The Browns are "among the teams that won't take advantage of the NFL's new relaxed blackout policy," according to Nate Ulrich of the AKRON BEACON JOURNAL. Browns VP/Media Relations Neal Gulkis said, "It’s a non-issue for us. Our fan support has been tremendous, and we fully expect that all of our games will be sold out and televised locally.” Ulrich notes the Browns “have not had a home game blacked out since the finale of the 1995 season, after the franchise’s move to Baltimore was announced, but there have been some close calls” (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 7/17). Meanwhile, in Tampa, Stephen Holder asked of the Bucs decision to adopt the new blackout rule, "Why did no other team take advantage of this change?" There are "financial implications here that haven't been taken into consideration by fans." Other teams "rejected this opportunity simply because it could cut into their bottom lines, something they say they can't afford." Holder: "This clearly was something that had to be decided on a case-by-case basis," and the Bucs "chose an option that benefits the fan base" (TAMPABAY.com, 7/16).
