Topic: Cleveland Browns Discussion

[KJP]

Although I am interested to see if Josh Cooper can make it in the pros, it's not one of the things I'm most interested in. Yes, I meant to say Josh Gordon. I just have to remember to call him "Flash" Gordon to remember the name.

As you get older, the first thing you start to lose is your, the, uh, ....what was it?

EDIT: rumors are the Eagles and the Packers are interested in Colt McCoy. If so, ask for one of these safeties in return....

> Philadelphia: 24-year-old free safety Kurt Coleman. He's an Ohio boy who played at OSU and had 78 tackles (56 solo) and four INTs in his second season last year.

> Green Bay: 23-year-old safety Morgan Burnett. In 2011 he had 107 tackles (78 solo) and three INTs, plus two fumbles he forced and recovered. That was his first full season as a starter, and second season in the pros. His first season (2010) was cut short in week 4 due to a knee injury.

> Green Bay: 29-year-old safety Charlie Peprah. After getting little playing time in his first four years, he stepped into the starting job after Burnett got hurt in 2010. In 2011, he had 94 tackles (65 solo) and five INTs.

If the Browns are content with minimum compensation, then maybe they're not ready/willing to compete yet.

[KJP]

In the first day of camp today (rookies & QBs only), apparently Josh Gordon impressed the media -- in terms of his physical size and his pass-catching ability.

Pat Shurmer almost looked giddy. Not for lack of trying, he couldn't hold back his smile when he was asked about the rookie talent out there.

[Hts121]

^^No team is going to trade you a starter for Colt McCoy.  We'd be lucky to get a 5th round pick for him.  My guess is that any deal announced this preseason will be for "future considerations" with the amount of games Colt plays determining whether it is a 5th round pick or a 7th rounder.

[eurokie]

We did buy noodles in the 80s at KSU, but not like mac-n-cheese.

Mac and cheese requires outside ingredients (milk, butter) to be edible. OTH Raman is self contained with that terrible packet of sodium.

** helpful hint: use 1/3 of the packet and add TBS of peanut butter. Or better yet, ditch the flavor packet entirely and add some curry. Your kidneys will thank you.

Oh man, I love that packet of sodium. I used to make soup broth with bullion cubes, but lately I just fish the flavor pack out of ramen noodles and throw the noodles away, and use that for me broth. But if I could find an organic/healthy alternative at Whole Foods or TJ's I'd do that instead... though I'm quite sure my kidneys got the message when I turned 21.

So why is the dateline of the Weeden story Berea? Surely that is not where Weeden bought a house? lol.

[baseballmn907]

I expect the Browns to hold onto Colt throughout training camp until a starting QB goes down in camp or the preseason.  Once there is a little added pressure (think Oakland and Carson Palmer) teams will be more willing to give up a draft pick/players.  But I agree, no starter back for McCoy.  I bet they could get a 5/6th rounder from a desparate team late in camp.  Would also be fine with a player to add depth at LB/OL/DL.

[Hts121]

^^Berea is where the Browns' practice facility is located..... i.e. where Weeden signed his contract

[KJP]

Lerner admits that a buyer wants to make “investment” in Browns
Posted by Mike Florio on July 27, 2012, 9:43 AM EDT

Moments after pressing “publish” on the item regarding the rumor that the Browns have been sold, owner Randy Lerner has issued a statement.

“In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I’ve been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns,” Lerner says.  “We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary.”

We’re not quite sure what that means.  By using only the term “investment,” Lerner’s statement doesn’t reveal whether he’s considering selling a minority share, a majority share, or all of the team.

READ MORE AT:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/27/lerner-admits-that-buyer-wants-to-make-investment-in-browns/

[surfohio]

Tony Grossi reporting on WKNR that Randy Lerner is in discussions to sell the team to Jimmy Haslam III.

[KJP]

Ha ha, beat you to it.

[surfohio]

Ha ha, beat you to it.

Damn!!!!

[tradition7]

I don't like this one bit.  The guy currently owns a minority stake in the Steelers and I'm sure he would want to put his own stamp on the team somehow.  Now that it feels like we are actually starting to turn the corner I don't like the idea of a major change like this right now.

[Hts121]

I think he owns a minority stake in the Steelers.  Not sure how that would work out

[KJP]

Doesn't the NFL have restrictions on persons owning interests in more than one team?

[baseballmn907]

Wow.  Big stuff this morning.  He'd obviously have to sell his ownership in the Steelers.  Hearing he is a big football fan in general.  And if he owns a portion of the Steelers, of COURSE he has to say he's a Steelers fan.  He was also a Cowboys and Colts fan in his past.  If he becomes full owner of the Browns, you better believe he'll drop that allegiance immediately and become the biggest Browns fan you know.

I don't mind it.  I don't love the timing, the day before training camp opens, but what can you do.  It will be pretty damn hard to do worse that Randy Lerner.  56-104 in 10 yrs.  1 playoff appearance.

[KJP]

I don't mind it.  I don't love the timing, the day before training camp opens, but what can you do.  It will be pretty damn hard to do worse that Randy Lerner.  56-104 in 10 yrs.  1 playoff appearance.

Agreed. He's buying it because now is a good time to sell/buy the Browns, what with the team's long record of failure, but potential of better play.

[KJP]

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/PressRelease/prdetail?id=12453


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2012

Statement from Mayor’s Office of Communications

The Cleveland Browns have some of the most loyal and passionate fans which have helped make it one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. The city took precautionary measures to ensure that fans would be able to cheer on the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium for years to come.

The 30-year lease to the Cleveland Browns commenced in 1999 and continues to 2029. This lease, like the prior Municipal Stadium lease for which the City of Cleveland successfully obtained an injunction in 1995, requires the Browns to play all their regular season and playoff home games in the Cleveland Browns Stadium. If this requirement is not honored the city has legal options that could be pursued if necessary.

###

[ClevelandOhio]

What is that all about?

[surfohio]

I wonder how Jim Haslam III feels about Lakefront Development?

[Keith]

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/PressRelease/prdetail?id=12453


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2012

Statement from Mayor’s Office of Communications

The Cleveland Browns have some of the most loyal and passionate fans which have helped make it one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. The city took precautionary measures to ensure that fans would be able to cheer on the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium for years to come.

The 30-year lease to the Cleveland Browns commenced in 1999 and continues to 2029. This lease, like the prior Municipal Stadium lease for which the City of Cleveland successfully obtained an injunction in 1995, requires the Browns to play all their regular season and playoff home games in the Cleveland Browns Stadium. If this requirement is not honored the city has legal options that could be pursued if necessary.

###

[surfohio]

^ Probably released to dispel concerns of the LA Browns.

[Hts121]

Yes.... and inquiries by the media.  I don't agree with the tone of the release.  The concerns probably arise because the rumor is Joe Banner might be part of the group and he, I believe, was part of the investor group which was rumored to want to buy the Bills and move them to LA

[KJP]

^ Probably released to dispel concerns of the LA Browns.

Probably, but I think it only makes people feel more nervous.

[KJP]

Mary Kay Cabot is tweeting the Browns sale is close. Holmgren says Browns aren't going anywhere.

[Hts121]

^Lerner has always given assurances that if he ever did sell the team, it would be on the condition that it wouldn't be moved.

[ClevelandOhio]

Cleveland Browns close to being sold to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam III, team guaranteed not to move

CLEVELAND -- The Browns are close to being sold to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, a minority owner of the Steelers, and there's a guarantee the team won't move from Cleveland. (This is updated from previous versions of the story.)

In a press conference today Browns President Mike Holmgren confirmed that owner Randy Lerner "will give up controlling interest in the team."

"An unconditional guarantee was given that the Browns would not move before talks could even start,'' a league source told the Plain Dealer.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_owner_randy_l_3.html

[BelievelandD1]

You have to give Lerner credit.  while he may not care about the team, he cares about the fans.  He could have taken the bill and left, but to make sure the team doesnt leave is a tremendously class move. 

For those concerned, dont be.  This cat has that same passion that Rooney and Kraft have for their franchises and i think he will establish a culture here that will be referred to as the browns way.  I think he will get rid of his minority share of the steelers.

[mkeller234]

ugh...

Sure, I am glad Mr. Lerner was concerned with keeping the Browns in Cleveland.  I never had an issue with his ownership.

Now as a Cleveland fan:
WHY!!! WHY!!! WHY!!!   

If this past decade has taught Cleveland fans anything, it's that regime change means total overhaul.  New coaches, new players, new playing style... the whole thing.  We keep getting told 3-4 years of getting the pieces in place, than it's winning time.  Well, it's been 3 years for Holmgren, i'm freaking ready for winning time.  The thought of management change makes me seriously sick.  Sick and disgusted.

[327]

I wouldn't expect those kind of changes.  Holmgren will probably go but Heckert and Shurmur will probably stay.  Supposedly the new owner is bringing over a guy from the Eagles as his president, and supposedly that means no major shakeup in staff or strategy.

[KJP]

Holmgren is probably gone, but don't expect the rest to change. Heckert and Shurmur have a backgrounds in Philadelphia, but their futures still aren't certain.....

http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x521643289/Ex-Eagles-president-may-be-part-of-new-Browns-ownership-group?zc_p=1

Haslam MUST sell his ownership stake in the Steelers. Per NFL rules, someone cannot own an interest in more than one NFL team at the same time. So he will have to sell his interest in the Steelers. I'm sure he'll quickly find a buyer.

[KJP]

So, back to the field and the players..... Rubin's hernia injury does not sound serious. He's expected to miss only about two weeks of training camp. I'm sure he's all broken up about that! He is out on the practice field today.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/browns_defensive_tackle_ahtyba.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

EDIT: Mary Kay just tweeted that "Shurmur said rubin will be back in a couple days. Wouldn't confirm the procedure to repair slight pelvis tear."

Weeden is not having a good day today. Too many errant throws.

The defense had an awesome day yesterday. Several "circus-catch" type interceptions and pass knock downs.

WR Gordon and RB Richardson continue to impress in camp, as does WR Benjamin who knows the offense so well. While he knows it so well, veteran WR Mitchell does not. Benjamin had to show Mitchell where to line up for certain plays. Not so good for Mitchell!

[Hts121]

Some rumors out of Philly that Banner and Heckert aren't exactly as close as people assume.  Interesting issue is what effect The Big Show being out of the picture might have on the team's relationship with Jim Brown

[KJP]

I've enjoyed not having Jim Brown around (although that hasn't stopped him from sharing his unfortunate thoughts on T-Rich). I hope he stays scarce so we can just enjoy black & white films of him doing something he was actually good at.

Some more tweets.....

@WillBurge: Loud cheers from the crowd on Josh Gordons first catch in QB/WR drills #Browns

@RuiterWrongFAN: Fan in the crowd "show us that cannon Weedon" #TrainingCamp

@RuiterWrongFAN: Fans going nuts on one side of field watching WRs catch deep balls up the sideline

@RuiterWrongFAN: Weeden continues to get 1st reps and throws down field - McCoy still throwing short stuff

I also like Nate Ulrich's writing at ABJ....
http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-browns/cleveland-browns-1.270107/browns-training-camp-news-notes-and-observations-from-the-first-practice-open-to-the-public-1.323190

This was interesting too.....
http://cle.scout.com/2/1206153.html

[ClevelandOhio]

Flash Gordon

[KJP]

Flash Gordon

That was his nickname at Baylor, and maybe even when he was in high school.

Some news at training camp:
http://www.cleveland.com/budshaw/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_fans_can_see.html

And Jim Brown will end his "boycott" of the Browns -- proof that The Big Show is outta here:
http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2012/07/jim_brown_will_be_present_duri.html

[City Blights]

Who knows, maybe this guy wants to win more than Lerner.  Could be a good thing for Cleveland if he finds 5-11 records absolutely unacceptable.  Current ownership does not harbor that sentiment.