NFL investigating texts sent to Browns’ sideline
Reports indicate team executives were texting coaches about personnel and play calling during games.
The NFL is investigating allegations that front office personnel sent text messages to the Cleveland Browns coaches on the sidelines during games this season, a league spokesman told ESPN.com Friday.
There has been no confirmation as to who might have sent and received the texts, but Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported earlier in the week that in-game text messages from the front office have been a determining factor in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s desire to leave the team. Coaches and management have reportedly disagreed on player personnel and play calling and one executive reportedly went so far as to send messages during games. That upset Shanahan, who, in addition to interviewing for head coaching positions, is reportedly open to a lateral move to another offensive coordinator job to get out of Cleveland.
Cabot also reported that the Browns' coaches felt pressured by the front office to start Johnny Manziel late in the season, though no explicit mandate was ever issued.
ESPN confirmed the text messages had to do with personnel and play calling.
League rules prohibit the use of cell phones and other electronic devices on the sidelines and in coaches’ booths beginning 90 minutes before kickoff and lasting until the conclusion of the game, including halftime.
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