Quinshon Judkins did not report to rookie minicamp on Friday and his future with the Cleveland Browns remains unclear.
Judkins, a second-round pick in this year’s draft, was arrested on July 12 and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. The charge stems from an incident on July 7, in which he is accused of physically assaulting the woman during an argument that began at the airport and escalated in a rental vehicle.
According to the police report, Judkins allegedly struck the woman in the mouth and chin with a closed fist, then hit her multiple times on the arm and thigh.
The woman waited five days before contacting authorities, citing concerns about how the allegations might affect Judkins’ NFL career. She said in the 911 call that she has “a lot more of my story to tell.”
On top of his off-field issues, Judkins also remains unsigned, which complicates his situation with the Browns. The team is in no rush to sign Judkins before they got more information on his legal situation.
“The Browns are continuing to gather more information on Judkins’ misdemeanor domestic-battery charge against his girlfriend in Fort Lauderdale earlier this month before determining how to proceed,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reported. “When the Browns have clarity on what happened between Judkins and his girlfriend that day, they’ll likely work toward signing him to his four-year rookie contract worth about $11.389 million and let him resume his football career.”
Quinshon Judkins Likely to Face Suspension: Report
Judkins’ legal process is still unfolding, but a suspension appears likely. The NFL’s baseline punishment for domestic violence incidents is a six-game suspension, though the exact length can be adjusted based on the outcome of the investigation and any mitigating or aggravating factors.
The NFL is still gathering information. Judkins could be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list while the league investigates the incident, which would sideline him from all practices and games but allow him to continue receiving pay. Players on the list do not count against the 53-man roster.
Cabot does not see Judkins avoiding a suspension based on the information that has been made public so far.
“When we heard and saw what allegedly happened and the description in the police report, I can’t see how the NFL isn’t going to suspend him,” Cabot said on the “Baskin & Phelps” show on 92.3 The Fan. “It’s really incredibly unfortunate. I don’t believe there were any red flags about anything of this sort heading in. If there were, they flew completely under the radar. I never saw anything at all about character concerns.”
Browns Have to Rethink Running Back Position
The Browns selected Judkins with a second-round pick to bolster their backfield. They viewed the Ohio State product as a “bell cow” back, capable of carrying the load as the team rebooted their backfield.
If Judkins misses time, that responsibility will fall to Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong Jr., and rookie Dylan Sampson, a fourth-round pick.
Ford took a pay cut to remain with the Browns but has 18 starts over three seasons with Cleveland. He’s rushed for 1390 yards and seven touchdowns during his time with the Browns. Ford can also be effective as a pass-catcher, with 81 receptions for 544 yards on his resume.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Rookie No-Show at Training Camp appeared first on Heavy Sports.