RIP Art Modell

How the owner sees the team is only part of the story. I know you didn't direct the question at me, but I do believe some owners see it that way.

The issue people have with Modell is based on what the Browns meant to the people of Cleveland. And if you don't think that meaning goes beyond just another business, you are beyond help on this topic.

And it is a very good thing that there will be no tribute at a Browns game. I've been arguing for at least some respect for the dead, but that doesn't mean the fans have to honor the guy who took their team away.

 

Yup.

I knew the coach I was covering today is a Browns fan -- grew up just across the state line into PA -- so after I turned my recorder off, I asked him what he thought about Modell. Got exactly the answer I expected.

 

Cleveland didn't get their Browns back, alas. They got a cutrate, imitation sack of crap back. The bloodlines/precedents which came part and parcel with the original Browns went to the Inner Harbor, never to return.

 

The Hall of Fame is meant to honor the successful. Tex Schramm built a team that won two Super Bowls, went to three others and was really good for over 20 years. Modell, after the 64 Championship, which was won largely with players acquired by a man Modell fired, Paul Brown, basically had mediocre teams. They had a couple decent teams in the 80's that lost heartbreakers in the playoffs but in his years of ownership. In the last 30+ years of his ownership his teams went to one Super Bowl. Not Hall of Fame material.

And Modell took over a very successful team in a city where he pretty much drew 70,000+ each season. And moved it. The Hall of Fame should be for owners who build successful franchises, not one's who ultimately try to destroy them.

 

Correction: The Browns have never been to the Super Bowl.

They went to one championship game under Modell.

 

they won Super Bowl XXXV

 

Fuck you.

 

fuck you, too.


(just needed to be said.)

 

I know the meaning goes beyond that of just another business.

But I keep asking 'how?' and 'why?' and 'in what way?' and no one can tell me.

 

I say put his bust in Canton so Brown fans can fuck with it forever.

 

(D)ripped from the headlines!

www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/09/07/jay_z_bought_zadie_smith_a_fish_sandwich_did_the_gracious_gesture_violate_nyt_ethical_guidelines_.html

 

If Art Modell wasn't Jewish and If Mayor Michael White wasn't antisemitic, the move never would have happened. Ohio and Cleveland made good for the Cavs and Indians, but left Modell hanging because they thought he'd never move and White was an antisemitic. The hatred of Modell is intensified because of antisemitism.[/mydad]