Browns ban Bernie Kosar from team activities for betting

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar signs an autograph before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns ban Bernie Kosar from team activities after admitting $19K bet

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 1/8/23

The Cleveland Browns will be bringing their 2022-2023 campaign to a disappointing end on Sunday, but it looks like they are starting their offseason activities by banning a team legend from being involved with the organization.

The Browns will face long-time rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 hoping to secure only their second win streak of the season. No matter the result this weekend, Cleveland is headed to their ninth losing season over the last decade.

This year has been a mess for the organization as they made the bold decision of swinging a blockbuster trade for star quarterback DeShaun Watson and alienated previous starter Baker Mayfield. However, they only had the QB for a little more than a handful of games and he did not impress after missing two years of action.

Despite a solid effort from veteran Jacoby Brissett in relief the Browns underperformed and are 7-9 heading into the season finale. Yet, finishing the season against the hated Steelers would be a good way to end a frustrating year. And it seems that hope for a productive end to the season got the best of Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar, and got him in serious hot water with the organization.

On Sunday, Cleveland Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot reported that Kosar “was relieved of his duties by the team on Sunday in connection with a bet he placed on the Browns vs. Steelers game.” During the week, the team great had tweeted that he had placed a $19,000 bet on Tipico Sportsbook on the team to beat the Steelers on Sunday.

While Bernie Kosar does not have an official role with the organization, he has served an unofficial ambassador for the Cleveland Browns and is a frequent guest on the team’s radio show. The former NFL quarterback confirmed the news in a Tweet this afternoon.

“I was informed by the Browns that my services are no longer desired or needed. I will not be doing today’s radio program. I am shocked & disappointed. Brown & Orange is my life”
– Bernie Kosar

The NFL and its organizations have dropped the hammer over the last year on individuals directly or indirectly working for teams that gamble on NFL games. The man that played nine seasons for the Cleveland Browns is one of the first that doesn’t have an official job with a franchise to receive punishment.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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