Browns appear to hide Joel Bitonio's response to 'Cleveland against the world' comments

Cleveland Browns All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio generated controversy in the eyes of some when he remarked it was "Cleveland against the world" after players heard boos during the preseason opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 12, specifically when Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was on the field early in the contest. 

Since that game, Watson has been handed an 11-game suspension agreed upon by the NFL and NFL Players Association regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. 

Despite the negative reaction he received over his initial comments, Bitonio doubled down on Wednesday. 

"I noticed, and what I said was, we’re going to go to stadiums and we’re going to get booed by people no matter who’s playing quarterback for us and as a team we come out and say, 'Cleveland against the world,'" Bitonio responded when asked about the backlash. "If people want to take that in the wrong context or talk about it in the wrong context, that’s their opinion." 

It appears the Browns may not share all of Bitonio's takes on the matter. 

For a piece published Thursday morning, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted that "the transcript that the team circulated after Bitonio’s press conference" on Wednesday "omitted" his remarks. Additionally, a clip on the Browns' website of Bitonio’s meeting with media members has been replaced by the following message: "Fumble! Looks like there was a problem with the video."

The "problem with the video" was still occurring as of early Thursday afternoon. 

"You know, I think once Deshaun came out of the game we got booed less, but you go to a road game they boo you anyway, so you know what I mean? So we'll see how it goes. I'm sure, it seems like more than ever, 'Cleveland against the world,' so we'll be ready for it," Bitonio originally stated two days after the Jacksonville game. 

Backup Jacoby Brissett remains on track to fill in for Watson until further notice. One wonders if Brissett, Bitonio, and others will routinely receive the type of jeers they heard in Jacksonville once the games begin to matter next month.