Roadblocks aplenty in any new stadium talk

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By STEVE KING

Again, that the Browns want a new domed stadium is hardly a surprise – in fact, it’s not even really news in the truest sense – since there has been talk of that for years.

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Instead, what is significant – and in fact is the main sticking point – is that the timing of it isn’t great. Actually, it’s more than just not great, but rather horrible for a lot of different reasons. We know that because we’re all living in it and experiencing it. So, then, a venture of that magnitude, and the huge lakefront development plan to which it is connected, might seem nothing more than a pipe dream to some people.

That the Browns already have a stadium that is only 23 years old and was renovated not that many years ago makes people wonder why the Browns need a new stadium of any kind.

The Browns are coming off a disappointing 2021 season in which they finished just 8-9 after going into it with visions of making it to their first Super Bowl. Indeed. Instead of taking another step or two or three forward after in 2020 making it to the playoffs for the first time in 18 years, they fell backward a step or two or three.

Then there’s the issue – perhaps you’re aware of it – that covers the Browns like a blanket right now. In fact, it is the only thing that anyone is talking about. That is, of course, the trade to get embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson and then sign him to a fully-guaranteed $230 million contract. All this despite the fact he is up to his hip pads in trouble concerning the seediest of deeds, alleged sexual misconduct with a plethora of message therapists. He is waiting to be suspended by the NFL for what could be five or six games to the whole season to indefinitely.

A lot of Browns fans are up to their waist in disappointment that their team would get someone like this to the face of the franchise.

As such, the Browns have a lot of stumbling blocks — economically, perceptually and public relation-wise – to overcome before even serious discussion of such a costly – perhaps $1 billion – project can take place.

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Provided by the Browns Media Center

Browns Sign LB Dakota Allen

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns announced they have signed LB Dakota Allen.

Allen (6-1, 232) is a fourth-year player from Texas Tech. He was selected in the seventh round (251st overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. Allen served stints on the Rams’ (twice) and Oakland Raiders’ practice squad in 2019 before signing to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ active roster during Week 15 of the 2019 season. Over the course of his career, he has appeared in 32 games, collecting 19 stops with one forced fumble. Last season, he appeared in 14 games with one start with the Jaguars.

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