CenTexDave
September 7th, 2012, 12:24 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/modell-did-part-lift-nfl-082142499--nfl.html
Doubtful many on here really cared much when the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens, but the owner was hated in Cleveland. Death threats were issued. The owner was blamed for it all, but if you studied the issue closely back then you would learn the truth - the man had no choice. The team paid a hefty rent to the city to play at ancient Cleveland Stadium, which was built in the 1920's for the Indians. It was a huge baseball stadium - no luxury boxes, lousy locker rooms, etc. The owner got no parking fees or concession stand royalties. For years he tried to negotiate, even plead, with the city for a better deal and was ignored. Baltimore offered him a new football stadium and other concessions. He agreed and moved the team. A few years later the NFL awarded a franchise in Cleveland to the highest bidder. They would be known as the Cleveland Browns. Art Modell made sure the team's history and colors would remain in Cleveland. Of course this newer version has been nothing but a disaster.
I met the man in 1961 - my father's CPA firm did work for him and the Browns, and at the time we lived in the same condo on the lake in Lakewood - a suburb of Cleveland. Modell offered my father a small slice of the pie, but although we were well off we weren't that well off. lol
I imagine many old time Browns' fans are celebrating in Cleveland today.
Doubtful many on here really cared much when the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens, but the owner was hated in Cleveland. Death threats were issued. The owner was blamed for it all, but if you studied the issue closely back then you would learn the truth - the man had no choice. The team paid a hefty rent to the city to play at ancient Cleveland Stadium, which was built in the 1920's for the Indians. It was a huge baseball stadium - no luxury boxes, lousy locker rooms, etc. The owner got no parking fees or concession stand royalties. For years he tried to negotiate, even plead, with the city for a better deal and was ignored. Baltimore offered him a new football stadium and other concessions. He agreed and moved the team. A few years later the NFL awarded a franchise in Cleveland to the highest bidder. They would be known as the Cleveland Browns. Art Modell made sure the team's history and colors would remain in Cleveland. Of course this newer version has been nothing but a disaster.
I met the man in 1961 - my father's CPA firm did work for him and the Browns, and at the time we lived in the same condo on the lake in Lakewood - a suburb of Cleveland. Modell offered my father a small slice of the pie, but although we were well off we weren't that well off. lol
I imagine many old time Browns' fans are celebrating in Cleveland today.