Cleveland Threatens Legal Action Against Browns

The City of Cleveland is taking legal action against the Cleveland Browns over their plans to move to a new $2.4 billion stadium in suburban Brook Park, as mandated by the Art Modell Law. This law, enacted after the Browns' controversial move to Baltimore in 1995, requires teams using publicly funded facilities to provide a six-month notice and an opportunity for the city to purchase the team before relocating. Mayor Justin Bibb emphasized that the Browns have failed to comply with these legal requirements and that the city invested over $350 million in maintaining their current stadium. The Browns announced their relocation plans despite considering a renovation deal for their downtown stadium. The team has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming the law is unconstitutional, while the city plans to enforce it to retain the franchise within its borders. Fans are split on the move, with some preferring the downtown location and others open to a new venue in Brook Park for better facilities.