CLEVELAND, Ohio — General manager Andrew Berry got out in front of criticism over the Browns signing former Texas receiver Isaiah Bond on Monday, explaining why they had a comfort level with him despite a sexual assault charge that was dropped on Thursday.
The Browns, after doing extensive diligence on Bond (5-11, 180) over the past year, went the extra mile and obtained the results of a independent polygraph test that he passed.
After much thought and research, the Browns on Sunday signed Bond to a fully-guaranteed three-year deal worth $3.018 million, which is more in line with a third-round pick than an undrafted free agent. To make room, they waived backup longsnapper Brent Matiscik, who delivered a low ball against the Eagles on Saturday night that resulted in a missed extra point.
Berry, who came to know Bond well during the pre-draft process and liked him a lot, explained a Browns statement why they signed a player who with such an accusation in his recent past. The Browns felt all along that Bond was telling the truth, and the fact he passed an independent polygraph test confirmed that for them.
“We’ve spent much of the last calendar year getting to know Isaiah as a player and professional and much of the last four months gaining a full understanding of his legal situation,” Berry said in the statement.
“On the legal side, we have done extensive research that includes but is not limited to hearing from both sides of the case and receiving the results of an independently administered polygraph test.
“Before the allegations, we also spent a great deal of time with Isaiah during the draft process on campus, at the Combine and at our facilities. His time at Alabama with Tommy Rees also weighed heavily on our assessment of his ability to operate successfully in a professional environment if brought into our organization.
“It is these touchpoints and more that gave us the necessary insights to make this decision. With his legal matter resolved through a no bill by a grand jury, Isaiah is focused on learning from this experience while moving forward with his life and career.”
Bond, 21, is excited to be reunited with Rees, his former college coordinator, and to play for a GM in Berry who believed in him while his legal process played out. Bond, a 4.39 speedster, had several chances to sign with other teams, but always wanted to play for the Browns, who considered drafting him in the second or third round before the arrest.
“I’m super excited to be a Cleveland Brown,” Bond told cleveland.com. “After my top 30 pre-draft visit, this is where I always wanted to be. Unfortunately, things were delayed, but thanks to Mr. (Jimmy) Haslam, Mr. Berry, Coach (Kevin) Stefanski and Coach Rees, I’m signed and ready to get to work with my new teammates.”
Bond, who kept himself in excellent shape while his legal process played out, will be on the field with the Browns on Tuesday when they resume practice, and should be able to contribute early on if he can get learn the offense quickly.
He got to know Browns second-round pick Quinshon Judkins in the predraft process when they worked out together in Texas, and is eager to be reunited with him.
The NFL told cleveland.com it’s reviewing the legal matters of both players under its personal conduct policy, but the Browns and Bond’s camp don’t expect him to be disciplined by the league after a grand jury in Texas’ Collins County turned in the no bill and declined to indict him. Prosecutors involved in the case even argued for the no bill. It remains to be seen how the NFL will handles Judkins’ case, but the Browns are hoping to have him in camp soon too.
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