Report: Browns, GM face possible punishment for 'Textgate'

Browns and general manager Ray Farmer face punishment from the NFL for someone allegedly texting to the sidelines during a game

The Cleveland Browns and general manager Ray Farmer face punishment from the NFL for allegedly impermissible texts to the sidelines during a game, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.

According to the report, the NFL is investigating if a high-ranking personnel member of the team sent texts about play calls from the press box to the sidelines during a game.

The NFL bans any type of electronic devices being used for such communication beginning 90 minutes prior to kickoff of a game.

Cleveland could face multiple sanctions, including the loss of draft picks, fine and a possible multi-game suspension for Farmer.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine has said that the league has already spoken to him about the texts, which reportedly center around former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

Shanahan reportedly had an issue with the texts, feeling it was interfering in coaching decisions.

Shanahan spent only one season with the Browns before parting ways with the team last month. He was subsequently hired as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.

- Scooby Axson