The prevailing reaction in most NFL circles in the wake of Thursday’s admission by Browns G.M. Phil Savage that he sent an e-mail that said “f–k you” to a fan (technically, it was “f@#* you”) is shock.

As a league source with knowledge of Savage’s ways told us on Thursday morning, such language is very much out of character. 

Said another source on Friday morning, “Shock would be an understatement.  I don’t know what to say.  I really can’t believe it.”

Of all NFL General Managers, Savage would likely be regarded as far and away the least likely to have snapped in this manner.  He’s a devout Christian (or, at a minimum, he wears it on his sleeve for the world to see, which frankly conflicts with our understanding of Matthew 6:5-7).

Indeed, we’re told that, every year at the Senior Bowl, Savage organizes a revival-type meeting for the coaches and scouts in attendance.  Per one source, the event has left some NFL types feeling uncomfortable.

And who can forget (actually, we had) Savage’s open call for Christian players?

“We want Christian players who can play football well,” Savage said in 2006.  (And that might have been news to owner Randy Lerner, who is Jewish.)

Bottom line?  Regardless of whether and to what extent Savage’s professed views are genuine, it was stoopid for him to allow a disgruntled fan to get under his skin. 

That said, Savage’s blunder has provided useful instruction for folks in key positions with other franchises.  “Every time something happens in Cleveland,” a source told us on Thursday, “I learn something from it.”