Hillis apologizes for no-show, sits out

Associated Press

BEREA

His image tattered, his reputation under attack, Browns running back Peyton Hillis tried to stiff arm past another mess in a season spiraling out of control.

Hillis apologized Wednesday for missing a Halloween party for kids that he was supposed to attend, blaming his unexcused absence on a miscommunication.

Hillis failed to show up at the Boys & Girls Club on Monday to hand out candy to 50 children at the event, which was hosted by former Browns offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley, a club board member.

“I just want to say I’m sorry about the charity event with the Boys and Girls Club,” said Hillis, who has missed Cleveland’s past two games with a hamstring injury. “There was a lot of miscommunication between me and the management that I had and if I knew the full depths of it, I wouldn’t have missed it.”

Bentley was furious with Hillis following Monday’s event and vented on his Twitter page, posting: “Peyton Hillis looking for 10mil guaranteed from Browns and can’t show up to kids charity event? (hash)ManPlease.”

It’s been a stunning fall from grace for Hillis, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Hillis endeared himself to Cleveland fans with his bulldozing style, and during the offseason he won a nationwide fan vote to be the Madden video game cover.

He has to now wonder if the tribute is more of a curse.

His second season with Cleveland has been entangled in controversy.

It began with his public contract squabble with Browns management about a long-term extension. He then sat out the Sept. 25 game against Miami with strep throat, a decision made on the advice of his agent, Kennard McGuire. In the aftermath, Hillis’ toughness and commitment were questioned by some who wondered if he sat out in part because of his contract.

He’s been sidelined the past two weeks after injuring his hamstring on Oct. 16 against Oakland. He returned to practice last Wednesday, but suffered a setback and missed Sunday’s game in San Francisco.

On Wednesday, coach Pat Shurmur initially told reporters Hillis would practice as the Browns (3-4) prepared for Sunday’s game in Houston. However, Hillis was dressed in sweats and left the field with a trainer shortly after the media was allowed in to watch the first 15 minutes.

Hillis was listed as “did not participate” on the Browns’ first injury report of the week and his status for Sunday’s game is uncertain.

The Browns need a healthy Hillis more than ever.

With backup Montario Hardesty out this week with a torn calf muscle and expected to miss several games with the injury, the Browns are down to Chris Ogbonnaya as their feature back.