Most of the teams in the NFL will be going to some lengths to honor the late Art Modell, but the Cleveland Browns will not be one of them. Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer reports that the Browns will do nothing to recognize Modell's passing during pre-game activities on Sunday.
Browns President Mike Holmgren reached out to Modell's son David and said 'we want to do the right thing by the Modell family,'' according to Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne.
"David told Mike that he really appreciated the call and the offer, but that he knew it would not be totally accepted by the Cleveland fans,'' Byrne said.
"David suggested that the Browns not do a tribute.''
It makes sense, given Modell's history with the team. He owned the franchise from 1961 to 1995, and was responsible for moving the team to Baltimore, giving birth to the Ravens franchise. The Browns stayed defunct for three years before returning under a different owner.
Had there been a moment of silence in Cleveland, it's unlikely there would have been anything approaching silence in the stadium. All other teams have thus far made it clear that they plan to do something to honor Modell who, despite the ire held by Cleveland fans, had a large effect on the way the NFL looks today. The league had sent a memo to all teams on Friday asking that they commemorate Modell's death in some way, and it's unlikely they take issue with the Browns passing on the opportunity.
Talk about Modell with Browns fans at Dawgs by Nature and with Ravens fans at Baltimore Beatdown.
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