Browns Owners Accused of Repeating Past Mistakes

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In an open letter to Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, a local resident has accused the team's leadership of making the same mistakes as former owner Art Modell, who infamously moved the Browns to Baltimore in 1995. The letter draws parallels between 'The Move' in 1995 and the Haslams' reported plans to relocate the team to the nearby suburb of Brook Park, just 13 miles away. The author argues that any relocation, regardless of distance, would be a betrayal of the team's tradition and history.

Why it matters

The Browns' relocation in 1995 was one of the most controversial and damaging events in NFL history, sparking outrage from Cleveland fans who felt their team had been stolen. The prospect of the Haslams potentially repeating this mistake has reignited those painful memories and concerns about the long-term future of professional football in Cleveland.

The details

In the letter, the author draws direct comparisons between the Haslams' reported plans and Modell's decision to move the Browns to Baltimore in the 1990s. The author argues that 'The Move' in 2025 is just as egregious as 'The Move' in 1995, regardless of the shorter distance, as both would involve 'gutting a sport's tradition.' The letter also criticizes the Haslams' business practices, suggesting that a '$100,000,000 Band-aid' in the form of taxpayer subsidies would not be enough to repair the damage caused by relocation.

• In 1995, Art Modell moved the Browns to Baltimore.
• In 2025, the Haslams are reportedly considering moving the Browns to the nearby suburb of Brook Park.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The author suggests that the Haslams should implement an incentive program where the team's reimbursement from taxpayers is tied to their win percentage, arguing that this would hold the owners accountable and encourage them to focus on fielding a competitive team.