Baker Mayfield has perfect reaction to Richard Sherman handshake saga

Share

Give Baker Mayfield this, he's got a lot more restraint than most people.

The Browns star quarterback had one of his worst games in the NFL on Monday night, throwing for only 100 yards and two interceptions in the 49ers' 31-3 spanking of Cleveland at Levi's Stadium.

After the game, 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman ripped Mayfield for not shaking his hand during the coin toss, leading to the outrage mob dragging Mayfield up and down the internet. The only problem was video emerged showing Mayfield dapping up Sherman prior to the coin toss, clearing the quarterback's name and turning the mob on Sherman. 

The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner was able to laugh at himself Wednesday when asked about HandshakeGate, making a reference to the police video that showed him being arrested for public intoxication, disorderly conduct and fleeing and resisting arrest while in college.

"I know what I did," Mayfield said, via ESPN's Jake Trotter. "But that's the one time, you know, the camera and something recording me has gone in my favor."

Mayfield also made it clear he didn't mean any disrespect to Sherman by what the cornerback referred to as a "petty shake."

"I respect him and who he is as a player," Mayfield said. "He's a great player, has been for a while. In no way did I mean it like that."

San Francisco 49ers

Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Complete list of 329 players headed to 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

Why Barnwell believes 49ers are unlikely Garrett trade suitor

Sherman apologized for the incident Wednesday and said he would reach out to Mayfield to say "my bad." Mayfield is appreciative of the gesture.

"I haven't had my phone on me," Mayfield said when asked if he had heard from Sherman. "Just got out of practice. I just heard that. That's nice of him."

The Browns quarterback's every move is thoroughly analyzed and critiqued, but Mayfield isn't bothered by the conversation the fake controversy created.

"I'm not worried about it," Mayfield said. "I know how I handled it. Exactly what I did. It is what it is with you guys. People want to portray an image of me of who I am as a person -- I could care less."

[RELATED: Mayfield not bothered by Bosa trolling him]

Mayfield hasn't had the year many predicted to this point, but he handled the situation with Sherman flawlessly.

Now, he and the 2-3 Browns just have to figure out how to get their offense back on track and salvage a season that appears to be on the brink.

Contact Us