Modell’s Finances Investigated

There are signs that some of the Cleveland Browns money problems are not exactly as owner Art Modell has described them, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.

Modell says financial woes - a $21 million loss over two years - are one reason he’s moving the team to Baltimore next season.

The newspaper said Modell’s outside investments, many of which have been entwined with the Browns’ finances, included some high-profile failures.

During many of his 34 years as an NFL owner, Modell also has outspent other teams for administrative costs and player salaries. The Browns, with 84 employees, have one of the largest front-office staffs in the league. The Steelers, by comparison, have a staff of 52; the Bengals, 36.