The Facts: The Browns and GM Ray Farmer are facing possible sanctions from the NFL for "Textgate," including a multigame suspension for Farmer, and a fine and loss of draft pick for the Browns.
Diehards Line:
The investigation -- one of three "integrity of the game" probes currently underway in the NFL -- is expected to be wrapped up soon, as early this week or next week. The Plain Dealer reported on Jan. 6 that a Browns "high-ranking personnel member texted from the press box to the sidelines about playcalls' during a game, which was one of the reasons former OC Kyle Shanahan, now with the Falcons, felt that working for the Browns had become dysfunctional for him. Multiple league sources have told the Plain Dealer that Farmer was the high-ranking personnel member who violated the NFL's electronic device policy by the impermissible texting. Those messages were then apparently relayed to the coaches. The texts occurred in multiple games. The NFL investigated the improper texts, and are prepared to announce sanctions within the next couple of weeks. A resolution could come as early as this week, but probably no later than three weeks.