Farmer, Browns facing potential sanctions

NFL probe involves

texting allegations

By NATE ULRICH

Akron Beacon Journal

The result of the NFL’s investigation into whether a high-ranking member of the Browns’ personnel staff texted comments about play calls from the press box to the sideline during a game this past season could come to light soon.

And it might not be pretty for the organization or for general manager Ray Farmer.

The possible sanctions the Browns are facing include a suspension of Farmer lasting as many as three or four games, a fine and the loss of a draft pick, Cleveland.com reported Wednesday.

NFL spokesman Michael Signora declined to comment on the report. A Browns spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Texting about play calls from the press box to the sideline would be a violation of league rules prohibiting electronic communication about competitive or strategic information during games.

The NFL began its investigation after Cleveland.com published a report about the alleged texting on Jan. 6.

League sources have told Cleveland.com Farmer is the high-ranking member of the personnel staff who was texting. A league source also told the Beacon Journal it was Farmer.

ESPNCleveland.com also reported Wednesday that unnamed sources have said Farmer texted coaches in the coaches’ box during games to complain about play calls and the usage of players.

On Jan. 22, Browns coach Mike Pettine revealed NFL investigators had already been to team headquarters to ask questions.

“The investigators came in here,” Pettine said. “I spoke with them. When that’s resolved, I’ll be in a better situation to speak on it.

“Obviously, I’m aware of the report. I do know that’s an ongoing league investigation. At this time, I’d prefer not to talk about it.”

Owner Jimmy Haslam stressed the Browns have fully cooperated with the investigation.

“I know that Ray and Pett and Sashi Brown, our general counsel, are cooperating fully with the NFL, and if we did anything wrong, I’m sure we’ll correct it and make whatever amends,” Haslam said Jan. 22 during the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. “I know we’ve cooperated fully with the NFL.”

The investigation could wrap up as early as this week or next week, according to Cleveland.com.