Browns file suit against City of Cleveland over 'Modell Law' provision

The Browns have filed a federal lawsuit "asking for clarification" of the “Modell Law,” which the city of Cleveland has "threatened to use to keep the Browns from leaving" after their lease at lakefront Huntington Bank Field expires in 2028, according to Tom Withers of the AP. Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam announced last week they are "moving forward" with plans to build a domed stadium and entertainment complex in Brook Park, about 15 miles south of Cleveland. Earlier this week, the Cleveland City Council "threatened to block the move" by invoking the “Modell Law,” named after former Browns owner Art Modell. After losing his fight with the city to get a new stadium built, Modell moved his franchise after the 1995 season to Baltimore, where it became the Ravens. The Browns "explored other options," including a makeover of their current stadium, but said that the remodeling was "too costly" (AP, 10/24).