Games

BEREA, Ohio- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2019 regular season for violating the NFL’s policy and program on substances of abuse. The second-year wide receiver will still be eligible to participate in practices and games during the preseason and will be able to rejoin the active roster on September 30th after the Browns play the Baltimore Ravens.

 

Statement from Antonio Callaway:

“I take full repsonsibility for my actions. I made a mistake and I own that. I have taken steps to make myself better and I appreciate the Browns standing by me and supporting my during this time. I know there’s nothing I can say to regain trust; it will all be about my actions.”

 

Statement from Cleveland Browns GM John Dorsey on Callaway:

“We’re diappointed in Antonio. Freddie (head coach) and I have had a direct conversation with him about where we stand. He understands our expectations of him. We will continue to support him as long as he remains commited to taking advantage of the resources made available to him by our club and the league to help him become the best version of himself as a person first and foremost.”

 

Callaway has dealt with off-field issues before, first testing positive for a diluted sample at the NFL Combine, then he was cited for marijuana possession but the charges we dropped. He also had separate situations in college which caused him to miss a full season with the University of Florida.

There’s currently a battle at the receiver spot behind Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins. This will likely have the team rely upon receivers Jaelen Strong, Ishmael Hyman and Derrick Willies in Callway’s absence.

Callaway was selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In 16 games, he had 43 receptions for 586 yards and five touchdowns.