Cleveland Browns Owner Randy Lerner In Talks To Sell Team To Jimmy Haslam

In what has already been an interesting and at times exciting off season for the Cleveland Browns, another big story appears ready to break. The Browns issued a release on Friday announcing that their current owner, Randy Lerner, is currently in talks with Jimmy Haslam, a current investor with their division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Both ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Radio's Daryl Ruiter released tweets on Friday confirming that the Browns made such a release.

#Browns issue statement from owner Randy Lerner who confirms he is negotiating w/ Jimmy Haslam

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) July 27, 2012

An excerpt from the release reads:

In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I've been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns. We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season.

Currently, all of the details are being kept private by all of the parties involved. For a story as big as this, there is certain to be some more information put out in coming days.

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