NFL looking into Browns’ texting

Report: Messages

created friction

By Nate Ulrich

Akron Beacon Journal (TNS)

The NFL is looking into whether a Browns official sent text messages to the sideline this past regular season because it would be a violation of rules prohibiting electronic communication about competitive or strategic information during games, league spokesman Michael Signora confirmed Friday for the Beacon Journal.

ESPN.com first reported the investigation.

A Browns spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

On Tuesday, Cleveland.com reported a high-ranking personnel member texted from the press box to the sidelines about play calls. The incident upset coaches and contributed to friction between the front office and coaching staff that led to offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan asking to be let out of his contract with two seasons left on the deal, according to the report. The Browns recently parted ways with Shanahan and are searching for their sixth offensive coordinator in six years.

ProFootballTalk.com confirmed Cleveland.com’s report Friday and noted that former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora was fined $25,000 by the league in 2006 for using a cell phone during a game. With the Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tied late in overtime on Dec. 24, 2005, Mora made a call to determine what playoff implications a tie would have for his team.

The use of cell phones during games is addressed in the NFL Game Operations Manual under a section labeled “coaching aids.” The part pertaining to cell phones states:

“This prohibition also applies to the use of any electronic communication devices, including but not limited to a cell phone, smart phone, tablet device, or any type of computer, whether online or stand-alone, including laptop and hand-held computers, in the coaches’ booths, on the sidelines, in the locker room (after kickoff), or in any other club-controlled area on game day beginning ninety (90) minutes prior to kickoff and continuing through the end of the game, including halftime (with the exception of League-issued tablets used for coaches’ still photos).

“Team doctors and members of the athletic training staff are permitted to use tablet devices, cell phones, smart phones, or similar devices within the bench area and locker room to communicate player injury information, but may not communicate competitive or strategic information.

“Club football operations staff members are permitted to use cell phones outside the coaches’ booths, bench areas, and locker rooms only when handling non-competitive and/or non-strategic communication.”

The league’s electronic devices rule also states:

“Unless specifically permitted by league rules, the use of cellular phones, smart phones, tablet devices, computers, wearable electronic devices such as Google Glass, and other electronic equipment by coaches, players, and other club personnel is prohibited in club-controlled areas including, but not limited to, sidelines and coaches’ booths.

“These restrictions apply from ninety (90) minutes prior to kickoff through the end of the game, including halftime. Coaches, players, and other team personnel are permitted to use such electronic devices in the locker room prior to kickoff and are permitted to use league-issued Microsoft Surface tablets throughout game day for viewing coaches’ still photos.”