Modell family asks Browns to cancel tribute - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Modell family asks Browns to cancel tribute

Posted: Updated:
CLEVELAND -

CLEVELAND (AP) - Art Modell's family has asked the Cleveland Browns not to acknowledge the former owner at Sunday's season opener.

The Browns had planned an "appropriate recognition" for Modell, who died on Thursday at the age of 87. But Modell's son, David, spoke to Browns president Mike Holmgren and requested the team not do anything to recognize the late owner who remains vilified by many Cleveland fans for moving his team to Baltimore after the 1995 season.

The Browns will grant the family's wish. Any tribute for Modell before Sunday's game against Philadelphia could have triggered an ugly backlash by Browns fans.

Team spokesman Neal Gulkis said the Browns had intended to have a tribute read over the public address system.

The NFL has asked all its teams to observe a moment of silence or acknowledge Modell, who owned the Browns from 1961-95.

  • Regional

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:45 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:45:50 GMT
    The excavation of a field in suburban Detroit has failed to turn up the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, the FBI announced Wednesday, adding another unsuccessful chapter to a nearly
    The excavation of a field in suburban Detroit has failed to turn up the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, the FBI announced Wednesday, adding another unsuccessful chapter to a nearly 40-year-old mystery.
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:31 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:31:13 GMT
    Three brothers from Morenci disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Tonight their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will
    Three brothers from Morenci disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will be part of a new series call John Walsh Investigates. The episode airs Wednesday night at nine.
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:19 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:19:28 GMT
    A judge is aiming for a late summer proceeding to meet the speedy trial rights of an Ohio man accused of kidnapping three women and holding them in his home for about a decade.    Judge Michael Russo in
    Judge Michael Russo in Cleveland says he's aiming for an Aug. 4 trial for 52-year-old Ariel Castro, who was arrested May 6.
  • Top Stories

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:31 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:31:13 GMT
    Three brothers from Morenci disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Tonight their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will
    Three brothers from Morenci disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will be part of a new series call John Walsh Investigates. The episode airs Wednesday night at nine.
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:53 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:53:42 GMT
    After two levy defeats, Bowling Green City Schools are cutting costs. The district is moving to a pay-to-participate system, charging students for after-school activities. The move could be the beginning
    After two levy defeats, Bowling Green City Schools are cutting costs. The district is moving to a pay-to-participate system, charging students for after-school activities. The move could be the beginning of more cuts for the district.
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:45 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:45:50 GMT
    The excavation of a field in suburban Detroit has failed to turn up the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, the FBI announced Wednesday, adding another unsuccessful chapter to a nearly
    The excavation of a field in suburban Detroit has failed to turn up the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, the FBI announced Wednesday, adding another unsuccessful chapter to a nearly 40-year-old mystery.

Area Events Calendar

See It, Shoot It, Send It!