Haslam says Farmer admits texting mistake, sticking by GM
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said that general manager Ray Farmer has admitted to the Browns that he broke NFL rules sending text messages to the sideline during games.
However, Haslam said he'll stick with Farmer, who could be facing a suspension and the Browns could lose draft picks and be fined.
"He said he feels he made a mistake in sending those texts,'' Haslam told Cleveland reporters. "But it does not affect his standing with the club. I don't think Ray intended to gain an unfair advantage."
Haslam disagreed with a report from CBS that the Browns are screwed up.
"We work extremely well together,'' Haslam said.
Haslam said he's not giving up on troubled quarterback Johnny Manziel, who's in rehab.
"It's way too early to give up on Johnny," Haslam said. "We certainly haven't given up on him. Everybody's been too harsh."
Haslam commented on suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon.
"We have the responsibility to get the most out of our players and take care of them," Haslam said. "He's failed to accept responsibility. At a certain point in time, an individual's got to do what's right. We hope he can get his life together.''
Haslam said he had no involvement in Farmer's text messages, saying: "Ray's a big boy."
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun