Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel gave an honest answer when asked by CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala about his comfort level in front of a camera.
But his response quickly blew up on social media, where many twisted it to sound like he was taking a shot at teammate and fellow Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
"There are entertainers and there are competitors, and I totally understand that," Gabriel said. "My job is to compete and that's what I'm doing. It's something I'll get used to, and I just want to be the best teammate that I can, and create an environment where we can all get our best work in."
The "entertainer" reference wasn't aimed at Sanders at all. Gabriel clarified that he was talking about the media.
"First off, I am all about our team, you know what I mean? And each other. I would never make that [comment]," Gabriel said. "I've said it before, that's why it's interesting.
"But for me, I've explained it, entertainers are you all. A competitor, that's what I am along with all my teammates. We both have jobs to do. That's it."
Still, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith took exception -- not on behalf of Sanders, but on behalf of the media.
"I never believed he was talking about Shedeur Sanders," Smith said on First Take. "I totally believed him when he said he was talking about the media... I think when you heard the comparisons, the comparisons were emanating from the media more so than anybody else.
"Having said that, Dillon Gabriel, respectfully, it was stupid. A very dumb comment to make..."
Smith then broke down the fallout, saying Gabriel essentially picked a fight with the media, whether he meant to or not. He noted that many reporters already believe Sanders should be QB2 over Gabriel, and this comment only added fuel.
"You've now heightened the level of scrutiny coming your way, because the media, like myself, heard what you said," Smith said. "So in other words, it's entertainment, not competition, really. So, when you go out there and compete like trash, because you will have days when you look like that, we're going to remember those comments. And we're going to remember the shot that you took at the fourth estate, which is the media institution. Whether we like it or not, some of us will be kind like myself because we don't want to do that to you. Others will be merciless. But in the end no one will be wrong, because who instigated that fury against you? It would be you. Very idiotic and stupid to say what you said."
Smith's scorched-earth reaction will only add more spotlight to Gabriel, who is locked in an intense quarterback competition in Cleveland.
The rookie made his NFL debut against the Eagles, finishing 13-of-18 for 143 yards and one interception that was returned for a pick-six. His performance, coupled with his comments, ensures the scrutiny isn't going anywhere anytime soon.