NFL fans rip into player cleared of sexual assault for his 'rehearsed' speech at first Browns press conference

Isaiah Bond is under fire from fans following what many called a 'rehearsed' speech during his first press conference on Tuesday. 

Bond, who joined the Cleveland Browns after sexual assault allegations against him were dropped, delivered a carefully worded statement at the press conference.

But what was intended as a professional, composed introduction was quickly slammed online as overly rehearsed and lacking authenticity.

Bond said: 'I am very excited to be at Cleveland Brown. I've been playing football since six and I know it's a great privilege to play in the NFL and I'm very grateful for that. 

'I know there's going to be questions about the allegations, but my agent and my attorney have advised me not to go into details on that. 

'Since day one I've proclaimed my innocence and I stand here today in that same way. I'm very excited to get to know my teammates and show the Cleveland Brown community why they made the right decision'. 

While Bond flashed a smile at the end of the speech, seemingly happy with the job he'd done, fans online sparked debate over the script.

'Someone holding up a script behind him?', one wrote. 

'you know he been up all night practicing ts', another said. 

Another wrote: 'He got happy towards the end because he hit all his lines perfect like he practiced'

One said: 'He shouldve just pulled the piece of paper out of his pocket and read directly from the script instead of this rehearsed'. 

Bond officially inked an NFL deal on Monday, after sexual assault allegations against the wide receiver were dropped.

Bond was a highly-ranked prospect heading into this year's NFL Draft but, following his arrest in April, he was passed over by all 32 teams.

But with charges against him dropped, the Cleveland Browns have now signed the rookie free-agent to a three-year, $3.018 million contract, according to Mary Kay Cabot. 

In addition to Bond's fully guaranteed salary, the wideout reportedly received a $53,000 signing bonus. 

The Browns confirmed the signing of Bond, but did not disclose the details of his deal, in a statement. 

'We've spent much of the last calendar year getting to know Isaiah as a player and professional and much of the last four months gaining a full understanding of his legal situation,' General Manager Andrew Berry said. 

'On the legal side, we have done extensive research that includes but is not limited to hearing from both sides of the case and receiving the results of an independently administered polygraph test.

'Before the allegations, we also spent a great deal of time with Isaiah during the draft process on campus, at the Combine and at our facilities. 

'His time at Alabama with Tommy Rees also weighed heavily on our assessment of his ability to operate successfully in a professional environment if brought into our organization.

'It is these touchpoints and more that gave us the necessary insights to make this decision. 

'With his legal matter resolved through a no bill by a grand jury, Isaiah is focused on learning from this experience while moving forward with his life and career.'

Bond made a name for himself at Texas with his blinding speed and later ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in just 4.39 second. He was expected to be taken on Day 2 of April's NFL Draft.