Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett made sure he LOOKED GOOD when meeting with NFL officials in NYC to appeal his helmet attack suspension ... rockin' a pretty sweet blue suit and turtleneck combo!

Will the fashion statement help get his suspension reduced? Probably not ... but man, Garrett looked stylish as hell!

Of course, the Cleveland Browns star is begging for mercy from the NFL after officials suspended him for the remainder of the 2019 season for swinging a helmet at Steelers QB Mason Rudolph on Thursday.

Garrett believes the punishment is too harsh -- especially since other NFL helmet swingers got much lighter sentences in the past.

In fact, ESPN's Dan Graziano says Garrett referenced Antonio Smith when making his case -- pointing out Smith only got a 3-game suspension when he used a helmet to attack Richie Incognito during a game in 2013.

The other side of the argument ... Garrett has a history of dirty play in 2019 -- he punched Delanie Walker and got fined $50k and racked up 2 bad roughing the passer penalties, including a season-ending hit on Jets QB Trevor Siemian.

Mason Rudolph is admitting he shouldn't have tried ripping Myles Garrett's helmet off his head during last week's brawl ... but is adamant he didn't say anything to spark the attack.

The Steelers QB read a prepared statement at practice on Wednesday ... saying, “Thursday night, to say the least, it was an unfortunate situation for everyone involved."

“Looking back on the final play of the game, I fell short of the mark there too. I should have done a better job of keeping my cool in that situation."

As for the speculation he may have said something to put Garrett over the edge ... Rudolph claims he said nothing.

“Definitely didn’t say anything. I got to do a better job of keeping my composure in those situations.”

It's a big change of tune from Rudolph's comments last week when the QB called Garrett's actions "cowardly" and "bush league" ... despite trying to yank the Browns star's helmet off and appearing to kick him where it hurts.

Rudolph says he hopes to move past the situation and has no ill will towards Garrett.

Regarding punishment, Rudolph says he hasn't received a letter from the NFL ... while Garrett is meeting with the league today to appeal his indefinite suspension.

Brad Paisley is a MASSIVE Cleveland Browns fan -- and you can tell he's genuinely sad about the incident with Myles Garrett ... explaining why the helmet-swing was heartbreaking to watch.

"Wish he hadn't done what he did," the country music superstar tells TMZ Sports ... "It's crazy. He shouldn't have done that."

Paisley has spent a lot of time around the Browns (remember his "Hard Knocks" cameo at training camp?) ... and says he's heard Garrett is a good dude, which makes it harder to understand why he went so crazy against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

"I'd love to know what he's thinking. I'm sure he's remorseful."

Even if Garrett can bounce back from the scandal, Paisley says he'll NEVER win back Steelers fans ... saying, "Pittsburgh will never forgive him, I'm sure."

As for the punishment, Paisley says he'll support whatever suspension the NFL eventually dishes out -- "He needs to serve that time, whatever they decide that is."

The league has already suspended Garrett for the rest of the year, but he's appealing this week and the punishment COULD change (maybe).

So, why is Paisley -- who's from West Virginia -- a Browns fan? It all stems back to Brian Sipe ... (betcha didn't think you'd see that name today!)

Here's a video to help explain ...

Myles Garrett is a good person who made one HUGE mistake ... so says ex-Browns asst. coach Bob Wylie who tells TMZ Sports the helmet-swinging maniac is "not the real Myles Garrett I know."

You probably remember Wylie from "Hard Knocks" -- he worked alongside Garrett as an assistant coach from 2017-18 (remember the belly-shaking "set, HUT!").

Wylie says he was disappointed to see the DE weaponize a helmet against Mason Rudolph during Thursday night's game against the Steelers ... but hopes it doesn't permanently ruin MG's reputation.

"He's not a bad person, he's a real good kid and he plays a violent sport," Wylie says.

"You play right on the edge and he plays right on the edge of the sport. And, he went over the edge."

The former offensive line coach says Garrett is a model teammate who went out of his way to help Wylie's guys ... and he NEVER saw an outburst like that before.

"All the times I spent with him on the practice field and in meetings, I never saw that Myles. I saw his effort, I saw his ability to compete, I saw his study habits ... but I never saw that."

Odell Beckham has been sorta privately dating an absolute BABE for months -- but they've finally gone IG official!

OBJ's lady is Lauren Wood -- a model/actress who's appeared on shows like "Ballers" and "Wild 'N Out." Her Instagram page is also FIRE!!!

Wood had been spotted at Browns games supporting the WR -- even hanging with Odell's mom -- but they hadn't taken their relationship public ... until this week!

Wood wished Beckham a happy birthday (he turned 27 on Tuesday) and posted a few pics of the two hanging out ... one shot featured the couple in bed together!

"Happy birthday @obj ! Your soul is pure gold. U know I can write lot about you, but I rather keep passing these love letters," Wood wrote.

"PS this blurry will always be my fave pic of us bc wtf is going on lol yumiii af."

Beckham commented back saying, "YUMI ... I’m riding wit u, I got ur back. U kno what it is. LOVE queen!"

BOOM! OFFICIAL!

Baker Mayfield's wife, Emily, commented, "Cuties💕 love u guys!"

So, there you have it ... happy off the field, not so much on it!

Baker Mayfield is breaking down his decision to shave right before AND right after the Browns' devastating loss to the Broncos on Sunday ... saying he "didn't deserve" to wear a handlebar mustache.

Aside from Cleveland's awful performance, the most notable takeaway from Sunday was Baker's facial hair switcharoo -- shaving his beard to a handlebar look for the game, and then chopping it down to a porn 'stache for post-game interviews.

Baker explained his decision after practice on Wednesday ... saying he had been undefeated while wearing the handlebar look ... and after the Browns took their 6th L of the season, he felt he wasn't worthy.

"The quarterbacks had a 'Movember' mustache, and the original thought for me, do handlebars," Mayfield said.

"I was undefeated before Sunday with the handlebar mustache, so I shaved it off cause I didn’t deserve it."

Baker also weighed in on his stats being a LOT worse than in his rookie campaign ... and unlike last week's presser, he seemed calm in the pocket and admitted he's not playing great right now.

Michael Vick is still riding STRONG with Baker Mayfield -- telling TMZ Sports he believes the Browns QB can still turn things around ... IF HE THROWS TO ODELL!!

"Baker's my dude," Vick says ... "Just keep pluggin'. All the outside noise, you're gonna get that. You gotta be mentally tough at the quarterback position."

Of course, Mayfield's come under fire lately because ... to put it simply ... the Browns are back to being the Browns, with a lackluster 2-6 record.

And, Baker's been getting crushed in the media for his stat line -- 7 TDs and 12 INTs -- having only thrown to Odell during Red Zone opportunities 3 TIMES this year!

"At the end of the day, he gotta throw the ball to Odell Beckham," Vick says.

FYI, Beckham was so frustrated with the situation in CLE, he reportedly said after the Broncos game, "I can’t get the ball to save my life."

But, it's clear in our video, Vick isn't turning on the QB -- he still thinks Baker is the key to the future in Cleveland.

"He's got a long career ahead of him. Gotta start winning more than losing."

Jermaine Whitehead has now seen the error of his and has apologized for threatening to shoot and kill fans on social media.

Oh, and the apology comes 24 hours after he was cut by the Cleveland Browns.

In a statement that essentially reads "please, somebody hire me" -- the 26-year-old defensive back tries desperately to show remorse for the aggressive Twitter rant that got him suspended online and fired from his job.

"I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for my actions following our game with Denver," Whitehead said.

"That was totally out of character for me. I do not justify my actions, but was extremely frustrated with the way I had played and our team losing because of it. I was playing with a broken hand, but that is no excuse for my actions, and I am deeply regretful."

Remember, minutes after the Browns lost to the Denver Broncos ... Whitehead went on social media and began clapping back at his critics.

"Imma kill you bitch ... that's on blood," he told one guy.

"Don't get shot at lil bitch ... can you whoop my ass .. .f*ck football .. let me know when you need the address," he told another.

When one fan asked for Whitehead's address, the NFL player gave out the address to the Cleveland Browns facility in Ohio.

The Browns cut him first thing Monday morning and now Whitehead is trying to find a new job. Hence the apology ...

"I want to personally apologize to anyone who I offended, especially those who I was responsive to on Twitter. My choice of words did not reflect who I am, but only what I was feeling."

"Also, my sincerest apologies to my teammates, coaches, the Browns organization and most of all, the fans and kids that motivate me to even pursue this dream."

"Again I am deeply sorry for my unacceptable behavior, and I wish the Browns the best of luck in the future. I love you!"

The Cleveland Browns just cut 26-year-old safety Jermaine Whitehead -- after the guy threatened to shoot, kill and fight several fans on social media after the Browns lost on Sunday.

Whitehead was getting clowned on social media for his lack of tackling and the overall terribleness of the Browns, when he lashed back on Twitter,

"Imma kill you bitch ... that's on blood," he told one guy.

"Don't get shot at lil bitch ... can you whoop my ass .. .f*ck football .. let me know when you need the address," he told another.

When one fan asked for Whitehead's address, the NFL player gave out the address to the Cleveland Browns facility in Ohio.

Twitter immediately suspended Whitehead's account over the threat -- in fact, it was suspended before he even left the locker room.

And, yeah ... as you could imagine, the Browns were PISSED too -- issuing a statement condemning Jermaine's actions.

"Jermaine Whitehead's social media posts following today's game were totally unacceptable and highly inappropriate," a Browns spokesperson said. "We immediately spoke with Jermaine upon learning of these comments. The Browns in no way condone that type of language or behavior. This matter will be further addressed internally."

Whitehead apologized ... but it was too late to save his job.

"I do apologize for my performance, but having a broke hand and a strong fear of letting my team down is my downfall," Whitehead said.

"Whatever happens happens. Ain trippin. They probably gone still talk crazy but this me getting smoke off my chest. I don't need one like.. this from me to me! Keep ya head up homie, can't nobody f*ck with you. I dare em to try."

Myles Garrett was one cool hombre after getting sucker punched in the face by a fan in the street -- which you can clearly see here in the body cam footage and 911 call on the day of.

TMZ Sports obtained the footage from the scene after the Browns defensive end had been socked by a dude in the streets of Cleveland, and it's clear he wasn't rattled or even all that injured. Myles just wanted it taken care of, so he filed the necessary report.

In the body cam footage from the responding officers, you see Myles explain what exactly happened. From his words, it sounds like a dude -- whom cops later ID'd as a suspect named Richard Perez based on license plate info -- tricked Myles into a street side photo-op.

Myles tells the officers that he was in the middle lane on the phone with someone, when he noticed somebody in another vehicle next to him waving their phone at him in what he took as wanting to take a pic with him.

He eventually obliged once he was done with his own phone convo. Myles says he cracked his window just enough so the man could get a clear shot, but as soon as he did the man snapped away

We also got a hold of the 911 call Myles placed right afterward, and again ... the guy sounds stoic and matter-of-factly. A testament to his toughness for sure ... we doubt most folks in that sitch would be nearly as collected as Myles is here in both scenarios.

Kareem Hunt's 8-game suspension is ALMOST up -- and Monday morning, the Browns running back was back on the practice field getting hugs from his teammates.

Check out Baker Mayfield greeting Hunt with open arms as he gets ready to make his 2019 debut on Nov. 10 against the Buffalo Bills. Seems most of his teammates are stoked for Hunt to get back to action.

Remember, the NFL handed down an 8-game suspension in March following 2 violent off-field incidents ... including an altercation with a woman at a Cleveland hotel in Feb. 2018.

But now, he's been cleared to participate in team activities -- which is why he was at the Browns practice facility Monday morning.

On the field, 24-year-old Hunt is a BEAST -- and was a huge part of the KC Chiefs offense the past 2 years.

The Chiefs cut Hunt in November after TMZ Sports posted video of the hotel altercation -- and the Browns snatched him up a few months later.

Hunt has said he's working on becoming a better person through counseling, alcohol and anger management and religion -- and Browns honchos have publicly supported him along the way.

Back in May, head coach Freddie Kitchens said Hunt is "always gonna have our support."

But, let's get serious, the REAL reason the Browns are excited to have Hunt back is because they're 2-4 and desperately in need of a spark.

Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett says he just got sucker punched in the face by a "fan" who asked him for a picture ... and now he's clowning the attacker on social media.

Garrett -- who's 6'4", 272 lbs -- says he was inside of his car Wednesday when the "fan" flagged him down and "hopped out his car to take a picture with me."

"I cracked the window enough for the camera to get my face," Garrett says ... but when the guy got close, he socked Myles right in the face.

23-year-old Garrett -- the #1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft -- didn't seem fazed one bit ... comparing the punch to a "pillow tap."

We reached out to police in Cleveland and nearby areas but, so far, no signs of a report being filed.

Instead, Garrett is taunting the guy on social media ... "Hm, put your legs into it might have actually made me flinch."

Garrett says he didn't retaliate because he knows that would make him a prime target for a lawsuit.

The Browns are on a bye week -- so it's unclear if the incident even took place in Cleveland, but we're working on it.

Garrett is a monster in the NFL ... he's widely considered one of the best pass rushers in the game and he already has 9 sacks in the 2019 season.

Odell Beckham says he had a golden opportunity to retaliate against Marlon Humphrey after Sunday's choking incident ... but chose not to fight back because "it's not MMA."

The Cleveland Browns WR says he was fined by the NFL for the incident -- even though he claims he was not the aggressor and was only defending himself.

But, Beckham says things could have been WAYYYY worse ... if he wasn't such a mature and restrained person.

"There was an opportunity for me to really take things way further," Beckham said.

"He was on the ground, I was standing up still. And, I kind of just let the moment pass."

Beckham says the decision to NOT fight back shows how mature he is now -- "I've come a long way. I probably would have been suspended for the next game if I would have done what I wanted to do."

He added, "This is football, this isn't MMA. This isn't 'Street Fighter.' It's a different story."

Of course, the big dispute is whether or not Marlon actually choked Beckham -- something the Ravens have said did NOT happen.

Beckham deflected when asked straight up about the strangulation ... "I don't know. We grown ass men."

"We get hit every day. We get hit by 300 pounders. I’m good."

Beckham also griped about the fighting fine from the NFL ... saying he's sick and tired of the league taking money out of his pockets.

"I understand the penalty, getting fined for that. But, pants above your knees or a shirt hanging out, we’re talking about a t-shirt that cost $5 to make and you’re getting $5,000 taken from you.”

Joe Thomas says Baker Mayfield's Twitter feuds aren't distracting the team -- matter of fact, he believes the QB's beefs can be the fuel that leads the Browns to the playoffs!!!

Baker's never been a fan of criticism ... and he's always willing to speak his mind -- see here, here and here.

TMZ Sports spoke with the future Hall of Famer/Cleveland Browns legend/ex-NFL Fat Guy/current Greek god-lookin' fella about Mayfield's ever-growing list of enemies ... and asked if all the drama will be an issue for the team.

But, Thomas sees it as a GOOD thing ... telling us it's what keeps Bake motivated.

"I think when Baker is engaging people and firing back at Rex Ryan and Colin Cowherd and Antonio Brown, he's kind of playing off who he is going back to his college days."

Of course, Thomas is referring to the fact Baker was overlooked heading into college -- he went from a 2-time walk-on to a Heisman Trophy winner and the top pick in the 2018 draft -- and how he's always kept that chip on his shoulder ever since.

"He does his best work when his back's against the wall when everybody seems to be out to get him .... he really feels he has something to prove in that moment and that's when you get the best version of Baker Mayfield.

Thomas says he wouldn't be surprised if Bake goes out of his way to start even more beef ... because the whole team will be motivated by it.

NFL all-time sack leader Bruce Smith says there's one player in the league right now that reminds him of himself, and it's none other than Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett.

Bruce has 200 sacks -- the only member of the 200 sack club in league history -- and says he loves the crop of young, nasty, hungry defensive talent in the NFL right now.

"Von Miller, I can't say enough about him ... Aaron Donald. Stud. He gets after it and gets it done. Then you have Khalil Mack."

As much praise as he heaped on all those guys, there was only one talent that Smith described as looking in a mirror from the past.

"Myles Garrett reminds me of myself. Tremendously talented young man. He's strong, he's big, he's faster. I consider him to be able to put together a breakout year this year, and be one of the top choices for defensive player of the year."

FYI, Garrett currently sits at 26.5 sacks for his career ... leaving him only about 183 behind Bruce for the all-time record.

Baker Mayfield is teeing off on Rex Ryan for calling him "overrated as hell" ... saying Rex's opinion doesn't matter -- and he's out of the NFL for a reason!!

The coach-turned-analyst took a shot at the Cleveland Browns QB on ESPN's "Get Up!" on Tuesday following the team's loss to the Rams ... saying Mayfield's not as good as people think.

"I bought into the dang hype," Ryan said. "What's he doing right? Here's a guy right now that's a one-read guy and then he's gonna improvise."

Ryan also bashed Baker for being slow and inaccurate down the field.

Mayfield was asked whether Rex's comments added "fuel to the fire" on Wednesday... and that's when he ripped into the coach for not having a football gig.

"It's whatever," Mayfield said. "In the wise words of Freddie Kitchens -- 'if you don't wear Orange and Brown, you don't matter.' Rex Ryan doesn't have any colors right now for a reason, so it's okay."

BOOM.

Baker has a history of going after media members who are critical of him -- just ask Colin Cowherd.

It'll be interesting to see how these comments shake out though -- considering Rex had a consistent career as a coach in the NFL from 1999 to 2016 ... and has a Super Bowl ring from his stint as a defensive line coach with the Baltimore Ravens.

As a head coach, Rex also took the NY Jets to the AFC title game in his first 2 seasons with the team. His career record as an NFL head coach is 65-68 with 4 playoff wins.

Baker has led his Browns to 8 wins in 16 games since being selected as the #1 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.