Fight has LeBron upset with Edwards

Published 4:08 am Tuesday, October 6, 2009

BEREA — Braylon Edwards was fighting mad Sunday, exchanging a few blows with one of Cincinnati’s massive defensive linemen.

Later, Cleveland’s contentious wide receiver allegedly took a swing at someone much smaller but with a towering, more famous friend: LeBron James.

And the King isn’t happy about it.

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James called Edwards ‘‘childish’’ for allegedly punching his friend early Monday morning following an argument outside a Cleveland night club. The Cavaliers superstar said Edwards punched his friend, Edward Givens, a promoter who was working outside the club around 2:30 a.m. EDT.

‘‘I’ve never crossed paths with Braylon before, but it seems like there’s a little jealousy going on with Braylon and me and my friends. I have no idea why,’’ a protective and perturbed James said after practice. ‘‘I’ve never said anything to Braylon at all. But for him to do that is very childish. My friend is 130 pounds. Seriously. It’s like hitting one of my kids. It doesn’t make sense.’’

Edwards was not available for comment Monday as the Browns regrouped following their 23-20 overtime loss at home to the Cincinnati Bengals. He did post a message on his Twitter account, offering praise to James, the NBA’s reigning MVP.

‘‘I have no issue with LeBron,’’ Edwards tweeted. ‘‘I respect and admire him.’’

James said he was home when the alleged fight occurred, but got a call from Givens telling him about it at 7 a.m. Monday.

‘‘The situation is very sensitive right now, but it’s unfortunate that it happened,’’ James said. ‘‘Hopefully my friend is doing well.’’

Edwards faces possible disciplinary action from the Browns and the league.

The Plain Dealer first reported the incident on its Web site, cleveland.com.

According to a police incident report, Givens accused an unidentified man of punching him in the face following an argument at approximately 2:30 a.m. Givens, who is listed as 5-foot-7, 135 pounds on the report, said the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Edwards hit him with a closed fist. He told police he suffered a black eye and cut and was treated at a hospital.

Edwards’ name did not appear on the report. He was not arrested and there are no charges pending against him.

His manager issued a statement, hoping to soothe any perceived bitterness or rivalry between two of Cleveland’s biggest sports stars.

‘‘Braylon has nothing but the highest respect for LeBron James as an athlete and person,’’ Hayes Grooms said.