Reasons for Browns WR Antonio Callaway's Release Reportedly Revealed
By Adam Weinrib
When wideout Antonio Callaway was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round in 2018, he was viewed as either an exceptional steal or an unnecessary risk.
A year and a half later, it's clear that Callaway's time in the NFL was not marked by much positive progress, in terms of steering clear of trouble.
The return of OL Drew Forbes brought Callaway's release on Thursday afternoon, and according to reports, it was due to myriad reasons, including violating the same rule he'd just fallen victim to last week.
Source says Antonio Callaway was late again this week - just days after showing up past the scheduled time for the Buffalo game — and the team is bracing for another potential drug-related suspension with the NFL. A second suspension would result in 10 games missed. Team fed up.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 14, 2019
Yes, that's following a four-game drug suspension earlier in the campaign. Callaway was late for Week 11's matchup, got benched, was late again, and is now on the hook for another 10-gamer. That'll do it.
#Browns Antonio Callaway awaiting word on the appeal of his 10-game suspension, league source tells clevelanddotcom. He used a tainted CBD product for pain. Story to come soon on clevelanddotcom
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 14, 2019
As a team source stated, it's just become too much of a hassle to keep him around.
I was just told the #Browns had discussions this morning on Antonio Callaway's status. When I asked why are they releasing the WR, I was told "too many issues," per source.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 14, 2019
You may remember Callaway from a sexual misconduct suspension and violation while at the University of Florida. You may remember his bizarre summer 2018 citation for driving with marijuana, and his eventual claim that the car had been shipped up from Florida and he had no idea there were drugs still in the glove compartment.
But chances are, if you do remember Callaway, it's not for his on-field exploits. That pattern continued on Thursday.