As the reports continue to surface that George Kokinis is no longer the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns -- and as the Cleveland Browns continue to say nothing about the situation -- Jay Glazer of FOX cites an unnamed source who says that Kokinis was fired "with cause."
In other words, the Browns plan to stop paying Kokinis, and to not honor the balance of his contract.
The basis for the "with cause" designation isn't known. Typically, NFL coaching and executive contracts contain specific language that would justify a termination of the agreement "with cause."
Kokinis will be permitted to file a grievance over the "with cause" determination. Typically, however, the contracts include a term authorizing the Commissioner to resolve any dispute, with no right of appeal.
Naturally, it's the most favorable forum possible for the franchises, since the Commissioner is employed not by the players, but by the teams.
We're not suggesting that the Commissioner isn't fair in such situations. But fairness is an objective concept shaped by the subjective biases and prejudices of the person who hopes to display fairness. Every man and woman who has ever donned a black robe and used a gavel to open walnuts is subject to that same human reality.
That said, the Browns will need something more substantive and tangible than general allegations of poor performance.
Report: Kokinis fired "with cause"
Posted by Mike Florio on November 2, 2009 10:46 PM ET
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19 Comments 
Latest stories in: Cleveland Browns, Latest News and Rumors, Legal, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Legal, Top Stories
Latest stories in: Cleveland Browns, Latest News and Rumors, Legal, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Legal, Top Stories
I must be really stoned because I just zapped right out during that second to last paragraph.
According to wikipedia - ernie accorsi already has the job. good times - gotta love wiki for false info! that said, he IS friends with lerner.
The basis for the "with cause" designation isn't known.
...I can't help but wonder if O'Brien and he had something going on...
Mangini better stop off at Office Max for some boxes, because he's next.
Congrats to the Browns on knowing how to identify a serious problem and fix it (without waiting five years to do so). Watch and learn, Green Bay. PLEASE.
This is so pathetic. The guy never even got a shot. I hope the next Ravens froint office memeber that thinks of leaving for Cleveland has a little more sense.
He was fired "Cause" he sucked
Can we fire Jerry Angelo "cause" he's an idiot ?
Haha, this is awesome to watch. Seeing Mangini falling apart is great. Icing on the cake if he tries for a job under Bill B again
The only box Mangini is going to need is a pine one to bury his coaching career in which is hopefully coming to a rapid end.
GoBrowns19 I just busted out laughing from your comment. haha, I was thinking the same thing. WTF?
yeah yeah its definitely his fault. couldnt possibly be mangini, or anderson, or lewis, or any of the thousands of weak links on that team...MUST be the gm
i feel for you kokinis, you had one of the worst teams in the 21st century, and you stayed on like a man
"Naturally, it's the most favorable forum possible for the franchises, since the Commissioner is employed not by the players, but by the teams."
What position did Kokinis play?
this is an nfl franchise? cleveland fans i feel for you ... this is absolutely pathetic. what a joke. the nfl deserves better - there are some really pathetic franchises out there these days ... cleveland is fast approaching al davis territory.
It's absolutely shocking that Flowerio didn't somehow bring up the Raiders in this article and the Kiffin firing for 'just cause'. You're getting a little lax on your Raider coverage, Flowerio.
Hahahaha, I stoned too and I died laughing that you zapped out during the last paragraph. I thought the same thing and was glad somebody else when through the same misery as I was. Speaking of misery, why do people think that replacing the Browns GM will have anything to do with the performance of our deadbeat, deadwood, unqualified, overpaid loser players?
If Kok is the guy who put the current roster together, then that's enough cause to fire him.
If he isn't, then he's a scapegoat for Fredo.
That's interesting, "with cause". That is usually a pretty short list of transgressions that most senior managers under a contract are able to stay away from.
It will be interesting to see where this one goes.
RANDY LERNER is an idiot. Does he really want to have George Kokinis to air all of the Brown's dirty laundry at a grievance hearing?
I always thought Oakland had the most dysfunctional franchise but Randy Lerner has truly taken "dysfunctional" to a whole new level.