Browns texting scandal nets GM suspension, no draft pick loss
The NFL will reportedly suspend GM Ray Farmer but the Browns won't lose any draft picks as a result of the texting scandal.
Everything is coming up Browns on Monday. Not only will the NFL reportedly not take a draft pick from Cleveland for Textgate, but GM Ray Farmer is going to be suspended four games and the team fined $250,000, per CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora.
Browns are fined $250K and Ray farmer suspended for 1st four regular season games as penalties for illegal game day texting
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 30, 2015
Farmer's suspension begins midnight before Browns first regular season game and continues through conclusion of their 4th game
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 30, 2015
Farmer can conduct no Browns business and prohibited from being involved in any team decisions during the suspension for 1st qtr of season
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 30, 2015
NFL VP of Operations Troy Vincent announced the suspension in a statement.
"The use of a cell phone on multiple occasions during games in 2014 by Cleveland Browns General Manager Ray Farmer was a violation of NFL rules that prohibit certain uses of electronic devices during games," Vincent said. "Based on these violations, the Browns have been fined $250,000 and Ray Farmer will be suspended without pay for the first four regular-season games of the 2015 season. The suspension will start on midnight of the Sunday preceding the Browns' first regular-season game and will end immediately after the Browns' fourth regular-season game. During the period of the suspension, Farmer cannot be involved in any club matters and is prohibited from being at the Browns' offices, practice facility, or at Browns games."
Vincent added "there was no evidence" of Browns ownership or other execs being involved.
"There was no evidence in the NFL's review that Browns ownership or any other team executives had knowledge of the prohibited conduct," Vincent said. "Once the violation was discovered, Browns management implemented new processes to ensure future compliance."

Yes, the suspension of a GM is an appropriate thing in this case. Farmer getting booted for four games isn't a huge problem though. Four games after the offseason work is put in and after the roster is shaped throughout the preseason? That plus a hefty-looking fine ($250,000 is a lot of real-world money but not that much in the NFL) equates to a light punishment.
(Although given Farmer's first-round last year, featuring Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel, perhaps the Browns would prefer Farmer miss the draft.)
Farmer previously copped to the texting at the combine taking "full responsibility" for the illegal (by NFL rules) in-game communication.
"It was me," Farmer said. "I take full responsibility for myself and my actions. I misplayed the platform."
Roger Goodell addressed the issue at the 2015 NFL owners' meetings, although at the time the league didn't have an "official" update.
"Any violation of our rules is something we take seriously. It effects the integrity of the game and all 32 teams need to be operating under the same rules. Our clubs expect that and our fans expect that," Goodell said. "So any violation is taken seriously. I have not been brought up to speed on that in the last couple of days, obviously I’ve been here, but I’m sure there will be a focus on that in the next couple of days."
With the draft now less than a month away, the league needs to get some clarity on the issue and is expected to do so officially this week.
Cleveland not losing a draft pick is a massive win here despite the $250,000 fine.















