Cleveland Browns relocation controversy

The Cleveland Browns relocation controversy started in 1995 when the club’s owner Art Modell decided to move the franchise to Baltimore. That decision was a shock for the authorities as Modell promised never to change the city in exchange for quasi-ownership of the local stadium for 25 years signed in 1975.

The first step to the relocation was a fail to enter the playoffs. Browns were candidates for the 1995 season Super Bowl with 11-5 seasonal record but then lost the remaining three games. The brand minority owner Al Lerner urged Modell to contact the fresh Maryland Stadium Authority chairman to consider to move to Baltimore. Local authorities called him since 1983 after the Colts left it in favor of Indianapolis but Modell ignored them. Modell allowed his companion to negotiate in July 1995. The negotiations continued till September. He informed about the signed deal on November 6, 1995 at Camden Yards press-conference. Browns moved to Baltimore next year.

The reaction was immediate. Cleveland authorities sued to all initiators Guyahoga County Court heard the case for obligating the team to play their home matches in the city, and stay their home base too. The ticket holders and fans issued some extra lawsuits. Even United States Congress had the hearings on this matter.

NFL banned the removal of the club’s heritage from Cleveland. Modell got the right to open the new franchise in any desirable city. The original Browns franchise suspended until 1998. Cleveland built the new branded stadium for the Browns. Their local stations aired the games of their main rivals – Cincinatti Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Some other teams used threat of relocation to motivate their cities to develop the playing conditions. 12 new stadiums have been built that days.

Baltimore returned to the US football map thanking to Ravens. However, it could disappear again when the temporary agreement ended but NFL decided that returning Browns would be the expansion team.

Some teams used the Cleveland Brown’s experience to achieve the certain goals or preserve connection with the city. NBA team Seattle Supersonics moved to Oklahoma but their previous city preserves their exhibition and achievements. Thunders and possible new franchise in Seattle will share history, colours and traditions. NHL team Quebec Nordiques didn’t match their franchise history and historical records in Quebec City waiting for the new franchise. Denver Avalanche returned the retired numbers in Quebec to circuit.