Browns' Winslow injured while learning to ride motorcycle

WESTLAKE, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. sustained internal injuries when he was thrown from a motorcycle, the team said Monday night.

Winslow, who missed most of last season with a broken right leg, also has swelling in his right shoulder and right knee. The extent of those injuries won't be known until further tests are performed and the swelling subsides.

The Browns didn't provide details of Winslow's internal injuries, but said they are not life-threatening. Winslow had complained of chest pains after he was injured Sunday.

Winslow is being treated at the Cleveland Clinic by the team's medical staff, Browns spokesman Bill Bonsiewicz said. There is no timetable for his release, the team said.

Winslow was riding in a community college parking lot Sunday when he hit a curb at about 35 mph and was thrown from the motorcycle, Westlake police Lt. Ray Arcuri said.

"He went over the handlebars and was real evasive about what the injuries were," Arcuri said.

A police photograph shows some of the damage to Kellen Winslow's motorcycle. (AP)

The 21-year-old Winslow was wearing a helmet, but it wasn't strapped on and flew off his head, Arcuri said. He landed in a landscaped area at the edge of the parking lot, falling hard enough to tear out a small tree.

He and four other men were riding motorcycles in the parking lot, not far from Winslow's home in suburban Cleveland. There was no alcohol involved, Arcuri said.

"The four gentlemen said he was testing the bike out learning to ride," Arcuri said.

Winslow purchased the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R750 last month. He could face charges of reckless operation and operating without a valid driver's license because he didn't have a learner's permit, Arcuri said.

Many professional athletes have contract clauses that prohibit them from dangerous activities, including motorcycles. Browns spokeswoman Amy Palcic declined comment on whether Winslow's deal has a similar provision, saying the team doesn't release contract information.

The first-round draft pick broke his right leg against Dallas in Week 2 while attempting to recover an onside kick in the final seconds. He missed the rest of his rookie season.

Winslow had five receptions for 50 yards in his first two pro games.

He has had two operations on the leg and said in March that he expected it to be fully healed for this season. Winslow signed a six-year, $40 million contract with the Browns, but lost a $5.3 million bonus because of the leg injury.