Wide receiver Davone Bessfaces an uncertain future (to say the least) with the Cleveland Browns. He's hopeful he'll remain a member of the team despite a tumultuous few months.
"I haven't talked to the Browns, and I don't know how they feel about me," Bess told The Plain Dealer, saying he responded to a group text sent by new coordinator Kyle Shanahan. "I'm looking forward to the season and getting better on and off the field."
For the first time, Bess addressed the off-field problems he's suffered through since being placed on the non-football illness list late last year. Bess was subsequently arrested on multiple charges after an airport incident and drew attention for a pair of social media photos that appeared to contain marijuana. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Bess has been in a medical treatment center following the season, according to a person with knowledge of his situation.
"I was in a point of my life where there was a lot of betrayal and mistrust and I didn't know how to handle it," Bess said. "So I went and got some help. I went through the process and learned it's OK to express my feelings but I have to do it in a positive way."
ProFootballTalk reported last week that the Brownsplan to void the guarantees in his contract.
The NFL can be a brutal business when it comes to firing and hiring. The reality is that Bess was probably going to be released based on his play on the field last season and his salary. The off-field problems make it more complicated.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys speculate on big names who could be cut, then talk offseason forecasts for the Packers and Raiders.
