Anderson apologizes for remarks

CLEVELAND (AP) -Like one of his errant passes, quarterback Derek Anderson sent a rocket at Browns fans he wishes he could take back.

Anderson apologized to Cleveland fans Wednesday after calling them “ruthless” and adding they “don't deserve a winner” following his release by the team.

Anderson was let go by the Browns on Tuesday, ending an uneven five-year stint. In an e-mail to The (Willoughby) News-Herald, a frustrated Anderson criticized Browns fans and said he will never forget that some of them cheered when he was injured.

“The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner,” Anderson wrote. “I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them.”

When Anderson sustained a knee injury in a 2008 game against Indianapolis, some Browns fans cheered as he laid on the field in pain. Despite making the Pro Bowl in 2007, the majority of Cleveland fans wanted the club to start Brady Quinn, a first-round draft pick in 2007.

On Wednesday, Anderson sent an e-mail to Cleveland media members saying he regrets some of his comments.

“Those of you who got to know me personally from covering the Browns over the past five years, know this was out of character for me,” Anderson said. “I wasn't taken out of context, but I was speaking out of frustration after my career with the Browns came to a close. I had some great times playing in Cleveland, especially during the 2007 season, and I met some great people and made many lifelong friends along the way.

“I'm looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life.”

Anderson's release came one day after the Browns acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade from Seattle. Anderson was due a $2 million roster bonus on March 19.

The 26-year-old is expected to draw interest from several teams and will reportedly visit Arizona and Seattle this week.