Dillon Gabriel Takes Subtle Shot at Shedeur Sanders After Being Named Browns QB

The Cleveland Browns have made a quarterback change ahead of Week 5.

The Browns announced that Joe Flacco has been benched in favor of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel will get his first career NFL start in England against the Minnesota Vikings.

After Gabriel was announced as the starter, he seemingly took a subtle jab at Shedeur Sanders.

“You know, I think it’s funny, because I got a text from a good buddy of mine and he sent me a picture of a fire station, and it’s kind of like, ‘Why are you sending that?’ But when he sends it, he just lists the obvious, right? Like, doors are open, garage doors are open, like things are ready to go, and like, they’re just waiting on that phone call to like, respond surgically,” Gabriel said to the media.

“Just what a great representation of like the job I have and being ready for that moment,” Gabriel added. “And I think I smile because it’s like a moment you prep for, and you are extremely excited for, but also got to realize that it’s extreme focus and that’s what I’ve continued to harp on. But, you wait for the perfect time, you’re going to wait a whole lifetime. So, for me, I’m just – I’ve always been ready for every moment.”

After Gabriel’s comment, many fans thought he was taking aim at Sanders. Sanders, of course, reportedly turned down being picked by the Baltimore Ravens as he thought he had a better chance to start for the Browns.

Gabriel, meanwhile, was fine being a backup and waiting for his time to start, and he will now be getting his first start on Sunday.

Fans Believe Gabriel Called Out Sanders

Although Gabriel didn’t mention Sanders’ name, many Browns fans thought he was taking a dig at his fellow rookie quarterback.

“Second time taking a subtle shot at 12 being as he only expresses love and respect for his teammates ! Hope you ball out either way,” a fan wrote.

“I think Dillon Gabriel HATES Shedeur. Second time he’s sneaky dissing him to the media,” another fan wrote.

During training camp, Gabriel claimed there are entertainers and there are competitors, and he’s looking to compete. But, he claimed that the comment wasn’t directed at Sanders, but some fans think this latest comment proves he doesn’t like Sanders.

“2nd time not a coincidence,” a fan added.

“Never seen nothing like this lol teammates dissing other teammates,” a fan wrote.

“He better play lights out…throwing shade at your teammate when the roster and whole world is calling for him isn’t smart,” a fan added.

Although Browns fans think Gabriel was taking aim at Sanders, the quarterback is just focused on starting his first career game.

Browns Coach Explains Decision to Start Gabriel

After four weeks of poor offensive play, the Browns opted to start Gabriel in favor of Flacco.

Following the news that Cleveland was making a quarterback change, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski explained the reason for the change.

“Obviously, from the second he’s been here, he’s been working very hard, (a) very intelligent young man,” Stefanski said. Done a nice job in practice; he’s been learning this whole season how to get ready, understand the rhythm of an NFL week, and what that looks like as a backup. Obviously, now feel like he’s ready to go in as a starter.”

It’s clear Stefanski has full confidence in Gabriel to turn the Browns‘ offense around.

Geekie Eyes NHL Breakthrough: Determined to Earn Spot with Tampa Bay Lightning

A year ago, Conor Geekie kicked off his rookie season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, playing in 49 games, and tallying six goals for 12 points. On Feb. 4, he was sent to the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, where he spent the next few months working on his development.

Getting the news of an AHL assignment wasn’t initially easy for Geekie, but with time he realized how valuable the experience would be. His older brother, Morgan, a forward for the Boston Bruins, spent two seasons in the AHL and offered him advice.

“He told me, ‘What you did from the start is incredible enough. You played almost 50 games, you did what you wanted to do during the summer, and you started there. Now you just have to keep going. Be ready when the time comes.’”

“I was in a headspace where if I got called up, I got called up,” said Geekie. “I had a standard, obviously, but it wasn’t like, ‘If I score five goals, I’ll get called up.’ I was just playing hockey. It made it so much easier instead of being so hard on myself.”

Geekie joked that his family doesn’t go easy on him, but said it helps keep him humble—a trait evident throughout the Lightning locker room.

In April, the Lightning were short after battling through injuries at the end of the season. Geekie was called back up to Tampa with three games remaining before the team faced the Florida Panthers in the first round of the playoffs. A week later, he got his first taste of postseason action, averaging 12:22 of ice time.

“It was awesome. I loved it,” Geekie said of the energy in the playoffs. “I play a bit of a heavier game, so it was right up my alley. It didn't end the way we wanted. I think it brings a lot of hunger to the group.. We have a chip on our shoulder to start the year.”

Currently in his second Lightning training camp, the 21-year old knows the journey to play in Tampa won’t come easy. He’s working hard to secure a roster spot, and enjoying every step of the process this year.

“It's good to be back. It’s good to have some jokes with the guys. The competitive level is definitely there. Like I said, we have a chip on our shoulder..”

Geekie trained in both Toronto and Tampa this summer with Lightning skating coach Barb Underhill and Director of Skill Development, Randi Milani. Their focus was to help him get more confident with the puck.

“That’s when I'm at my best,” Geekie said. “We worked on being faster, stronger, all the usuals.. and focused on my skating.”

Geekie plays a ‘grind-it-out’ game, and hopes to add toughness to the Lightning lineup. He finished last season with 97 hits, ranking him 12th among all rookie NHL forwards.

“He's still a young kid, so there's going to be ups and downs, but he’s a workhorse and he's not afraid to be physical as well,” said Lightning captain Victor Hedman. “We need guys to take steps and he showed us last year that he can contribute on this level. He’s not going to shy away from anything, and that's what you want.”

Geekie’s goal is to play a full season with the Lightning this year. With two preseason games left, he made it through the latest round of roster cuts on Wednesday. 

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