The NFL Fines Cleveland Browns $250,000 for Textgate

The NFL has handed down its punishment for the Cleveland Browns and General Manger Ray Farmer. The NFL does not allow texting to the sidelines during games and Farmer was in violation of that rule. For his punishment he will suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 season. The team has been fined $250,000, but may count themselves lucky that they weren't stripped of valuable draft picks for the rule violation.

"Farmer will be permitted to stay in his current capacity through the rest of the offseason, including working the NFL draft and being there when the Browns cut down to their 53-player roster," Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk reported. "He will have to stay away from the team for Weeks 1-4 of the regular season."

Farmer said this in statement released to the public: "I respect the league's decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions. It is integral to what we are trying to build, and as a leader, I need to set the right example. I made a mistake and apologize to Jimmy Haslam, [coach] Mike Pettine, our entire organization and our fans for the ramifications. Learning is a big part of who I am, and I will certainly be better from this situation."

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam also released a statement.

"We accept the league's ruling,'' Haslam said. "Ray made a mistake and takes full responsibility for his role in violating the policy. It is critical that we make better decisions. Ray has tremendous integrity and I know has great remorse for what occurred. We are all committed to learning from this and making the Browns a stronger and better organization."

This puts an end to a stage that not only undermined the Cleveland coaching staff but was in violation of standing NFL rules.