Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam III yesterday said that GM Ray Farmer "has admitted to improper texting during games -- an apparent violation of NFL rules -- but will not lose his job or his responsibilities," according to Tony Grossi of ESPNCLEVELAND.com. Haslam said, “Ray feels terrible about it. He’s a guy that has utmost integrity. Ray has the organization's and my full support. Despite the fact that he made a mistake, it does not affect his standing with the Browns." Sanctions from the NFL "could include a fine, suspension and loss of draft pick -- or any combination." A source said that the league "may rule as soon as next week." Haslam said that he "does not know the discipline coming, but insisted it won’t change his mind about keeping Farmer in place as the top authority in Browns’ football operations." Haslam: “I think you have to look at an individual’s body of work. And we’re comfortable with Ray’s body of work. Very comfortable.” Haslam added that he "was not aware of the content of the texts in question and would not say whether Farmer was merely following his instructions." Meanwhile, Haslam said that the personnel, coaching and business factions in the organization "are working together without dysfunction and that they will get better the longer they are in place." Haslam: “This is a very cohesive organization headed in the same direction where everybody understands their roles. We think we have the right people in the right place to succeed" (ESPNCLEVELAND.com, 2/11). Haslam said he does not know exactly what was in the texts, but added, "I don't think Ray intended to gain any unfair advantage and he's learned from his mistakes." He also said that he was not "behind any of the texts." A source said that Farmer in the texts "expressed his opinions on playcalling and use of personnel" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/12).
FIRST THINGS FIRST: In Cleveland, Terry Pluto wrote, "I find it strange that Haslam claims
he didn't really investigate the content of the texts." He "insisted he
was comfortable with whatever discussions he had with Farmer when it
comes to the texting issue." Haslam added that he "knew enough of the texts
to believe they didn't give his team a competitive advantage." Pluto: "I
hope he's right. ... I would have wanted a printout of every text that I
could find so I'd know what the league may be examining." However,
Pluto noted he agrees with Haslam's "general approach," as he "has to
stick" with Farmer (CLEVELAND.com, 2/11). Also in Cleveland, Bud Shaw writes if Farmer was not "questioning coaching
decisions and instead was just being encouraging ... Haslam should want that out there for public consumption" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/12). Meanwhile, ESPN.com's Pat McManamon noted Haslam yesterday wanted to make clear that the Browns "are not a dysfunctional organization." Haslam: "I don't at all want people to think we think everything is great. We don't. What I want you to understand is we do work together, it's not dysfunctional. ... We do get along, we do work well together and we have a common goal." McManamon noted Haslam "seemed stung and angered by reports and stories that painted the Browns as a chaotic group with employees anxious to leave because of people overstepping their bounds." Haslam: "(It) depicted a far different situation than certainly we feel every day when we come here and go to work" (ESPN.com, 2/11).
HERE TO STAY: In Akron, Nate Ulrich reports the Browns "won't move their training camp this year" from Berea, but it will "likely migrate to Columbus in the near future." The Browns have "spent months exploring potential venues for camp," including the Univ. of Akron. Haslam indicated that Columbus "is the favorite to become the new home of camp." He said that Browns President Alec Scheiner is "spearheading ongoing negotiations with the city" (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 2/12).
