July 27, 201212 yr 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. ### :wtf:
July 27, 201212 yr Yes.... and inquiries by the media. I don't agree with the tone of the release. The concerns probably arise because the rumor is Joe Banner might be part of the group and he, I believe, was part of the investor group which was rumored to want to buy the Bills and move them to LA
July 27, 201212 yr ^ Probably released to dispel concerns of the LA Browns. Probably, but I think it only makes people feel more nervous. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 27, 201212 yr Mary Kay Cabot is tweeting the Browns sale is close. Holmgren says Browns aren't going anywhere. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 27, 201212 yr ^Lerner has always given assurances that if he ever did sell the team, it would be on the condition that it wouldn't be moved.
July 27, 201212 yr Cleveland Browns close to being sold to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam III, team guaranteed not to move CLEVELAND -- The Browns are close to being sold to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, a minority owner of the Steelers, and there's a guarantee the team won't move from Cleveland. (This is updated from previous versions of the story.) In a press conference today Browns President Mike Holmgren confirmed that owner Randy Lerner "will give up controlling interest in the team." "An unconditional guarantee was given that the Browns would not move before talks could even start,'' a league source told the Plain Dealer. http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_owner_randy_l_3.html
July 28, 201212 yr You have to give Lerner credit. while he may not care about the team, he cares about the fans. He could have taken the bill and left, but to make sure the team doesnt leave is a tremendously class move. For those concerned, dont be. This cat has that same passion that Rooney and Kraft have for their franchises and i think he will establish a culture here that will be referred to as the browns way. I think he will get rid of his minority share of the steelers.
July 28, 201212 yr ugh... Sure, I am glad Mr. Lerner was concerned with keeping the Browns in Cleveland. I never had an issue with his ownership. Now as a Cleveland fan: WHY!!! WHY!!! WHY!!! :whip: If this past decade has taught Cleveland fans anything, it's that regime change means total overhaul. New coaches, new players, new playing style... the whole thing. We keep getting told 3-4 years of getting the pieces in place, than it's winning time. Well, it's been 3 years for Holmgren, i'm freaking ready for winning time. The thought of management change makes me seriously sick. Sick and disgusted.
July 28, 201212 yr I wouldn't expect those kind of changes. Holmgren will probably go but Heckert and Shurmur will probably stay. Supposedly the new owner is bringing over a guy from the Eagles as his president, and supposedly that means no major shakeup in staff or strategy.
July 28, 201212 yr Holmgren is probably gone, but don't expect the rest to change. Heckert and Shurmur have a backgrounds in Philadelphia, but their futures still aren't certain..... http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x521643289/Ex-Eagles-president-may-be-part-of-new-Browns-ownership-group?zc_p=1 Haslam MUST sell his ownership stake in the Steelers. Per NFL rules, someone cannot own an interest in more than one NFL team at the same time. So he will have to sell his interest in the Steelers. I'm sure he'll quickly find a buyer. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 28, 201212 yr So, back to the field and the players..... Rubin's hernia injury does not sound serious. He's expected to miss only about two weeks of training camp. I'm sure he's all broken up about that! He is out on the practice field today. http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/browns_defensive_tackle_ahtyba.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter EDIT: Mary Kay just tweeted that "Shurmur said rubin will be back in a couple days. Wouldn't confirm the procedure to repair slight pelvis tear." Weeden is not having a good day today. Too many errant throws. The defense had an awesome day yesterday. Several "circus-catch" type interceptions and pass knock downs. WR Gordon and RB Richardson continue to impress in camp, as does WR Benjamin who knows the offense so well. While he knows it so well, veteran WR Mitchell does not. Benjamin had to show Mitchell where to line up for certain plays. Not so good for Mitchell! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 28, 201212 yr Some rumors out of Philly that Banner and Heckert aren't exactly as close as people assume. Interesting issue is what effect The Big Show being out of the picture might have on the team's relationship with Jim Brown
July 28, 201212 yr I've enjoyed not having Jim Brown around (although that hasn't stopped him from sharing his unfortunate thoughts on T-Rich). I hope he stays scarce so we can just enjoy black & white films of him doing something he was actually good at. Some more tweets..... @WillBurge: Loud cheers from the crowd on Josh Gordons first catch in QB/WR drills #Browns @RuiterWrongFAN: Fan in the crowd "show us that cannon Weedon" #TrainingCamp @RuiterWrongFAN: Fans going nuts on one side of field watching WRs catch deep balls up the sideline @RuiterWrongFAN: Weeden continues to get 1st reps and throws down field - McCoy still throwing short stuff I also like Nate Ulrich's writing at ABJ.... http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-browns/cleveland-browns-1.270107/browns-training-camp-news-notes-and-observations-from-the-first-practice-open-to-the-public-1.323190 This was interesting too..... http://cle.scout.com/2/1206153.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 29, 201212 yr Flash Gordon That was his nickname at Baylor, and maybe even when he was in high school. Some news at training camp: http://www.cleveland.com/budshaw/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_fans_can_see.html And Jim Brown will end his "boycott" of the Browns -- proof that The Big Show is outta here: http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2012/07/jim_brown_will_be_present_duri.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 29, 201212 yr Who knows, maybe this guy wants to win more than Lerner. Could be a good thing for Cleveland if he finds 5-11 records absolutely unacceptable. Current ownership does not harbor that sentiment.
July 29, 201212 yr Who knows, maybe this guy wants to win more than Lerner. Could be a good thing for Cleveland if he finds 5-11 records absolutely unacceptable. Current ownership does not harbor that sentiment. Everyone says that, but I don't believe that. If Mr. Lerner accepted poor records, then why did he overturn the front office so much in one decade? Seriously, I think he understands that winning fixes a lot. It gets the public off his back and it probably increases the teams value and profit. Mr. Lerner might not be a football guy, but he has tried (and failed) to hire the right people. I'd guess that he has probably learned a thing or two since he took over. His record has been horrible, but I can't say that I would have done things much differently. I might have stuck with a staff or system longer than he has. What can he do? He is the money guy, not the football mind. Holmgren is the football mind. On top of that, Steve Doeschuck has written about times that he has seen Lerner absolutely livid after a real butt kicking. He is a private person and I don't think any of us know what he thinks or feels.
July 29, 201212 yr Yeah, I'm not ready to skewer Lerner as being a bad owner. He's not a real hands-on owner, but I don't necessarily think that that's prevented this franchise from winning. However (and I know this kind of contradicts that sentiment), I don't think it can hurt to bring in some new blood, some new energy in the owner's box.
July 29, 201212 yr Speaking of the Lerners, it looks like they're going to retain 30% stake in the organization.
July 29, 201212 yr ^I'm not here to skewer Randy. After all, it was his Dad's love and, when he died suddenly, Randy was handed something he didn't create; he did what he thought was right... But I do put the blame on the Lerner's for the Browns' predicament. When Al was still alive, they started the tradition of hiring based on pedigree, and didn't look closely enough to determine younger, hungrier more emergent talent (like how the Jets, then NE grabbed a young Bill Belichick), as opposed to older been-there, done-that guys like Carmen Policy, Dwight Clark, Holmgren. Butch Davis and Romeo Crennel weren't dumb picks, but they lacked NFL head coaching experience and, unfortunately, when there were screw-ups (like the Phil Savage-Kellen Winslow staph-gate), Lerner was not around to really crack the whip... or so it would seem. Let's face it, Holmgren has been living off of his one Green Bay SB, and one appearance with Seattle; but really, he left the Seahawks in shame IIRC...I just get the sense that these has-been managers, come here to looking to score a nice payday from a team that has money to print, while not worrying about much accountability -- C'mon Mike, with a Browns'-starved fanbase sick of the screw ups, you're going to stick us with an inexperienced lug like Pat Shurmur!?... really?? -- Randy's was largely absentee until recently, and (in my opinion) the fanbase and media here is pretty soft and loyal regardless of the product put on the field, which has been hideous since 1999; the worst of any NFL team over that period. Obviously, owner-involvement with on-field issues is a very delicate balance. We know it works both ways (too much, with George Steinbrenner during much of his career; worse, with Dan Snyder and the Redskins and Jerry Jones in recent times; just enough with wacko Mark Cuban -- Dan Gilbert, I think, is following Cuban's lead to a degree, but has learned, wisely, to both have a serious presence while giving the basketball guys space in which to operate; this is why most of us feel Gilbert will ultimately succeed. Randy just didn't have it in him. Browns' football was daddy Al's game. It was after much media, fan criticism that Randy only recently decided to reside in Greater Cleveland. He has other priorities and I just think regular ownership was just too taxing, but to save family face (and satisfy some desire to remain a background force) he's looking to hold on to 30%. We don't know anything about Haslam. As I said, it was a bad situation here with Randy, but fans are really excited for Haslam (I feel) because they perceive him to be the Anti-Randy; that he’ll bring that Southern, good-ol-boy, redneck-y SEC in-your-face type ownership; like maybe he’ll treat the Browns like his beloved Tennessee Vols, with rabid support (and lots of $$$$). As Browns fans, I’ll agree, we need a change from the status quo… But I’ll reserve my excitement for the Haslam regime until I see more.
July 30, 201212 yr I just get the sense that these has-been managers, come here to looking to score a nice payday from a team that has money to print, while not worrying about much accountability That. Randy's was largely absentee until recently, and (in my opinion) the fanbase and media here is pretty soft and loyal regardless of the product put on the field That2. As Browns fans, I’ll agree, we need a change from the status quo… But I’ll reserve my excitement for the Haslam regime until I see more. That3. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 1, 201212 yr Changes ahead...... Cleveland Browns: New Owner Has Chance to Avoid Bad Pattern Set by Lerner By David DeWitt (Contributor) on July 31, 2012 Randy Lerner has done it again. In the past 13 years under Lerner family ownership the Cleveland Browns have rebooted their coaching staff and team management, on average, every 2.8 years. And now, just as the Mike Holmgren-Tom Heckert regime hits its stride going into their third season, Randy Lerner has pulled the rug out from under his front office yet again, announcing the day before training camp that he is in talks with Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam III to sell a controlling stake in the team. People such as NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal are already predicting that with the sale yet another rebuilding effort is destined for the trash heap. With former Eagles president Joe Banner playing a role in Haslam's buyers group, it's in vogue to predict Holmgren's days in Cleveland are numbered. READ MORE AT: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1279288-cleveland-browns-new-owner-has-chance-to-avoid-bad-pattern-set-by-lerner "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 2, 201212 yr BREAKING WTAM is reporting the Browns have been sold to Haslam for $1 BILLION dollars (via ESPN) Not sure if that is typo or not... but that is what is on my phone
August 2, 201212 yr Latest report is that a majority stake will be sold for $700,000,000 and that the Lerners will keep a minority stake until a later date. The total value of the team based upon the transaction will be in excess of $1,000,000,000. There was no way an NFL team was being sold south of a billion dollars, the owners collectively wouldn't have let it happen, and I doubt Randy was of a mind to let it happen either.
August 2, 201212 yr Here is an up to date article (mods: please delete previous post) Sources: Browns sold for over $1B Updated: August 2, 2012, 11:58 AM ET By Adam Schefter | ESPN The Cleveland Browns have been sold by Randy Lerner to Jimmy Haslam for in excess of $1 billion, league sources said. The sale of the Browns is laid out in two parts. Haslam will take over controlling interest of the Browns for over $700 million. Then, in the second phase of the purchase, he will pay over $300 million to complete the deal. NFL ownership is expected to approve Haslam's purchase at the October meeting. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could expedite the process by calling a special meeting, however that is considered unlikely but not out of the question. The NFL initially helped bring Haslam to Lerner so that the eventual sale would be completed smoothly, efficiently and with a high probability of success. Haslam had informed the NFL how much he wanted to buy a team, and Lerner -- who is more interested in his soccer team (Aston Villa in England) -- was interested in selling the Browns. Paperwork between the two sides was completed Thursday morning. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8225861/randy-lerner-sells-cleveland-browns-more-1b-sources-say
August 2, 201212 yr I love deleting old posts. So much power..... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 2, 201212 yr I love deleting old posts. So much power..... With great power comes great responsibility Ha!
August 2, 201212 yr I love deleting old posts. So much power..... With great power comes great responsibility Ha! Thank you Cliff Robertson "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 2, 201212 yr Randy Lerner is going to profit by hundreds of millions of dollars over what Al Lerner paid for the franchise. It would be grand if they released the city of Cleveland from having to pay tens of millions of dollars for "upkeep" of the Cleveland Browns Stadium.
August 2, 201212 yr I dont understand why teams dont build the stadiums, and pay to keep them up. Well Dallas did, but they are the only one I can think of. They easily have the money to do so. How did it become common for these teams to get these sweet deals? If every team did that they might lose some revenue of course. So cut players salaries. They have gotten ridiculous anyways. They strike? who cares. They will eventually come back to make their $500,000 to $1,000,000 a year that they would not be making doing anything else.
August 2, 201212 yr I believe Al Lerner's bid for the Browns was around $500 million. So his son is clearing ~$200 million AND still retaining a stake in the franchise.
August 3, 201212 yr What kind of wiggle room within the Browns' lease does Haslem have vis a vis stadium naming rights? I know a lot of times those things revert when the franchise is sold, or a new franchise enters, etc.
August 3, 201212 yr I hadn't considered that. "Cleveland Browns Stadium" is rather generic.... but I really appreciate that compared to all of the corporately named stadiums. I hope that doesn't change.
August 3, 201212 yr I hadn't considered that. "Cleveland Browns Stadium" is rather generic.... but I really appreciate that compared to all of the corporately named stadiums. I hope that doesn't change. The naming rights to the entrances were sold instead of selling the naming rights to the stadium. We'll see if that remains. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 3, 201212 yr ^ You'd have to think it's going to be sold. Key Bank Stadium? First Energy Stadium? Pilot/Flying J Stadium? Or the worst I can think of... PNC Stadium? Please God no.
August 3, 201212 yr ^ You'd have to think it's going to be sold. Key Bank Stadium? First Energy Stadium? Pilot/Flying J Stadium? Or the worst I can think of... PNC Stadium? Please God no. PNC would not be smart. He seems like a smart guy. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 3, 201212 yr He seemed pretty much set on selling the naming rights in the presser. This may be a dumb question, but if the city owns the stadium, don't they also have the ownership of selling naming rights?
August 3, 201212 yr ^I was under that impression too, but I don't really remember the details of the deal when the stadium was built.
August 4, 201212 yr I suspect that, among the various sources of revenue from the stadium -- tickets, PSLs, luxury box leases, advertising, concessions, etc -- that one of the other revenues the team is allowed to collect from the city-owned stadium is the naming rights. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 4, 201212 yr Back to the field where good things are happening. The first preseason game is Friday.... http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/browns-training-camp-august-3-1.324558?localLinksEnabled=false http://www.cantonrep.com/browns/x521647697/Browns-notebook-Browns-show-promise-in-red-zone And, a reason why some coaches/players may be trying extra-hard this season? http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/8/3/3218919/cleveland-browns-training-camp-report-day-8-time-to-impress-haslam "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 4, 201212 yr He had a press conference and said naming rights will probably happen down the line.
August 4, 201212 yr Some interesting assessments. When someone visits training camp occasionally as Hensley does, they can often see things that a reporter who is there everyday cannot see. Looks like he is also coming around to appreciate Josh Gordon. I think "Flash" is going to surprise a lot of people around the league this year..... http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/61068/camp-confidential-cleveland-browns-3 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 4, 201212 yr BTW, speaking of.... You may like his one-handed catch in this drill (he's #86): 2012 cleveland browns training camp NICE ONE-HANDED CATCH!!! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 4, 201212 yr Looks like Gocong might be done for the season with an injury during today's practice.
August 4, 201212 yr That sucks, he was rather important. Now we get to see how good those 2 rookies are.
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