BEREA, Ohio — Tired about speculation over his future, Browns star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said Wednesday he doesn’t want to leave Cleveland after one frustrating season.
Beckham dismissed reports he is unhappy with the Browns and said he’s committed to helping the team win.
“It’s done. It’s over with,” he said of the speculation. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here. We’re going to figure this thing out. It’s just too special to leave.”
Beckham’s first season with the Browns (6-8) hasn’t gone as expected, but the three-time Pro Bowler remains convinced the team has the pieces to be a Super Bowl contender.
Over the past few weeks, reports have emerged saying Beckham had been telling opposing players and coaches during games to “come get me.” Beckham chalked up those reports to him being a convenient target.
“It’s just easy to talk about. It’s a cop-out,” he said. “It’s an easy thing to do and cause a little controversy and a little friction, and I feel like with my experiences in the league, and kind of going through the troubles that I did, it will never bother me. It’s never going to affect me, but it will cause a little friction between you and a teammate who doesn’t necessarily know what it is you’re thinking so.
“It’s just done. It’s time to just put it to bed. I’m going to be here. … I didn’t buy a house here to sell it.”
Beckham began his interview by joking he had been in talks with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.
