In early June it had been reported that the Cleveland Browns were possibly
up for sale by current owner Randy Lerner. The potential buyer at this
time was former Eagles Team President Joe Banner. The report was
originally credited to Howard Eskin on WIP in Philadelphia. The Browns
immediately came out and denied accusation. “The Cleveland Browns are
NOT for sale” said team spokesman Neal Gulkis.
But
it’s interesting that just a little over a month later the team is
actually for sale. The timing is even more interesting considering that
the Browns have just been ranked the 30th most valuable sports
franchise in the world according to Forbes top 100 list. The Browns are
reportedly worth $977million when the report was released this year.
So
now Tennessee businessman and yes part owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Jimmy Haslam is currently in negotiations with Lerner for the franchise.
But to us Cleveland fans, is this really a surprise? This team was the dream
of his father Al Lerner who passed away shortly after bringing football
back to Cleveland (who I’m sure is rolling in his grave as we speak).
The
sale “if” approved by the NFL could happen as early as August since
Haslam is already been approved as an NFL owner. But don’t worry
Cleveland fans. The team itself will be going nowhere. This is one of
the few details that have slipped out of the contract talks.
The
only real bad news is possibly for current Browns Team President Mike
Holmgren whose future will be up in the air after the sale. I guess it
all depends on how Mr. Haslam feels about the direction that Holmgren
has taken the team.
But
until then, does anyone else have around $1 billion they would be
willing to donate to the Browns fans to ensure our teams place in the
NFL?
Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst C.B.R.Michael is the Lead Analyst for the Cleveland Browns Report and the AFC North Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website
