LERNER TO BECOME LENDER IN EVENT OF EXCESS STADIUM COSTS

          Browns Owner Al Lerner has reached an agreement with
     Cleveland Mayor Michael White to "lend the city money to
     finish building the new football stadium if its cost
     exceeds" $293M, according to Robert Vickers of the Cleveland
     PLAIN DEALER.  In the deal, Lerner will contribute $9M
     towards a $6M deficit, leaving the city $3M past the current
     construction estimate of $280M.  Any additional cost
     overruns between $283M and $293M "would be split evenly
     between the city and Lerner" or the NFL, though White has
     yet to identify how the city would pay for its share.  In
     the event that costs surpass $293M, the deal "provides" for
     Lerner to "negotiate a loan to the city for such amounts on
     terms that are both favorable to the city, but adequately
     protect the team owner's loaned funds."  The deal still
     needs City Council approval (PLAIN DEALER, 10/10).