Browns coach Eric Mangini said T.J. Ward, who's been accused of taking a cheapshot at rookie Jordan Shipley, is not a dirty player.
Browns safety T.J. Ward knocked Cincinnati's Jordan Shipley out of the game with this fourth-quarter hit that resulted in a roughness penalty. Eric Wright (right) had initially broken up a pass intended for Shipley before Ward arrived.CLEVELAND -- Browns coach Eric Mangini said today "T.J. Ward is not a dirty player. He's an aggressive player and that's what you love about him.''
But he said he wants his rookie safety to play within the rules and not hit a defenseless player in the head. Ward hit rookie receiver Jordan Shipley helmet-to-helmet in the end zone of Sunday's 23-20 victory over the Bengals. Shipley left the game with a concussion and did not return.
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer and receiver Terrell Owens both accused Ward of taking a cheap shot at Shipley. Both yelled at Ward after the game, and he said he ignored them. He said he thought it was a clean hit and "I would do it again.''
Mangini said Ward didn't get away with anything because he was flagged and the Browns gave up a touchdown on the next play -- one that could've helped cost them the game.
Mangini said he doesn't want to take away Ward's aggressiveness, just for him to play within the rules. He said Ward can expect to receive a fine letter from the NFL later this week.