The Browns have no plans to end their relationship with FirstEnergy despite a resolution Cleveland City Council passed June 6 claiming the energy supplier should remove its name from the stadium where the Browns play.
The 16-1 vote was in reaction to FirstEnergy admitting its role in a bribery scheme to get the Ohio legislature to approve a $1 billion bailout for the Perry and Davis-Besse nuclear power plants.
“This is the voice of the council and ultimately the residents of the city of Cleveland, encouraging FirstEnergy to work with the tenants of 100 Alfred Lerner Way to remove that name from the stadium,” said Cleveland Ward 16 Councilman Brian Kazy was quoted saying in a story appearing at fox8.com.
The resolution carries no legal authority.
The scandal goes back to July 2019, when the Ohio House passed House Bill 6 to approve the bailout. Ohio governor Mike DeWine signed the bill the day it passed. After an investigation, on July 22, 2021, FirstEnergy was ordered to pay $230 million for its part in the bribery scheme.
The building in which the Browns play was named Cleveland Browns Stadium when it opened in 1999. FirstEnergy bought naming rights in 2013 for $107 million. The deal runs through 2030.
“FirstEnergy has been a dedicated partner to the Cleveland Browns, not only on naming rights to the stadium, but also on our efforts to improve the lives of many members of the northeast Ohio community through our youth football and education initiatives,” a Browns’ spokesman said. “They have taken meaningful action to address the issues that transpired in 2019-20 and are committed to upholding a culture of integrity and accountability by installing the appropriate policies and procedures going forward.
“FirstEnergy is also a significant regional employer and strong contributor to the economy of northeast Ohio, and we remain committed to our relationship and look forward to our continued partnership.”
