Person at NFLPA says union wants to speak to Browns players about coach Mangini

AP Source: NFLPA looks into Mangini complaints

WASHINGTON — The NFL Players Association is trying to set up a meeting with Cleveland Browns players this week to talk about coach Eric Mangini’s practices, a person at the union told The Associated Press on Monday.

The person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to protect the Browns players’ confidentiality, said the union is looking into what has been going on in Cleveland this season because of concerns about health and safety.

Two Browns players have been injured during post-practice drills Mangini calls “opportunity periods.” A member of Cleveland’s practice squad, defensive end Keith Grennan, hurt his knee on one such drill last week. Rookie running back James Davis went on injured reserve last month with a season-ending shoulder injury.

The NFL examined what happened to Davis and determined the Browns did not violate any league policies. The league reviewed video of the practice session and interviewed Browns players, coaches and team staff.

Last week, veteran running back Jamal Lewis said he thought Mangini was tiring out his players by overworking the Browns, although Lewis then reversed field a day later and blamed the media for exaggerating his complaints.

In his first year with Cleveland after being fired by the New York Jets, Mangini ran a tough training camp, one with much more contact than any held by former Browns coach Romeo Crennel. The Browns also have practiced in full pads more under Mangini than in the past.

Cleveland was 1-7 heading into its game against the visiting Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.