Football Browns face possible suspension, fine and loss of draft pick - Page 4

**The Franchise** · 02-04-2015, 11:44 AM

Cleveland Browns and GM Ray Farmer facing possible suspension, fine, loss of draft pick for 'Textgate'

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/inde...medium=twitter

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns and general manager Ray Farmer are facing possible sanctions from the NFL for "Textgate," including a multigame suspension for Farmer, and a fine and loss of draft pick for the Browns, league sources told Northeast Ohio Media Group.

The investigation -- one of three "integrity of the game" probes currently underway in the NFL -- is expected to be wrapped up soon, as early this week or next week.

NEOMG reported on Jan. 6 that a Browns "high-ranking personnel member texted from the press box to the sidelines about playcalls'' during a game, which was one of the reasons former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, now with the Falcons, felt that working for the Browns had become dysfunctional for him.

Multiple league sources have told NEOMG that Farmer was the high-ranking personnel member who violated the NFL's electronic use policy by the impermissible texting. Those messages were then apparently relayed to the coaches.

The NFL investigated the improper texts, and are prepared to announce sanctions within the next couple of weeks. A resolution could come as early as this week, but probably no later than three weeks.

Farmer is facing a multigame suspension -- as many as three or four games -- and the Browns are facing the loss of a draft pick if the probe, conducted by in-house NFL executives, shows that Farmer acted improperly.

Farmer, asked by NEOMG at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 21 if he texted from the press level during a game, said "I can't comment on that. The league is investigating.''

A Browns spokesman reiterated Wednesday that the club has done everything the league has asked and is awaiting results of the probe.

The Browns have never denied that such texts occurred, and coach Mike Pettine revealed during a press conference on Jan. 22 that investigators had already come to Cleveland to question members of the organization.

At the Greater Cleveland Sports Award ceremony later that night, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam stressed that the club was cooperating fully.

"I know that Ray and Pett and Sashi Brown, our general counselor, are cooperating fully with the NFL, and if we did anything wrong I'm sure we'll correct it and make whatever amends,'' he said. "I know we've cooperated fully with the NFL."

"Textgate'' was the first of three scandals that have erupted over the past month that impact the integrity of the game, and the NFL is taking all three very seriously.

The second was "Deflategate,'' the controversy over the Patriots deflating footballs during their AFC Championship Game victory over the Colts. And the third was the Falcons pumping artificial crowd noise into the Georgia Dome over the past two seasons, which owner Arthur Blank admitted to on Tuesday.

The NFL is likely to wrap up all three investigations within the next three weeks.

"It's not really a fine line," Blank told The Associated Press. "I think what we've done in 2013 and 2014 was wrong. Anything that affects the competitive balance and fairness on the field, we're opposed to, as a league, as a club and as an owner. It's obviously embarrassing but beyond embarrassing it doesn't represent our culture and what we're about."

Blank told the AP that he knew enough about the investigation to own up to the allegations.

"We've gotten some information from the league but until we read the full report and until they publish their findings, we can't be totally clear. We've talked to a lot of people and we've cooperated and we'll be anxious to read the report."

During his Super Bowl press conference last week, Commissioner Roger Goodell stressed the importance of protecting the game's integrity.

"This is my job," Goodell said in response to a question about Deflate-gate. "This is my responsibility to protect the integrity of the game. I represent 32 teams. All of us want to make sure that the rules are being followed. And if we have any information where the potential is that those rules were violated, I have to pursue that. And I have to pursue that aggressively.

"So this is my job. This is the job of the league office. It is what all 32 clubs expect and I believe our partners and fans expect. We will do it vigorously and it is important for it to be thorough and fair."

The Browns' Textgate investigation comes at a difficult time for the club. Their first-round quarterback, Johnny Manziel, checked himself into a rehab facility last Wednesday for a possible dependence on alcohol; and their All-Pro receiver, Josh Gordon, was suspended for a minimum of a year.

Tombstone RJ · 02-04-2015, 02:24 PM

It's not a big deal. At all. Who cares if the GM texted Shanahan what plays he wanted run? It's completely stupid and that is all. It's another reason the Browns are a joke.

If Ginger Hammer curb stomps Cleveland for this and does little to nothing about the Pats deflating balls, then I think all hell should break loose and Cleveland fans should riot in the streets.

MagicHef · 02-04-2015, 02:44 PM

If this report is accurate, it looks like a lack of competitive advantage is not a defense for breaking a rule. That seems consistent with past issues (Saints' bounties, Broncos' delayed payments).

Red Dawg · 02-04-2015, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaWolf

At least they drafted a QB in the first round. / ChiefsPlanet

Yeah. Proof that QB in the first is hit, miss or complete fail. Luck is the only first rounder that has turned out to be a bad ass lately.

CleveSteve · 02-04-2015, 03:09 PM

Because Browns.

Mr. Laz · 02-04-2015, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

Another serious investigation, and threats of serious punishments, over a completely non-serious issue. Atta boy Rodger.

You asshole

**ptlyon** · 02-04-2015, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tombstone RJ

If Ginger Hammer curb stomps Cleveland for this and does little to nothing about the Pats deflating balls, then I think all hell should break loose and Cleveland fans should riot in the streets.

All eight of them at the same time? Call the national Guard.

**MahiMike** · 02-04-2015, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooge

The Browns cheat and still suck

They suck at cheating.

Just Passin' By · 02-04-2015, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

[IMG]dumbassery

I'm not sure why you'd be putting that up. It's an investigation over a text, and it doesn't involve my team.

**Easy 6** · 02-04-2015, 05:00 PM

I for one am OUTRAGED about this non-issue.

Good grief, I hope Browns fans can catch a break one of these days, they dont deserve this.

kccrow · 02-04-2015, 05:26 PM

LOL at SNR...

When it comes to what the Browns did, I am perplexed about it being an issue as well. I mean, if he was texting down what other teams were going to run or some shit, well then maybe... but bitching about what his team was running? Not a problem with that. They definitely should not lose a draft pick.

As for New England, while I could care less about the PSI of a football, it is an NFL rule. The likelihood of all but 1 of NEs balls being well under the limit while none of Indy's were due to weather and temperature? Zilch. So yeah, the NFL should put the hammer down on the Pats for that one. They should then promptly change the rule to allow a larger range.

And then with Atlanta... yeah, that one is going to bring the hammer too. We all know teams, especially dome teams, artificially pump in noise, but one finally got caught. It is a competitive advantage. Whatever NEs penalty for deflating balls, Atlanta's penalty should be at least as severe.

chiefzilla1501 · 02-04-2015, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baconeater

I'm not outraged because it's not the Patriots.

So far the 3 teams in the past weeks of foul play were led by bellichick, Pioli, farmer. See the connection?

But seriously, this shocks me. Farmer seemed to be very well respected. I can't help but think he got pressure from Haslem

Jiu Jitsu Jon · 02-04-2015, 11:54 PM

Someone on the Browns staff texted someone? Everyone grab their pitchforks and torches! This is an OUTRAGE!!11ty

Marcellus · 02-05-2015, 07:23 AM

I don't even care that I don't care.

Sounds like a really dumb rule though.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 02-05-2015, 08:19 AM

Ray would like to see himself in his office, please.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 02-05-2015, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

Another serious investigation, and threats of serious punishments, over a completely non-serious issue. Atta boy Rodger.

You asshole

Why you hatin' on your organization's highly paid-off piss boy?

Do not understand.

02-04-2015, 11:44 AM
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $3105047	Browns face possible suspension, fine and loss of draft pick Cleveland Browns and GM Ray Farmer facing possible suspension, fine, loss of draft pick for 'Textgate' http://www.cleveland.com/browns/inde...medium=twitter CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns and general manager Ray Farmer are facing possible sanctions from the NFL for "Textgate," including a multigame suspension for Farmer, and a fine and loss of draft pick for the Browns, league sources told Northeast Ohio Media Group. The investigation -- one of three "integrity of the game" probes currently underway in the NFL -- is expected to be wrapped up soon, as early this week or next week. NEOMG reported on Jan. 6 that a Browns "high-ranking personnel member texted from the press box to the sidelines about playcalls'' during a game, which was one of the reasons former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, now with the Falcons, felt that working for the Browns had become dysfunctional for him. Multiple league sources have told NEOMG that Farmer was the high-ranking personnel member who violated the NFL's electronic use policy by the impermissible texting. Those messages were then apparently relayed to the coaches. The NFL investigated the improper texts, and are prepared to announce sanctions within the next couple of weeks. A resolution could come as early as this week, but probably no later than three weeks. Farmer is facing a multigame suspension -- as many as three or four games -- and the Browns are facing the loss of a draft pick if the probe, conducted by in-house NFL executives, shows that Farmer acted improperly. Farmer, asked by NEOMG at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 21 if he texted from the press level during a game, said "I can't comment on that. The league is investigating.'' A Browns spokesman reiterated Wednesday that the club has done everything the league has asked and is awaiting results of the probe. The Browns have never denied that such texts occurred, and coach Mike Pettine revealed during a press conference on Jan. 22 that investigators had already come to Cleveland to question members of the organization. At the Greater Cleveland Sports Award ceremony later that night, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam stressed that the club was cooperating fully. "I know that Ray and Pett and Sashi Brown, our general counselor, are cooperating fully with the NFL, and if we did anything wrong I'm sure we'll correct it and make whatever amends,'' he said. "I know we've cooperated fully with the NFL." "Textgate'' was the first of three scandals that have erupted over the past month that impact the integrity of the game, and the NFL is taking all three very seriously. The second was "Deflategate,'' the controversy over the Patriots deflating footballs during their AFC Championship Game victory over the Colts. And the third was the Falcons pumping artificial crowd noise into the Georgia Dome over the past two seasons, which owner Arthur Blank admitted to on Tuesday. The NFL is likely to wrap up all three investigations within the next three weeks. "It's not really a fine line," Blank told The Associated Press. "I think what we've done in 2013 and 2014 was wrong. Anything that affects the competitive balance and fairness on the field, we're opposed to, as a league, as a club and as an owner. It's obviously embarrassing but beyond embarrassing it doesn't represent our culture and what we're about." Blank told the AP that he knew enough about the investigation to own up to the allegations. "We've gotten some information from the league but until we read the full report and until they publish their findings, we can't be totally clear. We've talked to a lot of people and we've cooperated and we'll be anxious to read the report." During his Super Bowl press conference last week, Commissioner Roger Goodell stressed the importance of protecting the game's integrity. "This is my job," Goodell said in response to a question about Deflate-gate. "This is my responsibility to protect the integrity of the game. I represent 32 teams. All of us want to make sure that the rules are being followed. And if we have any information where the potential is that those rules were violated, I have to pursue that. And I have to pursue that aggressively. "So this is my job. This is the job of the league office. It is what all 32 clubs expect and I believe our partners and fans expect. We will do it vigorously and it is important for it to be thorough and fair." The Browns' Textgate investigation comes at a difficult time for the club. Their first-round quarterback, Johnny Manziel, checked himself into a rehab facility last Wednesday for a possible dependence on alcohol; and their All-Pro receiver, Josh Gordon, was suspended for a minimum of a year.
Posts: 92,178

02-04-2015, 02:24 PM	#46
Tombstone RJ Broncos' Fan Extraordinaire! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denver Casino cash: $10012184	It's not a big deal. At all. Who cares if the GM texted Shanahan what plays he wanted run? It's completely stupid and that is all. It's another reason the Browns are a joke. If Ginger Hammer curb stomps Cleveland for this and does little to nothing about the Pats deflating balls, then I think all hell should break loose and Cleveland fans should riot in the streets. __________________ ORANGE COLORED GLASSES ARE ALWAYS ON!
Posts: 6,151

02-04-2015, 02:44 PM	#47
MagicHef The Seated Villain Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Seattle Casino cash: $2460247	If this report is accurate, it looks like a lack of competitive advantage is not a defense for breaking a rule. That seems consistent with past issues (Saints' bounties, Broncos' delayed payments). __________________ With a sack in 61% of his games, SB MVP Von Miller is the most consistent pass rusher in NFL history.
Posts: 10,537

02-04-2015, 03:09 PM	#49
CleveSteve Veteran Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Pflugerville, TX Casino cash: $10010636	Because Browns.
Posts: 1,150

02-04-2015, 05:00 PM	#54
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3727775	I for one am OUTRAGED about this non-issue. Good grief, I hope Browns fans can catch a break one of these days, they dont deserve this.
Posts: 91,706

02-04-2015, 05:26 PM	#55
kccrow MVP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan Casino cash: $3237078	LOL at SNR... When it comes to what the Browns did, I am perplexed about it being an issue as well. I mean, if he was texting down what other teams were going to run or some shit, well then maybe... but bitching about what his team was running? Not a problem with that. They definitely should not lose a draft pick. As for New England, while I could care less about the PSI of a football, it is an NFL rule. The likelihood of all but 1 of NEs balls being well under the limit while none of Indy's were due to weather and temperature? Zilch. So yeah, the NFL should put the hammer down on the Pats for that one. They should then promptly change the rule to allow a larger range. And then with Atlanta... yeah, that one is going to bring the hammer too. We all know teams, especially dome teams, artificially pump in noise, but one finally got caught. It is a competitive advantage. Whatever NEs penalty for deflating balls, Atlanta's penalty should be at least as severe.
Posts: 12,648

02-04-2015, 11:54 PM	#57
Jiu Jitsu Jon Level 40 Wizard Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Misery Casino cash: $10013080	Someone on the Browns staff texted someone? Everyone grab their pitchforks and torches! This is an OUTRAGE!!11ty __________________ John Madden's three rules: 1. Be on time. 2. Pay attention. 3. Play like hell when I tell you to.
Posts: 1,484

02-05-2015, 07:23 AM	#58
Marcellus Diablo Negro Join Date: Sep 2003 Casino cash: $3082662	I don't even care that I don't care. Sounds like a really dumb rule though.
Posts: 69,216

02-05-2015, 08:19 AM	#59
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Ray would like to see himself in his office, please. __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO **ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
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