Cleveland, OH A cloud of controversy has erupted over the Cleveland Browns after star defensive end Myles Garrett’s absence from mandatory team activities this week prompted widespread accusations of organizational double standards.
Critics, analysts, and even some within the league are raising eyebrows over the team’s seemingly inconsistent disciplinary approach particularly as it contrasts with how other absences have been handled in recent seasons.
The situation has stirred unrest among fans and added tension in an offseason already fraught with questions surrounding leadership, accountability, and the franchise’s culture. Many are now asking: is Myles Garrett receiving preferential treatment from the front office? And if so, what message does that send to the locker room and beyond?
The Absence That Sparked the Firestorm
The Browns began their three-day mandatory minicamp on May 29th without Myles Garrett, the four-time Pro Bowler and defensive cornerstone of the team. His absence was not excused publicly, nor was a definitive reason given by the team. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters, “Myles is dealing with something personal. We’re giving him space.”
That statement, however, did little to quell the media frenzy. In contrast to the typical response toward missing mandatory sessions which often results in fines or internal discipline Garrett’s no-show was met with silence from both the front office and player leadership.
NFL insider Jay Glazer broke the story on Wednesday, noting that several veteran players were “shocked and frustrated” that Garrett did not face any consequences. “There’s a growing sense inside the building that rules apply differently depending on your name and your paycheck,” Glazer said on Fox Sports Radio. “If this were a backup linebacker or a third-string corner, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. They’d be fined on the spot.”
Comparing the Past: Different Rules for Different Players?
Observers quickly pointed out that the Browns haven’t always been so lenient. Just last year, wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones was publicly reprimanded and fined for missing a voluntary OTA due to what the team called “an unapproved personal commitment.” At the time, GM Andrew Berry said, “We hold everyone to the same standard, no matter who they are or what they’ve done in the past.”
That quote is now being cited with biting irony by both fans and analysts.
In 2023, linebacker Jacob Phillips was waived after repeated absences from team activities, including a short family-related leave. While his performance level wasn’t near Garrett’s, the zero-tolerance tone set by management has been remembered by many.
Veteran analyst Skip Bayless weighed in on Undisputed, saying, “What this looks like is the Browns picking and choosing who gets punished based on talent. That’s a terrible look for a team trying to build a championship culture. You either have standards or you don’t.”
Garrett’s History With the Team
To fully understand the controversy, one must consider Myles Garrett’s stature within the organization. Drafted No. 1 overall in 2017, he has been a franchise cornerstone for nearly a decade, helping elevate Cleveland from laughingstock to playoff contender. His career stats include 88.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, and two First-Team All-Pro selections. He was also a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2024.
Garrett’s importance to the Browns cannot be overstated, and he is widely regarded as a team leader both on and off the field.
But that leadership is precisely what has made this absence and the response to it so jarring to many.
“If you’re going to wear the ‘C’ on your chest,” said former Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas on The Pat McAfee Show, “you’ve got to show up. Period. And if you don’t, there has to be accountability. Otherwise, what message does that send to the younger guys?
The Locker Room Reaction
According to sources within the Browns organization who spoke on condition of anonymity, several players were left “confused” by the team’s handling of Garrett’s absence. While no one has gone on record to criticize the defensive star directly, internal cohesion may already be under strain.
One unnamed player reportedly told Cleveland.com, “If the leaders aren’t held to the same rules, then why should we listen when they preach discipline and focus? It’s frustrating.”
Another veteran added, “Nobody is saying Myles doesn’t deserve respect. He’s earned it. But respect is different from exemption. You can respect someone and still expect them to show up.”
There’s also a concern that Stefanski may be losing some degree of influence over the locker room. As one league executive told The Athletic, “This could be a pivotal moment for Kevin. If players think he’s not holding stars accountable, it could erode trust and control very quickly.”
Fans React With Frustration
Browns fans, a fiercely loyal and emotionally invested base, have taken to social media to voice their concerns.
On Twitter (now X), hashtags like #DoubleStandard and #AccountabilityNow began trending in Cleveland by Thursday morning. One user wrote, “Garrett is amazing, but no one should be above the team. We’ve seen what happens when favoritism infects a locker room. Don’t let this slide.”
Others were more blunt: “Suspend him. Set a precedent. Or admit that you’re playing favorites.”
Local sports radio hosts have also joined the fray. WKNR’s Tony Rizzo blasted the team on air, saying, “This franchise has spent the last five years preaching culture. Well, this is where culture is either made or broken.”
What’s Next for the Browns?
With training camp just weeks away, the Browns must now address a two-pronged challenge: smoothing over internal discord and managing public perception. According to reports, Stefanski and Garrett have scheduled a meeting this week to discuss the issue and chart a path forward.
Team executives, meanwhile, are reportedly drafting a revised internal policy on attendance and accountability, aiming to reinforce uniform standards for all players, regardless of status.
In a brief press conference on Friday, GM Andrew Berry said, “We’re aware of the concerns, both internally and externally. We value accountability and understand the optics of every decision we make. We will continue to support our players while also ensuring fairness across the board.”
He did not address whether Garrett would be fined or disciplined retroactively.
Final Thoughts
The Myles Garrett controversy has become a defining moment for the Cleveland Browns’ 2025 offseason. At its core, the issue isn’t about one player skipping a few days it’s about the integrity of a franchise trying to rise above decades of dysfunction and mismanagement.
If the Browns are to contend not just for playoff berths, but for championships, they must cultivate a culture where discipline and accountability apply to all no matter how talented or beloved a player might be.
As one former NFL coach put it, “Talent wins games. Culture wins titles. If the Browns want to be more than just talented, they’d better figure this out fast.
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