Cleveland Browns conspiracy theory?

Despite being surrounded in my family by “anti-Brownies” and Black and Gold terrible towels. It is “at times” difficult being a Cleveland Browns fan. It is even more difficult when I am ribbed for the living I make as a sports analyst writing about such a “horrible” franchise. So as a result, every once in a while for just a second my faith begins to waiver. I do wonder if at least some of them are right.

My Father-in-law (who has what we will call a questionable past) wonders why I am a Browns fan not for the usual reasons, but for a different reason entirely. And I have found myself wondering late Wednesday night if he just may be correct. His theory is that the NFL is essentially rigged and that’s why the Browns will NEVER win a Super Bowl. This is why The Patriots won the Super Bowl just after 9/11. This is why John Elway was able to retire at the top winning his 2nd ring. This is why The Giants beat the Patriots who had an undefeated season. He has a thousand other examples but you get the idea.

So let us review the past few weeks/month or two and look at the “interesting” news that has put the Cleveland Browns at a disadvantage coming into 2012.

1. Scott Fujita’s suspension is upheld

For his role in the Saints “Bounty-Gate” Scott Fujita is suspended for the first three games of the 2012 season removing one key defensive veteran off the field to start the season. Although not surprising that Roger Goodell upheld his own decision, but disappointing none the less.

2. Phil Taylor a large part of the season due to injury.

Lifting weights big-time Nose tackle Phil Taylor suffered a pectoral tear possibly ending his 2012 season before it even got started. He could come back but his injury is a blow to the top 10 ranked defense in the league meaning the Browns have lost 2 out of 11 starters to start the year.

3. Chris Gocong out for the season

Chris Gocong (the other outside starting linebacker opposite Scott Fujita) is carried off the practice field this past week with a season ending ACL tear meaning that 2 of the Browns 3 starting linebackers are out for the first three games and Gocong of course is done for the year. This also means 3 of the teams 11 starters won’t start the season. Are you getting nervous yet?

4. Cleveland Browns are sold to a former Steelers minority owner

Believe it or not according to Forbes magazine the Cleveland Browns are the 30th most valuable sports franchise in the world. This includes any and all professional sports teams (even that wacky soccer in Europe). I don’t recall the list by memory but at best there were only five NFL franchises ahead of the Browns on that list. And don’t get me wrong, I’m honestly glad to have a new owner in Jimmy Haslam who will actually be involved but why did he have to previously be a minority owner of our hated rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers? It could have been almost any other franchise (other than Baltimore) and I wouldn’t have thought twice about it. But a man formerly of the Steelers now owns our Browns. At the very least I see it as a slightly disturbing, nagging, uneasy, omen. The sale could shake up the front office and the current rebuilding project that has been in place going into the third year could be “blown up” and we will start all over again. Am I becoming paranoid? Wait, there is more.

5. Joe Haden may face four game suspension

Rumors surfaced on Wednesday that the Browns #1 shut-down cornerback Joe Haden may face a four game suspension for failing a drug test. This news coming on the heels of another drug related story. Just recently the Browns signed WR Josh Gordon, who failed three drug tests in college before just recently signing as a rookie from the supplemental draft. This means that now 4 of the 11 starting veterans on the defensive side of the ball won’t be there. Once again, two, maybe three of them is only to start the season but disturbing none the less. Do you see a pattern forming?

6. Trent Richardson may have minor surgery today

On the same day that we find out about Joe Haden we discover the Trent Richardson (our crown jewel of the 2012 NFL Draft) has gone to Florida to be examined for a possible 2nd “minor” surgery on the same knee he has had operated on since the end of his college season in 2011. This time it is possible that a ‘particle” of cartilage is causing the swelling in his knee. Then again he may not need surgery at all. But this does bring into question the Browns plans to have Richardson as their workhorse out of the backfield. Once again, at least at the start of the season.

So is this just a confluence of random events that have converged at just the right time and place? Is it part of the “Cleveland curse”? Or is this what my Father-in-Law says? Is it an NFL conspiracy that keeps the Browns from being competitive in 2012?

What do you think?

Curse, conspiracy or just bad luck!

The Curse strikes again!

It's a Conspiracy!

It's just our "Bad Luck", as always

Create your own poll

Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst AFC North
Michael is the Lead Analyst for the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website