Jimmy Haslam Not Selling Cleveland Browns
By Mike Dyce
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is in the midst of a legal battle surrounding his chain of truck stops. He is facing 18 civil suits currently. ESPN Cleveland had a phone interview with the Browns owner and asked him if he had any plans to sell the Cleveland Browns.
“Absolutely not,” Haslam said. “We plan on owning the Browns for a long time.”
As his financial problems grow selling the Browns could bring some quick financial relief. Haslam however simply wanted to tout what he has done for his franchise as he holds on to ownership.
“Since October, we put together a completely new front office, hired a new head head coach with two really good coordinators, sold naming rights to the stadium, and went through free agency and the draft,” Haslam said. “We’ve spent $5 million remodeling (team headquarters in) Berea. And we’re working on an upwards of $100 million remodeling of the stadium. We’ve been very committed to turning this franchise around.”
A source said that Haslam was working closely with the NFL to maintain ownership in the event that he is indicted.
“He is taking direction and he is taking advice (from the NFL),” said the source. “They even have a plan in place in the event there is an indictment (of Haslam) to maintain ownership of the Browns during the legal process.”
But for now, Haslam just wants you know how dedicated he is to owning the Browns and winning.
“We look forward to owning the team for a long time to come. I can’t emphasize how committed we are to bringing a winner to Cleveland,” Haslam said.