Browns caught off guard by Mychal Kendricks’ allegations

The Cleveland Browns found themselves in an unexpected situation when it was revealed that outside linebacker Mychal Kendricks was facing insider trading charges, a fact unknown to the team at the time of his signing. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the Browns were unaware of the legal troubles Kendricks was involved in when they added him to their roster.

Mary Kay Cabot disclosed that although the team knew Kendricks was under Federal investigation, they were not informed that he was actually the key figure in the case. The U.S. attorney announced that Kendricks was implicated in a scheme involving insider trading along with Domilare Sonoiki, who was described as a former associate at a Wall Street investment bank.

Kendricks was accused of making a substantial profit of $1.2 million by exchanging cash and tickets to Philadelphia Eagles games for nonpublic information on upcoming trades. In a written statement, Kendricks expressed his remorse for his actions, attributing his involvement to misplaced trust in a former friend who had a prestigious background in finance that misled him into participating in the illegal activities.

As the team geared up for the upcoming season, Mychal Kendricks’ legal troubles came as a shock, prompting the Browns to issue a statement acknowledging the situation and mentioning that Kendricks would not be traveling with the team to Detroit for their next game. The organization promised to provide further comments as more information became available.

Former Philadelphia Eagles president, Andrew Brandt, weighed in on the situation, casting doubt on Kendricks’ future with the Browns following these revelations. Brandt speculated that even if the Browns were unaware of the legal issues, they would likely consider severing ties with Kendricks given the seriousness of the charges he was facing.

Cleveland had signed Kendricks just a few months prior to the controversy, offering him a one-year contract worth $2.25 million. The linebacker had spent the first six years of his professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing significantly to the team’s success, with 93 tackles and two sacks in the previous season as part of the championship-winning squad. Now, his future with the Browns seemed uncertain in light of the legal troubles that had come to light.