Browns meet with player’s union representatives; meeting not prompted by practice complaints

Browns have routine meeting with NFLPA

BEREA, Ohio — Representatives from the NFL players union met with Cleveland players, but it was not prompted by complaints about coach Eric Mangini’s practices.

Offensive lineman Hank Fraley, the Browns’ player representative, said Wednesday’s meeting centered around a collective bargaining agreement and safety concerns.

Running back Jamal Lewis recently criticized Mangini’s practices, saying they lasted up to 3 hours and were exhausting the players. Lewis’ comments gained support when practice squad lineman Keith Grennan sustained a season-ending injury during one of Mangini’s post-practice “opportunity periods.” Earlier this season, rookie running back James Davis hurt his shoulder in post-practice sessions.

Mangini has said he’s comfortable with the practice schedule.