The Browns and GM Ray Farmer are "facing possible sanctions from the NFL for 'Textgate,' including a multigame suspension for Farmer, and a fine" in addition to the loss of a draft pick for the team, according to sources cited in a front-page piece by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The investigation, which is "one of three 'integrity of the game' probes" currently under way in the NFL, is "expected to be wrapped up soon," as early as this week or next. Sources said that Farmer was the "high-ranking personnel member who violated the NFL's electronic device policy by the impermissible texting." Those messages were then "apparently relayed to the coaches" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/5). ESPN.com noted a "key factor in the league's investigation" will be whether the texts "represented a competitive advantage." If the texts "were determined to provide an advantage, it would be a more serious issue" (ESPN.com, 2/4).
THAT SINKING FEELING: CBSSPORTS.com's Jason La Canfora wrote things are "worse than ever in Cleveland." Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam III has "brought nothing but misery and instability to the franchise." La Canfora: "The culture in the Browns building is toxic." La Canfora: "Morale is beyond low. If you can flee, you are fleeing." There is "an overwhelming sense of dread about the future and a fear that, come the end" of the '15 season, Haslam will "blow up his entire building once again and fire everyone, in essence blaming all but himself for his sweeping failure." Browns President Alec Scheiner, who "grew in power and influence a year ago" after then-CEO Joe Banner and GM Mike Lombardi "were shown the door after just one season together, has become a divisive figure in the organization as well, gaining an increasing voice in personnel matters, well beyond just analytics." A source said, "There's tension between Alec and [coach Mike] Pettine. Everybody sees that. Alec is involved in everything; it's too much for him" (CBSSPORTS.com, 2/4).
DAILY DYSFUNCTION: ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler wrote reports of dysfunction "are becoming daily." The Browns "don't need to stop the bleeding." A paper towel "won't stanch this Kilauea-sized eruption." In an NFL era when the "proverbial 'team culture' is held in the highest esteem, Cleveland's problems will only perpetuate until the culture shifts" (
ESPN.com, 2/4). ESPN.com's Pat McManamon wrote the Browns are "presenting themselves as a house afire." To call this a "tough month for the team would be akin to saying it's snowed a bit in Boston recently" (
ESPN.com, 2/4). In Akron, Nate Ulrich notes reports of dysfunction "enveloping the Browns have become a common occurrence this offseason -- and it’s only early February" (
AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 2/5).
MAN IN THE MIRROR: In Cleveland, Terry Pluto writes Farmer has "been around the NFL for a long time and must know better." Pluto: "I'm holding back comments on Farmer texting until the league rules. I've long considered Farmer a good man and that is his reputation around the league." Haslam "faces a major public relations and image problem just as free agency approaches on March 10." Until he "sticks with the same general manager/coach for at least three years, there will be rumors that he's preparing to fire everyone -- again." That is why he "needs to stand with his football people during these painful times" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/5).
