Jim Brown will return to Cleveland Browns Stadium after two-year rift
Updated: Jul. 29, 2012, 4:13 p.m. |
Published: Jul. 29, 2012, 3:13 p.m.
Branson Wright, The Plain Dealer
Thomas Ondrey, Plain Dealer fileJim Brown
BEREA, Ohio ---- Maybe this is a sign that the great Jim Brown and the Cleveland Browns are making amends.
Brown told The Plain Dealer on Saturday night that he will be present during Alumni Weekend on Sept. 22-23 when former defensive back Clarence Scott and running back Ernie Green will be inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends.
"I'll be there to support Ernie," said Brown late Saturday from his home in Los Angeles.
The induction will include a halftime ceremony during the Sept. 23 game against the Buffalo Bills.
It will be Brown's first appearance at Browns Stadium in two years since his contentious split with Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren.
Brown, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, did not participate in 2010 when he was inducted into the Ring of Honor. Many considered it poor sportsmanship from Brown because Holmgren had relieved him of his duties as executive adviser to owner Randy Lerner. Holmgren offered Brown a reduced role, but he declined.
Holmgren opened up the possibility of renewing a relationship when he told the media in June how he would welcome Brown back.
"I would like Jim Brown to come and be a part of this and feel comfortable doing that and I would welcome him with open arms," Holmgren said.
And Brown replied that he was willing to speak with Holmgren.
"If that's what Holmgren said, it just shows a lot of class on his part," Brown said. I have nothing to hold me back from being a positive person in any type of circumstances . . . I am a Cleveland Brown, but it's always up to those in control to decide what they want to do."
The timing of Brown's trip to Cleveland has nothing to do with the pending new ownership change from Randy Lerner to Jimmy Haslam III. Brown scheduled his trip before Friday's announcement. When asked about the sale, Brown said he would comment once the deal is official.
His presence in September is consistent with his support of former teammates. Brown was in Canton when Gene Hickerson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Scott played from 1971 to 1983. He recorded 39 career interceptions, the third most in club history. Brown was a teammate of Green for four seasons, including the 1964 championship year. Green's 4.8-yard average per rush attempt is the second-best figure in team history, behind Brown's 5.2 average.