The NFL recently announced that the Cleveland Browns and former G.M. George Kokinis settled the grievance filed after Kokinis was fired “for cause,” which means “without cash.”
Multiple league sources tell us that, as expected, the arrangement involved cash flowing from Cleveland to Kokinis.
One source believes that Kokinis got all of the money he was due to receive. Another source believes it was less than 100 cents on the dollar.
Per one of the sources, the reason for the fairly prompt settlement had less to do with the new regime in Cleveland than it had to do with the fact that the head coach will be returning for a second season. We’re told that, as the initial information began to develop via the grievance process, it became clear that Kokinis -- via lawyer Jeff Kessler -- would be taking aim at Eric Mangini. Though all of the proceedings are supposed to be confidential, facts that could be disruptive or embarrassing to one party or another tend to make their way to daylight. And the thinking is that it’s the last thing the Browns or Mangini need right now.
Regardless of the amount paid, the Browns offered enough to get the hard-bargain-driving Kessler to agree to a deal.
The possible good news for the Browns is that, if/when Kokinis returns to the Ravens, a credit could apply to any future money that Kokinis earns, unless the settlement entailed a lump-sum payment with both sides finishing the deal and walking away.