May 19, 2013

NFL Rumors: Jets were interested in Hoyer

May 19, 2013 by 2 Comments

Turns out the Browns weren’t the only one interested in the services of former Patriots and Cardinals quarterback Brian Hoyer. ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi tweets that the Jets were also interested:

It would make sense that the Jets would look into Hoyer, as their quarterback situation is quite messy at the moment. Despite some past playoff success, the Jets are less than enamored with incumbent starter Mark Sanchez, so they drafted West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith with the 39th pick in the second round (a steal, as most analysts had Smith as a first round talent). They also had a veteran backup in David Garrad, allowing them to part ways with Sanchez if need be. However, Garrad abruptly retired last week due to a bum knee, putting the Jets back in the market for a QB.

Hoyer, a Cleveland native and St. Ignatius grad, was signed by the Browns last week after getting cut from the Cardinals. Hoyer has appeared in a grand total of 15 games, with one career start to his name. The Michigan State grad was a favorite of Browns GM Mike Lombardi while backing up Tom Brady for Bill Belichik’s New England Patriots. With Brandon Weeden expected to start, Hoyer is will look to compete for the backup job with veteran Jason Campbell.

[Related: Brian Hoyer, Brandon Weeden and what it could all mean].

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Brian Hoyer, Brandon Weeden and what it all could mean

May 17, 2013 by 16 Comments

Hoyer PatsA fictional conversation that could have taken place in Berea over the last couple of days…

Michael Lombardi: “Hey. Have you heard of Brian Hoyer?”

Ray Farmer: “You mean the journeyman Michigan State guy who went undrafted in 2009, with one career NFL start who was cut flat by the team, the Arizona Cardinals, with some of the worst quarterback play since Kurt Warner retired as an arthritic old man?”

Michael Lombardi: “Yep! He’s available! Go get him!”

And scene…

Look, the jokes that were going around yesterday had more to do with the fact that almost everything that’s ever been rumored about Michael Lombardi has come true. The only thing that hasn’t happened (yet) is the Browns trading for Patriots backup Ryan Mallett. With that lens, of course it’s somewhat comical that Brian Hoyer finally became available and signed with the Browns. That’s really where the comedy ends. In all, the Brian Hoyer signing is a good one for depth for a team that has question marks at the quarterback spot. [Read more...]

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The Tribe – The REAL Lead Sports Story in Town

May 17, 2013 by 220 Comments

NumbersI love my city. There is something special about our little community. We are all bound together by our misery. It is no secret that Cleveland is nationally viewed as a dying city, trying desperately to rebound. There are hundreds if not thousands of people here that do their best to promote programs to invigorate the town. The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is one that comes to mind. But if there is one thing that all born and raised Clevelanders share, its our passion for our local sports teams. No matter where we may live, we represent our teams, perhaps even more loudly if you don’t live here.

That’s one of the many things I love most about Cleveland and its residents, yet it is also one of the things that bothers me the most about them as well. Now before jumping all over me, hear me out. [Read more...]

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Ray Horton on Barkevious Mingo: “I want him to be a dominating player.”

May 16, 2013 by 5 Comments

Following mini-camp on Thursday, defensive coordinator Ray Horton met with the media. When asked about first round pick Barkevious Mingo’s weight (a popular topic for discussion lately) Horton talked about what he wants from the linebacker.

“I want him to be a dominating player,” he said. “Weight? Some guys are too big, some guys are too small. Some guys aren’t fast enough, some guys aren’t slow enough, but they learn how to play. We want athletic players. He is an athletic football player and that’s what we want him to be.”

It was clear from Horton’s comments that the Browns are focusing on the very basics of the defense during the mini-camp and aren’t going to rush Mingo’s progress.

“It’s a totally different defense so there is a lot of adjustments – terminology, drops, the way I call games, the way I ask them to learn the defense,” Horton said. “Right now I am just asking them to trust me and trust the defense and they are doing that. We are pleased with where we are at day three of OTAs.”

Not only are Mingo and Jabaal Sheard learning a new defensive system, but a new position as well.

[Related: Browns betting on defense and hoping for offense]

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Haslam denies knowledge of rebate fraud, insists FBI probe won’t affect Browns

May 16, 2013 by 9 Comments

News Channel 5′s Ron Regan reports that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has denied any knowledge of the rebate fraud which has led to an ongoing investigation by the FBI. Haslam spoke to trucking industry leaders on Thursday at a conference in Indianapolis.

“Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam told trucking industry leaders Thursday in Indianapolis that he knew nothing about nor did he participate in an alleged fuel-rebate fraud,” write Regan.

In addition, Haslam said he doesn’t believe that the FBI investigation will affect his ownership of the Browns at all. Perhaps this statement was in response to several reports that other NFL owners are concerned that the lawsuits connected to this case could drain Haslam of his ability to effectively finance and operate the Browns.

Haslam and his Pilot/Flying J staff continue to try and settle discrepancies between his truck stops and the trucking companies that were shorted in the rebate scandal. To date seven trucking companies have filed lawsuits against Pilot.

[Related: Podcast: Pat McManamon talks Browns, new media and Fox Sports Ohio]

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NFL News: Josh Cribbs signs with Oakland Raiders

May 15, 2013 by 11 Comments

The Oakland Raiders have agreed to terms with Josh Cribbs, formerly of the Cleveland Browns Browns.

On Tuesday, New York Jets general manager John Idzik said that Cribbs’ knee was still not fully healed coming off meniscus surgery, but the Raiders have apparently decided they would sign the NFL record-holding return specialist regardless of perceived issues.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to prove myself yet again,” Cribbs tweeted. “Fresh start, new team, new chip on my shoulder!!! Love [you] Cleveland but now it’s #catalinawinemixer.”

Cribbs, 30, will play his first season in the NFL for a team not named the Browns. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and  became one of the league’s best return men. He has been to three Pro Bowls and was named to two All-Pro teams during his tenure in Cleveland. Just last week, it was rumored that Cribbs could potentially return to Cleveland, but this failed to gain any traction.

The specifics of his contract with the Raiders are unknown at this time. Credit to him for the Step Brothers reference.

Update: In a statement made to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Cribbs said the following: “I am going to be for them until we play them. They are great fans. I love them just as much as they love me. I hope they win this year. I hope they get the job done and reach greater heights. I hope they root for me as a player and I will be rooting for them from afar.”

[Related: Pat McManamon talks Browns, Chuck Klosterman, AOL FanHouse, new media and Fox Sports Ohio]

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Craigslist Weirdness: Own Percy Ellsworth’s Cleveland Browns stadium seat

May 15, 2013 by 6 Comments

Update: The $200 Craigslist chair was originally sold on Ebay for a mere $17.50 and is now being flipped by an enterprising fan. The moral of the story? There are way better deals on Ebay than Craigslist, I guess.

Browns chair story update

———- Original Post ————

Sometimes scouring Craigslist can yield very strange results.

According to one listing, you can purchase a bright orange stadium seat from Cleveland Browns stadium that was presumably never installed in the stadium at all. And it will only cost you $200 if you pay asking price.

Even more strange is that the seller apparently purchased this at a storage locker auction and the locker is alleged to have belonged to former Browns player Percy Ellsworth.

Ellsworth played with the Browns in 2000-2001 and apparently just long enough to acquire a Cleveland Browns stadium seat and enough other stuff to justify a storage locker rental.

Browns Stadium seat

 

Stadium Seat 2

 

[Related: Pat McManamon talks Browns, Chuck Klosterman, AOL FanHouse, new media and Fox Sports Ohio – WFNY Podcast – 2013-05-15]

 

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Pat McManamon talks Browns, Chuck Klosterman, AOL FanHouse, new media and Fox Sports Ohio – WFNY Podcast – 2013-05-15

May 15, 2013 by 4 Comments

WFNY Podcast LogoReally happy to get Pat McManamon on the podcast. I wanted to talk to him about Fanhouse and how the media landscape has changed both for him and also around him over the years. We also had some good conversation about the Browns, Chuck Klosterman and Twitter.

Click here for Pat’s Fox Sports Ohio Page – Also keep up with Pat on Twitter

  • AOL FanHouse and what it was like to work there
  • Working virtually with coworkers and editors on FanHouse
  • Talking to people on the phone and how much richer that communication is
  • Fox Sports Ohio and the STO purchase
  • Reporting on the Pilot Flying J story and how to cover it
  • Sticking to the facts as opposed to writing lots of opinions
  • Jimmy Haslam’s controversy and how much to report on it
  • The Browns and transparency with the media
  • Chuck Klosterman’s piece on the Browns 2013 NFL Draft night
  • Should the Browns have traded picks or not?
  • Do the Browns know why their secrets are secrets?
  • Open practice vs. closing it 15 minutes after it started
  • Twitter and how it has changed Pat’s job

Check out this episode

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NFL draft talk, Browns talk, Lake Erie Crushers and a contest! – WFNY Podcast – 2013-05-14

May 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

WFNY Podcast LogoRick is running a contest for a free WFNY t-shirt. He will be posting a link of the show on his twitter page @RickWFNY and you need to RT it for a chance to win. We will pick a winner at random. (There is no purchase necessary. There are no guarantees of winning, but we guarantee we will make an attempt to give someone a free t-shirt. Please don’t sue us for trying to do something nice.)

  • Just how open are the Browns right now in terms of their public face

  • The Chuck Klosterman article on Grantland

  • What was the lead time of the trip to Cleveland?

  • Where is the split in the Browns home building?

  • Is there a split in the Browns building?

  • Jimmy Haslam’s trucking company troubles and how it changed Klosterman’s access

  • Missing the opportunity of having Chuck Klosterman in the room

  • Grading the front office on the pass rush should be easy

  • The Browns front office casts a vote against Pat Shurmur by bringing them all back

  • Brandon Weeden and his ability to get incrementally better

  • The possibility that Chud and Norv Turner will try to put guys in abilities to achieve

  • Finding the next Darren Sproles or finding a true change of pace back

  • Are the Browns going to have a third down back, or a second featured back?

  • What are Montario Hardesty’s chances of making the Browns?

  • The Lake Erie Crushers in the independent league

  • The Frontier League and their 14 team league

  • CONTEST WIN T-SHIRT PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES

Check out this episode

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In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense

May 14, 2013 by 18 Comments

Kruger jerseyThe off-season isn’t over, but it’s not time to look at what the Browns have put together to try and figure out how they’re going to compete in 2013. When you’re caught up in all the details of free agency and the draft it’s much more difficult to get the overall picture, but now more than ever it seems readily apparent what the Browns are trying to do. It’s also apparent what this team could look like in 2013 as they look to improve on their 5-11 season with a whole new coaching staff and brand new looks on offense and defense.

It starts with the defense. The Browns spent almost all of their resources in free agency and the draft on defense. The combination of switching schemes and the defensive performance in 2012 demanded some serious attention. The Browns were second-worst in the NFL in terms of number of offensive plays that opposing teams ran against them. The Browns allowed opposing teams to run 1095 plays showing an inability to get off the field. They gave up the fifth-most number of first downs and the 14th most points. The Browns were truly middle of the road in terms of pressuring the quarterback with their 38 sacks and 6.0% sack rate. 1

So take that group of defenders, put them with an aggressive coordinator, add Desmond Bryant, Paul Kruger, Quentin Groves and sixth overall pick Barkevious Mingo and all of a sudden I think we’ve seen pretty much exactly where the Browns hope to be able to compete in 2013. [Read more...]

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  1. Sack rate is the number of sacks divided by pass attempts + sacks [back]

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NFL News: Michael Lombardi sheds light on Cleveland Browns’ present and future

May 14, 2013 by 23 Comments

Yesterday Mike Lombardi spoke to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club and fans and media were in attendance as he spent nearly an hour talking about the Browns. He took questions and it seems was intent on explaining how he could simultaneously plan for the future while also not giving up on this year. It isn’t an easy thing to explain.

“I’m just saying we’re going to build this thing the right way so we can sustain success,” he said to the big crowd. “We’re certainly, by no means, thinking about giving up on the season – I’m too competitive – Nor, is Rob Chudzinski.”

We’ve heard all that before, but it’s been very difficult to sell for the the Browns thus far. Many continue to point to the past record of the team and clamor that adding more talent today is exactly what the Browns should have done in the draft, rather than trade picks for future ones. That’s where Lombardi finally gave a glimpse into why he might have been willing to trade for future “value.” Maybe, just maybe, he likes a lot of the young players on this team right now.

“We’ve got some pieces to compete with. This team last year was in a lot of close games had a lot of opportunities in the fourth quarter. I think we can build on that.

There’s a lot more from Lombardi in Nate Ulrich’s report over at Ohio.com

[Related: Indians weekend, language police, Redskins, Cleveland kidnappings, Gatsby, Goldthwait and more – WFNY Podcast – 2013-05-13]

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It’s Time for Fun with Numbers…

May 13, 2013 by 12 Comments

Everyone likes numbers right? Every once in a while I like to see what story the numbers tell. Today, ‘Fun with Numbers’ checks in on the Indians, Cavs and Browns. Let’s have some fun-

NumbersLet’s start this piece off with the hottest team in the Majors- the Indians!

23- The Indians have hit 23 home runs since April 29th, best in the majors.

.839- The Indians OPS with 2 outs this season, best in the majors.

.750- The Indians winning percentage since April 20th, also best in the majors.

.600- The Indians winning percentage against the AL Central (9-6). To be the division champs you have to beat the other teams in your division.

.200- Even when he is slumping, Mark Reynolds has been pretty fantastic. The last 7 games Reynolds is only hitting .200 with 10 strikeouts, but has made a big difference with 6 RBI on just 4 base hits including 2 home runs.

3- Carlos Santana is one of three catchers in the top 10 in batting average. His .336 average is good for 7th, right behind catchers Joe Mauer (.341) and Yadier Molina (.343).

14- The Indians are in the midst of a brutal stretch playing 14 games in 13 days. They have won 8 of the first 10 games in this stretch.

20- Following a day off on Thursday, the Indians begin a 20 game stretch without a scheduled day off until June 6th. Eleven of those are home games. [Read more...]

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New receivers Bess and Nelson bring experience, reliability to the slot

May 11, 2013 by 6 Comments

Davone-BessThe Browns have not had a productive offense since 2007. And if you’re like me, over the last five years you’ve probably watched the likes of New England, Green Bay, and New Orleans and wondered how it was possible that Brady, Rodgers, and Brees were playing the same sport that us Cleveland fans watched every Sunday.

In 2011 Drew Brees threw for 46 touchdowns while the entire Browns offense scored just 20. Yikes.

2012 was a little better. Last year Brees threw just five more TD’s (43) than the Browns offense scored (38). Signs of improvement for sure, but still a long way to go.

This offseason Banner and Lombardi put their emphasis on arming new Browns’ defensive coordinator Ray Horton with as many weapons as possible, but the offensive personnel remains largely unchanged. With Ben Watson being the only key departure leaving via free agency the hope was the Browns would land a new starting tight end, one that could be a reliable safety net for the inexperienced Brandon Weeden. But the Browns didn’t land Jared Cook, Dennis Pitta, or Brandon Myers, leaving the raw and inexperienced Jordan Cameron as the starter by default.

On 3rd and 6 are Browns fans are supposed to feel secure that Brandon Weeden has Jordan Cameron working the middle of the field to secure a first down? I don’t think so.

Enter wide receivers Davone Bess and David Nelson. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Ranking Kyrie’s value, the Tribe’s rotation, and Browns rookie camp

May 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com


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“Let’s see … Irving missed 26 of 37 games at Duke, then 15 of 66 games as a Cavs rookie and 23 of 82 games this season. In three years, he’s played 121 games and missed 64. So far he’s torn ligaments in his big toe; sprained one shoulder; broken his hand; suffered a concussion; broken a finger on his non-shooting hand; broken a bone in his jaw; hyperextended a knee; and sprained the other shoulder.

Was that a series of fluke injuries … or a more ominous pattern that spells out the words, “KYRIE CAN’T STAY ON THE COURT”? Durability is really 25 percent luck and 75 percent DNA. You can’t do anything about Patrick Beverley slamming into your knee as you’re calling a timeout; that’s in the 25 percent. Mike D’Antoni playing you too many minutes until your 35-year-old body breaks down; that’s in the 25 percent. But grinding out 36 to 38 minutes a game for six to eight months per year, fighting off nagging injuries and bringing it year after year after year? That’s in your DNA. That’s the 75 percent.

My favorite example for this topic: John Stockton and Kevin Johnson. Before he saved the Kings and turned himself into Seattle’s Archenemy, KJ was an absolutely devastating offensive player; nobody could stay in front of him. He’s one of the few guards I can ever remember who made good defenders start backing up just by making it seem like hemight make a move. Stockton didn’t have that first step or KJ’s power around the rim, but he mastered everything that went into playing point guard — specifically, setting up teammates, running fast breaks, picking his spots and doing everything in the most efficient way possible. [Read more...]

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D’Qwell Jackson, Chris Gocong and Eric Barton join Athlete Ally

May 10, 2013 by 7 Comments

Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and former teammates Chris Gocong and Eric Barton have become ambassadors for Athlete Ally, an organization dedicated to ending homophobia in sports, the trio announced via press release on Friday.

Per the release, the addition of these three new Athlete Ally Ambassadors is part of an ongoing effort to empower professional athletes to help make sports a welcoming environment for all. Former Browns linebacker and Athlete Ally Ambassador Scott Fujita directly helped grow the movement in Cleveland with these new additions.

“I believe that everyone should be treated the same,” said Jackson. “That’s my thought as a person and as a teammate. Joining Athlete Ally is my way of letting it be known that I would respect any teammate – gay or straight – it just doesn’t matter.”

Chris Gocong, a member of the Browns for the past two seasons prior to being released earlier this spring, added that  Fujita was a “pioneer” in the movement to create an inclusive environment in the NFL. ”I feel it is my duty to help continue that work as the league moves from tolerance to acceptance,” he said. ”I want to support any athlete to feel more comfortable and confident being himself.”

As Athlete Ally Ambassadors, Jackson, Gocong, and Barton join the NFL contingent of Fujita, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Chris Kluwe, Donte Stallworth, and  Connor Barwin, as well as tennis greats Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish, NBA star Kenneth Faried.

[Related: What’s the opposite of transparency?]

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What’s the opposite of transparency?

May 10, 2013 by 85 Comments

“My feeling is that we need to present a different picture of this organization. It’s been stale. It has not done well. I don’t think people view the Browns in a positive light. My perception from the outside was that the Browns just weren’t successful. They weren’t energetic or forward-thinking. I’m not afraid of transparency. Most of what we do here — there’s no secret to it.”

Paranoia

On Monday, there was much consternation to be had. Not only had Terry Pluto been the subject of a complete hack job, it was reported that the Cleveland Browns listed their draft sheet not by position or grade, but alphabetically. Debate ranged from incompetence and baseless speculation to blind benefit of the doubt—maybe the Browns had multiple draft boards; the report, however, stated nothing of the sort. The end result was a discussion surrounding how the debates surrounding the unknown could be silenced if the Browns had taken our pro bono advice, an output typically reserved for overpaid consultants and advisory firms.

[Read more...]

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Browns sign OL Rashad Butler

May 8, 2013 by 4 Comments

The Cleveland Browns today added some insurance to their offensive line by signing veteran Rashad Butler-

“The Cleveland Browns today signed offensive lineman Rashad Butler to a one-year contract, the club announced. Butler was previously as an unrestricted free agent from Houston.

Originally drafted by Carolina in the third round (89th overall) of the 2006 draft, Butler has appeared in 41 career games with four starts. He was waived by the Panthers on September 3, 2007 and spent the next six seasons with the Texans after being claimed off waivers. He spent all of 2012 on injured reserve with a triceps injury. In 2010, he played in all 16 contests with four starts at left tackle.

A four-year letterman at the University of Miami, Fla. (2002-05), Butler started 23 of the 38 games in which he appeared at both right and left tackle. Born February 10, 1983, the 6-4, 310-pound Butler is a native of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he attended Dwyer High School.”

With Joe Thomas, Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz the Browns are set at tackle and center. The question mark remains at guard. Jason Pinkston played very well until going on the IR last season with a blood clot. Perhaps fans (myself included) have put too high an expectation on Pinkston’s recovery and ability to be ready for the season. Even if Pinkston is ready to go, the Browns should have a competition for the starting right guard spot and for the back-up tackle role. They drafted Garrett Gilkey in the seventh round this season, and still have Ryan Miller whom they selected in the fifth round last season.

Also in the mix are John Greco, Jarrod Shaw, Oniel Cousins, Shawn Lauvao and Dominic Alford.

[Related: Which Browns veteran is most likely to be replaced]

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NFL fears Pilot Flying J lawsuits could drain Jimmy Haslam, undermine Browns

May 8, 2013 by 28 Comments

Several team officials are reportedly saying they believe it may be extremely difficult for Jimmy Haslam III to keep his ownership of the Cleveland Browns. CBS Sports’ Mike Freeman reports that, because Haslam may be “ensnared by a myriad of lawsuits and legal actions,” Haslam could experience a significant drain to his finances, preventing him from keeping the team he purchased less than 12 months ago.

Haslam, and his family company Pilot Flying J, is the target of several lawsuits which stem from alleged practices of fraud and deceit. The FBI has been probing Haslam’s truck-stop company and has alleged massive impropriety based on targeted cost-plussing of select clients. A 120-page affidavit recently stated that Pilot Flying J sales employees withheld fuel price rebates and discounts in an attempt to boost company profitability as well as personal sales commissions. If Haslam loses the suits or is forced to settle for large sums, the league is concerned that he will not be fit to own an NFL franchise.

“This is more worrisome than people know,” said one team official who has familiarized himself with Haslam’s situation. In turn, sources tell Freeman that it may only be a matter of time before Haslam is forced to sell the Browns.

Haslam continues to claim his (and his company’s) innocence with regard to the allegations. He recently apologized to the city of Cleveland, stating that he is very embarrassed by the recent fallout. “We feel badly about it, and we’re very comfortable we’ll work through this situation,” he said.

[Related: Where is the line drawn with character concerns?]

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NFL News: Josh Cribbs believes return to Cleveland is possible

May 8, 2013 by 30 Comments

Could Josh Cribbs return to Cleveland? The veteran wide receiver and Pro Bowl return man apparently thinks it is possible.

Brent Sobleski from The Orange and Brown Report says that Cribbs, a free agent, could stick with the Browns in the event that the money and role would be agreed upon. The team is reportedly showing interest in keeping the fan favorite in a Browns helmet, but what the “role” each side wants remains to be seen. The team has recently added wide receivers Davone Bess and David Nelson to fill the slot role, and appears ready to have Greg Little and Josh Gordon on the outside. Factor in that Norv Turner’s offense places emphasis on the tight end and Cribbs spent a good portion of last season pleading for more touches, and it seems as if the player would have to compromise more than the team.

As mentioned in a recent WFNY column, Cribbs has recently put his Cleveland-area home up for sale, but fell out of favor with the Arizona Cardinals when he reportedly failed a physical. The Cardinals later drafted LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu to help their return game, leaving Cribbs on the outside looking in.

In 2012, Cribbs caught seven passes for 63 yards and zero touchdowns. He averaged over 27 yards per kickoff return, but has not run back a kickoff for a touchdown since 2009.

[Related: Where is the line drawn with character concerns?]

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Jimmy Haslam apologizes to Cleveland Browns fans

May 7, 2013 by 10 Comments

Cleveland Browns majority owner Jimmy Haslam spoke at a National Football Foundation awards banquet in Westlake on Tuesday. Following his remarks to the coaches and high school players, Haslam addressed the media assembled-

“I apologize to the city of Cleveland, Northeastern Ohio and all Browns fans because the last thing we ever wanted to do as a new owner was detract from football and the Browns and just what a great football area this is and so I apologize for that. We feel badly about it, and we’re very comfortable we’ll work through this situation.”

According to the Akron Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich, Haslam did not appear nervous that his ownership of the Browns could be in jeopardy-

“Haslam, though, sounded as if he’s not worried about his status as owner of the Browns. He told fans they will “love” outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, the team’s recent first-round draft pick, praised the front office’s trade for former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess and touted the approach of the new coaching staff.

“I went to practice the other day, and we’re not throwing 3-yard dinks,” Haslam said. “We’re throwing the ball down the field and that’s the way [offensive coordinator] Norv [Turner] likes to play. And you’re going to really like the way [defensive coordinator] Ray Horton plays defense. He plays defense the way I like to play defense. He gets after them.”

Despite Haslam’s uncertain future, he also vowed to keep a promise he first made last summer when he struck a deal to buy the Browns.”

The investigation into Haslam’s Pilot/Flying J continues. Civil suites have been filed and restraining orders petitioned for. One thing is certain- this isn’t going to go away anytime soon.

[Related: Where is the line drawn with character concerns?]

 

 

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