Here's some tweets......

 

@AdamSchefter

I do agree that Gordon's an intriguing prospect, but it's hard to imagine him as a third-round pick. We'll see Thursday.

 

@TonyGrossi

Source said #Browns had Josh Gordon in for a visit last week. Gave him physical and thorough interview. It was love at first sight.

 

@TonyGrossi

I heard this morning that Josh Gordon would be a top 10 pick in 2013. Evidently, #Browns agreed.

 

@TonyGrossi

#Browns do believe Josh Gordon will be a major contributor some time this year. Eventually ... he may be their No. 1.

 

@TonyGrossi

#NFL teams were shocked by size of Josh Gordon's hands/ length of arms. #Browns saw them 2 years ago when he was fully developed as a soph.

 

@MaryKayCabot

#Browns had Josh Gordon in for a visit last week, @caplannfl reported. Only team he visited.

 

@BrownsForum

The #Browns get next years 2nd round pick early, and draft Josh Gordon WR out of Baylor in the supp #draft. Huge upside. Love the pick.

 

@ClaytonESPN

Even though Josh Gordon went in the second round, his true value to the Browns won't be felt until his second or third year.

 

@ClaytonESPN

The good part about the Browns taking Josh Gordon is they can develop Greg Little, Brandon Weeden, Gordon and Trent Richardson together.

 

@ClaytonESPN

Best case scenario for Josh Gordon in his first year as around 35 to 45 catches. Lots of catching up to do.

 

‏@brentsobleski

Pair size of Little and Gordon outside, with the speed and shiftiness of Benjamin and Cooper/Norwood inside. Might actually have something

 

@RUSSLANDE

Great move by #Browns to draft WR J. Gordon in 2nd. With his size, hands and RAC ability he should excel catching passes from QB B. Weeden.

He's a stud...I like the move. Could potentially be our #1.

BTW, WR Josh Gordon was the only player to be picked during today's NFL supplemental draft.

 

Even though Baylor Coach Art Briles suspended Gordon, he reportedly gave a glowing recommendation of him to the Browns, says Mary Kay Cabot.

 

EDIT: here's a interesting tweet that was retweeted by DawgPoundNation....

 

@JOSH_GORDONXII

God is good.I wanna thank everyone who shared my struggle & success with me on this long journey, It's only the beginning though..#DawgPound

This front office has a track record of reaching on second and third round picks, why not?!

There's only two people who should be very nervous about the Browns picking Gordon today: Carlton Mitchell and Mohamed Massaquoi.

This sure didn't take long! I wish the contracts with Weeden and Richardson were done as quickly (they're not alone -- http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d828f4621/article/contract-status-for-2012-nfl-draft-firstround-picks) as nearly all second-round and later picks are signed since there's less haggling over how much of the contract will be fully guaranteed......

 

Posted: Monday July 16, 2012 6:48PM ; Updated: Monday July 16, 2012 8:22PM

Browns sign WR Gordon to 4-year deal

 

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns signed rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon to a four-year, $5.3 million contract on Monday.

 

The deal includes $3.8 million in guaranteed money.

 

The Browns selected Gordon last week in the second round of the NFL's supplemental draft. The team forfeited a second-round pick in 2013 to get Gordon, a talented and troubled player who was dismissed at Baylor after testing positive for marijuana after his sophomore season.

 

Read more:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/07/16/browns-sign-josh-gordon.ap/index.html#ixzz20qOz29SX

I just saw this for the first time tonight. I'm speechless.......

 

ESPN Sports Science Brandon Weeden

Yeah, Weeden is incredible. I'll always remember his break-out game when it became apparent he needed to move up from #3 on the depth chart. This dork Alex Cate, coming in for the injured Zac Robinson (who broke Coach Gundy's school records, and then whose records Weeden broke), didn't complete a single pass in the first half of the OSU/Colorado game back in 2008, Weeden came in and completed his first past and BPS went nuts. Weeden led a come-back for the ages as the third-stringer.

 

I'm really not sure what you guys think you're getting in Gordon. However I wouldn't discount Josh Cooper, who I understand had been making a great impression during spring camp. I'd be curious what happens of that since I haven't seen any updates since June on my OSU board.

 

Keep in mind with Coop you have Weeden's past #2 favorite target, and a guy who would've been the Big 12 leading WR if it weren't for a very talented two-time Biletnikoff who likes a drink every now and then. Obviously I have my own heightened self interest in following the Browns this season when I've always ignored NFL due to the superiority of the college game IMO, but I think Cleveland has a lot of upside with Weeden. Besides the fans I've chatted with around town want change, and they want it now.

The Browns selected Gordon last week in the second round of the NFL's supplemental draft. The team forfeited a second-round pick in 2013 to get Gordon, a talented and troubled player who was dismissed at Baylor after testing positive for marijuana after his sophomore season.

 

That aint no way to make friends with mega-Baptists.  :mrgreen:

I'm interested to read your opinions, Eurokie, since you're from there. Are you an OSU alum or a fan? I've watched a lot of video of Weeden and seen what Josh Cooper can do. I see him as a potential Danny Woodhead type of player. Yeah, I know Woodhead is an RB by position, but Belechick lets him run lots of pass routes. And Woodhead seemingly came out of nowhere with little fanfare like Cooper could do. They have different physical stats, however. Woodhead is 5-8, 200 pounds. Cooper is 5-11, 195 pounds.

 

There are those who claim Weeden can't throw well under pressure, that he makes a lot of mistakes when there is a defender in his face. What you think of that criticism, Eurokie? I'm always amazed at how some guys who excelled in college fell flat in the NFL. Look back at the Heisman winners (http://www.heisman.com/index.php/heismanWinners) as maybe half had good NFL careers. And some guys who didn't shine in college had some great years in the pros. So that's why this year is going to be very interesting for the Browns because of all the new guys we have on the roster, especially on offense.

 

As for Josh Gordon, I don't know what to make of him either. But he has all the physical tools to succeed as a wide receiver and seems like a smart kid if the Wunderlick test means anything. So I'm hoping he can apply what he learns. You need more than just size, speed and hands to succeed in the NFL.

 

I think Division I football is top notch and I love the college crowds. But the speed of the NFL game is incredible. The old saying is that in college, you'll find a few really good players on a team. In the pros, everyone is good. If you want to get an appreciation of the NFL's speed, sit in one of the lower rows in the end-zones at Browns Stadium. It will give you get a real good idea of what the quarterback is seeing. I don't know how they can complete a pass because everything is moving so fast.

You need more than just size, speed and hands to succeed in the NFL.

 

True.... but those attributes you listed (which he has) can't be taught.  You either are born with them or your not.  The rest will depend on how 'coachable' the kid is.

Exactly. That's why I felt he was worth a second round pick. And that's why I'm excited the Browns grabbed him.

 

I was reading something last night, I think it was on Bleacher Report, which showed that teams that went with a youth movement on offense and had a stable defense typically produced win-loss records in the 7-9 to 9-7 range. I don't think our schedule this year will allow that, but then again that schedule is based heavily on how teams performed last year. I still think it will be difficult for us to get a 6-10 record.

 

I think the fun part for me is that I have no idea what we've got on offense. How these guys adjust to the pro game and to each other will be very very very interesting to see.

I saw this today and couldn't help posting it.

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/19603235/cleveland-browns

 

I guess this is how much love the Browns are getting this year.  I understand they've proven absolutely nothing with their track record and the amount of rookies on the team, but 1-15?  You can't just have a bad offense and go 1-15.  Your entire defense, ranked in the top of the league in Points and Yards per game, would completely regress.  I'm not kidding myself to say the Browns go 10-6, but my swing is 8-8 to 4-12.  I just can't fathom the chaos in Brownstown if they go 1-15.

Phil Dawson alone wins 3 or 4 games a year. No way the Browns are only going to be 1-15

I think this is people predicting the future based on the past. Most predictions aren't worth much anyway.

Josh Gordon tweets he got on a plane today in Houston and said goodbye to H-town. Then he gave a shout out to C-town......

http://instagram.com/p/NPPaqkQjTO/

 

EDIT: I enjoyed reading this......

 

8 Reasons Cleveland Browns Fans Should Be Excited for Training Camp

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1261211-8-reasons-cleveland-browns-fans-should-be-excited-for-training-camp

I'm interested to read your opinions, Eurokie, since you're from there. Are you an OSU alum or a fan? I've watched a lot of video of Weeden and seen what Josh Cooper can do. I see him as a potential Danny Woodhead type of player. Yeah, I know Woodhead is an RB by position, but Belechick lets him run lots of pass routes. And Woodhead seemingly came out of nowhere with little fanfare like Cooper could do. They have different physical stats, however. Woodhead is 5-8, 200 pounds. Cooper is 5-11, 195 pounds.

 

There are those who claim Weeden can't throw well under pressure, that he makes a lot of mistakes when there is a defender in his face. What you think of that criticism, Eurokie? I'm always amazed at how some guys who excelled in college fell flat in the NFL. Look back at the Heisman winners (http://www.heisman.com/index.php/heismanWinners) as maybe half had good NFL careers. And some guys who didn't shine in college had some great years in the pros. So that's why this year is going to be very interesting for the Browns because of all the new guys we have on the roster, especially on offense.

 

As for Josh Gordon, I don't know what to make of him either. But he has all the physical tools to succeed as a wide receiver and seems like a smart kid if the Wunderlick test means anything. So I'm hoping he can apply what he learns. You need more than just size, speed and hands to succeed in the NFL.

 

I think Division I football is top notch and I love the college crowds. But the speed of the NFL game is incredible. The old saying is that in college, you'll find a few really good players on a team. In the pros, everyone is good. If you want to get an appreciation of the NFL's speed, sit in one of the lower rows in the end-zones at Browns Stadium. It will give you get a real good idea of what the quarterback is seeing. I don't know how they can complete a pass because everything is moving so fast.

 

Actually, I will be an OSU alum sometime early January, as soon as my CSU credits from this sem transfer over and get processed. But my dad and granddad are also OSU alums so I've followed the Pokes a long time. As for Cooper, as long as he's in the mix, he'll rise as an option. Weeden already has a lot of familiarity with him, and he is most accurate with receivers whose movements he's familiar with. Blackmon and Weeden read eachother's thoughts, so he just became his favorite target upfield.

 

Weeden under pressure is a funny thing, because the worst time he ever screwed up was the most critical play of the season, when he threw that infamous pick in 2OT at Iowa State on a bizarre Friday night, and the OSU world came crashing down after that week. I think how bad OSU people felt that week put an exclamation mark on that one pick thrown by Weeden. That said, he's an amazingly accurate qb. I'd say his one negative is that he does become somewhat statuesque on that pitcher's mound of his. Not a very mobile qb, the entire Boone went nuts when he darted for 10 yards once and it was almost hysterical. He might be the greatest air raid qb there ever was, former Yankee pitcher and all, but a dual-threat qb he is not.

 

He also always had very talented OLs that prevented defenses from even breathing on him, most games. I don't doubt there will be some adjustment for him going into the NFL, where some Saints players and who knows whom else are getting paid bonuses to knock his block off, but he's also one of the most mature athletes I've ever seen. No doubt his maturity helped OSU win a Big 12 championship. I also don't doubt he's more mature than any other prima donna NFL players (just an outside observation), and that maturity will help him acclimate when he's tested, as well as give him a strategic advantage. It was a very similar deal to Andrew Luck at Stanford, where both guys are basically like coaches out on the field, except that OSU actually has good coaches as well lol. And a kicker.  :evil:

Interesting video analysis of Browns' newly drafted Inside Linebacker James-Michael Johnson. Even some of the "bad" plays I don't consider all that bad. In those, he occupied a blocker and forced the runner to the inside, putting other defenders in a good position to stop the runner for little or no yards. With Scott Fujita suspended for three games, this is JMJ's chance to shine....

 

This is what we have to look forward to this year and in coming years. Trent has speed, power and incredible elusiveness. I can't wait to see him in his first appearance in the Brown-n-Orange Aug. 10....

 

Trent Richardson 76 yard TD run vs. Ole Miss

 

TR had 4 TDs and 183 yds rushing -- just in 3rd quarter against Ole Miss.

Hey Indians fans, there's always the Browns....

 

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

The 2011 Cleveland Browns, a 1985 redux?

 

To me, NFL training camp is one of the most enjoyable occasions in pro sports. It is a time when otherwise inaccessible football players are accessible. It is when you can sit (or stand) with die-hard football fans in the scorching summer sun in Berea and dissect the repetitions of players and pretend to be a coach for a day.

 

It is also a time when all optimism is justified. And, yes, that even applies in Berea.

 

One only needs to look at last year to know that anything can and does happen in the NFL. Philadelphia fans were ready to book hotel rooms in August for the Super Bowl, only to see their star-studded Eagles finish 8-8. Meanwhile, some Cincinnati fans were discussing last August, before another expected losing season, whether they should select Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III in the 2012 draft. Instead, their young team made the playoffs.

 

So each summer I remember what it was like to be a naive young guy in high school and college in the 1980s, with a reverence for pro football players for their athletic abilities. I also revered the NFL in bringing us their refined performances. After 30 years of labor disputes, franchise free agency and just growing more cynical with age, I've lost much of that unbridled optimism.

 

Except during training camp.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://neo-trans.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-2011-cleveland-browns-1985-redux.html

Finally! Now it's Weeden's turn....

 

Browns get deal done with Trent Richardson

Posted by Mike Florio on July 23, 2012, 9:45 PM EDT

 

As expected, the Browns have worked out a contract with the third overall pick in the draft.

 

Running back Trent Richardson has agreed to terms, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

 

The contract pays Richardson a signing bonus of $13.341 million, along with base salaries of $390,000 in 2012, $1.321 million in 2013, $2.252 million in 2014, and $3.184 million in 2015.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/23/browns-get-deal-done-with-trent-richardson/

Hope he likes ramen noodles in 2012.

Hope he likes ramen noodles in 2012.

 

Except for that eight figure signing bonus.

Boy, I'm getting old. I didn't understand what you were talking about until I googled "ramen noodles" and then finally understood what that guy in the Nationwide commercials was saying about that budget-conscious girl. I had no idea that noodles were the latest "I'm poor" food. When I was young and lacking funds, the "I'm poor" food was instant mac-n-cheese. When my mother was young and poor, it was corned beef hash. Proof that you never stop learning.

 

Now sign Weeden!!!

ramen noodles are far from the latest fad. instant ramen noodles first became extremely popular in the 1980s and remain staple of poor college student life.

We did buy noodles in the 80s at KSU, but not like mac-n-cheese.

We did buy noodles in the 80s at KSU, but not like mac-n-cheese.

 

Mac and cheese requires outside ingredients (milk, butter) to be edible. OTH Raman is self contained with that terrible packet of sodium.

 

** helpful hint: use 1/3 of the packet and add TBS of peanut butter. Or better yet, ditch the flavor packet entirely and add some curry. Your kidneys will thank you.

It's a moot point.  He's got ~$14 million in his hands as of yesterday. ;)

I was so broke (or maybe lazy) in college that I lived off the instant noodle soup in those styrofoam cups.  Just add hot water from the tap and you're good to go!

 

Back to the Browns...... I am no betting man, but Vegas has our over/under at 4.  I might have to put something down on that.  I understand the schedule is tough, but I can't see them not winning at least 5 games someway, somehow.  Our only loss was Mike Adams (no biggie) and we added/upgraded starters at QB, RB, WR, RT (all of our offensive weak spots last year) and also boosted our defense IMO with Rucker, Parker, and JMJ.  Losing Taylor will hurt, but I doubt he is out more than half the season and the young guys (and Paxson) should adequately fill in.

^the other advantage we've got over last year is that we're not starting a completely new style of offense without the use of a training camp to teach it to everyone.

Weeden is signed, sealed, and delievered.

I was so broke (or maybe lazy) in college that I lived off the instant noodle soup in those styrofoam cups.  Just add hot water from the tap and you're good to go!

 

That's the only noodles I ate at KSU. I could get them at Fazio's for $1 or less, if I remember. A large Domino's pizza, delivered, was $5.

 

 

Back to the Browns...... I am no betting man, but Vegas has our over/under at 4.  I might have to put something down on that.  I understand the schedule is tough, but I can't see them not winning at least 5 games someway, somehow.  Our only loss was Mike Adams (no biggie) and we added/upgraded starters at QB, RB, WR, RT (all of our offensive weak spots last year) and also boosted our defense IMO with Rucker, Parker, and JMJ.  Losing Taylor will hurt, but I doubt he is out more than half the season and the young guys (and Paxson) should adequately fill in.

 

I'd take that bet too. But I am concerned about the Safety position which, after TJ Ward, is very thin. I got scared when I read this.... http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/7/22/3176120/cleveland-browns-training-camp-2012-s-preview-low-on-depth  We have more depth at Cornerback so unless we bring someone in by trade, I suggest moving someone (Brown?) from CB to S. http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/7/23/3180089/cleveland-browns-training-camp-2012-cb-preview-a-strong-unit

 

I know you're not a big fan of Marcus Benard, but since he was on IR last year, I think many have overlooked him this year. He's only 26 and had 7.5 sacks in his second year (2010) before he got into the motorcycle accident last year. I'd like to see how he can contribute in Taylor's (or Fujita's) absence.

 

So what are we watching/looking for in training camp this year?

 

For me, I want to see how well Weeden can adjust to the speed of the NFL and can throw into tight coverage. I want to see what Josh Gordon has after a year off. I want to see how fast Travis Benjamin is. I want to see if Richardson is as awesome against the NFL as he was against the SEC. I want to see if Brandon Jackson can be a capable back-up to T-Rich. I want to see why the Browns are so high on Jordan Cameron. I want to see if JMJ can help us stop the run. I want to see if the offensive line is better with Mitchell Schwartz on board. I want to see if Greg Little is ready to take the next step as a reliable receiver. And I want to see if Jabaal Sheard can take the next step and be a dominant pass rusher.

 

There is a lot to watch! ;)

Weeden is signed, sealed, and delievered.

 

Fair is fair. I posted an article about T-Rich coming to terms.......

 

Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden comes to terms on four-year deal worth $8.1 million

Published: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 2:20 PM    Updated: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 3:16 PM

  By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

 

BEREA, Ohio -- The Brandon Weeden era in Cleveland Browns football will begin on time.

 

Weeden, the No. 22 overall pick out of Oklahoma State, signed his four-year contract today and will be on the practice field Wednesday with the rest of the rookies, quarterbacks and select veterans. His deal is worth about $8.1 million over the four years. He was seeking all four years guaranteed, but received three years fully guaranteed, with a partial guarantee for the fourth year.

 

...Now the question is, when will coach Pat Shurmur name Weeden the starting quarterback? During minicamp last month, he hinted that the announcement could come early in training camp.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_qb_brandon_we_2.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

I was so broke (or maybe lazy) in college that I lived off the instant noodle soup in those styrofoam cups.  Just add hot water from the tap and you're good to go!

 

That's the only noodles I ate at KSU. I could get them at Fazio's for $1 or less, if I remember. A large Domino's pizza, delivered, was $5.

 

 

Back to the Browns...... I am no betting man, but Vegas has our over/under at 4.  I might have to put something down on that.  I understand the schedule is tough, but I can't see them not winning at least 5 games someway, somehow.  Our only loss was Mike Adams (no biggie) and we added/upgraded starters at QB, RB, WR, RT (all of our offensive weak spots last year) and also boosted our defense IMO with Rucker, Parker, and JMJ.  Losing Taylor will hurt, but I doubt he is out more than half the season and the young guys (and Paxson) should adequately fill in.

 

I'd take that bet too. But I am concerned about the Safety position which, after TJ Ward, is very thin. I got scared when I read this.... http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/7/22/3176120/cleveland-browns-training-camp-2012-s-preview-low-on-depth  We have more depth at Cornerback so unless we bring someone in by trade, I suggest moving someone (Brown?) from CB to S. http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/7/23/3180089/cleveland-browns-training-camp-2012-cb-preview-a-strong-unit

 

I know you're not a big fan of Marcus Benard, but since he was on IR last year, I think many have overlooked him this year. He's only 26 and had 7.5 sacks in his second year (2010) before he got into the motorcycle accident last year. I'd like to see how he can contribute in Taylor's (or Fujita's) absence.

 

So what are we watching/looking for in training camp this year?

 

For me, I want to see how well Weeden can adjust to the speed of the NFL and can throw into tight coverage. I want to see what Josh Cooper has after a year off. I want to see how fast Travis Benjamin is. I want to see if Richardson is as awesome against the NFL as he was against the SEC. I want to see if Brandon Jackson can be a capable back-up to T-Rich. I want to see why the Browns are so high on Jordan Cameron. I want to see if JMJ can help us stop the run. I want to see if the offensive line is better with Mitchell Schwartz on board. I want to see if Greg Little is ready to take the next step as a reliable receiver. And I want to see if Jabaal Sheard can take the next step and be a dominant pass rusher.

 

There is a lot to watch! ;)

 

Love your analysis and agree with about everything you said.  However, although there is a Josh Cooper on the team (also a WR) I think you meant Josh Gordon.

 

Although I know we won't make the playoffs, this is the most I've been excited for a season since the debacle of 2008 (also happened to be my first year living in Cleveland...fail).

Although I am interested to see if Josh Cooper can make it in the pros, it's not one of the things I'm most interested in. Yes, I meant to say Josh Gordon. I just have to remember to call him "Flash" Gordon to remember the name.

 

As you get older, the first thing you start to lose is your, the, uh, ....what was it?

 

EDIT: rumors are the Eagles and the Packers are interested in Colt McCoy. If so, ask for one of these safeties in return....

 

> Philadelphia: 24-year-old free safety Kurt Coleman. He's an Ohio boy who played at OSU and had 78 tackles (56 solo) and four INTs in his second season last year.

 

> Green Bay: 23-year-old safety Morgan Burnett. In 2011 he had 107 tackles (78 solo) and three INTs, plus two fumbles he forced and recovered. That was his first full season as a starter, and second season in the pros. His first season (2010) was cut short in week 4 due to a knee injury.

 

> Green Bay: 29-year-old safety Charlie Peprah. After getting little playing time in his first four years, he stepped into the starting job after Burnett got hurt in 2010. In 2011, he had 94 tackles (65 solo) and five INTs.

 

If the Browns are content with minimum compensation, then maybe they're not ready/willing to compete yet.

In the first day of camp today (rookies & QBs only), apparently Josh Gordon impressed the media -- in terms of his physical size and his pass-catching ability.

 

Pat Shurmer almost looked giddy. Not for lack of trying, he couldn't hold back his smile when he was asked about the rookie talent out there.

^^No team is going to trade you a starter for Colt McCoy.  We'd be lucky to get a 5th round pick for him.  My guess is that any deal announced this preseason will be for "future considerations" with the amount of games Colt plays determining whether it is a 5th round pick or a 7th rounder.

We did buy noodles in the 80s at KSU, but not like mac-n-cheese.

 

Mac and cheese requires outside ingredients (milk, butter) to be edible. OTH Raman is self contained with that terrible packet of sodium.

 

** helpful hint: use 1/3 of the packet and add TBS of peanut butter. Or better yet, ditch the flavor packet entirely and add some curry. Your kidneys will thank you.

 

Oh man, I love that packet of sodium. I used to make soup broth with bullion cubes, but lately I just fish the flavor pack out of ramen noodles and throw the noodles away, and use that for me broth. But if I could find an organic/healthy alternative at Whole Foods or TJ's I'd do that instead... though I'm quite sure my kidneys got the message when I turned 21.

 

So why is the dateline of the Weeden story Berea? Surely that is not where Weeden bought a house? lol.

I expect the Browns to hold onto Colt throughout training camp until a starting QB goes down in camp or the preseason.  Once there is a little added pressure (think Oakland and Carson Palmer) teams will be more willing to give up a draft pick/players.  But I agree, no starter back for McCoy.  I bet they could get a 5/6th rounder from a desparate team late in camp.  Would also be fine with a player to add depth at LB/OL/DL.

^^Berea is where the Browns' practice facility is located..... i.e. where Weeden signed his contract

Lerner admits that a buyer wants to make “investment” in Browns

Posted by Mike Florio on July 27, 2012, 9:43 AM EDT

 

Moments after pressing “publish” on the item regarding the rumor that the Browns have been sold, owner Randy Lerner has issued a statement.

 

“In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I’ve been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns,” Lerner says.  “We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary.”

 

We’re not quite sure what that means.  By using only the term “investment,” Lerner’s statement doesn’t reveal whether he’s considering selling a minority share, a majority share, or all of the team.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/27/lerner-admits-that-buyer-wants-to-make-investment-in-browns/

Tony Grossi reporting on WKNR that Randy Lerner is in discussions to sell the team to Jimmy Haslam III.

 

Ha ha, beat you to it. :)

Ha ha, beat you to it. :)

 

Damn!!!!

I don't like this one bit.  The guy currently owns a minority stake in the Steelers and I'm sure he would want to put his own stamp on the team somehow.  Now that it feels like we are actually starting to turn the corner I don't like the idea of a major change like this right now.

I think he owns a minority stake in the Steelers.  Not sure how that would work out ???

Doesn't the NFL have restrictions on persons owning interests in more than one team?

Wow.  Big stuff this morning.  He'd obviously have to sell his ownership in the Steelers.  Hearing he is a big football fan in general.  And if he owns a portion of the Steelers, of COURSE he has to say he's a Steelers fan.  He was also a Cowboys and Colts fan in his past.  If he becomes full owner of the Browns, you better believe he'll drop that allegiance immediately and become the biggest Browns fan you know.

 

I don't mind it.  I don't love the timing, the day before training camp opens, but what can you do.  It will be pretty damn hard to do worse that Randy Lerner.  56-104 in 10 yrs.  1 playoff appearance.

I don't mind it.  I don't love the timing, the day before training camp opens, but what can you do.  It will be pretty damn hard to do worse that Randy Lerner.  56-104 in 10 yrs.  1 playoff appearance.

 

Agreed. He's buying it because now is a good time to sell/buy the Browns, what with the team's long record of failure, but potential of better play.

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/PressRelease/prdetail?id=12453

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 27, 2012

 

Statement from Mayor’s Office of Communications

 

The Cleveland Browns have some of the most loyal and passionate fans which have helped make it one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. The city took precautionary measures to ensure that fans would be able to cheer on the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium for years to come.

 

The 30-year lease to the Cleveland Browns commenced in 1999 and continues to 2029. This lease, like the prior Municipal Stadium lease for which the City of Cleveland successfully obtained an injunction in 1995, requires the Browns to play all their regular season and playoff home games in the Cleveland Browns Stadium. If this requirement is not honored the city has legal options that could be pursued if necessary.

 

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