Wilson: Legal battle could unfold following Kokinis dismissal

Although the contract language is unknown in former Cleveland Browns general manager George Kokinis' deal with the organization that he signed in January, a legal battle is considered likely.

It's possible that the league might have to step in at some point resolve this dispute.

When it became apparent that the Browns were attempting to prove they had cause to fire Kokinis, it also became clear that this one was going to get nasty. 

Kokinis has yet to break his silence on the matter after refusing to resign.

It's unclear if a settlement will be reached between the two parties, but an outside mediator might be needed to resolve this one.

George Kokinis

A respected former executive for the Baltimore Ravens, Kokinis was hired by the Browns under the auspices that he would have final say authority with the Browns in personnel matters.

However, coach Eric Mangini, a close friend of Kokinis' for many years, was the final authority on matters large and small surrounding the Browns' football operations.

Kokinis' father, Pete, was Mangini's high school wrestling coach back in Hartford, Conn.

And Kokinis and Mangini were roommates years ago when both were Browns interns.

Kokinis also served on the board of directors of Mangini's foundation.

It's a safe assumption that the friendship is damaged beyond repair at this point.

Mangini didn't exactly exude any warmth in discussing Kokinis' departure on Tuesday.

'Any time a decision like this is made, it is difficult personally and professionally,' Mangini said. 'George is a friend of mine and I respect him and I wish his family well. I can tell you that for a variety of reasons, things didn't work out.

'You never go into a situation like this with the intention of it not working out. We felt that organizationally this was the best decision in order to move forward. We have a strong structure in place on both the pro side and the college side and things will continue to operate effectively on a day-to-day basis.'

Kokinis maintained a low profile since joining the Browns and rarely conducted interviews.

'I guess I'm a little surprised, but obviously we don't know the situation so we're just going with the flow,' offensive tackle Joe Thomas said. 'There's been lot of crazy things that have happened over the last couple years.'

Thomas added that he never got to know Mangini very well.

'Not really, he wasn't around too much, and when he was he was pretty quiet," Thomas said.

That silence is likely to be mirrored by Mangini, at least publicly, whenever Kokinis' name comes up going forward.

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