The Cleveland Browns have had a tumultuous offseason, headlined by the blockbuster trade of star pass-rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. But on Wednesday, the franchise found itself in the spotlight for a different reason: assistant general manager Catherine Hickman's fashion choice.
Hickman addressed the media wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the phrase "Los Angeles Made Me Do It." The garment immediately raised eyebrows, and NFL fans were quick to voice their displeasure on social media.
Fan Backlash
Critics didn't hold back. One fan wrote, "This woman wants to be taken seriously as a professional in the front office of a NFL team and wears a forever 21 sweat shirt. I hate my football team so much." Another added, "Nice LA sweatshirt. Guess they ran out of Browns gear. SMH @ typical Browns blindspots."
The criticism wasn't just about style. "Wearing a T-shirt 'Los Angeles made me do it' is not a good look. If going casual, wear some nice Browns gear, not as if you're ready to mow the lawn. You're the assistant GM…," one fan commented. Another declared, "Perfect example of whether Browns organization is the laughing stock of pro sports."
Defenders Weigh In
However, not everyone was offended. Some fans came to Hickman's defense, pointing to her track record. "Be respectful, she is part of the reason we have been drafting great the last two seasons. Howie Roseman knows how talented she is as a scout that's why A. Berry stole her from the eagles and promoted her as assistant GM. She was one of the big reasons the eagles built a SB team," one supporter wrote.
The incident comes on the heels of the franchise's roster cuts after preseason, and it's not the first time the Browns have faced scrutiny for off-field matters. Earlier this offseason, the team was accused of staging a fan interaction with quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Hickman's sweatshirt, though, struck a nerve because of its apparent reference to the Garrett trade, a deal that still stings for many in Cleveland. The Browns' front office, led by GM Andrew Berry, has defended the move as part of a "new era" for the team.
Whether Hickman intended the sweatshirt as a joke or a statement, the reaction shows that Browns fans are still sensitive about losing their franchise player. As the team prepares for the regular season, the focus will hopefully shift back to the field—but for now, the fashion controversy is the talk of the town.
