Joe Banner reprimands Bernie Kosar for critical remarks

Cleveland Browns CEO Joe Banner condemned the critical remarks that former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar made regarding the St. Louis Rams.

Although Kosar isn't being fired from the Browns' broadcasting team, he was certainly put on notice that what he said is unacceptable.

“We don't condone the personal and unprofessional approach that Bernie took with some of his comments during the broadcast Thursday night," Banner said in a statement. "We’ve spoken to Bernie, he understands that, and we would expect the situation is resolved moving forward. We’ve also reached out to the Rams organization and have shared those same sentiments."

In a rare reaction to critical comments from a broadcaster, Rams coach Jeff Fisher fired back at Kosar.

Kosar ripped the Rams' wide receivers and backup quarterback Kellen Clemens while providing color commentary for the Cleveland Browns during a preseason game.

"I guess I'm a little disappointed," Fisher said. "I feel bad for them that they had someone doing their broadcast feel the need to speak that way about players, specifically on our team and coaches for that matter. I'm just surprised that Bernie has such a lack of respect for players and this game.

"To be honest with you, I lost a lot of respect for him. It's highly unlikely he knew anything about our football team, but felt the need to make those comments. I don't think they were justified."

Here are a few Kosar remarks:

Following an incomplete throw to rookie Tavon Austin: "I really think that he didn't overthrow him and that Austin has to make that catch in the NFL. I see why Sam Bradford has been struggling watching how bad these receivers have been for him."

Following a Nick Johnson dropped pass: "This is actually not a bad throw. These St. Louis receivers are horrible. That's a drop there."

On veteran Rams receivers coach Ray Sherman: "I'm checking through the itinerary here of guys and coaches to see who the receivers coach is to make sure I don't know who this guy is because he's not doing very good either."

On Clemens getting an autograph from Pope Benedict XVI: "Bless me father for I have sinned. I have to watch him the whole fourth quarter."

Clemens was intercepted twice in the loss.

Kosar, who has had major financial issues and filed for bankruptcy, got ripped by Fisher.

"Bernie's got his issues; they're well documented," Fisher said. "Kellen played well, he played hard, he made plays."

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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