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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Brown cut loose by Cleveland

Associated Press

Defensive end Courtney Brown was released Monday by the Cleveland Browns, although the move may be only temporary.

Brown, the first overall choice in the 2000 draft, played five injury-plagued seasons with the Browns and never lived up to expectations. He was cut a day before he was due a $2.5 million roster bonus.

The Browns attempted to redo his contract before releasing him and will continue talks with his agent, Marvin Demoff.

“We are hoping this is a temporary situation and Courtney chooses to continue his career with the Browns,” Browns general manager Phil Savage said in a statement.

A message left seeking comment from Demoff was not returned.

Last month, Brown said he’d be willing to move to linebacker in new coach Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

Brown missed 33 games the past four seasons, including the final 14 games last season after tearing a ligament in his foot.

Injuries severely limited Brown’s playing time and production as a pass-rusher. He totaled just 17 sacks in 47 games. His injuries included a torn knee ligament, a high ankle sprain, microfracture knee surgery and a ruptured right biceps tendon.

Johnson visits with Vikings

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson worked out for his old team, now in the market for a backup to Daunte Culpepper after Gus Frerotte agreed to sign with Miami.

Frerotte, who played behind Culpepper for the last two seasons, joined former Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan with the Dolphins, according to Minnesota vice president for football operations Rob Brzezinski.

Frerotte was interested in returning to Minnesota if he couldn’t get the chance to start elsewhere, but the Dolphins are unsettled at the position.

Minnesota needs a proven backup, with third-stringer Shaun Hill lacking experience.

Strahan files for divorce

New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan filed for divorce from his wife of almost six years, the same day a judge issued a restraining order against her, a spokesman for Strahan said.

Superior Court Judge Thomas P. Zampino ordered Jean M. Strahan to deposit into escrow more than $3 million she had removed from the couple’s joint bank account last week and deposited into her own account, said Ernie Landante, who works for a public relations agency hired by the 12-year NFL veteran.

Around the league

The Oakland Raiders re-signed free agent defensive end Bobby Hamilton to a $6 million, three-year contract, keeping a key member of their revamped defense from last season. … Defensive tackle Jason Fisk signed a three-year contract with the Browns. … Free-agent defensive tackle Bryan Robinson signed a three-year contract with the Bengals, who are trying to bolster a run defense that ranked near the bottom of the NFL. … The Dolphins released fullback Rob Konrad a year after he made just one start and missed six games due to injuries.