Shedeur Sanders' preseason debut for the Browns on Friday night was nearly flawless on the field. Off the field, it led to an unexpected exchange with longtime Cleveland reporter Tony Grossi.
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After the game, Sanders addressed Grossi directly, saying he felt the ESPN Cleveland host had only spoken negatively about him. The conversation was filmed and later posted to social media, creating a brief stir over the weekend.
Speaking Monday on The Daily Grossi show, Grossi explained that he initiated the conversation by calling Sanders' name after the quarterback had left the podium.
"One thing to note was that I initiated the conversation," Grossi said. "He left the podium to walk to the locker room and I called his name to ask him another question. And that's when he discussed what was on his mind. I was a little surprised he went into that because as I said, it was inaudible but I said, 'Hey, this is your night man. This is a big night for you, have fun.' But I appreciated the fact that he did not say what was on his mind from the podium, which other quarterbacks have done with me, which is very uncomfortable."
Grossi said he didn't know the exchange was being filmed.
"It turns out, it was his brother, who is documenting everything from his rookie season. That's fine, just now that I'm aware of it, I'll be a little more careful," Grossi said.
He added that the conversation with Sanders ended on good terms.
"We had a couple other words in the locker room too. But I was a little surprised that, on his big night, that he would raise this. That's why I thought he was joking. Anyways, all is good. We saw each other today at practice and we move on."
While some national media voices have pointed to the moment as another example of Sanders' perceived immaturity, Grossi said the matter is settled.
