BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage sent an e-mail containing an expletive in response to a disparaging message he received from a fan during the team's Monday night game against Buffalo, coach Romeo Crennel confirmed today.

Crennel said he spoke with Savage, who sent the e-mail during Cleveland's 29-27 win over the Bills.

"We all get frustrated at times," Crennel said. "Phil generally, like the rest of us, tries to be professional and hold it in. But sometimes some things slip out. It's unfortunate that it slipped out. Tough times, tough things happen. I'm sure that if we had it to do over again we'd do it a little bit differently."

Savage's e-mail exchange with the fan was first reported on sports blog deadspin.com.

Savage has not yet commented on the e-mail.

The incident is just the latest episode in a tumultuous season for the Browns, who are a disappointing 4-6 after winning 10 games last season.

Last month, Savage was involved in a dispute with Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow, who criticized the club for its handling of a three-day hospitalization for a staph infection. Winslow was initially suspended for one game for his comments, but the club later rescinded the penalty after learning that a team employee had sent a text message to Winslow telling him not to disclose he had staph.

The Browns have had at least six known cases of staph since 2005.

In addition, the Browns recently benched starting quarterback Derek Anderson in favor of backup Brady Quinn, who has gone 1-1 in two starts since getting the job.