Jimmy Haslam trying to buy the Browns

[roberthunter]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter
Browns owner Randy Lerner said he currently is in negotiations to sell his team to Mr. Jimmy Haslam. He wants to keep all details private.

[zjcvols]

Doesn't Haslam own a part of the Steelers?

[Velo Vol]

Originally Posted by zjcvols

Doesn't Haslam own a part of the Steelers?

Apparently.

Interesting potential portfolio.

Free Cleveland Browns bumper stickers with qualifying fill up at Pilots.

[TrueOrange]

'Steelers fan' buying the Browns? - AFC North Blog - ESPN

It's no surprise that Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner is in talks to sell all or a portion of the team.

There has always been chatter that his heart wasn't into owning the team. It was his father, Al Lerner, who bought the team. Randy Lerner inherited it when his father passed away along with the responsibility of trying to get the Browns out of the AFC North cellar.

The unexpected part of Friday's news is the potential buyer/investor. Lerner confirmed in a statement that he is negotiations with Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2008. Yes, the Browns' despised division rival. If that upsets Browns fans, then they shouldn't read Haslam's investor profile on the Steelers' website where he proclaims: "I am 1,000 percent a Steelers fan!"

I totally understand the negative backlash this has caused from fans in Cleveland. It was only 16 years ago when your team was ripped away and moved to Baltimore. Now, it looks like a man waving the Terrible Towel is coming to take over the team.

This is probably futile, but let me try to calm your fears on this matter. First, Lerner didn't specify whether he'd be willing to sell the team outright or just a portion of it. So, the notion that Haslam is taking the entire team from Lerner is just speculation at this point (although you would have to think he is looking for a majority share).

And second, Haslam isn't a lifelong Steelers fan who grew up drinking Iron City beer. He is a billionaire who was a fan of the Cowboys and Colts before investing in the Steelers. He reportedly tried to buy the Titans a few years ago, which tells you how strong his ties are with the Steelers. If Haslam would gain a stake in the Browns, I'm sure he would change his allegiance to the Dawg Pound.

Let's see how this plays out. There is a lot of optimism about the future of the Browns with the likes of Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden. Now, those hopes comes with questions about who will be owing the team down the road.

[The Ville_Vol]

Just read on ESPN. They are big Steeler's fans also, which is weird...

[AJeray4TN]

Maybe we'll have a reverse pipeline to NFL players now.

[Boca Vol]

The Haslam's are minority owners in the Steelers. How could they switch to a rival?

NegaSteelers, IMO!

[GetEmVols]

Haslam is making a big mistake purchasing that show. Family guy is 10x better.

[Vol8188]

Originally Posted by The Ville_Vol

Just read on ESPN. They are big Steeler's fans also, which is weird...

I'm a Titans fan, but if another team was for sale and I could actually afford it, I would buy another team.

[allvol123]

Cool. One of the best helmets in the NFL.

[alwaysvol]

I knew Haslam had money, but I had no idea he had enough to buy a NFL team. More power to him as long as he continues to give money to UT.

[phowell23]

Pilot must be doing well.

[Weezy]

There's no conflict of interest that wouldn't allow him to donate anymore is there? I assume not since he already owns a portion of the Steelers.

[TrueOrange]

Originally Posted by Weezy

There's no conflict of interest that wouldn't allow him to donate anymore is there? I assume not since he already owns a portion of the Steelers.

I would think he'd sell (back) his steelers portion were he to successfully purchase ownership of the browns

[phowell23]

Deal is suppose to be completed before Week 1.