The Cleveland Browns are suing the city over a 30-year-old law that keeps them from leaving town to build a new stadium. The team is attacking the “Art Modell Law” as unconstitutional, claiming it’s being applied unfairly.
Thirty years after the team left due to stadium issues, they want to move to suburban Brook Park and build a new home. However, the city wants them to follow the law, which requires six months’ notice before leaving town and allows residents to buy the team.
The Browns claim the city is trying to slow their progress and are accusing the mayor of being “irresponsible” with public funds. They’re also saying that if they succeed in circumventing the law, they’ll still need to negotiate for public financing for a new stadium without putting it to a vote.
The team views federal court as a better place to settle the dispute, but the city prefers state court, where judges are accountable to voters. The outcome is uncertain, but the Browns’ goal remains clear: building a world-class stadium in Northeast Ohio by 2029.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/browns-continue-to-attack-art-modell-law-as-unconstitutional