According to a report by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Randy Lerner is close to selling the Cleveland Browns franchise to a group headed by Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Most importantly, the Plain Dealer has cited a source who confirms that the team will not be leaving Cleveland as part of the sale.
Via Cleveland.com:
"An unconditional guarantee was given that the Browns would not move before talks could even start,'' a league source told the Plain Dealer.
In addition to Haslam, Howard Eskin of NBC 10 in Philadelphia has reported that former Philadelphia Eagles president Joe Banner is believed to be part of the group negotiating to purchase the team. Banner spent 18 years with the Eagles and helped the organization reach five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl during his tenure.
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