Cleveland Browns under investigation for sideline texts

The NFL has launched an investigation whether the Cleveland Browns’ sideline was receiving text messages during games.

Oh, those wacky Cleveland Browns.

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When the front office isn’t driving off the 106th offensive coordinator in the last three years (numbers approximate), they are reportedly under investigation for receiving text messages on the sideline during games.

ESPN.com reported Friday that the NFL is investigating the team for receiving texts on the sideline, a violation of league rules that ban electronic communication during games.

Cleveland.com reported earlier this week that the departure of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and the text-messaging probe are linked.

According to Cleveland.com, some coaches were upset about a high-ranking member of the personnel department texting from the press box to the sidelines about play calls and personnel decisions.

The electronic devices rule is pretty clear on that sort of thing:

"Unless specifically permitted by league rules, the use of cellular phones, smartphones, tablet devices, computers, wearable electronic devices such as Google Glass and other electronic equipment by coaches, players and other club personnel is prohibited in club-controlled areas including, but not limited to, sidelines and coaches’ booths.These restrictions apply from ninety (90) minutes prior to kickoff through the end of the game, including halftime. Coaches, players and other team personnel are permitted to use such electronic devices in the locker room prior to kickoff and are permitted to use league-issued Microsoft Surface tablets throughout game day for viewing coaches’ still photos.”"

Shanahan spent just one season as Browns’ offensive coordinator and kept the unit competitive for much of the season despite injuries to two of his Pro Bowlers (Alex Mack and Jordan Cameron) and a 10-game suspension for a third (Josh Gordon).

He also dealt with a quarterback situation that was unsettled at time, with veteran backup Brian Hoyer the starter for much of the year while the gigantic shadow of Johnny Manziel and his sideshow stalked the sidelines.

The Browns lost their last five games to finish 7-9, leaving their total of winning seasons since the franchise was rebooted as an expansion club in 1999 at two.

Over those last five games, Cleveland scored 57 points and was shut out at home by the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15—Manziel’s first NFL start that turned into a 10-for-18, 80-yard, two-interception debacle.

Since returning to the league, the Browns made the playoffs one time—going 9-7 and earning a wild-card spot in 2002—and finished with a winning record one other time, with a 10-6 mark in 2007.

And with more coaching upheaval and the potential for a hefty fine coming from the league, the situation by Lake Erie doesn’t seem to be getting cleaned up quickly.

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