NFL Franchise Notes: Kokinis Hires Kessler In Browns Dispute

Kokinis Has Retained Services Of Attorney Jeffrey Kessler

In Cleveland, Tony Grossi reported former Browns GM George Kokinis, who was let go by the team earlier this month, has "retained the services" of N.Y.-based attorney Jeffrey Kessler. Kessler has "represented every major pro sports players association." The Browns have hired Cleveland-based attorney Fred Nance, and the team is "trying to construct a case that Kokinis was fired 'for cause,' which would take them off the hook from paying the least three years of Kokinis' four-year contract." Kokinis will "argue that the Browns breached their obligation that gave Kokinis full authority over personnel decisions." Grossi noted there "has been some tentative discussion about a settlement to avoid a legal fight" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 11/15).

BIDDERS LINING UP: In St. Louis, Bernie Miklasz reported no sale of the Rams "is imminent," though "several out-of-town interests are pursuing the franchise." These individuals have "communicated a desire to keep the Rams in St. Louis." Meanwhile, Texas billionaire Gerald J. Ford is a "potential buyer" of the franchise, though he "hasn't been vetted yet." Miklasz wrote Blues and Real Salt Lake Owner Dave Checketts is "clearly the point man for St. Louis," as "no other groups or individuals from the St. Louis community have stepped forward to make a separate bid on the Rams." Miklasz: "Basically, everyone else is remaining on the sideline to give Checketts a chance to make his play." But sources said that Checketts' group of investors is "still short on the necessary money" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 11/15).

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: In DC, Dan Steinberg noted the Redskins have revised their policy banning signs in FedExField to "bring it in line with earlier announced rules governing messages on clothing." The Redskins "never actually announced the new sign policy, and instead just began confiscating signs at the stadium gates." Steinberg: "But if there was secrecy and paranoia on the way in, there were streamers and banners and enthusiastically pro-freedom press releases on the way out" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 11/15). YAHOO SPORTS' Charles Robinson writes he "loved" seeing Redskins fans with "signs again at FedEx Field." The franchise "never should have banned them in the first place, but it was good to see owner Daniel Snyder realize the mistake." Robinson: "Perhaps it's the start of a trend in Washington" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 11/16).