It always happens this way, right?

In the evening hours Sunday after he had helped lead the Browns to a 23-17 win in overtime over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just after I finished writing a story about how great of a leader and teammate quarterback Jacoby Brissett was, a story came out about his comments concerning the victory.

He twice used the f-word — yes, that one, the granddaddy of ‘em all when it comes to vulgarities.

Sigh.

I spent over 300 words building the guy up, then, in just a few words — two, to be exact — he tore himself down, at least in my mind and I’m sure the minds of many others.

Look, I know Brissett, a quality guy, was excited and had spoken in the heat of the moment. I get it.

But on the other hand, words mean things, and some words, such as the f-word, mean much more than most. They just do. It’s the reality of the situation.

Brissett plays the most important position in team sports and is the face of the franchise, so what he says is heard by everybody. The fans and media hang onto each and every word.

So, should he have said it?

Especially when it comes to speaking in a public venue, as Brissett was doing, I like to invoke what I call The Grandma Principle. That is, if you can’t say it in front of Grandma, then don’t say it.

In that respect, then, Jacoby Brissett shouldn’t have said it. He needs to find another word and stay above the fray the next time. That’s the responsibility that comes with being someone so special.

Steve King