CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have taken legal action against the city as they continue their battle over the proposed construction of a new enclosed stadium and entertainment complex in Brook Park. The team recently submitted an amended complaint in federal court, stirring the ongoing dispute further.
Eric Chaffee, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, commented on the situation, noting that neither party is likely to concede easily. He anticipates that this amended complaint will be just one of many legal documents exchanged in the coming months amid a vigorous rivalry over the stadium’s future.
The city is utilizing a state law commonly referred to as the Art Modell law, aimed at preventing the Browns from relocating from their current site on the downtown lakefront. This regulation mandates that Ohio sports teams in taxpayer-funded facilities be made available for sale for a minimum of six months before any relocation can occur.
Chaffee remarked on the unique nature of the Art Modell law, highlighting that it has not been thoroughly litigated in the past, complicating the outcome of the current case. The Browns’ updated complaint, filed on Monday, argues that this law is unconstitutional and includes the city’s law director as a defendant in the matter.
According to court documents, the city has argued against allowing the Browns to pursue this new lawsuit, suggesting that it effectively resets the legal proceedings. Moreover, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office contends that the Browns’ latest filing will not succeed, even with its updates.
In response to concerns about delays in the case, U.S. District Judge David Ruiz emphasized that this remains early in the legal process, and the Browns’ new filings will not lead to significant postponements. Chaffee noted the complexity of this case, stating that the courts will need to devise remedies if the law is deemed to be violated.
Both parties face challenges ahead, with the city requiring a robust argument against claims that the law is unconstitutionally vague. Chaffee raised questions about what the stipulations are for offering the team for sale and highlighted that these ambiguities could affect the city’s position.
The existing lease for the current lakefront stadium expires in 2028. The Browns indicated in court documents that construction on the proposed Brook Park stadium must begin by early 2026 to ensure its completion for the 2029 season. Chaffee indicated that such legal conflicts can endure for years, if not decades. While the Browns may consider starting development on the Brook Park facility during ongoing litigation, the lack of precedent for the Modell law adds an element of risk to their plans.
This legal saga is poised to unfold in the months ahead as both sides navigate intricate legal terrain to assert their claims and aim for resolution.
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