Suspended without pay
The NFL suspends Farmer for the first four games of the 2015 season for sending texts to personnel during games, which violates the NFL’s electronic device policy. The Browns are also fined $250,000. NFL:
There was no evidence in the NFL’s review that Browns ownership or any other team executives had knowledge of the prohibited conduct. Once the violation was discovered, Browns management implemented new processes to ensure future compliance.
Farmer:
I respect the league’s decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions. Accountability is integral to what we are trying to build, and as a leader, I need to set the right example. I made a mistake and apologize to Jimmy Haslam, [coach] Mike Pettine, our entire organization and our fans for the ramifications. Learning is a big part of who I am, and I will certainly be better from this situation.
Crowd noise fine, lose draft pick
As punishment for piping crowd noise into home games, the Falcons are fined $350,000 and forfeit a 2016, fifth-round draft pick. The Falcons will not appeal the punishment.
What took place was wrong and nowhere near the standards by which we run our business. Anytime there are actions that compromise the integrity of the NFL or threaten the culture of our franchise, as this issue did, they will be dealt with swiftly and strongly.
Superbowl seat judgement
A federal jury orders the NFL to pay about $76,000 to some of the seven fans who sued over the seating issue at the 2011 Super Bowl. The jury says the NFL breached its contract with some ticket holders, but the NFL did not commit fraud. The plaintiffs complained that they had tickets to the game, but they either ended up without seats or they had seats with obstructed views. Hours before kickoff, around 1,250 temporary seats were declared unsafe, forcing about 850 ticket holders to move to new seats and 400 others to standing-room areas. The NFL says it fully compensated these displaced attendees.