Tag: Browns statement

Browns release statement on the Week 15 COVID-19 postponement, every person who tested positive was vaccinated

The Browns release a statement noting that all players who tested positive were vaccinated and fans will be allowed inside FirstEnergy Stadium for Monday’s game

The Cleveland Browns organization has released an official statement on the decision to postpone Saturday’s home matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders until Monday. The COVID-19 outbreak around the Browns led to the NFL moving the game, one of three contests in Week 15 moved from their original start times.

Via Browns Senior Vice President of Communications Peter John-Baptiste, the team noted its strict adherence to the defined NFL league protocols involving COVID-19. John-Baptiste also declared that every Browns player who tested positive has been previously vaccinated and none are experiencing anything more than mild symptoms.

Also, fans will be allowed at FirstEnergy Stadium for the rescheduled game on Monday.

From the Browns,

“While our team and entire organization diligently prepared for tomorrow’s game as initially scheduled, both from an on-field and fan-experience standpoint, we respect the NFL’s decision to postpone our matchup against the Raiders to Monday at 5 p.m. ET. As always, our top priority is the health and well-being of our community, coaches, players, and their families, whether that is related to COVID-19 or player safety factors. Our team has consistently adhered to the league’s COVID-19 protocols during the past two seasons, and we will continue to operate in a manner that meets and oftentimes exceeds the guidelines dictated by the league and its medical experts.

“We fully recognize the fluidity of the situation, including Browns personnel who may be available this week, and remain in constant communication with the NFL. The team conducted virtual meetings and a virtual walkthrough this morning and plan to hold a practice tomorrow at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as we continue to prepare for the Raiders game. Although we are unable to disclose specifics, we are fortunate that every member of our organization who has recently tested positive was vaccinated, the majority of which are currently asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms.

“As we have done throughout the 2021 season, the Browns and FirstEnergy Stadium on Monday will continue to have various health and safety measures in place for our fans and staff members, including reliable access to hand sanitizer, comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting regimens, and more throughout the venue. In addition, as recommended by the CDC, the Browns strongly encourage everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, to wear masks in indoor spaces; unvaccinated individuals are asked to wear a mask at all times, and vaccinated persons should consider doing the same when unable to socially distance. Ticket holders with questions about ticket policies should contact a Browns ticket office representative.”

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Browns release a statement supporting the fight against racism

Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam and several team executives released a statement on the ongoing protests for racial equality and harmony

In response to the ongoing protests stemming from the death of unarmed African-American man George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis last week, the Cleveland Browns released a statement supporting the quest to end racism.

The statement, signed by Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, VP Andrew Berry, head coach Kevin Stefanski and others in the executive office, aims to build the spirit of community and cooperation to overcome the racial and political divides. It was also signed by the Columbus Crew management, which is also owned by the Haslam’s.

From the press release:

Sports can be a great unifier in our communities for what teams do on the field and we must work together to elevate our efforts and our actions to ensure that we can be a positive and productive change agent off the field.

With yet more tragic deaths, we, as a nation and as individuals, must truly create meaningful dialogue, have difficult conversation, demonstrate real empathy and take productive and non-violent action to address injustices.

These are complex issues that no sports team can solve on its own. We can only help create change by working together with our community, our players and our entire region to find solutions.

We take great pride in our city and in our region and recognize the suffering in the African American community throughout the country. Although, we, like many others have worked to advocate for social justice, now more than ever, we must do even more to work collectively to end racism and bond together for justice and equality.

Several Browns players have spoken out supporting the same cause on their own social media outlets.

Browns announce team facilities will reopen June 1st

Browns announce via public statement that team facilities will reopen on Monday, June 1st

The Cleveland Browns have announced they will open up team facilities for Phase 1 of a return to operating with in-person contact. Phase 1 will begin on Monday, June 1st.

In a public statement from Browns executive VP/COO Dave Jenkins, the team noted that all the requisite benchmarks necessary to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic, as established by both the NFL and the state of Ohio, have been met. Jenkins noted the team continues to work closely with University Hospitals to establish and maintain proper hygiene and preventative measures to protect staffers from COVID-19 infection.

From the statement,

“During the past two weeks, we thoroughly reviewed all of the parameters and recommendations in place to ensure the responsible and safe reopening of our facilities. As planned, they will reopen to a limited number of employees beginning on Monday. We are proud of our entire staff’s collective efforts and productivity while working from home, and our return to the building marks an important step as we continue to diligently prepare for the 2020 season. In addition to adhering to all league and government guidelines, we will continue to evaluate COVID-19 developments with University Hospitals while creating safe environments for when additional Browns employees are permitted to return.”

The initial opening will be limited to a small group of personnel.