NFL
In a shocking development today the FBI will charge Cleveland Browns LB Mychal Kendricks with insider trading. When the news came out Kendricks quickly fessed up to the crime. Kendricks was under investigation by the FBI throughout the offseason.
The Browns signed Kendricks to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million, but it is unclear at this point if the Browns knew of this when Kendricks was signed. Kendricks made over $1.2 million through the illegal activity. It is unknown if the NFL will suspend Kendricks. In terms of legal penalty, Kendricks will be facing a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine.
In a statement, Kendricks said that he “deeply” regrets his actions and he invested money with a “former friend.” The Browns also said that Kendricks would not travel with the team to their fourth and final preseason game.
What This Means For The Browns
The team is now down one of their important depth players. Kendricks was the backup to star linebacker, Jamie Collins. Players such as B.J. Bello and Brady Sheldon who may have been on the roster bubble now have a legitimate shot to make the 53-man roster.
The Kendricks incident only adds to the tumultuous offseason for the Browns. Josh Gordon was gone all of training camp due to personal reasons and rookie Antonio Callaway was cited for marijuana possession. Hopefully, for the Browns, this is the last distraction for them this offseason.
Mychal Kendricks’ Profile
Kendricks attended the University of California where he played four years of college football. His Junior and Senior years were his best seasons. In his Junior year, he amassed 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
His senior year he had 106 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions. He would declare for the NFL Draft after his senior season. The Philadelphia Eagles took Kendricks in the second round. Kendricks had his best year in 2013 when he had four sacks and 86 tackles. He would sign with the Browns during this past offseason.
