A day after the Cleveland Browns announced they would provide "appropriate recognition" on the passing of Art Modell prior to their regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, the team has scrapped its plans.
Lombardi: I'll miss you, Art
Michael Lombardi worked for Art Modell on the Cleveland Browns for almost 11 years -- and cherished every moment. **More ...**
The decision came at the request of David Modell, stepson of Art Modell and former president of the Baltimore Ravens, who wisely understood the potential for a poor reaction by Cleveland fans still upset the original incarnation of the franchise was moved to Baltimore in 1996.
"David Modell appreciated (Mike) Holmgren's offer of (a) brief P.A. read, but David knew it would not be well-received," Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne told Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer.
The Browns are the only home team in the NFL that won't honor Modell on Sunday. That striking reality provides context to a singular decision that will forever be a raw nerve for the region.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
