BEREA, Ohio — As the Cleveland Browns made their return to the practice field for their first day of training camp on Wednesday, so too did Callie Brownson.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski's chief of staff, Brownson had been suspended by the team last month after she was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence in Brunswick in June. Following the charge, which the 31-year-old Brownson pled no contest to, Stefanski stated that she would be suspended but wouldn't lose her job as a result of the incident.
According to court records, Brownson was pulled over for speeding and asked to take a breathalyzer test before blowing a .215 -- more than twice the legal limit. Bodycam footage obtained by 3News shows Brownson speaking to the police officer and informing him that she is a coach of the Browns during the following exchange:
Brownson: “Can I explain to you why that concerns me? I’m a Cleveland Browns coach. This is detrimental to my career. I’m right at my house. I’d love to just go home, sir.”
Officer: “I understand that, but like I’ve expressed to you before, I have serious concerns about your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. You’ve been operating a vehicle after consuming alcoholic beverages. I already explained to you my observations that concern me.”
Brownson: “I’m going to lose my job.”
Officer: “I have no bearing on your employment. I have to do my job, though. OK. I take it your job is important to you. My job is important to me, too. I have to do my job. I believe you to be impaired. I can’t let you drive out of here no matter how close to home you are.”
Brownson: “I can walk home.”
Officer: “I understand that. OK. I have to do my job as well.”
Last season, Brownson became the first female position coach in NFL history when she filled in as Cleveland's tight ends coach during its Week 12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to court records, Brownson received a $700 fine and will likely have to take part in a driver intervention program after pleading no contest.