|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,418
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,418 |
I am quite certain that Banner and Lombardi talked, in depth, about how the public relations side of the organization would be structured, and how interaction with the media would be conducted.
I would bet that none of this is a surprise to Lombardi, and that he is quite happy to wait for some victories in personnel to pile up before he gets out in front of the local media.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,858
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,858 |
Quote:
jc...
What does this say about the Browns choice to fill the GM position, when the CEO has to hide the GM away so the local sports media can't ask him any questions?
What does it say about the CEO of the Browns, when he makes the decision to hide Lombardi from the media?
I don't believe I have ever seen anything like this, in Cleveland or in the NFL...a GM not being allowed to talk to the media.
Had Holmgren done this...hid Heckert away from the media...these folks now standing up for Banner, would be ripping Holmgren a new one. Now we know why Banner didn't want Heckert to remain as GM...Heckert would not stand for something like this.
Banner chose Lombardi for precisely this reason...Banner wanted someone willing to compromise all his principles, when asked to...someone willing to surrender his authority as GM, when told to...someone willing to do whatever Banner wants. Banner wanted a "yes man" and he sure got one in Lombardi.
What a slap in the face to Mike Lombardi, not being introduced to the media when promoted to GM...and not being included in the press conference when Kruger and Bryant were introduced to the media.
Obviously, Banner is afraid to allow his new GM to even talk to the local sports media...I've never seen anything like this...only in Cleveland !
Well, when asked where Lombardi is, banner could have simply said, he's a very busy guy getting ready for the draft,, he'll be available when time allows...
But instead, he stood right up and said Lombardi was a lightning rod and that for now it's better he stay in the shadows (paraphrasing of course)
For my money, even if I find the need to hide him to be kinda silly, I like his candor about Lombardi
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,199
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,199 |
Quote:
jc...
What does this say about the Browns choice to fill the GM position, when the CEO has to hide the GM away so the local sports media can't ask him any questions?
What does it say about the CEO of the Browns, when he makes the decision to hide Lombardi from the media?
I don't believe I have ever seen anything like this, in Cleveland or in the NFL...a GM not being allowed to talk to the media.
Had Holmgren done this...hid Heckert away from the media...these folks now standing up for Banner, would be ripping Holmgren a new one. Now we know why Banner didn't want Heckert to remain as GM...Heckert would not stand for something like this.
Banner chose Lombardi for precisely this reason...Banner wanted someone willing to compromise all his principles, when asked to...someone willing to surrender his authority as GM, when told to...someone willing to do whatever Banner wants. Banner wanted a "yes man" and he sure got one in Lombardi.
What a slap in the face to Mike Lombardi, not being introduced to the media when promoted to GM...and not being included in the press conference when Kruger and Bryant were introduced to the media.
Obviously, Banner is afraid to allow his new GM to even talk to the local sports media...I've never seen anything like this...only in Cleveland !
I feel like he is acting like a parent trying to protect his 10 year old son from the world.
Maybe Lombardi requested it from Banner because of his track record?
I haven't seen anything like this either. This one is a first. I think BB allowed his staff to talk to the media at least once when they were first hired.
Maybe... oh shoot. I got nothing.
We don't know the outcome yet and it could end up a fairy tale, comedy, or a horror. The only thing we can do is sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show.
I will say that IMO I don't think we are off to a great start. I feel like we went from too many Chiefs and not enough Indians to now it seems like there are too many Indians and one dictator.
Hunter + Dart = This is the way.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,856
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,856 |
jc Very wierd situation, on one hand I can see what Banner is doing, Lombardi is a lightening rod and would certainly distract from what is going on in FA, If he was present at press conference, the BOZOS probably wold have spent more time on decisions made in the past than what is going on in the present. Persoanlly i do not like Lombardi but really who gives a rats *** anymore what was done 5 - 10 -15 years ago. It has no bearing on decisions made today, ( read my sig  ). On the other hand it sets an odd precedent, does this mean every time a tough decison is made then Lombardi, or Chud or whoever will run behind the curtain? Closing ones eyes does not make it go away. Lombardi is an adult, he is in a well paid position and he needs to be able to handle the good times with the bad ( that goes for ALL the FO, Owner and coaches) Stand up there Banner let them be men, if they ask a stupid question tell them it is, ignore it and move on. Make the past a non story and the BOZOS will move on to their next meal ticket and over blow another story out of whack. as I have always said screw the media, they regurgitate storys like a cows does cud, not capable of independent thought.
#gmstrong
A smart person knows what to say.
A wise person knows whether or not to say it.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 18,980
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 18,980 |
jc
It's funny. Back on the dissolved Brownschat board, people who didn't like Holmgren and Heckert whined that they weren't available to the media as much as they'd want. Now, in a similar situation, excuses are made for Lombardi on why he isn't around...interesting to say the least.
I'll say it like I did over there... who cares if Lombardi or anyone else is made available to the media? He's been here what, a couple of months with a team that switched up everything, only re-signed one of their own FA and is obviously looking outside for FA signings, prepping for a draft (something he hasn't done in years), and is working with people he hasn't before. Talking to the media is the last thing this guy should be doing right now just like it with prior talent evaluators. He needs to focus on the main job at hand. Build a team and win games. If we win, no one will really care who pops up to the press room.
For any FO executive, answering Mary Kay Cabot's questions just doesn't seem like a priority to me.
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,133
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,133 |
Quote:
jc...
What does this say about the Browns choice to fill the GM position, when the CEO has to hide the GM away so the local sports media can't ask him any questions?
What does it say about the CEO of the Browns, when he makes the decision to hide Lombardi from the media?
I don't believe I have ever seen anything like this, in Cleveland or in the NFL...a GM not being allowed to talk to the media.
Had Holmgren done this...hid Heckert away from the media...these folks now standing up for Banner, would be ripping Holmgren a new one. Now we know why Banner didn't want Heckert to remain as GM...Heckert would not stand for something like this.
Banner chose Lombardi for precisely this reason...Banner wanted someone willing to compromise all his principles, when asked to...someone willing to surrender his authority as GM, when told to...someone willing to do whatever Banner wants. Banner wanted a "yes man" and he sure got one in Lombardi.
What a slap in the face to Mike Lombardi, not being introduced to the media when promoted to GM...and not being included in the press conference when Kruger and Bryant were introduced to the media.
Obviously, Banner is afraid to allow his new GM to even talk to the local sports media...I've never seen anything like this...only in Cleveland !
Well well well! Look who's complaining about a lack of transparency. 
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160 |
Quote:
Quote:
From Mary Kay Cabot today talking about Banner's presser at the NFL Meetings:
• He said Lombardi is not out in front of the media right now because "he's a little bit of a lightning rod'' and Banner want Lombardi to focus on his job for awhile.
I know Banner was hiding Lombardi in a closet, but this is beyond stange!
Strange?
I think it's smart.
Banner isn't allowing the media to sink their proverbial teeth into him, and anything that Banner can do to keep the media at bay is smart business.
Banner knew the electric shock effect that Lombardi's hire would bring..and he's prepared everyone for it.
However that said dudes got to have a interview at some point , and Banner know's it,said it but he wants shield him fand keep everything pointed in his direction.
Last edited by Attack Dawg; 03/19/13 10:10 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475 |
"Closet"??? More like Trunk...I think Banner would like to practice his Ventriloquism before bringing him out...lol  Sorry, couldn't resist.
So far so good for the system. Banner is clearly running the ship...absorbing info from Lombardi/Farmer as well as Chud n his staff. The key to me was HOW GOOD IS BANNER...not Lombardi - Lombardi's Prowess is compiling Info. Banner has the plan...he however does need that trusted partner who can interject precise info n be able help Banner making the right decisions.
JMHO - Local media is an extension of us fans. Most of us do not RESPECT Lombardi...so Banner who is running this show make no bones about that. Wants Lombardi who seems to be one who can get hurt with the Negativity...so he's protecting his right hand man.
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off!
Go Browns!
CHRIST HAS RISEN!
GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550 |
It's obvious Banner is the primary spokesperson for the team. I couldn't care less if Lombardi isn't out and front.
Some teams the owner talks. Others, the coach, others the GM....here it is the CEO.....nothing strange or uncommon.
Even here. When we first came back Clark didn't do a lot of the talking. Policy was the voice we heard.
I am not directing this at you EO, but some people complain just to complain. JMO
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,693
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,693 |
To say the least...  Browns' Joe Banner: Michael Lombardi a 'lightning rod' By Gregg Rosenthal Around The League Editor Cleveland Browns general manager Michael Lombardi hasn't been seen by the media since he was promoted to GM a few weeks ago. That's by design. Browns CEO Joe Banner says that he will address personnel matters for now. "I'm just being very honest," Banner told the Plain-Dealer Monday at the NFL Annual meeting Monday. "Mike is a little bit of a lightning rod. Distraction won't serve anybody's interests. He's got a tremendous amount of work to do right now, and whether that's good, bad or fair or not it doesn't really matter. It's just the reality of the situation." Lombardi is only a "lightning rod" in Cleveland. Many media members and some fans don't seem to be big fans based on Lombardi's last stint with the team during the Bill Belichick era. Lombardi's introductory press conference when he joined the team was combative to an almost comical degree from an outsider's perspective. (We're sure the Browns found it less funny.) "It attracts a lot of attention and it gets a lot of strong reaction and I think it's better for us right now and better for him to keep things calm, low key, focus on his work and then kind of more gradually let that situation take care of itself," Banner said Tuesday. It makes sense for the Browns to keep Lombardi out of the spotlight when introducing new free agents if he's going to be the focus. Plenty of GMs keep a low profile; it hasn't exactly stopped Kevin Colbert in Pittsburgh or Ted Thompson in Green Bay from doing a great job. Although hiding Lombardi may give the Cleveland media more to complain about. Link
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg) "I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski "Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield #gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 15,341
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 15,341 |
Like the Cleveland Medianeeds more to complain about? They will find something if not Lomardi then Weeden,Chud or Norv or whoever ... JMHO
John 3:16 Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,806
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,806 |
I think I actually prefer to keep Lombardi off camera. I hate listening to his drivel.
Am I perfect? No
Am I trying to be a better person?
Also no
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12,635
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12,635 |
Quote:
I think I actually prefer to keep Lombardi off camera. I hate listening to his drivel.
Most people would still prefer to keep Mike off the Brown's payroll... 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,189
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,189 |
Quote:
.. who cares if Lombardi or anyone else is made available to the media?
...If we win, no one will really care who pops up to the press room.
I agree. Making the right decisions and bringing in the right coaches/players who will contribute to the Browns winning is all that is important.
Banner is a shrewd professional. He knows if he gave a reply to, "Where's Lombardi?", like, "he's too busy right now to talk to the media", that the media would discredit an answer like that citing the fan's disdain for Lombardi to be the real reason.
And thus he exposes the real reason the media wants him available, to create news stories.
So Banner speaks in an honest, transparent manner when he says Lombardi is a "lighting rod" right now.
Throwing Lombardi up to the media right now would change the subject from FA to Lombardi and that would be a distraction at a time when the FO needs to focus on what is important.
He did the same thing when he and Haslem introduced the hire. He stated he knew the hire would draw criticism and that he was taking a chance hiring him. This, with Lombardi sitting right there on the podium with them. He didn't just throw out a bunch of accolades about Lombardi like Haslem did. He was honest and took responsibility for the outcome.
Those statements diffused the media from bringing them up instead which would have made the story much bigger than it became. It's like someone calling you an idiot and you agree. You just took all their steam out of it and they've got nowhere to go.
He's been straight-up and transparent with many other answers to some very tough questions that I'd have expected him to gloss over. He has also stated matter-of-fact when he's not gong to answer a question giving his own reason rather than hide behind some stock reply.
I didn't like the hire of Banner. I thought of him as a little weasel-faced, dishonest bean counter who was looking out for himself and the Browns would suffer for it.
But upon becoming more familiar with him in his interviews I find him refreshing for someone in his position. I feel he's honest, that there is a plan and that they're keeping to it as best they can.
He does some things I don't like such as qualifying some statements with, "I'm not going to lie to you", which usually means someone is about to lie to you. But they all lie to the fans and media regarding some things which are none of our business and also helps to keep other teams off-track with how they're thinking. Then again, sometimes they just lie. We all do.
It's a major change from all the "first-timers" we've had here trying to "learn on-the-job" as they've misguided our franchise into the ground time and time again.
It's hard to think of someone who is more experienced, or successful or as professional than this dude in his current position.
Where this "plan" is going to take us I don't know. But like what I'm seeing so far.
The only things that's disappointed me is we didn't sign one of the top CB's yet. But they are hot on the heels of Grimes. If he can be medically fit and we manage to sign him then the patiently waiting for their guy to fall to them would be a great move.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475 |
Quote:
Many media members and some fans don't seem to be big fans based on Lombardi's last stint with the team during the Bill Belichick era.
Now I could be wrong cause I am not local to read/see/hear all the local media. But I was under the impression the disrespect Browns fans n I would guess the media had towards Lombardi was his almost BURN BRIDGING attitude n comments over the years about the Browns n in a way their fans. He never had a good thing to say even when his peers were suggesting it as a good thing. I know I grew a dislike to him not when he was with the Browns. But afterwards - I also lost respect n trust in his allegiance w/Bill Bellicheck regardless where his job was. When checking him out I also was very astonished at his teams terrible record in the draft especially the first two rounds...almost 10 years of it. Not the suggested:
Quote:
Lombardi's introductory press conference when he joined the team was combative to an almost comical degree from an outsider's perspective.
I guess the key word there was "OUTSIDERS PERSPECTIVE" So this Bozo just didn't get it. No clue why we were questioning the HIRE? Just thought it was Funny. I don't think many fans new Lombardi that much when he was here to hold a grudge. But then us Browns fans are JUST DUMB n STUPID 
According to this Bozo...oh excuse me - Around the League Editor  yep that's who you are.
Well JMHO - again Banner is the key
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off!
Go Browns!
CHRIST HAS RISEN!
GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,189
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,189 |
Well the press conference was combative and that's not the norm for a press conference announcing the hiring of anyone. The media is usually trying to get to know the new hire and asking questions in that regard.
Instead, our local media was grilling these guys on a hire they didn't like and weren't afraid to voice it nor were they afraid to question Lombardi's less than successful past, both here and afterwards. Then there was the disparaging remarks he's made regarding Heckert's drafts they wanted him to answer to.
Highly unusual. "...comical degree from an outsider's perspective", as it wasn't their team having a presser like that.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,475 |
All in the past but at the time...I was all aboard.
Questions on the hire...we were being told in the presser our search had us interviewing Lombardi 10 days prior n how he won us over...And then we had NFL Network as well as his close friends at INSIDE the NFL on Show - where PHIL SIMS is wearing a BROWN Tie in celebration of his buddies new job...this was 2 months before the Presser!
I know some here will challenge the value of Heckert as a GM...as far as the Personnel part he was the by far ABSOLUTE BEST we have had hear - in a long time including before the MOVE (1995). The question was Heckerts record compared to Lombardi's which was not that good. The feeling at the time was - IT wasn't what was best about the Browns...but what was best for BANNERS SIDE KICK. This is how Fans did feel. Also Lombardi burnt a lot of FAN BRIDGES in his constant...criticizing on the Browns. As I stated - Comical??? Only to an "OUTSIDER".
For me that was a long time ago...I feared the unknown n didn't trust Banner. Several moves later n I trust Banner. Even if it means Lombardi is part of it. It seems to be working so far. I fear less n trust more. But I still don't like the way the presser went - and the conception that we are too dumb to figure out this was a plan from way back...why make a hoax of a search unless it was to get by the Rooney rule. I just came away feeling like I was lied to.
I like what I see so far...but I still have my 
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off!
Go Browns!
CHRIST HAS RISEN!
GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059 |
Quote:
I just came away feeling like I was lied to.
Yes....we were.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413
Legend
|
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413 |
From listening to Lombardi on Bill Simmons' podcast over the years I have come to understand Lombardi's thoughts on what a GM should be doing.
He doesn't think that the GM should talk to the press because it could skew his thoughts on players.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864 |
Let's be serious, as much as Lombardi has bashed the Browns, there is almost nothing he has said that hasn't eventually rang true. We suck. We suck at drafting. We make horrible decisions and he has been there bashing us all along the way. The fans, the media, everyone, needs to take a step back and realize for all the bashing he did, he wasn't far off. In b4 Josh Gordon, Lombardi coudl argue that even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413
Legend
|
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413 |
Wait, you mean we shouldn't have drafted Brandon Weeden in the first round last year?
Mind blown.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864 |
Meh, if it were up to me we wouldn't have drafted Haden so I'm not claiming to be an expert but sometimes fans and ESPECIALLY our media need to step back and realize it's not "bashing" if it's just the negative facts you don't really want to hear.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,027
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,027 |
Quote:
From listening to Lombardi on Bill Simmons' podcast over the years I have come to understand Lombardi's thoughts on what a GM should be doing.
He doesn't think that the GM should talk to the press because it could skew his thoughts on players.
There's some thought to that. I can't speak for everyone, but I could care less if he talks to the media. His availability or unavailability is more media driven.
I'm like most, in that he wouldn't have been my first choice, and that I do have concerns, but he's our guy and we have to live with it. Can't we just let him do his job instead of second guessing him before he even does anything? This all started the minute Jimmy Haslam was rumored to buy the team. His name was tossed around, and the whole circus began.
I'm pulling for the guy. I hope he shoves it in Grossi's face if he gets this thing back going again.
So far the whole new Browns group has done some good things. I like the coaching hires, I like the free agent signings, and I like the terms they agreed to. I don't like that Phil Dawson isn't coming back, but I understand, and I also think any top tier team would do the same.
There isn't a whole lot to question yet. They inherited a questionable QB situation. If they fix that, Grossi's head might explode.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864 |
The only other guy the media hated around here was Mangini and I loved that guy. Best coach we've had, let's hope that trend holds true.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 74,732
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 74,732 |
Quote:
To say he didn't "come clean" gives me the impression that you are not at all happy with any of this, which would inexorably lead you to question nearly anything he does regarding this complex situation.
While I will respect your opinion, methinks you're not disapproving of just this situation but Banner and Lombardi as a whole. In that light, I would ask you what move or moves Banner would make at this point to earn your approval...
In this light I seriously question your credentials and qualifications for your thinking you are now able to deduce peoples reasonings and thought process. How if people question anything people do or feel, it entails far more than they say it does. At least according to Dr. Toad. Seriously?
Maybe you overestimate your abilities?
Not everyone who questions certain moves or things done by this FO has an agenda.
I'm not in that category. I don't have an agenda. I simply don't care for Banner nor Lombardi and aren't bashful about that. I have made my feelings well known. Banner says he was involved in all aspects in Philly so I hold him accountable for their downward spiral the past few years before he left there. He's the one who said he was involved in it all, not me.
Lombardi already has a track record in Cleveland and in other places. In the real world, resumes actually mean something no matter how some wish to minimize it.
Now, Banner knowingly hired someone he knows has a poor drafting record and that a lot of the fan base hates and he wishes to hide him in a closet. Shrude? Maybe. Above board and open? Not even close!
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358 |
Quote:
I'm pulling for the guy.
...and as a Browns fan, how can you not?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,263
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,263 |
Quote:
Mangini and I loved that guy. Best coach we've had,
Two words: Butch Davis, and not even close. Genie couldn't hold Butchs jock and I really didn't care for Butch and I liked Genie up until the last half of his last year.
Dawginit since Jan. 24, 2000 Member #180
You can't fix yesterday but you can learn for tomorrow
#GMSTRONG
I want to do it as a Cleveland Brown because that's who I am.”
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,936
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,936 |
Quote:
Quote:
Mangini and I loved that guy. Best coach we've had,
Two words: Butch Davis, and not even close. Genie couldn't hold Butchs jock and I really didn't care for Butch and I liked Genie up until the last half of his last year.
Wow... just goes to show you how awful this period of Browns football has been when you see fans arguing about either of these losers being the "best" coach we've had (presumably post-move).  
[color:"white"]"Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
-- Mark Twain [/color]
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059 |
Quote:
He doesn't think that the GM should talk to the press because it could skew his thoughts on players.
Huh? What am I missing here?....
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499 |
Quote:
Quote:
I just came away feeling like I was lied to.
Yes....we were.
Prove it!
You never said one freaking word about how Holmgren lied. He said he woke up that morning and decided to fire Mangini. You believe that He hired guys who shared the same agent. You believe that he hired the best guys? He took vacations during the freaking season, yet said he was fully committed to the Browns? You believe that?
I am so freaking sick of you guys LOOKING for trouble. We aren't even through FA. We haven't had a draft. We haven't played a game. We haven't played a season. We sure as heck haven't had THREE seasons. And all you do is whine, complain, and try and stir up trouble.
I asked you all to cool it and I would too. But, if you don't wanna play fair......beware.
BTW---who hired Heckert and Holmgren this year?
You're losing points w/me, 32. All you do is stir up trouble about our direction. That's the way you want it.....fine!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6,815
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6,815 |
Quote:
You never said one freaking word about how Holmgren lied. He said he woke up that morning and decided to fire Mangini.
Ugggg,,.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499 |
And here they all come.
Why talk football, when talking agenda is so much more productive?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059 |
Quote:
You're losing points w/me, 32. All you do is stir up trouble about our direction.
As this is a Banner/Lombardi thread, my original premise was questioning where is Lombardi and whether he was closeted. This subsequently was proven to be true. Discussion of the previous regime is not remaining true to this thread. I trust that this response is sufficient for me to remain on your Christmas Card list...
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,189
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,189 |
Quote:
I trust that this response is sufficient for me to remain on your Christmas Card list...
Probably not.
But all is not lost. We already have posters here who post just to stir up trouble, We know who they are and regard them as such. Stick around, perhaps you can make that list.
As the one posted article said, there are many GM's who are not trotted out to meet the media for every signing or meaningless event in which they've played a part.
Lombardi sat with Banner and Haslam for a press conference when he was hired. What would be the point of bringing him out again when Farmer was hired to proclaim his title change to GM? To reintroduce him as the same guy doing he same thing with a mere title change and a new assistant?
And I like Banner's explanation to the media who wondered why Lombardi was not present for another grilling over his past issues. He didn't want the distraction of having Lombardi grilled over his past issues when they are smack in the middle of working on the FA period.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059 |
Quote:
... post just to stir up trouble, We know who they are and regard them as such. Stick around, perhaps you can make that list.
I can assure you I am not posting to stir up trouble; I have too much respect for this board and members for that. However, don't expect me to sing the Company song and toe the Corporate line; I've been around the block too many times for that nonsense. My post questioning where is Lombardi was both true to the thread topic and is current "news", not agenda based. The post stimulated some interesting and informative conversation. I can certainly make generic, inane posts such as "We need to sign a FA CB if you wish me to...
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,810
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,810 |
Quote:
I asked you all to cool it and I would too. But, if you don't wanna play fair......beware.
vers...who elected you the spokesman for this message board?
You are only one of the 1958 registered members of this message board and each of us is entitled to an opinion of the various subjects discussed on this message board.
...vers...you say "beware"....what the heck is that about?
What are you gonna do, hunt me down if I post something you don't agree with?
You might be able to intimidate some with veiled threats but that tactic is not gonna fly with me and I doubt it works to silence anyone on this message board.
There is very good reason for Browns fans to be concerned about the new owner and those he hired to run this franchise and voicing those concerns doesn't mean the media and fans don't want the team to succeed.
The Browns new owner, Jimmy Haslam, rode into Cleveland in the fall of 2012 and proclaimed himself a "new type" of Browns owner...then in Feb 2013, Haslam announced that he would be leaving Cleveland to return to "his first love", running his truck stop business, Pilot J.
....don't believe Haslam has been back to Cleveland since.
Haslam turned the franchise over to his new CEO, Joe Banner, the salary cap wizard from Philly, who has never been in charge of the "football side" of any football team...ever!
It was Banner who hired Mike Lombardi as the Browns GM...someone who had been out of football for 5 yrs, working as a sports writer and an analyst for the NFL network.
Now Banner announces that Lombardi will not be allowed to talk to the media and Banner makes up some crap about Lombardi being a lightning rod. To my knowledge, Lombardi has said nothing that is controversial and there is no evidence of the media being overly aggressive toward Lombardi.
I've never seen anything like this in Pro football...a team CEO openly hiding the team's GM from the public and media.
Vers...now, after all this, you become offended because some fans begin to question those in charge of this franchise. I believe the local sports media and Browns fans everywhere have good reason to begin asking some questions...what the hell is going on in Cleveland?
FOOTBALL IS NOT BASEBALL
Home of the Free, Because of the Brave...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 55,499 |
Quote:
.vers...you say "beware"....what the heck is that about?
It is about the fact that the other board [which 32 and myself were members of] was poisoned by the constant bickering of which regime was better/worse. Agenda posting was the norm and very little productive football talk occurred. Before we all came over here, I asked several others to kindly refrain from continuing our regime battles. It was to be a fresh start. It seemed that we were in agreement.
It appears that there are a few people can't let it go and look for every opportunity to make the new regime look bad. The "beware" is in reference to me bringing up the futility of the past regime. Football talk takes a back seat to agenda posting [you should know a lot about that, mac] and the quality of the board regresses. I certainly would never expect people to get fully behind the new regime, but calling them strange and dysfunctional for something that has NOTHING to do w/acquiring talent is clearly an attitude fueled by a negative agenda.
So, I ask again [not you, mac---I gave up on appealing to your logic long ago and will now go back to ignoring you] that we please keep our discussions to football and stop w/the Regime Wars that poisoned the other board. In case you haven't noticed, there is a lot more "football talk" on this board than on our old board. That is a good thing. Let's not bring the board down w/our agendas, and yes, I am including myself in that group. Thanks for your consideration.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,761
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,761 |
Well, then let me be the first to break it to you, as someone who didn't post or read on that board...but since you've posted again on here, you haven't been shy to bash away at the last regime...at all
Don't get me wrong, I love it that you're back up here, but I'm just not sure you held up to your end of that "agreement"
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160 |
Quote:
Well the press conference was combative and that's not the norm for a press conference announcing the hiring of anyone. The media is usually trying to get to know the new hire and asking questions in that regard.
Instead, our local media was grilling these guys on a hire they didn't like and weren't afraid to voice it nor were they afraid to question Lombardi's less than successful past, both here and afterwards. Then there was the disparaging remarks he's made regarding Heckert's drafts they wanted him to answer to.
Highly unusual. "...comical degree from an outsider's perspective", as it wasn't their team having a presser like that.
Media already knew who ML is, and was..I saw it ,it amused me..but Banner and co, knew it was going to be that way from the get-go.
He did bash how the Browns drafted but the irony is, he hasn't done a stellar job himself .
So the folks were not going to let him just waltz in without a fight..
His track record isn't good.
Now that said ..he's here , and he's in fight to right the ship.
This first draft will tell a lot about whether he's changed or not and I mean is he capable of building this team the right way?
I said earlier I have a different feel about this then I did from Holmy's crew(even though I liked Heckert) so I hope I 'm right, I hope they get this right.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059 |
Quote:
I love it that you're back up here
Vers is a valued and respected member of this board. His posts (while they can be somewhat volatile at times  ) are articulate and I'm certain are well-read. Every board needs posters that bring intensity and provoke thoughtful responses. It is not necessary, nor desireable, that posters always agree with each other for how else can you initiate stimulating conversation? Opposite points of view often provide food for thought and that is a good thing...
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
|
|
|
DawgTalkers.net
Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns make Lombardi G.M., Farmer
assistant G.M.
|
|
