I-Team: Judge rules on dismissal of Browns lawsuit
Judge Lauren Moore ruled on the Browns case on Friday morning.
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The city of Cleveland sued the Browns in January, saying the team is restricted from moving due to the 'Modell Law.' However, last month, the state legislature reworked the Modell Law saying teams can move as long as they do not leave the state of Ohio.
The Browns asked to wait until the federal case is resolved. But since that case is on hold indefinitely, the judge dismissed that request as moot.
The Browns also argued the case was 'unripe,' meaning the city had not yet been negatively impacted by the Browns' move. But the judge ruled the Browns' plan to move out of Cleveland to Brook Park is already a done deal.
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The ruling reads in part:
The Browns have made it clear that they will not fulfill their contractual duties with the city. The Browns have given notice to the city that they intend to move, they have finalized the purchase of 167 acres of land in the city of Brook Park, they have given formal notice to the city that they are leaving, they have engaged in frequent strategy and planning meeting with the mayor of Brook Park, they have entered into a partnership with a contractor for the purpose of constructing a new stadium and they are procuring financing. The reality is that the move is not a 'contingent future event.' The Browns have unequivocally announced that it is their intention to leave the Huntington Bank [Field] and they are moving forward with plans to depart from Cleveland to Brook Park. The issue of the Browns leaving the city of Cleveland is [no] longer hypothetical.
Judge Lauren Moore's July 11 opinion and judgment entry
Following the ruling, Cleveland Law Director Mark Griffin issued a statement to the I-Team that read: 'We appreciate Judge Moore's diligence in thoughtfully applying the law and look forward to further addressing the merits of our case in her court.'
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A spokesperson for the Browns said in a statement the organization is complying with the obligations of its downtown stadium lease, which expires in 2029, and that it remains focused on building the new 'world-class' enclosed stadium in Brook Park.
'We are as confident as ever in our legal position and look forward to a prompt resolution of the city's meritless claims,' the statement reads.
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The I-Team has also learned Brook Park has applied for about $80 million in state money for road projects around the dome site.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said he predicts major traffic headaches around the airport once the Browns start playing in Brook Park.
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