Browns GM Ray Farmer suspended four games for texting violations
Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer has been suspended without pay for four games and the team has been fined $250,000 after Farmer illegally texted coaches during games last season, the NFL announced Monday.
Farmer is suspended for the team's first four regular season games of 2015.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that Farmer was expected to be suspended.
In February, Farmer apologized for for texting coaches about play-calling during games last season, which is a violation of league rules. He admitted he made a mistake in a statement released Monday.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam accepted the NFL's ruling in a statement.
Ray made a mistake a takes full responsibility for his role in violating the policy. It is critical that we make better decisions. Ray has tremendous integrity and I know has great remorse for what occurred.
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Browns coach Mike Pettine previously said that he was unhappy with Farmer for his actions.
Last week, Farmer said it is possible quarterback Johnny Manziel could join the team for workouts in April. Manziel entered a treatment facility in April following a tumultuous rookie season in Cleveland.
The Browns finished 7-9 last season and own the No. 12 pick in next month’s draft.
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