It was no secret that Art Modell's Cleveland Browns were in trouble -- a disappointing performance on the field, declining revenue because of Modell's miscalculation about the impact of a new stadium for the Indians, formerly his tenants. Something was going to happen. But knowing that didn't make the news reported in The Plain Dealer on Nov. 7, 1995, any less shocking. A flock of reporters contributed; Michael K. McIntyre wrote the story:
BROWNS BOLT
Deal announced in Baltimore
Art Modell finally ran the play he has been drawing up in secret for the Browns all season.
He executed an end-around that could sweep professional football out of Cleveland despite a defensive blitz called by Cleveland Mayor Michael R. White.
Modell was introduced by the Maryland governor as the "owner of the Baltimore Browns" during a news conference in Baltimore to announce that the 49-year-old franchise had agreed to play in Memorial Stadium next season. The Browns will move into a tailor-made, 70,000-seat stadium at Camden Yards, next to Oriole Park, by 1998.
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