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The Browns yesterday "debuted a new primary logo that looks much like the old one -- the team's iconic helmet only with a brighter, richer shade of orange and a brown facemask," according to a front-page piece by Tom Reed of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The Browns also "updated their secondary Dawg Pound logo, which features a snarling cartoon canine." Some critics "find it hard to believe the Browns required two years, along with the help of focus groups, Nike and the NFL, to arrive at such little alteration to their logos." The redesign process "began not long after Jimmy Haslam bought the team in 2012." Browns President Alec Scheiner said that putting a logo on the helmet "was never a consideration." Reed notes the Browns are "keeping Brownie the Elf around as a secondary logo." The team "looked at possibly 100 candidates" before "settling on the new markings." Focus groups "never saw candidates for logos or uniforms, but were asked for input in what they wanted included or excluded in them." Scheiner understands that there "will be some backlash." Minutes after the unveiling, social media "erupted with opinions, some making light of the subtle change after such a buildup" (
Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/25). Scheiner said that the Browns "will unveil their much-anticipated new uniforms at a special event on April 14, and they'll offer a 'more radical' change than the new logo." He added that the uniforms "will follow the new logo in that the orange will be more vibrant, and the helmet will likely have a Brown facemask." Scheiner believes that the Browns "are the only team wearing new uniforms" in '15. He "wouldn't say if a third new color will be introduced" (
Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/25). Scheiner said the Browns plan to roll out "almost all" new merchandise with the new logo when the new uniforms are unveiled (
AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 2/25).
ALL OF THAT, FOR THIS? ESPN's Marcellus Wiley said of the Browns' new logos, "If these guys are going to deliver something that’s not much different than what we have already seen, why the big … promotion for something that’s going to be status quo?” The net's Michelle Beadle replied, “I think because it’s a slow Tuesday and they knew we would all have a really good time with this and laugh at them.” ESPN’s Max Kellerman: “It’s a fine line between tragedy and comedy. You know the expression, ‘I don’t whether to laugh or cry.’ If you’re a Browns fan, then you have to be like, 'Of course this is what happens'" (“SportsNation,” ESPN2, 2/24). FS1's Mike Hill said of the logo, "It looks the same to me. It’s not marketing. It’s about paying for new uniforms and paraphernalia” (“America’s Pregame,” FS1, 2/24). ESPN’s Trey Wingo said of the new logo, “Here is the Cleveland Browns trying to drum up positive news anyway they can" ("NFL Live," ESPN, 2/24). ESPN's Wendi Nix said of the logo, “That looks pink to me.” The net’s Jim Trotter added the new color scheme looks “salmon.” Trotter: “I just wonder, did they get any new players to with that?” (“NFL Insiders,” ESPN, 2/24). FS1’s Reid Forgrave said the Browns “think they’re going to change two, three generations of ineptitude by moving up a couple of points in the paint tone scale” (“Fox Sports Live: Countdown,” FS1, 2/25).
HAPPY CAMPERS: Scheiner said that he "is 'confident' that a portion of future" training camps "will remain in Berea, where they have been held" since '92. The PLAIN DEALER's Reed notes the franchise "will hold its entire camp at its training facility this season but could relocate" for the summer of '16. There "are strong indications it could land in Columbus, allowing the organization to make new corporate partners in the state's wealthiest major city." Scheiner said that the Browns "plan on staging a fan fest this year" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/25).
JUST DOING MY JOB: In Cleveland, Mary Kay Cabot notes Scheiner "disputed a report Tuesday that he's become a divisive figure in the Browns organization by meddling in football matters." CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora earlier this month wrote a column "describing the Browns as dysfunctional and toxic." Scheiner, "who runs the business side of the organization, disagreed that he's tried to gain more of a voice in football decisions." Scheiner said that contrary to La Canfora's article, he "has a good working relationship" with Haslam, coach Mike Pettine and GM Ray Farmer (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/25).
