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Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. excused from practice amid off-field drama

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Nov 3, 2021 12:30 PM ET

If you thought the soap opera involving the Cleveland Browns and Odell Beckham Jr. had reached its pinnacle, you haven't tuned in to the latest episode.

Amid drama on and off the field that has involved rumored trade talks and accusatory social media videos, the spotlight-grabbing wide receiver was "told he was excused" from Browns practice on Wednesday as the team readies to visit the Bengals in Cincinnati.

I'm told #Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. has been told he's excused from practice today, per league source. Additionally, it is my understanding that OBJ was ready to attend practice per usual.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 3, 2021

There have been chemistry issues between Beckham and the team, particularly with quarterback Baker Mayfield, since the receiver was acquired by Cleveland in 2019, and he has made it clear on multiple occasions he prefers to be a superstar on another team. Things really came to a head earlier this week when Beckham's dad posted a lengthy video to social media chronicling a number of times Mayfield didn't pass to his son.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Odell Beckham Sr. (@odellbeckhamsr)

NBA star and friend LeBron James added to the fiasco by seemingly trying to broker a trade on Beckham's behalf via Twitter.

OBJ will show again why he’s special. WR1 #FreeOBJ
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 2, 2021

The Browns haven't disclosed the specific reason Beckham was excused from practice on Wednesday. Cleveland reportedly looked to trade him but couldn't get a deal done due to his high salary.

It's anyone's guess how the rest of this saga plays out, but it looks like there's a chance Beckham won't suit up for the Browns anytime soon — if at all.

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