LANDOVER, Md. -- Calling Kellen Winslow's critical comments a distraction, Browns coach Romeo Crennel confirmed the tight end was hospitalized for a staph infection. Crennel added he might discipline the emotional Pro Bowl performer for his conduct following a loss Sunday to the Washington Redskins.
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Winslow spent three nights at the Cleveland Clinic for an illness that he did not disclose until Sunday. He said he didn't reveal he had staph because the team, which has had an alarming number of staph cases in recent years, "didn't want it to get out." Winslow said he came forward to protect his teammates.
Crennel, though, felt Winslow's postgame remarks were inappropriate.
"It's a distraction for the organization and for Kellen," Crennel said at his Monday news conference. "He should've come to the organization first if he had a problem."
The Browns, who initially cited privacy laws and Winslow's wishes for keeping his illness a secret, have had at least six known cases of staph -- a bacterial infection that can cause different types of illnesses -- since 2005. Winslow got staph following knee surgery after a near-fatal motorcycle accident in '05. Wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius, as well as center LeCharles Bentley and safety Brian Russell, all contracted staph.
Winslow, who as recently as Friday said he didn't want his illness known, also criticized the Browns' handling of his situation and complained that general manager Phil Savage didn't check on him while he was in the hospital or wish him well when he returned.
In addition, Winslow said the Browns treat him "like a piece of meat" and that he considered asking Savage to trade him.
Crennel said he was disappointed by Winslow's decision to make his views public.
"Sometimes the emotions of the game and the emotions of your personal situation kind of overflow," Crennel said. "He probably said some things that he didn't need to talk about to the media. He should come to the organization and talk to the organization first and try to reach some kind of agreement."
Crennel has spoken with Winslow about his comments. The coach plans to consult with Savage and others before deciding whether to punish the 25-year-old tight end, who sat out the Oct. 13 upset victory against the New York Giants and caught only two passes for 17 yards Sunday in a loss at Washington.
"We'll investigate it and determine if anything needs to be done," Crennel said. "My policy is to keep family business in the family. So whatever I do, I do and I'm not going to broadcast it."
Crennel was asked if Winslow showed any remorse about his actions.
"I didn't give him an opportunity to apologize," Crennel said.
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