Browns' Shedeur Sanders defends Kevin Stefanski against 'sabotage' claims from supporters

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made franchise history with his Week 12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and head coach Kevin Stefanski is keeping him in place as the team’s starter heading into this week.

There is, however, a group of Sanders fans who have been saying all season that Stefanski was "sabotaging" the Colorado product. Sanders says otherwise.

The fifth-round pick by the Browns was speaking to reporters when one reporter said, "All your supporters out there say that Kevin Stefanski was sabotaging you."

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"So, you just want to start trouble, huh?" Sanders responded during his press conference.

Though Dillon Gabriel, the rookie quarterback taken two rounds before Sanders back in April, was cleared to play this week after being in concussion protocol, Stefanski named Sanders the Browns’ starter.

So, after a follow-up question about what Sanders’ relationship is like with his head coach, he emphasized how little the outside perspective on his situation in Cleveland matters.

SHEDEUR SANDERS ‘THANKFUL’ FOR TRUMP'S SUPPORT AMID WILD START TO NFL CAREER

"What people do outside the building isn’t really in my control," he responded. "It’s not in my power. So I don’t — you act like I go out there and tell them to do whatever. You know, that’s not nothing I control or nothing I can do.

"Overall, I’m just happy to be here. Coach Stefanski has been coaching since I got here, and he’s been doing a great job with everything that’s going on."

Sanders added that his relationship with Stefanski is "definitely like a coach," which involves telling him "what I need to do, on and off the field."

"We’ve definitely grown — our relationship and everything has grown. So I’m just thankful to be here."

Sanders became the first Browns rookie quarterback since 1999 to win his first career start after the 24-10 victory over the Raiders. He secured his first career touchdown pass thanks to the speed of rookie running back Dylan Sampson sprinting through Las Vegas’ defense for a 66-yard catch-and-run score.

Sanders also showcased strong accuracy, finding rookie receiver Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard strike that would’ve been his first touchdown if it wasn’t for a shoestring tackle.

Sanders’ performance was a breath of fresh air for Cleveland fans, who saw the team’s third win this season. Even President Donald Trump showed praise for the young signal-caller.

"Shedeur Sanders was GREAT. Wins first game, career start, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great Genes. I TOLD YOU SO!"

Sanders acknowledged Trump’s support.

"I’m just thankful for him, even taking time out of his day to be able to speak out and support," he said, via 92.3 The Fan.

Sanders will be facing a tough San Francisco 49ers defense in his first career start at home in Cleveland.

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Fuzzy Zoeller, who won Masters in first appearance at Augusta National, dead at 74

Two-time major champion Fuzzy Zoeller died at the age of 74, the PGA Tour announced on Thursday.

"Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. "Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family."

Zoeller was a 10-time winner on tour, including the aforementioned majors. His first major, and second PGA win, was the 1979 Masters, which was his first time ever playing at Augusta National.

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He then won the U.S. Open five years later at Winged Foot Golf Club in epic fashion, going up against Greg Norman in an 18-hole playoff. Zoeller shot a three-under 67 while Norman was eight strokes behind. Zoeller and Norman were the only players to shoot under par in the four regulation rounds, going 4-under. Curtis Strange's third-place finish came at 1-over.

He finished second at the 1981 PGA Championship and third in the 1994 Open Championship at Turnberry, which is now owned by President Donald Trump

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Zoeller owned a share of the lead heading into the final round in Scotland, but Nick Price shot 4-under in the final round, while Zoeller shot an even 70 to lose by three strokes.

Zoeller also won the Senior PGA Championship in 2002, and had one other top-10 finish at the Masters.

Zoeller represented the United States in the 1979, 1983 and 1985 Ryder Cups, winning his first two before losing his final. The 1985 Ryder Cup was the first time the United States had lost the Ryder Cup since 1957, as the Great Britain team expanded to all of Europe. That brought in golf legends like Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle.

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