The Cleveland Browns have had a busy offseason, moving on from Kevin Stefanski and hiring Todd Monken as their new head coach. Soon, they will focus on improving a roster that went just 5-12 this season.
But Brown is in the news Monday for reasons that are completely out of his control.
This time, it's because Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was attacked by four men in Manhattan. The incident occurred just after 4:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Sixty Less Hotel on Allen Street in Manhattan
Investigators are still trying to determine whether Hickman was specifically targeted because of his profession as an NFL player, or whether the attackers also knew who he was.
Four men reportedly attacked Hickman, then fled the scene. Hickman was then taken to a nearby hospital in Bellevue, where he was reported to be in stable condition before later being released.
The Browns released a brief statement on the incident.
"Safety Ronny Hickman was the victim of an assault at a New York City hotel early Monday morning. Ronny was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries following the incident, was later released, and is resting at home with his family."
Authorities have not disclosed whether they have made any arrests related to the attack on Hickman.
Hickman is coming off the best season of his career, where the former undrafted free agent signee started all 17 games. He recorded a career-high 103 tackles (1 TFL), seven pass deflections, and two interceptions.
He is set for restricted free agency this offseason, where he has set himself up to earn a big raise from the $1.04 million salary he is due in 2025.
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