Browns’ Backers Get Glimmer Of Hope In Nation’s Capital

Cleveland Mayor Michael White high-fived his way down the normally staid halls of a Senate office building Wednesday, pressing flesh with costumed football fans and lawmakers in his latest efforts to prevent the Browns from moving to Baltimore.

“We believe Congress, and only Congress, has the authority to stop this insanity,” White told a Senate subcommittee on antitrust issues raised by the team’s pending move.

Several Ohio lawmakers pledged to introduce legislation to make it harder for professional sports franchises to relocate.

At least one proposal, the so-called “Fans Rights Act”, would be retroactive and could keep the Browns from going to Baltimore and possibly the Houston Oilers from taking up residence in Nashville, Tenn.

A change in the law also has the support of NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who frankly conceded the league was gun-shy about challenging moves in the courts after losing the suit to Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis.