The Browns today announced that Ray Farmer has been promoted to GM and CEO Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi “will leave the team.” Team President Alec Scheiner “will continue in charge of the organization’s business operations.” Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam this morning said, “I felt like the previous setup was cumbersome, and this new arrangement is much more streamlined and in line for what we want.” He added, “I think this will work well. … Those are not easy decisions, but we feel Ray gives us a great chance to be successful in free agency and the draft” (CLEVELAND.com, 2/11).
The moves were not playing well on Twitter. SI’s Peter King wrote, “It's impossible to trust the Browns know what they're doing. Absolutely impossible.” CBSSports.com’s Josh Katzowitz: “This would be a completely unbelievable move if it wasn't CLE.” The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin: “Seriously, what the heck is going on in Cleveland?” ESPNCleveland.com’s Tony Grossi: “Despite Twitter rumors, anyone who isn't stunned by #Browns announcement of Banner and Lombardi leaving is not breathing.”
