Browns’ Mike Hall put on commissioner’s exempt list

BEREA, Ohio — The NFL is placing Cleveland Browns rookie defensive lineman Mike Hall Jr. on the commissioner’s exempt list as he faces a domestic violence charge.

Hall, 21, pleaded not guilty to one count of domestic violence earlier this month. Police were called to a home Hall shares with his fiancée in Avon on Aug. 13. According to an incident report, the woman told police that Hall became violent during a dispute over finances.

According to multiple reports, the woman recanted an allegation that Hall placed a gun to her temple during the dispute. Police seized two handguns from the residence, according to the incident report.

Hall had continued to practice after he was arraigned and played in the final two preseason games that came after his arrest on Aug. 14.

Hall has a hearing scheduled for Sept. 10.

When asked what went into the decision to allow Hall to practice, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, “I can’t get into all the details. We’re going to let the legal proceedings play out.”

Players who land on the commissioner’s exempt list will continue to be paid but will not count against the 53-man roster limit. Hall will not be eligible to play in or attend games, and he cannot practice. However, the Browns can allow him to be present at their facility for meetings, individual workouts, therapy, rehabilitation and other permitted non-football activities.

The Browns selected Hall with the No. 54 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Hall, a Streetsboro native, played college football at Ohio State.