Report: Browns Facing Sanctions for Illegal Texting
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Scott Boehm/Getty Images(CLEVELAND, Oh.) — The black cloud looming over the Cleveland Browns is turning into an outright thunderstorm.
As the Browns offseason continues to spiral into the abyss, general manager Ray Farmer could face a possible suspension and the organization a loss of a draft pick and a steep fine as a result of texts being sent to the sidelines mid-game during the 2014 season, according to ESPN.com.
First reported by Cleveland.com, the Browns, specifically Farmer, was reported to have texted with former quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggins, who sat in the press pox and additionally sent messages to former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan down on the sideline.
Sending communications via text during a game is illegal under NFL rules. It is believed that Farmer was not sending information regarding strategy but commenting about the use of quarterbacks and play calling.
Shanahan resigned and Loggins was fired. According to ESPN reports, Shanahan felt that the front office was interfering with the team decisions on-field and the text messages were another form of influencing coaching decisions.
This offseason has not been productive for the Browns as wide receiver Josh Gordon faces at least a one-year ban, quarterback Johnny Manziel enters rehab, the teams two top offensive minds need to be replaced and according to CBS’ Jason La Canfora, starting tight end Jordan Cameron, who is a free agent, has said he is “not interested” in re-signing with the team.
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