January 13, 2000

STATEMENT FROM A LEAGUE SPOKESPERSON:

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue today conducted a one-hour hearing in New York on the appeal by Cleveland Browns tackle Orlando Brown of his suspension.

Brown was suspended indefinitely on December 22 for shoving referee Jeff Triplette after having been inadvertently hit in the eye by the referee’s flag during a Browns-Jaguars game in Cleveland on December 19.

Brown explained his actions by conference call and was represented by counsel during today’s hearing. NFL Players Association Executive Director Gene Upshaw also attended.

A decision by Commissioner Tagliabue is expected in the near future.