FRONT PAGE SPORTS American Standard Buys Rights to Cleveland Browns Stadium
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American Standard Buys Rights to Cleveland Browns Stadium |
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Written by Buster Lymon
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 Say it ain't so. Berea, OH- After a disappointing 4-12 season, Cleveland Browns' director of stadium operations Todd Argust announced the team's plans to sell its stadium rights to American Standard, the most powerful toilet producer on planet earth. A deal worth in excess of $32 million has been reportedly struck between the high priest of porcelain and the lowly Browns. Although details we're scarce immediately following a meeting between Browns brass and American Standard execs, it would seem that the Standard brand could find its way onto the Browns Stadium's facade as early as 2007. With the Brownies' gut wrenching play and seemingly apathetic attempt at self-improvement, the American Standard name may well end up providing the most iconic metaphore in sports.
Although "Toilet Bowl" references provide the obvious chuckle, American Standard exec Charles Mumford maintains the legitimacy of the company's landmark advertising purchase. " This isn't a walk in the park for American Standard. We spent millions to put our name on this stadium. I am aware of the irony in attaching our name to such a storied franchise as the Cleveland Browns, but we're hoping people look past the poop and fart jokes and recognize the American Standard name as a symbol of quality", Mumford said. "Hell, maybe the extra cash can pump some life into the organization." Mumford's statement, although benign in intention, caught the ear of embattled General Manager Phil Savage. "What is $32 million going to do when we're sitting about $5 million under the salary cap", said Savage. " I'm not sure if Mr. Mumford is familiar with the salary limitations of an NFL franchise. Maybe it would be best for him to focus on pumping out premium shi**ers and I'll focus on bringing a winner to Cleveland." With the recent disappointment and uncertainty surrounding the Browns' coaching staff, the addition of the American Standard name has had no effect on the Cleveland faithful. Fans have had little or no response to the stadium's name change. "Our focus is on the draft", said long time Browns fan Ike Mitchum. "If we draft a wideout in the first round, I'm gonna gather up the family and move to Tittsburgh". Wise move, Ike. Wise move. |
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