Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens is already chirping about Odell Beckham Jr. and his glaring absence from OTAs.
Somewhere, Dave Gettleman is looking on after a nice, quick-second chuckle.
It appears Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens is becoming annoyed at the antics of Odell Beckham Jr. Well, antics isn’t the right word. Instead, “absence” hits the mark.
Kitchens spoke to reporters after OTAs on Thursday and expressed his wishes that the former New York Giants stud showed up to practice in The Land.
The Browns rookie head coach was asked what he wants to see out of OBJ next week at mandatory minicamp. Kitchen’s reply?
“I just want to see him,” via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Kitchens was also asked what Beckham missed.
“A lot — the offense.”
Freddie Kitchens on what he wants to see from Odell Beckham Jr. next week: 'I just want to see him.'
What did he miss? 'A lot'— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 30, 2019
Colin Cowherd, whose name has recently surfaced with OBJ and Baker Mayfield controversy, added in his two cents.
"The Browns got a real crisis on their hands… 75 days since the trade, he's been in Cleveland for three days. The coach is pissed and now he's going public with it."@ColinCowherd on Freddie Kitchens calling out OBJ pic.twitter.com/WdKKsTr7c4
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 30, 2019
Beckham, 26, begins the second chapter of his NFL career in Cleveland (once he arrives). In five seasons with New York, Beckham tallied 5,476 yards and 44 scores on 390 receptions, making the Pro Bowl his first three campaigns.
The trade that sent Beckham to Cleveland, for Jabril Peppers and two picks, sent shockwaves through New York. Half the crowd became incensed at the bold move while the other half said, “Good riddance.” As talented as the kid remains, culture-breaking moves have littered East Rutherford over the previous five years.
Kitchens didn’t go all out, with his words. Though they were stern and obvious, no lines were crossed. To Cowherd’s point, there’s no question this has been stewing privately for quite some time.
The Odell Beckham Jr. show continues while Dave Gettleman continues to look on with popcorn in hand.