The Cleveland Browns finally learned what their punishment will be for GM Ray Farmer’s silly texting during a game. Farmer will be suspended without pay for the first quarter of the season, while the team will be fined $250,ooo.
The NFL determined that Farmer really did violate the electronic device policy, which prohibits texting to team personnel on the sideline. Farmer had admitted during the Scouting Combine that he did text offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
Sources for Cleveland.com said that Farmer texted to coaches during four games at least.
The good news for the Browns was that the league didn’t find evidence that anyone else within the organization knew about Farmer’s texting. That probably explains why the team didn’t lose a draft pick.
Still, Farmer will lose his pay for the first four regular season games of the season and will not be able to work with the team during that time.
"I respect the league's decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions," Farmer said in a statement. “Accountability is integral to what we are trying to build and as a leader I need to set the right example. I made a mistake and apologize to Jimmy Haslam, Mike Pettine, our entire organization and our fans for the ramifications. Learning is a big part of who I am and I will certainly be better from this situation.”
Farmer can now focus on the NFL Draft, which starts on April 30. The Browns have 10 picks this year, including two in the first round.
The situation came at the end of a frustrating season for the Browns. They started off well, but in typical Browns fashion, stumbled thanks to poor quarterback play.The team ended the season at 7-9.