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Browns mask rookie DT's controversial return to practice with extension for Pro Bowl LB
The Cleveland Browns announced a three-year contract extension with Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on Wednesday afternoon.
The positive news regarding Cleveland's leading tackler from 2023 came at the same time that it was reported that rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was at the team's facility on Wednesday and likely to practice. Hall's return to the squad came one day after he was arrested and charged with domestic violence after allegedly threatening his fiancee with a gun.
Updated: #Browns DT Mike Hall Jr. expected to practice vs. #Vikings today in wake of domestic violence charge: https://t.co/e60LD6ofGG
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 14, 2024
Wednesday's news of Hall's quick return to the field is another controversial storyline that could surround the Browns until the second-round pick either sees his day in court or Cleveland makes a decision on his future with the organization.
The Ohio State product was arrested and booked on Tuesday after the alleged incident on Monday night. According to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, Hall pleaded not guilty, his bond was set at $10,000 and he has a hearing set for Sept. 10, which is two days after the Browns' season-opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Per the report, police said that the 21-year-old pressed a handgun against his fiancee's temple and threatened "I will [expletive] end it all. I don't care."
The team released a statement on Tuesday regarding the situation.
Statement from the #Browns on possible domestic incident involving 2nd round pick Mike Hall Jr.: pic.twitter.com/uIvWhWxlSG
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 13, 2024
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy added in a statement: "We have been in contact with the club regarding the matter, which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy."
The Browns didn't practice on Tuesday and have joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday and Thursday before playing in a preseason contest on Saturday.
Cleveland safety Rodney McLeod Jr. told reporters on Wednesday that the team was being supportive of Hall.
"We're a team. We're a family," McLeod said, according to an Associated Press and ESPN report. "And we're understanding that certain things are going to arise and take place and so you have to treat it as such. We're all human beings and so for us we're just trying to learn more about what took place and we will handle things accordingly."
More must-reads:
- Browns rookie DT reportedly arrested after domestic dispute
- New report emerges about Browns rookie who was arrested
- The 'Cleveland Browns head coaches' quiz
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