Browns' Naming-Rights Partner Implicated In Federal Bribery Case

Browns execs have "loved the FirstEnergy name on the team's stadium" since '13, but now the franchise will have to decide if it wants to "sever ties with the corporation in the wake of Tuesday’s federal complaint that FirstEnergy paid $60 million in bribes to Ohio lawmakers for a public bailout of two of its power plants," according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. Akron-based FirstEnergy, which agreed to a 17-year, $102M deal in '13 for the Browns' stadium naming rights, is the "Company A" referred to in the "federal racketeering case." A Browns spokesperson said the team has "a great partnership'' with FirstEnergy, but "declined to comment on any reports." In addition to naming rights, the partnership "consists of interior and exterior stadium signage, use of Browns trademarks, event sponsorships, as well as a full complement of media assets, including TV, radio, print and digital." The two entities also "jointly participate in philanthropic endeavors" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 7/22).