Browns president Scheiner plans to step down

Cleveland LB Bryant suspended for four games

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

The Browns’ offseason shake-up hasn’t stopped.

The team announced Friday that president Alec Scheiner is leaving at the end of the month, a departure that followed his having a reduced role in the team’s recent hiring of new coach Hue Jackson.

Scheiner, who joined the Browns in 2012 after eight years with the Dallas Cowboys, will leave his job on March 31. He will remain with the club as a consultant through 2016.

There was no reason given for Scheiner’s parting. A team spokesman said Scheiner’s position will not immediately be filled.

Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have been rearranging the team’s front office since the end of last season, when coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer were fired hours after a loss to Pittsburgh. Sashi Brown, who handled contract negotiations for the club, was promoted to vice president of football operations, and the Browns hired Paul DePodesta, a major league baseball analytical whiz.

Also, Cleveland hired Andrew Berry, formerly with Indianapolis, as its new vice president of player personnel.

Scheiner spearheaded the modernization project of FirstEnergy Stadium as well as the current renovation of the team’s facility in Berea, Ohio. The Browns also credited him with improving the business side of their franchise.

“We greatly appreciate Alec’s commitment and work as President of the Cleveland Browns,” the Haslams said in a statement. “Alec is extremely capable and has helped us establish some very positive inroads with a significant focus on our fan experience, FirstEnergy Stadium and our business partners. He was integral to the rebuild of our organization, the renovations of our stadium and training facility, and many of our strategies on the football side of our business.

“His guidance has helped us accelerate our learning curve as NFL owners and that is something we will always appreciate. Alec is ready for the next challenge in his career, as our new structure would limit the opportunity for his leadership. He is one of the most talented executives in the industry, and we are fully confident that Alec will be successful in whatever permanent role he takes next. We wish him and his family only the best.”

Scheiner said he had “an incredible experience with the Browns.”

“Cleveland is amazing and the fans are uniquely passionate,” he said. “I want to thank Dee and Jimmy Haslam for the opportunity to do what I truly love: rebuilding an organization with a group of people who have shown unparalleled hard work, commitment to their team and city. I look forward to helping the Browns over the next several months as I determine my next challenge.”

Bryant suspended FOUR games by NFL

Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.

Bryant will not be paid during his ban, but he will be eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.

The 25-year-old recently pleaded not guilty to felony drug possession charges.

Bryant and former teammate De’Ante Saunders were arrested on Christmas Day following a traffic stop. Police say they found marijuana, prescription drugs and a loaded handgun in Saunders’ car. The Browns released Saunders from their practice squad.

Bryant was suspended by former general manager Ray Farmer for Cleveland’s final two games last season.

The Browns selected Bryant in the seventh round of the 2013 draft despite a checkered background. He was twice arrested in college for selling marijuana to an undercover officer.