Braylon Edwards doesn't learn from his own mistakes or -- as it turns out -- from Donte Stallworth's either, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column.
There are plenty of jokes that could be made at Braylon Edwards' expense after his court hearing on DWI charges, but the biggest emotion is of a career running aground, says Bud Shaw.Someday Cleveland sports fans may be too busy celebrating their own successes to revel in the failures of those on their enemies list ... just not today.
It seems impossible, but the police pulling Braylon Edwards' car over and charging him with DWI in Manhattan early Tuesday morning were not sufficiently wowed by his "New York essence" to let him off the hook.
The scent they picked up on was instead alcohol mixed with celebrity delusion.
Now the guy who ridiculously traced much of his trouble in Cleveland to being a Michigan Man behind enemy lines, faces possible league discipline, and also a parole violation stemming from the punch he threw at one of LeBron James' lightweight friends.
An ESPN report Wednesday that mentioned Edwards' statement of apology said Edwards hinted there were some factors that led to his failed breathalyzer test but that he couldn't talk about them.
I guess he means something more than drinking too much.
Had Edwards grown up at all over the last year, Browns fans might have reason to lament his departure. The Browns' passing game, after all, is still a pea-shooter in his absence. Edwards at least commanded attention as a wide receiver here. The Browns had to convert Josh Cribbs from return man to fabricate a playmaker on offense.
But Edwards makes it impossible -- on the field (41 catches in 14 games) and off -- for anyone to miss him. My guess is it'll be the same in New York when his contract expires.
Sunday he caught a TD pass and a two-point conversion, got a taunting penalty on the TD and easily could've drawn another on the PAT. When Jets' head coach Rex Ryan gave out game balls, he skipped over Edwards. He called Edwards' behavior "selfish."
One word can't capture the whole of any man, so Edwards went out Monday night and added a few more to the scouting report.
"Reckless" comes instantly to mind. Edwards tested 0.16. That's twice the legal limit. Coincidentally, it's also close to his receptions per game last year with the Jets.
Edwards asked for a break, of course. How about if he just parked his car and took a cab, he asked the police. You know, no harm, no foul?
What did he think? The arresting officers would be so enthralled with his "flash" they'd say, "Hey, great idea, why didn't we think of that? Give us the keys. We'll park it for you."
Unfortunately for Edwards, the cops on the scene did not attend the Romeo Crennel School of Leniency.
Edwards' other misfortune is that he doesn't seem capable of learning from his own mistakes, let alone someone else's.
One night in March 2009, Donte Stallworth was driving drunk and killed a pedestrian. Stallworth spent the evening celebrating his contract riches. One of his drinking buddies that night? Braylon Edwards.
So there are no excuses now.
But something tells me Braylon Edwards will find some anyway.
Eli Manning had no better luck throwing deep...
Today's lesson for NFL players suffering from anger management issues -- road crowds are not likely to be helpful in letting you get back into the game if you insist on handing your gear to them.New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs was so upset after leaving the field during Sunday night's game in Indianapolis he threw his helmet 10 rows deep into the stands at Lucas Oil Field.
A commotion ensued. First, arguments between fans and Jacobs. Then a fan's refusal to turn the helmet over to Colts' security.
NBC's Andrea Kremer attributed a report to Giants' officials that said Jacobs had thrown the helmet in rage after getting pulled from the game but intended to hit the bench with it. It slipped and landed almost 10 rows up.
Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin immediately canceled plans to use the halfback pass.
HE SAID IT
"I was charged with entertaining -- as a green Muppet -- the same fans that booed Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and now puke on people they don't like." -- Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic and current mascot consultant.
Another sign pointing to the end of the world in 2012: mascots need consultants.
YOU SAID IT
"Bud:
"Whom has injured the Northeast Ohio economy more, LeBron James or Cuyahoga County government?" -- Tom Shackleton
I don't know. But I'm told Dan Gilbert has marked down his Jimmy Dimora Fatheads to 1823, the birth year of Boss Tweed.
"Dear Bud:
"If Manny Acta's managerial skills depend on his math skills, we are in trouble. In talking about young pitchers needing to finish innings, he said 'When you have two out, you're three-fourths of the way there.' Could this be the new math?" -- Craig Barbee
Given the number of Indians' errors this season, Acta is accustomed to giving the opposition four outs per inning.
"When Matt Underwood says that a homer is going to 'Souvenir City,' technically, isn't every foul ball that goes into the stands also going to that city?" -- Allen, Highland Heights
Only if there are fans in attendance.
"Bud:
"Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio had a heart attack after beating Notre Dame. Are you worried about Eric Mangini's health if the Browns win one?" -- Terry, Solon
A win? Team doctors have been put on alert just on the off chance the Browns convert a second-half field goal.
"Bud:
"In the late 80's Sports Illustrated named Bob DiBiasio as baseball's best PR person, seeing as the woeful Indians made his job so hard. Does your current position covering the Indians put you in line for a Pulitzer Prize?"
I don't cover the Indians. Paul Hoynes does. The way this season has gone he's in line for all of the following: A Pulitzer, combat pay and group therapy.
"Bud:
"I blame the New York police for Braylon's arrest. They never would have pulled him over if he didn't have so much flash." -- Michael Gardner, Ashtabula
Let's see. Driving while intoxicated. In a car with heavily tinted windows. Rocking a Taliban beard in Manhattan. Now there's a recipe for an uneventful night on the town.
"Bud:
"Can you explain why Cleveland.com STILL has a dedicated section for LeBron? Can we expect Cleveland.com to soon be adding dedicated sections for Charlie Spikes, Fair Hooker and Joe "Turkey" Jones?" -- David M. Orloff
I am told the dedicated section for James will be gone and replaced as soon the Cavs pull off the much-anticipated signing of Jazz big man Kyrylo Fesenko.
"Bud:
"Now who wants the Browns to play 18 games?" -- Patty D
First-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.
"Bud:
"All ballparks leave center field dark and empty for the benefit of the batters. Isn't it nice that Progressive Field has extended a similar courtesy to the outfielders?" -- Terry, Solon
Repeat winners receive a CD of crickets chirping.