Browns’ Jackson ‘disappointed’ with Bucs coach for taunting remarks

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) pressures Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the first half, Oct. 21, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. (Mark LoMoglio/AP)

CLEVELAND — Browns coach Hue Jackson is "disappointed" Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter felt quarterback Baker Mayfield was taunting after being struck in the helmet by Tampa Bay’s Jordan Whitehead.

Mayfield was hit while sliding in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. The blow was initially penalized and then waved off by referee Shawn Hochuli, who incorrectly announced Mayfield "was still a runner and therefore is allowed to be hit in the head."

On Thursday, Koetter said Mayfield "taunted our guy, so then they threw the second flag."

Jackson was bothered by Koetter’s remarks, saying Friday, "the biggest thing that happened was the quarterback got hit in the head. Taunting? Does that really matter? I mean, really? That, to me, made no sense."

Earlier this week, a person familiar with NFL discipline told The Associated Press that Whitehead will likely be fined. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league announces fines on Saturday.

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