A light-hearted moment or another Browns media slip-up? A reporter appears to mock rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s height during a press conference, drawing comparisons to a past controversy.
Reporter caught on camera making comment about Gabriel’s height
Following a Saturday press conference featuring Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a video clip began circulating online showing a reporter in the background mouthing the phrase, “I’m taller than him,” multiple times. The moment, though brief, just 18 seconds, was enough to spark conversation, especially given Gabriel’s listed height of 5-foot-11 by the Browns, which contrasts with the 6-foot listing he held at the University of Oregon.
This offhand moment happened after Gabriel had taken questions from the press, including one where he defended both himself and Shedeur Sanders from prior media criticism, a response to a planned question. The height comment, however, was clearly unprompted.
Reporter allegedly identified as Chris Easterling
Though not confirmed, many on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) identified the reporter seen in the clip as Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal . Easterling has not publicly addressed the speculation, but the video has led to a wave of reactions online. Despite the lack of official confirmation, much of the public seems convinced of his identity.
The situation quickly drew comparisons to a more serious incident involving Browns beat coverage in 2020, when ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi was suspended indefinitely for referring to then-quarterback Baker Mayfield as a “midget” on a hot mic. While this latest instance appears to be less offensive and more a product of a thoughtless moment, the similarities haven’t gone unnoticed.
Context and reactions
While Gabriel’s stature may be below average for an NFL quarterback, his draft position, third round in the 2025 NFL Draft, and performance at Oregon speak for themselves. Nevertheless, it’s not every day someone can say they’re taller than a professional quarterback, and perhaps that’s why the comment happened at all. Still, mouthing “I’m taller than him” three times, while cameras were still rolling, was arguably an unwise decision.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Browns organization or from Easterling. The incident remains minor but serves as another example of how easily moments caught on camera can spark controversy, especially in an era where social media drives immediate reactions
Reporter caught on camera making comment about Gabriel’s height
Following a Saturday press conference featuring Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a video clip began circulating online showing a reporter in the background mouthing the phrase, “I’m taller than him,” multiple times. The moment, though brief, just 18 seconds, was enough to spark conversation, especially given Gabriel’s listed height of 5-foot-11 by the Browns, which contrasts with the 6-foot listing he held at the University of Oregon.
ASSAULT.
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) May 10, 2025
Browns reporter mouths “I’m taller than him.” After Dillon Gabriel walks of pic.twitter.com/uoJRzDBJUU
This offhand moment happened after Gabriel had taken questions from the press, including one where he defended both himself and Shedeur Sanders from prior media criticism, a response to a planned question. The height comment, however, was clearly unprompted.
Reporter allegedly identified as Chris Easterling
Though not confirmed, many on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) identified the reporter seen in the clip as Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal . Easterling has not publicly addressed the speculation, but the video has led to a wave of reactions online. Despite the lack of official confirmation, much of the public seems convinced of his identity.
The situation quickly drew comparisons to a more serious incident involving Browns beat coverage in 2020, when ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi was suspended indefinitely for referring to then-quarterback Baker Mayfield as a “midget” on a hot mic. While this latest instance appears to be less offensive and more a product of a thoughtless moment, the similarities haven’t gone unnoticed.
Context and reactions
While Gabriel’s stature may be below average for an NFL quarterback, his draft position, third round in the 2025 NFL Draft, and performance at Oregon speak for themselves. Nevertheless, it’s not every day someone can say they’re taller than a professional quarterback, and perhaps that’s why the comment happened at all. Still, mouthing “I’m taller than him” three times, while cameras were still rolling, was arguably an unwise decision.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Browns organization or from Easterling. The incident remains minor but serves as another example of how easily moments caught on camera can spark controversy, especially in an era where social media drives immediate reactions
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