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“Was Not Dirty”: Ex-Browns Player Defends Mason McCormick for Body Slamming Jared Verse in Steelers’ Win vs. Browns

Until the Week 8 Browns-Steelers clash, Jared Verse only felt the rivalry as a teammate. He’d been hyping the game up, trash-talking Pittsburgh before. But during the game, the rivalry became personal for him. On an extra point attempt by…

By Soheli Tarafdar · Essentially Sports

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 5:23 AM

Key Things to Know

Former Browns player Jason Pinkston defended Steelers lineman Mason McCormick's hit on Jared Verse, stating it was not dirty.
McCormick received an unnecessary roughness penalty after tossing an airborne Verse to the ground during an extra point attempt.
McCormick stated the play was an instinctive reaction to a jumping rusher rather than a personally motivated act.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Jason Pinkston defended Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Mason McCormick after McCormick tossed Browns defensive end Jared Verse to the ground during a Week 8 extra point attempt. Officials penalized McCormick for unnecessary roughness after he dumped an airborne Verse, but Pinkston stated on social media that dumping jumping defensive players is standard technique taught to offensive linemen.

McCormick explained that his reaction was instinctive rather than personal, noting linemen are instructed to bring jumpers' hands down. Verse, who landed on his head and expressed strong frustration after the game, stated he lost respect for the play despite McCormick receiving a penalty.

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