Well Browns fans, we were so close to making it to training camp with a clean off-season, so close. As many of you know, Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested Saturday in Fort Lauderdale Florida. He spent the night in jail and was released Sunday after paying a $2500.00 bond. The charge was “touch or strike/battery/domestic violence.” According to Florida law it’s a first-degree misdemeanor. The victim appeared to have injuries, specially bruising. The woman and Judkins apparently were in a relationship in May of 2024 but were traveling to Florida as friends. The incident occurred on July 7, five days prior to the Judkins arrest. According to Judkin’s attorney, the victim was, “encouraged to take advantage of my client, and that’s why she made the after-the-fact report, quite frankly.” The five-day delay in pressing charges does raise an eyebrow, but sometimes victims of domestic violence have to be persuaded to file charges, it’s not an easy decision.
As of today, Judkins has yet to sign a contract, as do 29 other players taken in the second round. The two second rounders who have signed, including Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, both received fully guaranteed contracts. The rest of the second rounders are waiting for the same. Does this arrest complicate Judkins signing? Not really. I expect him to be signed prior to rookies reporting Friday. As for the NFL’s personal conduct policy, he will get suspended without pay and miss games. But this won’t happen until the legal process plays out. The league is investigating and that investigation will determine if Judkins is placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. According to the NFL rule book, ” Players who are placed by the Commissioner on the Exempt list prior to the determination of discipline and any appeal therefrom under the Personal Conduct Policy will be paid while on the Commissioner Exempt list and credited for the regular and post-season games missed against any suspension ultimately imposed.” Browns DT Michael Hall was placed on the exempt list last year on August 27 and was reinstated after missing five games on October 7.
Of course, there are fans and media members blaming Browns GM Andrew Berry. He did draft Perrion Winfrey and Michael Hall, two players with red flags, but Judkins had not red flags. He has never been in trouble before and was considered the second or third best running back in a very strong running back draft. All 32 teams found no problem in his past. This is why this is unusual behavior for Judkins. I’m going to wait till the details come out before I condemn a young man for this arrest. I’ll wait till I know the situation he was in and the circumstances of the charges. Other than that, I’m looking forward to training camp starting this week and by this time next week people will be arguing over who should start at quarterback. Stay safe and Go Browns.