The Browns had planned to conduct an appropriate recognition of the passing of Art Modell before Sunday’s game against the Eagles. In the end, the Browns decided that the most appropriate recognition was none at all.
Team spokesman Neal Gulkis has advised PFT that the Browns will make no mention of Modell, at the request of his family.
It’s the smartest way to handle the situation. A moment of silence wouldn’t have been, and any type of announcement or tribute would have been interrupted by those who would have embraced the blanket of anonymity and booed.
Gulkis explained that the team had planned to make a simple announcement of condolences via the public address system. In the end, the Modell family helped the team that replaced Modell’s Browns out of a very delicate situation.
That said, the combination of rowdy Browns fans and the sale of alcohol means that there could still be an impromptu and spontaneous recognition of Modell. Here’s hoping that folks ultimately choose to show the proper respect.