Lerner close to selling team

[Chris Raiden]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/inde...o_selling.html

Randy Lerner is close to a deal to sell a "controlling interest" in the Browns to Tennessee businessman, Jimmy Haslam III.

I have not popped the sparkling grape juice cork yet, but, the bottle is on ice in anticipation. The deal could be done soon.

[Peter Smith]

The potential is there for this to be a good move. The possible inclusion of Joe Banner gives them some credibility and suggests they won't come in and destroy what is currently in place right away. He will certainly bring more passion for the job than Lerner was and be more public, which may or may not be a good thing. I really hope he's not in the mold of a Jim Irsay, Jerry Jones, or Daniel Snyder. Hopefully he is in the mold of a Robert Kraft.

[Chris Raiden]

The potential is there for this to be a good move. The possible inclusion of Joe Banner gives them some credibility and suggests they won't come in and destroy what is currently in place right away. He will certainly bring more passion for the job than Lerner was and be more public, which may or may not be a good thing. I really hope he's not in the mold of a Jim Irsay, Jerry Jones, or Daniel Snyder. Hopefully he is in the mold of a Robert Kraft.

I checked, this guy doesn't have a Twitter account, so we should be safe on the Jim Irsay front.

Although, two of those guys have Lombardi's in their office...anyway...

I'm hoping for a Robert Kraft, I'll settle for wins. That's the important thing. Having Banner in there does give the organization some instant cred if he's indeed the pick to replace Holmgren, and Heckert could be kept for continuity. Shurmur's seat is smoldering though, and that's a good thing.

[BigBenCan7]

Don't know why a partial Steelers owner and devout Steelers fan would want to own the Browns, but I suppose I have no problem with infiltrating the enemy if they are willing to allow it. Perhaps they'll trade Richardson to us and stop *****ing about James Harrison's hits.

Doubtful on the latter...

[Chris Raiden]

Don't know why a partial Steelers owner and devout Steelers fan would want to own the Browns, but I suppose I have no problem with infiltrating the enemy if they are willing to allow it. Perhaps they'll trade Richardson to us and stop *****ing about James Harrison's hits.

Doubtful on the latter...

Eh, he didn't grow up that way, he converted when he bought a stake in the team. He's also been a Colts fan (Manning).

[Peter Smith]

Considering what Ohio has been giving the Steelers over the years, we're due to get something back.