Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has sent a letter to Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, warning of possible legal action under the Ohio Revised Code 9.67, commonly known as the “Art Modell law.” The mayor is demanding that the Browns give the city or other local parties the chance to purchase the team, as is mandated by the law, which aims to prevent teams from relocating without providing such opportunities.
Bibb has established a deadline of January 9 for the Browns to respond. If the team fails to comply, the city might seek a court injunction to halt any relocation efforts. The Browns, on the other hand, may contest this, asserting that the city lacks the legal grounds for such an injunction.
The ongoing tension stems from the Browns exploring a potential stadium project in Brook Park, located about 15 miles from Cleveland. The team is currently bound by a lease to play at Huntington Bank Field (HBF) until after the 2028 season, but may seek to relocate thereafter.
The situation escalated in October when the Browns filed a lawsuit against Cleveland, arguing that the Modell Law infringes upon their constitutional rights and that they have adhered to the law’s requirements. The law was enacted following the Browns’ controversial relocation to Baltimore in 1995, aimed at preventing similar events.
While the law stipulates that any Ohio-based team using a tax-supported facility must provide six months’ notice before moving, the specifics regarding intrastate relocations remain unclear. Mayor Bibb’s letter highlights the need for a timeline if the Browns plan to initiate the sale process, requesting access to evaluate the team’s records.
Although the legal aspects of the Modell Law regarding local relocations remain largely untested, previous cases have raised similar dilemmas. The Browns maintain that the law is overly vague and raises several constitutional concerns.
Peter John-Baptiste, the chief communications officer for Haslam Sports Group, stated that they are reviewing Mayor Bibb’s correspondence and reaffirmed their commitment to honoring their lease while pursuing a new enclosed stadium project. He believes such development would bolster economic activity and revenue generation for the region.
This situation calls for open communication between the city and the Browns as both parties navigate the complexities of sports law and community interests. A collaborative approach could potentially lead to a resolution that benefits both the team and the local economy.
Overall, as tensions rise, there remains hope that both sides can find common ground. Such a collaboration may not only keep the Browns in Cleveland but also pave the way for substantial community engagement and economic growth.