Report: NFL to investigate Browns over Joe Haden not playing
By Thomas Moore
Sep 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) in the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL, apparently lacking anything more pressing, is reportedly investigating the Cleveland Browns over cornerback Joe Haden being inactive for Sunday’s game against San Diego.
“As is customary in these instances, we have checked in with the club on this to provide an explanation,” a league spokesman told Pro Football Talk. “We are looking into it.”
The crux of the problem is that Haden was listed as probable on Friday’s injury report after suffering an injury to his ribs and finger in the game against Oakland. Being listed as probable, according to the league, means that a there is a “virtual certainty player will be available for normal duties.”
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But when Haden warmed up prior to the game on Sunday, he didn’t believe he could be effective, so the Browns put him on the inactive list for the game, according to head coach Mike Pettine.
“(Joe) went out with (assistant secondary coach/corners) Aaron Glenn,” Pettine said during his Monday news conference. “They went ahead and covered [his finger] up. He went out and worked out before the deadline to turn in the inactives to see if he could go or he couldn’t.
“We left it up to Joe. We left it up to Joe, and he made the decision that he didn’t want to go.”
According to NFL rules, 90 minutes before every game teams must officially declare which of their seven players will be inactive for that day’s game.
Haden worked out prior to the game and the Browns made the decision within the NFL-mandated deadline.
So why is this an issue with the NFL?