Unfortunately, some so-called “fans” did cheer after Derek limped off the field out of pure meanspiritness and probably self-hatred for their own little so-called lives.

These guys believe that because they spend a lot of money at Browns games, they can act outrageous and drink themselves into a crazed stupor. They believe players are overpaid and that the Browns owe them, the drunken faithful, a Super Bowl.

Fans who cheer any player who puts his body, his livlihood on the line every week, are pigs. This is what Greg Brinda, sports talk show host at WKNR AM 850 told his radio audience tonight — and I agree.

The saddest thing was that Derek heard some jeers, telling reporters in the locker room after the game, he knows the Cleveland fans do not like him.

Kick return specialist, receiver and runner Joshua Cribbs also expressed disappointment over the fans behavior and tight end Joe Jurevicius, a native Greater Clevelander, expressed his astonishment and anger to Tony Grossi of The Plain Dealer. (Jurevicius was on his way to Vail, Col. Monday night where a surgeon will clean out his injured knee which was infected with staph following surgery in January, and forcing him to miss the season.)

Running back Jamal Lewis told reporters he remembered when Browns fans cheered after quarterback Tim Couch was helped off of the field with a concussion. Later, Couch, a man with courage and heart who often had to run for his life because of the poor players around him, wept.

“They did Tim Couch the same way,” said Lewis, who played for Baltimore, the opposing team that day. “It’s not right.”

Indeed. The fact that Lewis recalled the five-year-old incident which happened to a player on another team, speaks volumes.

When Bernie Kosar called WKNR Monday for his regular time slot, he expressed his dismay at how Derek was treated. At age 45, Kosar feels the effect of numerous sacks from his neck to his knees.

Perhaps Jim Brown, who is nearing 70, put it best.

Recently Brown was praised for keeping himself in shape and looked as if he could still carry the ball for a few yards.

“No,” Brown smiled. “I can’t even tie my shoelaces.”