The Cleveland Browns have been fined $250,000 as an organization and the General Manager has been suspended the first four games of the 2015 season due to confirmed allegations of Farmer texting down to the sidelines during games in 2014. Former Browns Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan had cited Farmer texting down to the sidelines about play-calling during the games was one of many of the dysfunctional reasons that he decided to leave and take the same position with the Atlanta Falcons.
Ray Farmer’s statement: “I respect the league’s decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions. 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.”
Browns fined $250,000 and Ray Farmer suspended without pay first four games of season. Wow!
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) March 30, 2015