Berry, Stefanski perfect the art of saying nothing

Way back when, on Aug. 6, 2015, as Browns Daily Dose was launched, one of the main premises, along, of course, with providing pieces that focused on unique topics and/or unique perspectives of well-worn topics, was examining what the members of the Browns had to say.

That includes from owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, General Manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski all the way down to the last player on the roster. And it’s not necessarily what these people are saying (and not saying), but rather how they’re saying it, with voice inflection, body language and eye contact — or the lack thereof. That says volumes, more than the words ever could.

For instance, former Browns head coach Eric Mangini, when he was getting ready to tell a lie, would always stop and say, “Ummm.” 

Berry and Stefanski aren’t liars like him, but they’re built for this website. They talk a lot, but in vaguarities. They don’t say anything. They are very intelligent and are careful not to throw anyone under the bus or to reveal their hand on anything. Most GMs and head coaches are like that, but these guys have turned it into an art form.

So, every time they speak at length, as they have done over the past several days, it’s fun to listen, pick apart what was said and not said and, in doing so, point out just how very little they have said in terms of substance. You have to try to determine what’s really going on.

It’s a game, and it’s enjoyable to play.

What Berry and Stefanski probably don’t realize, though, is that the longer they’re on the job, the more their code words and phrases will begin to be deciphered. The more evidence, the better in connecting words to deeds.

It seems like we’re talking about espionage and the safety of the free world. No, it’s just football.

Geez!

By Steve King