Twelve
players from the Cleveland Browns were sent home with the flu —
including swine flu — while the numbers of infected in the general
population are growing at an alarming rate.
“We
have two cases that have been diagnosed as Influenza A; the
presumption is that it’s swine flu,” said head coach Eric Mangini.
For
the Cleveland Browns, a team that is already struggling this season,
the loss of 12 players could be devastating. In a proactive move, the
NFL implemented a plan designed specifically for this situation.
Teams with at least six players out with the flu can activate players
from their practice squad.
“This
policy, which was discussed with the competition committee, was
implemented in the event an outbreak of H1N1 materially affected a
club’s roster,” said league spokesman Randall Lui.
Every
NFL team has a practice squad that consists of eight players that
only practice with the team and are not a part of the regular roster.
“It’s
a good reminder to the practice squad guys. You don’t ever know
when you’ll get your chance,” said Mangini.
However,
for the Browns, the problem goes much deeper. The team has been under
intense scrutiny over the past few years for a mysterious series of
staphylococcus infections. The string of dangerous infections drew
criticism and even a lawsuit from a Browns player.
“Just
look at the history around here. It’s unfortunate, because it
happens time and time again,” said Kellen Winslow Jr. before
leaving the Browns. Winslow Jr. is the son of Hall of Fame tight end
Kellen Winslow Sr., and contracted a staph infection twice during his
tenure with the Browns.
The Browns have had a string of bad luck for some
time. There have been four coaching changes in five years and the
team has had only one winning season in the past six years. Cartoon
character Charlie Brown was known for not being able to do anything
right. The character could be the perfect candidate for the Browns
mascot; the only team in the NFL that doesn’t have good luck charm.
–lenn durant
