Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel faced harsh criticism from Stephen A. Smith. The reason? During an interview, Gabriel spoke about his view of the media and their role in covering the NFL.
Since then, the Browns rookie has become the center of attention. This happened on Saturday, after Cleveland’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to Firstsportz, Gabriel said: “It’s part of it. There are entertainers and there are competitors. I completely understand that. My job is to compete. That’s what I’m focused on doing. We’re playing this great game, but it’s something I’ll get used to. I just want to be the best teammate I can be and create an environment where we can all do our best work.”
Reactions came quickly
On social media, some NFL fans believed his statements subtly targeted teammate Shedeur Sanders. However, Gabriel later clarified that wasn’t the case, since he has no reason to attack Sanders.
“It was a stupid, idiotic, immature comment.”
—@stephenasmith on Dillon Gabriel’s shot at the media 😳 pic.twitter.com/WRPDOarOlK— First Take (@FirstTake) August 18, 2025
Even after that clarification, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith delivered a fierce critique. He called Gabriel’s comments “stupid, idiotic, immature” and insisted they were a direct attack on the media, not on Sanders.
Smith argued that Gabriel’s words provoked greater media scrutiny by challenging them in that way. He also warned that such remarks could haunt the rookie throughout the NFL season. If Gabriel’s performance falters, the media could easily target him.
“When you go out there and play like trash—because you will have days when you look that way—we will remember those comments. Like it or not, some of us will be kind, like me, because we don’t want to do that to you. Others will be ruthless. But in the end, no one will be wrong, because who triggered that fury against you? It would be you,” Smith added.
