Main Story

Jared Verse says he confronted Browns teammates after they failed to defend him when Steelers guard Mason McCormick slammed him to the ground after a PAT attempt. Verse called the play dangerous and said he was hurt by what he saw as his teammates’ lack of support, while acknowledging he should have made his feelings clear before the game.

By the Numbers
  • Pittsburgh beat Cleveland, 27-6.
  • McCormick received a 15-yard penalty for the takedown.
Yes, But

McCormick said he was trying to stop a player from jumping on the PAT and didn’t know who Verse was. Verse, who had criticized the Steelers as “dirty” before the game, said the play could have caused a serious injury.

Bottom Line

The dispute is about more than one penalty: Verse wants teammates to stand up for one another, but says he also bears responsibility for setting expectations before the game.