Report: Browns & GM Ray Farmer Facing Possible Suspension, Fine, Loss Of Draft Pick For Texting Down To Field

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Browns and GM Ray Farmer are facing a potential fine, suspension, and loss of draft pick for texting down to the sidelines this past season.

League sources tell Cabot that Farmer could be facing a multi-game suspension once the NFL’s investigation in completed at some point this week or next week.

According to Cabot, an in-house investigation showed that Farmer acted improperly, which explains why the team is facing some serious penalties.

A report from NEOMG last month had said that a Browns “high-ranking personnel member texted from the press box to the sidelines about playcalls” during a game.

The person in question reportedly texted down to the sidelines to have messages relayed to the coaching staff. This is a violation of the NFL’s electronic use policy.

This was apparently one of the reasons why offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan asked to be released and later took the job with the Falcons.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has said that they are in full cooperation with the league during the investigation.

“I know that Ray and Pett and Sashi Brown, our general counselor, are cooperating fully with the NFL, and if we did anything wrong I’m sure we’ll correct it and make whatever amends,” Haslam said. “I know we’ve cooperated fully with the NFL.”

We’ll have more regarding the Browns and possible punishment as the news is available.