Textgate? Browns GM could reportedly be in hot water over in-game communication

By foxsports
Published

The Browns' tumultuous offseason shows no signs of ending soon.

First reported by the Northeast Ohio Media Group, the NFL's investigation into team executives sending texts to coaches during games could be completed by the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins on Feb. 18 in Indianapolis.

League sanctions could involve a fine, loss of draft pick or a suspension for general manager Ray Farmer.

"I know we've cooperated fully with the NFL and if we did anything wrong I'm sure we'll correct it and make whatever amends,'' said owner Jimmy Haslam during last month's Greater Cleveland Sports Awards.

CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora reported Tuesday that according to multiple league sources, Farmer called and/or texted quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains in the coaching box during games. If that bears out, Farmer could be suspended for as many as four games.

The texts were apparently one reason why offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan asked to be released from his contract before he was hired to the same position with the Falcons. Loggains was fired the same day the Shanahan resignation was announced.

The latest news is another in a series of what has been a rough start to the offseason. Monday came news of Johnny Manziel entering a drug treatment program while Tuesday the NFL officially announced wide receiver Josh Gordon's suspension of at least one year for repeated violations of the substance abuse policy.

Last week the Browns sent out a letter to season-ticket holders announcing increases for the first time since 2008. The increases were expected after renovations at FirstEnergy Stadium even though the percentage of the increase caught some by surprise.