Plot Thickening: No Contract Ever Promised to Joshua Cribbs; Trade Rumors Begin

by Chris Pokorny on May 19, 2009 1:04 PM EDT in General News

The Browns have laid down the law, but Cribbs is fighting back.

Early on in the era of Eric Mangini, one of the first impressions he made was on DT Shaun Rogers. Mangini rubbed Rogers the wrong way by not greeting him, along with a few other various incidents that can be looked at as "petty". Nonetheless, at the time, the possibility of Rogers holding out unless he was traded seemed like it had some legitimate merit to it. An early "mutiny" was forming against the new head coach because nobody on the team seemed privileged enough to meet him.

Then, along came Joshua Cribbs. Cribbs took the initiative to walk into Berea and ask to speak with Mangini. Following their long talk, Cribbs already seemed like he was a favorite of the coaching staff.

(Flashforward sound effect from the television show LOST)

Today, everything is reversed. On the team website yesterday, Rogers is getting ready for the new season and has settled in with the new staff:

"We'll get to work tomorrow," Rogers said, "and then we'll start to know a little more about all that's new and where we're headed. But I think guys are excited."

Link

With Cribbs, things have taken a turn for the worst, according to the OBR. Following the OBR's reports yesterday, a statement was released on the official team website:

"Contrary to published reports this morning, no one from the current Browns organization, including Owner Randy Lerner, has ever made any promises to Josh Cribbs with regard to his contract status."

How did Cribbs react to that? Not too kindly. Here is what the OBR has to say:

The OBR has learned that, earlier this afternoon, Cribbs' agents -- J.R. Rickert and Peter Schaeffer -- sent an e-mail to new general manager George Kokinis in which the player representatives expressed their displeasure over how their client was portrayed in the statement released through the club's website.

It's believed the statement made Cribbs "look like a liar or a fabricator" as one source put it, and needs to be addressed by the organization as quickly and publicly as possible.

Link

In the OBR's story, they cite several of their sources that again confirm that it seems apparent contract talks did take place between Cribbs and last year's management. I encourage everyone to visit that link for more details of the story, including Lerner's response to the OBR's questioning as well as a response from Cribbs' agent.

Among the other notes in the report is the fact that Cribbs could request a trade if progress isn't made in the near future. Where will that progress start? The Cleveland Plain Dealer seems to indicate that it'll start with discussing the same type of deal that Devin Hester got -- four years, $40 million, with $15 million guaranteed. Yikes.

However, you can't imagine Cribbs getting that much. The Browns have some leverage in the fact that Hester was the Chicago Bears' No. 2 receiver last season, whereas Cribbs probably won't see the field regularly in typical formations considering Braylon Edwards, two high draft picks, and Mike Furrey are on the roster.

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Comments

Please PAY the man!

He deserves it and this city needs him! I will be EXTREMELY disappointed if we trade such a talented play for picks.

I could lie and say that’ll be the last straw, but I know I can never stop being a fan, just because the ownership and management runs it into the ground….

by Simmsinns on May 19, 2009 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

I’m sorry he does not deserve the Hester contract. Hester doesn’t even deserve that contract, but he as at least shown something on offense

by Roger Dorn on May 19, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I’m asking that we simply match what the competition is willing to pay.

And if we trade him for picks, I can almost guarantee you that we will NOT get equal value, so clearly that isn’t the answer.

Not to mention, is one of the few players on the Browns right now that is pretty much beloved by everyone!

by Simmsinns on May 19, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m asking that we simply match what the competition is willing to pay.

This is silly. Why would we pay someone like they are on the open market, when they are NOT on the open market.

Not to mention, is one of the few players on the Browns right now that is pretty much beloved by everyone!

That should quickly change if he continues to hold out.

by Ryan Kelsey on May 20, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Mangini and Kotnkus(sp) have plenty of things to work out, and re-doing a contract that’s in place isn’t above actual personnel moves that need to be decided on. I’m positive that this will be addressed, just not now. Apparently, Gross/Cabot would prefer we believe otherwise.

You know Selig? Ombudsman.

by rolub on May 19, 2009 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

i know joshua signed a contact but in the past 3 years you tell me what brown on the field has given a 100% plus making tackels on kick off and punt coverages returning kicks playing wide out running back and qb he,s has always did what the team asked of him even when he was hurt this guys always gave it his all pay the man take it out of stallworths pay he,s to valuable to loose right now

by toddp.rich@att.net on May 19, 2009 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

1. punctuation. use it.
2. there’s a reason he does all of those things you point out: he’s not good enough at any one particular thing that is a “regular” part of the game (i don’t mean to denigrate ST, but there’s a reason Braylon isn’t on ST, for example) to warrant him specializing.
3. trying hard doesn’t get you paid in the NFL. you have to be great at an area of significant import.
4. you can’t just say “pay him”. would you pay him $15mm/year?

by DontCallMeJoey on May 19, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

2.

Braylon might be joining him on special teams soon.

by CardsDefense on May 19, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

source?

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 19, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Is he asking for $15m/yr?

1. Capitalization. Use it. (Haha, just kidding, but seriously.)
2. Kick / Punt returning is a very “regularly” occurring thing in football. He also has yet to showcase potential at safety.
3. Effort is a HUGE factor in pay, that you clearly underestimate greatly. Obviously you need skill as well, but they are co-dependent in the NFL.
4. Is he asking for $15million a year?

by Simmsinns on May 19, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

He is supposedly asking for Hester money according to the PD. This is absurd for what he actually has shown he can do on the football field. Safety play is a pipe dream at this point, we have no reason to think he will be any good at safety

by Roger Dorn on May 19, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

1. well…are you kidding or serious?

2. you’re purposefully bastardizing my point about “regular” contributions. of course kick returns happen at frequent intervals…my point is that jacks-of-all-trades are that way b/c they’re not great at other more impactful parts of the game. as a result, they don’t get paid the way stars in a particular position of impact get paid. who’s the highest paid special teams maven in football? it may be cribbs…

3. you’re dead wrong about effort being a huge factor in pay. dead wrong. talent and ability are the primary determining factors. witness albert haynesworth’s $100mm deal.

4. again, you’re missing the point. the poster said “pay him”. what does that mean? $10mm? $15mm? $20mm?

by DontCallMeJoey on May 19, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Make him earn his money by proving he can play more than 1 position. If he wants to hold out, i have one thing to say;
BryanWilliamsisbeast

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 19, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Give me a break

So, on the linked story where Lerner preportedly calls Cribbs on the bus during the return trip to Cleveland from Pittsburgh. Lerner was reporated to have said Cribbs was a good soldier and that he would renegotiate the contract.

Give me a break. No owner would be stupid enouth to call a player and tell him that while the player was surrounded by his teammates on a bus.

How could a player concentrate and give the requisite responses to Lerner knowing that at least 50 people would be listening.

This is idiotic and makes me think someone was playing a joke on Cribbs.

by vincefitz on May 19, 2009 5:45 PM EDT reply actions

It does seem like a stretch that an owner would mention a contract to a player on a bus after a game. Why not talk to him in an office setting? Why does Randy Lerner even discuss player contracts?

I agree, I am a little suspicious

by Roger Dorn on May 19, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Because Savage was too busy working out ways to trade up

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 19, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Are we using the PD as viable source now? Why does this rag seem like a poor man’s New York Post the more I read. I know its the boring time of the off-season and the Lame Squeeler was fishing for stories.

Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic. - Robert S. Wieder

by jerseywahoo on May 19, 2009 7:04 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Regardless of how some may feel about the Joshua Cribbs contract situation, he signed a contract and now he should be a man and honor that contract. Yes, he performs his duties as a football player, but that is what he gets paid to do. He agreed to play for a specified amount of money, the team pays that amount to him to do what he AGREED to do so there should be no issue with this at all. I sign an annual contract as a public school teacher and I honor that contract by teaching my students. I follow a curriculum guide and that is what I teach. I do “additional duties as required” as well. I don’t run in the school board office and demand a raise because my students out-perform another teacher’s students. I sign my contract, teach my students, fulfill the requirements of my position and at the end of the school year I get another contract. He signed his contract, let him be a man and honor it.

by jiminga on May 19, 2009 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

On the other hand, when he signed that contract, he was not being asked to play defense, and really hadn’t done much on offense at that point. I would accept that he was technically listed as a WR so playing on offense would just be part of his extra duties. But throwing in defense as well? From the player’s perspective, I think that if I were asked to play both sides of the ball and special teams I would want a little something extra to go along with the increased risk of injury that such varied play would likely present.

I humbly submit that if your school said that in addition to your teaching and your extra duties with the PTA and setting up the science fair you were also now required to coach the basketball team, you would likely ask for a new contract that reflected the increased demands on your time and the premature graying of your hair that would go along with the extended exposure to students and parents.

And as a reply in general, nobody but Ms. Cabot has suggested Hester-type money for Cribbs. Nobody. Just her. (And I don’t really think she’s in the loop on contract talks.)

by JustBob on May 19, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Cribbs has not ever played defense though and should not be played on the chance that might someday play defense

by Roger Dorn on May 19, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions

*paid

by Roger Dorn on May 19, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions

That argument works in baseball but not in football. The NFL does not guarentee contracts (except the signing bonus) so they can cut a player at any time no matter what his contract situation is. So if teams don’t honor their contracts why should players? I have no problem with football plaeyrs asking for more money when they are underpaid, because if they were overpaid the team would cut him and not have to pay him at all.

It’s not about “being a man”; don’t be so arrogant. I’m a teacher, too, so I know the school district must hold up their end of the contract — they can’t just fire me whenever they feel like it for no reason. NFL teams don’t have to honor contracts so that is not a good analogy for this situation. (Also, teachers can leave the school at any time for another job no matter how many years are left on their contract, so that’s another reason this isn’t a good analogy.)

I’m sorry, but this is a very dumb post. If Cribbs wants more money he has certainly deserved it.

by Buckeye Brad on May 19, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions

He deserves more than what he is getting now, I concede that. If he is asking for Hester money, no chance in hell.

by Roger Dorn on May 20, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

The problem is

The team doesn’t have to be a MAN and honor their end of the contract. If they don’t like it they can cut the player. How much Cribbs is entitled to, whether the amount he makes now or more is another discussion, but it makes no sense to say he is not a man for wanting to talk/renogtiate his contract.

You sign an annual contract. Your performance is reviewed, your contract is adjusted. Cribbs isn’t in the middle of a season asking that he be paid more for that year. People in all walks of life get raises all the time.

And I’m not sure, but most likely you don’t have to run into the school board demanding a raise. That’s what your union does and there work is reflected in your pay .

"Do you want a bunch of duds walking around with their shoulders slumped and having no emotions, no feelings?" Bradley said. "I don’t think the fans want that. I think they want a guy who’s going to get into the game and feel a little bit. I’ve always said, ‘I don’t really play baseball, I feel it.’ "

by Villeslgr on May 21, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions

He needs to be paid more than he is getting right now. After last season, when it seemed he was the only one trying, he deserves a new deal of some sort. Now, the question is how much that deal will cost and what fair value is.

Resident Josh Freeman fan.

by gahnki on May 19, 2009 8:42 PM EDT reply actions

Right. And the hold out/ask for trade crap is the only bargaining position a player in his shoes has. His options are to play for his current contract or not play. I think the Browns will end up re-working the deal, but right now we are in a stage of general postering and puffery.

by Ryan Kelsey on May 20, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Dump Him

Dump him. He’s a special team player and that’s all. Where were all his great run backs last year? He may work out at safety and if he does, pay him next year what a safety makes.

by paulbip on May 19, 2009 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

he’s the best special teams player in the league on both sides of the kickoff. his high ankle sprain tempered the great runs that you remember from 2007, and apparently expect every time he touches the ball.

You know Selig? Ombudsman.

by rolub on May 19, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you send the wrong message with statement. How can you consider yourself a Brown’s fan with that headline? You need to seriously think about finding a new team if you feel that way. However, if he thinks in his heart of hearts he should be paid 40/15 million…

Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic. - Robert S. Wieder

by jerseywahoo on May 19, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions

What would you say his trade value is?

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 19, 2009 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

I’d have to imagine his trade value is fairly low, considering a new team would have to give him a Hester-like contract. If it wasn’t a contract issue, then I’m sure we’d get “okay” value for him, but it’s another unusual situation — how can you make comparisons on special teams/utility player studs in terms of value?

Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.

by Chris Pokorny on May 20, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

What kinda draft picks do u think we could get?

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 20, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe many misunderstood my comment on “being a man” and honoring the contract. Yes, I understand that teams can and do cut players so the argument “why should players honor contracts but not teams?” Well, for one thing with the JC situation, have the Browns led Cribbs to believe they may not honor their part of the contract? No. My statement simply means that regardless of what some players may do and what some teams may do, JC could still honor his contract regardless. Also, let’s be honest, most people on these posts are hard-working people, many of whom may make just a modest living. I think ALL professional athletes are overpaid. I’m retired military and now teach school in a public school system. My wife is a public school teacher. We make a modest living. I could care less about JCs (he makes more in one year than my wife and I will make in 9 years) contract or any other professional athlete…they’re all overpaid!! And don’t give me the “they could get hurt” excuse. If they manage their money wisely they get enough in signing bonuses to last them from now on. I’m not very sympathetic to professional athletes situations.

by jiminga on May 20, 2009 5:20 AM EDT reply actions

I’m sorry, but that’s just wrong because you’re looking at things the wrong way. I hate that attitude from people who are always complaining how much money athletes make. As I said above, I’m a public school teacher also and I know that I will never make the amount of money professional athletes make, but that doesn’t bother me in the least bit. They deserve every dollar they get — they provide a form of entertainment and people are willing to pay to watch it, so why shouldn’t they get the reward from it? Who do you want to get the money — the owners? Because if the players aren’t making the money then the owners are keeping it, and the owners are even wealthier than the players. The athletes are the ones putting their bodies through hell and working their butts off to stay in top physical condition, so they should get the largest profit from the business, not the owners. And most athletes have a very short time frame (especially in the NFL) to make all the money they can before their bodies break down or they are replaced. As someone once told me, to make a lot of money in this world you have to do something (a) nobody wants to do or (b) nobody can do, and professional athletes do something that 99.99% of the people in this country cannot do, so that’s why they make the big bucks. And I don’t begrudge them at all.

And it bothers me even more when people say things like

most people on these posts are hard-working people

implying most athletes aren’t hard working people. Really? You don’t think professional athletes work hard? Have you seen how hard they train and work in practice, how many hours they study film, and what they put their bodies through in games? That’s not working hard? I know teachers and policeman and scientists and doctors and many other professions are more important to people’s lives than athletes are, but unfortunately nobody is paying big bucks to watch me teach a math class or a fireman put out a fire. That’s why we don’t get paid the big bucks and athletes (and movie stars and musicians) do. It’s about supply and demand, basic economics.

If you want to comment on the specifics of the Cribbs situation that’s fine, but don’t go off on a rant about how he should “be a man” and honor his contract then turn around and say it’s because you think all athletes are overpaid. If you think that way then you really don’t have much to offer this discusion because we’re trying to figure out how much Cribbs is worth compared to fair market value for an NFL player, and if you think they’re all overpaid then there’s not much you can contribute.

by Buckeye Brad on May 20, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs

not only complaing about how much athletes make, but doing it on a site for avid fans, meaning he probably contributes to their wealth (tickets, apparel, etc.) I’m a probation officer – many, many pro athletes could come do my job; i could not go do their’s effectively, or i should say, at all. jiminga, i’ll have to respectfully disagree as well.

I’ll also say that i gladly spend $200 each year for the Sunday Ticket so i can see every Browns game. Brad, I most assuredy would not pay $200 to watch you teach. maybe $50.

by Dawg Nuts on May 21, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Brad, I most assuredy would not pay $200 to watch you teach. maybe $50.

Well, that’s because you haven’t had the pleasure of watching me teach math. I make learning Calculus as exciting as watching the Browns win the Super Bowl! (Although I’m not sure if my students would agree with that assessment.)

by Buckeye Brad on May 21, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

What grade do u teach?

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 21, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

High school, mostly juniors and seniors. I teach AP Calculus, Statistics, and Algebra 2.

by Buckeye Brad on May 21, 2009 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions

You could teach me soon

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 21, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

rec'd

by Villeslgr on May 21, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

1.) I believe Cribbs is one of the most valuable pieces of this team. Special teams is on the field more than most fans realize and Cribbs is an asset on the punt team, punt return, kick return, and kickoff units. He also is useful as a skill player on offense with creative plays, such as screens, end arounds, reverses, option plays, wildcat formations, etc. He has the potential to continue to develop into a #3 WR. He has the potential to develop into a backup safety.

2.) Cribbs has a contract. It is very team friendly and if you use the open market as your reference, he would be underpaid. But, he is not on the open market. To say the Browns should pay him as such is to misunderstand football contracts, and business in general. Cribbs has no options. He will play for the Browns with or without a new contract. There is nothing else for him to do. The Browns aren’t going to release him. The Browns aren’t going to trade him unless they are overwhelmed in an offer (not likely for a special teams player). Look at every player that has threatened hold outs and the like while under contract. The player always suffers more than the team in those situations. For all the effort Cribbs has shown and his flashes of brilliance with the ball: kick returners and gunners are extremely replaceable in the NFL. No doubt the Browns could find half a dozen UDFA’s right now that could be serviceable in Cribbs role right now.

by Ryan Kelsey on May 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT reply actions

Yes. Although, I don’t think Cribbs “potential” to develop into a 3 WR and a DB should affect his ability to get a raise right now. Any re-working of the contract should be based upon his great special teams play and his use of gimmicky plays on offense. (which weren’t always that successful, Romeo’s fault or not)

by Roger Dorn on May 20, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m glad you think that ALL professional athletes are overpaid. For the most part, professional players get paid based upon the revenues generated by the league and the NFL makes a lot of money. So the players should get their fair share. Would you agree that Cribbs is one of the most popular Browns? A 7 year contract in the NFL with no bonus money is like a series of 1 year team options with no player guarantees. Why wouldn’t he feel obliged to ask for a raise then? Cribbs has made a Pro Bowl and has been a significant part of our team for 3 years.

The NFL’s current system is highly ownership weighted for the everyday player (such as Joshua Cribbs). For him to ask for more money because he has outperformed his contract is not unreasonable. Don’t hate the player, hate the system.

Why do you think the NFLPA is willing to strike?

Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic. - Robert S. Wieder

by jerseywahoo on May 20, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

Cribbs worth

he currently makes 2 million a year i think we can give him around 1.5 – 2 million more a year to make him happy… he’s to important to lose… and if we lose him we can sign michael vick to replace him lol

by cgerycz on May 20, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

Get Cribbs in camp

Browns need as many play makers as they can get. You would thin Eric Mangini would like a good special teams kick returner, because he had one with the Jets in Leon Washington. Browns have an edge in special teams against most teams in the NFL with this guy.

by fantasy-info on May 21, 2009 12:34 AM EDT reply actions

You would thin Eric Mangini would like a good special teams kick returner

Ricky Ricardo, is that you? If so, you got some ‘splainin’ to do.

by drjeo on May 21, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

ugh

You know Selig? Ombudsman.

by rolub on May 21, 2009 1:07 PM EDT reply actions

Cribbs’ agent, J.R. Rickert, has said the club’s previous management team made promises to renegotiate with the former Pro Bowler.

Maybe Mr. Rickert missed the word “previous”.

by drjeo on May 21, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

It sounds like he’s been reading this blog because he said some similar things that have been discussed here.

That surprised me when it said he will play CB

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 21, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

OKAY, Let's Talk.......

First of all, let me say that Cribbs doesn’t want “Hester Money”. HE WANTS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE CAPTAINS, AND BEST PLAYERS ON THIS TEAM.

Ms. Cabot has absolutely no business, and I mean NO BUSINESS, covering the Browns. She is constantly starting rumors, and getting everyone to talk, but rarely does she realize what Browns fans are really thinking, and she does not ask those questions with the media interviews that she is granted. She asks crappy questions, infers what she wants and goes from there.

As far as Cribbs goes, he is my favorite player on this team, and probably 75% of other Browns fans will agree, if not more. He is consistent every game he plays, whether it be on ST, or otherwise. Just because Romeo didn’t understand how to use him, doesn’t mean that the new “coach” will do the same. He has been the heart of this team, through the Romeo saga, the Braylon saga, the Kellen saga, and the QB controversy. Cribbs has never caused a problem, he has sat quietly and been a team player. IF HE IS NOT THE TYPE OF PLAYER YOU WANT, THEN WHY DID YOU TRADE WINSLOW FOR CRAP? Pay the man, and let’s worry about being picked to finish LAST this year.

by Brownsfan34 on May 21, 2009 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

why is coach in quotation marks?

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 21, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Why?

Why is “coach” in quotations? Has he proved that he is capable of running this team? Right now he looks like a fool, and he has also never addressed anything directly, aside from the 3-4 defense. He has side-stepped every question, and if it continues, mark my words, we will be calling for his head much like we did Carthon, and Crennels. I am very very optimistic that a deal will get done, however, the way this team is being run right now, this stuff will continue, and I for one, will not watch these two destroy my beloved Browns…

by Brownsfan34 on May 21, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I would say he has not proved he can coach this team yet because he has not coached 1 game for this team yet. Tough crowd

by Roger Dorn on May 21, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

It’s not so much that I am being tough, it’s this simple. To Coach, you must make decisions, and handle situations that you can handle. Things that are out of your control, you try to rally the troops, and provide inspiration, and try to keep everything even keeled. He has had no control since he got here! All he has done is create problem after problem! First with Big Shaun, then with K2, (which by the way, was his idea to trade him). The only thing that he has done is to say that we are keeping the 3-4.

As far as these situations, Kokinis and Mangini both need to realize that while they maybe technically running this team, we The Fans have the last say. We are the ones putting our hard earned money down to see these teams play, and I don’t like the fact that it seems that these 2 are running my Browns into the ground…

by Brownsfan34 on May 21, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

The Rogers thing was overblown. Rogers is in camp and happy. They traded K2, I fail to see how this can be classified as a problem. K2 didn’t badmouth us on the way out

by Roger Dorn on May 21, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Seriously, what in the heck are you talking about? How has Mangini created problems? As Roger said, the Rogers thing was overblown and that’s all in the past now. How is the K2 trade a problem? I like him as a player too, but he wanted a new contract and the Browns would have been dumb to give him the contract that Tampa Bay did.

To say that Mangini and Kokinis are running the Browns in to the ground is simply ridiculous. They’ve been on the job only a few months and we haven’t even played any games yet!! What have they done that is so terrible? Please give me examples of why you’re saying this, or shut up. We don’t want ignorant rants like this on this site. Take that stuff to cleveland.com.

Also, the fans aren’t running this team, Randy Lerner is, and that’s who Mangini and Kokinis have to answer to. If they win the fans will be happy.

by Buckeye Brad on May 21, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions

feel free to take your hard-earned money elsewhere.

seriously.

by DontCallMeJoey on May 22, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

He has proven he can run a team. He led the jets to the playoffs one year and he was 9-7 last year. Has Josh McDaniels or any of those other rookie coaches proven thy can lead a team?

by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 21, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Agree. Pretty tough to post a winning record as Browns coach when they haven’t played any games yet. Also, BF34, why all the bold? When I see that, I always think the poster is trying to yell at me. But maybe that’s what you intended. A couple of questions:

IF HE IS NOT THE TYPE OF PLAYER YOU WANT, THEN WHY DID YOU TRADE WINSLOW FOR CRAP?

What does this mean? What does the type of player Cripps is (or the team wants) relate to “trading Winslow for crap”? There doesn’t appear to be any internal logic to your question.

let’s worry about being picked to finish LAST this year.

Where the team is picked to finish is entirely irrelevant. The only thing that matters is where they actually do finish. It didn’t do the Browns much good to be favored to win the division last year by many prognosticators, did it? None of the guessers are going to pick the Browns high this year; there are too many changes, and the team was a major disappointment last year. Forget about the guessers: let’s wait and see how they actually play, OK?

by drjeo on May 22, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I have to say, I didn’t agree with you when you opened your 2nd paragraph stating that Ms. Cabot has no business covering the Browns.

But then you repeated and capitalized “no business”, and by golly, you hooked me.

You know Selig? Ombudsman.

by rolub on May 21, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think winslow was traded for “crap”. He wanted a new contract and I believe that Mangini and Kotnkus(sp) didn’t think he was the type of player for the offensive scheme they want to run.

by tjk_doc on May 22, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions