Team Sold: Browns Coach & Players React
BEREA, Ohio — The reaction from Cleveland Browns players and coaches has been subdued in the wake of news that the team has been sold to Jimmy Haslam III for in excess of $1 billion.
According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations of the sale, Haslam III is currently vesting his interests with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team he has held a minority stake since 2008.
“I assure you than Mr. Haslam’s loyalties have switched to the Browns already,” said Browns linebacker Scott Fujita.
Tight end Evan Moore added, “I can’t speak for everyone in there, but it doesn’t change my job. So as long as I am here and wearing a Browns jersey everything will be the same to me.”
Moore did say that the timing of the deal has players reacting.
“Obviously there is probably a better time to come out with news like that, but at the same time, I don’t know what went on with that whole thing. Maybe its been in the works for a long time.”
Head coach Pat Shurmur addressed any potential changes that new ownership might bring following the morning training camp session.
“I have no fear. I have no fear about any of that,” said Shurmur. “Because I trust my coaches and I trust the players. And I’ve watched the work they have done, based on the conversation of the last week. I’ve watched the work that they are doing and I have no fear.”
The NFL Network is reporting that former Philadelphia Eagles president Joe Banner is part of the executive team of Haslam III.
