Cleveland Browns receiver Antonio Callaway has been cleared of drug charges that occured during training camp prior to last season.
Before last season began Cleveland Browns receiver Antonio Callaway was cited possession of marijuana. Callaway found himself charged with marijuana possession after a traffic stop. The incident occurred during Browns training camp last season. The charges have since been dismissed.
When the incident initially occurred there was a sense of “here we go again”. Another talented, but troubled wide receiver having issues with the Cleveland Browns. Of course this is a reference to former receiver Josh Gordon. There was also a feeling that while Cleveland was supporting Gordon at the time, the introduction of another “bad influence” in Callaway could cause a relapse. While a relapse may have occurred, there is no reason to blame the presence of Callaway for said incident.
Antonio Callaway experienced an up and down rookie season with Cleveland. 43 receptions for 586 yards and five touchdowns was the final line for Callaway. This came in 16 games including 11 starts. Cleveland should expect Callaway to grow as a player and build upon his rookie campaign.
John Dorsey acquires players with off the field issues often
Antonio Callaway is just one of the latest players with off the field issues that John Dorsey has acquired. Callaway possessed the talent of a first round pick. However questions about legal issues led to his draft stock falling. The issues resulted in dropping to the fourth round. Dorsey saw the upside in Callaway and made the selection.
Just this offseason Dorsey has brought Kareem Hunt and Jaelen Strong to Cleveland. Hunt with his obvious domestic violence cases and Strong with a similar drug related issue. Strong served a one-game suspension in 2017 due a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Acquiring players with a questionable past is just part of the John Dorsey experience.
Moving forward Antonio Callaway needs to make sure more incidents do not occur. The last thing the Browns need is another Josh Gordon-esque saga on their hands. As long as no further incidents occur, the Browns have a solid receiver for their offense to utilize in their game plans.
