NFL news: Cleveland Browns could lose draft pick for texting plays during games

The Cleveland Browns are facing stiff discipline by the NFL for texting playcalls during games, and could see their GM suspended and lose draft picks.

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According to a report by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns GM Ray Farmer could be suspended by the NFL and the team could be forced to forfeit draft picks for violating NFL rules by having executives text plays to former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan during games. ProFootballTalk.com says that “would be a violation of league rules, which limit the types of electronic communications that players, coaches and other team officials can use during games.”

If proven guilty, the Browns would almost definitely lose a draft pick in either the 2015 or 2016 NFL draft. In addition, Ray Farmer could also be given a suspension from the league.

The Browns have been going through a bit of a nightmare of a week. On Monday it was announced that QB Johnny Manziel was checking into rehab for unspecified reasons. On Tuesday the NFL levied a minimum one-year suspension on former All-Pro WR Josh Gordon for failing his third drug test in as many years.

The Browns are one of three NFL teams currently being investigated for rules violations. The New England Patriots are being investigated for illegally deflating footballs during the AFC Championship Game. The Atlanta Falcons are being investigated for illegally creating artificial noise inside their stadium.