Cleveland, Ohio – Three decades after the Browns moved away from Cleveland due to stadium issues, the team is now embroiled in a legal battle over the Art Modell Law, which was created to prevent such a scenario from happening again. The Browns are pushing back against the law in their quest to secure a new stadium in suburban Brook Park, sparking dueling lawsuits between the team and the city.
The Browns are challenging the constitutionality of the Modell Law, which mandates a six-month notice period before the team can relocate, giving residents an opportunity to purchase the team. The team’s legal team is vehemently contesting the application of the law, seeking to move forward with their plans for a modern stadium in Northeast Ohio.
While both parties acknowledge the importance of finding a resolution, the legal teams are engaged in a fierce legal battle. Ted Tywang, the chief administrative officer and general counsel of Haslam Sports Group, emphasized the Browns’ commitment to building a state-of-the-art stadium for their fans, despite the legal obstacles they face.
The Browns have opted to pursue their lawsuit in federal court, while the City of Cleveland has filed a separate lawsuit in state court. The differing opinions on which court system is preferable highlight the gravity of the legal dispute and the stakes involved for both parties.
In response to the city’s lawsuit, the Browns have labeled the claims as baseless and financially irresponsible, a common tactic in legal proceedings. The team accuses the city of using delaying tactics to prevent progress on their plans for the Brook Park stadium, potentially jeopardizing the team’s future in the region.
Even if the Browns succeed in overcoming the legal hurdles posed by the Modell Law, they still need to secure public financing for the proposed domed stadium at Brook Park. The team faces the challenge of navigating public opinion and potential opposition to taxpayer funds being used for the construction of a stadium for a highly valuable sports franchise.