Kevin Stefanski on Quinshon Judkins arrest: These are things we take very, very, very seriously

BEREA — The start of training camp Wednesday afforded reporters the first chance to ask about the recent domestic violence arrest of rookie running back Quinshon Judkins.With Judkins, the No. 36 pick out of Ohio State, unsigned, not in camp and going through the legal process, coach Kevin Stefanski largely passed.Training Camp Log, Day 1: Joe Flacco gets off to strong start in QB derby"These are things that we take very, very, very, seriously," he said before the first practice of camp. "We're gathering information. I know you guys will talk to Andrew (Berry) tomorrow, but I don't have much to add on that situation."Berry, the general manager, is scheduled to speak to reporters before the second practice. He's been loudly criticized for having a second-round pick from each of the last two drafts arrested following a domestic incident. Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., also from Ohio State, was suspended for the first five games last season after a no contest plea to disorderly conduct.Judkins, 21, is accused of punching his girlfriend in the face, leg and arm July 7 after arriving together in Florida. He was arrested July 12 by Fort Lauderdale Police on a misdemeanor battery/domestic violence charge.Myles Garrett sets expectations high on Day 1: Super Bowl and another DPOY"I would tell you again, this is something I take very seriously. We take very seriously," Stefanski said. "It's not something that we want to be a part of. We want to be shining the light on the good things that our guys are doing in this community."Having said that, the league mandates a certain amount of education — in all areas, certainly in this area. And we decide to go above and beyond that, and we will continue to do that. And if there's more ways that we can reach players in any area of education, we'll continue to look at that."The Browns have hosted speakers during recent offseasons to talk about domestic violence. Yet they've still had three incidents in the last year, including linebacker Devin Bush being charged with simple assault and harassment May 4."You have to make messaging sticky," Stefanski said. "You have to make ways for guys to understand where you're coming from."I give a lot of credit to Ron Brewer and our player programs group that changes up the programming, if you will, in terms of how you reach players. I also want to make sure that we're doing everything in our power from a coaching staff position, from everybody in our building, that we're educating our guys in a bunch of different areas. But that's something that we will always look at — ways to reach our guys — that's eternal."Toughness emphasized as training camp startsThe Browns have told Judkins to focus on the legal situation, so there's no timetable for them to discuss a contract and him to report to camp. He also faces discipline from the league, including a potential suspension, depending on the results of its investigation.Judkins was drafted to be the starter and replace four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb, who eventually signed with the Texans. Without Judkins, Jerome Ford slides into the starting spot.He didn't practice Wednesday with what's believed to be a minor injury.The Browns will likely have to add a running back to handle all the repetitions of camp. Without Judkins and Ford, Pierre Strong Jr., rookie fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson, undrafted rookie Ahmani Marshall and fullback Troy Hairston were the only ball carriers.Ford, who's in the final year of his rookie contract, started 18 games over the last two seasons when Chubb was injured. He's rushed for 1,390 yards, a 4.4 average and seven touchdowns in 44 games over three seasons.Sampson worked a lot as a slot receiver during organized team activities and minicamp but has become a key piece at running back due to the uncertainty with Judkins."Dylan Sampson's done a great job from the moment he's gotten here," Stefanski said. "He's very conscientious, very intelligent, been very impressed with what he can do in a bunch of different facets of the game."We're still going to bring him along based on how he performs."The post Kevin Stefanski on Quinshon Judkins arrest: These are things we take very, very, very seriously first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.