CLEVELAND ( Associated Press) — The NFL inflicted another loss on former Cleveland Browns coach Hugh Jackson.
The league announced on Monday that it had found “no evidence” that the Browns intentionally lost games or encouraged personnel to do so after Jackson alleged in February that the team played a role during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Tried to lose.
The league said on Monday that a 60-day independent review determined that “any of the allegations cannot be substantiated.”
Former US Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White led the investigation team.
Jackson went 3-36-1 for Cleveland in a two-plus season before pulling out eight games in the 2018 season.
Jackson claimed that Brown’s owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam encouraged people in the organization to lose over a period of four years.
Jackson later softened those comments.
The investigation concluded that there was no evidence to support Jackson’s claims that the team had tanked during those seasons, and that club ownership or football personnel were “in order to undermine the team in order to secure a more favorable draft position.” Didn’t take any decision intentionally.”
The Browns went 1-15 in 2016 and lost all 16 games the following season under Jackson.
White and other lawyers interviewed Jimmy Haslam along with current and former members of the organization.
The league said Jackson initially agreed to meet with investigators before deciding against it.
Investigators had access to Jackson’s public statements and filings and testimony in a prior arbitration proceeding.
The league said Brown also provided documents, including emails, texts, internal memos and presentation decks, to aid in the inquiry.
Brown denied Jackson’s claims from the outset, and is pleased with the findings of investigators.
Team spokesman Peter Jean said, “We applaud the independent investigation led by Mary Jo White and the DeBois team, which closes allegations that Hugh Jackson made public appearances shortly after they were made.” was refused and we all know they are clearly liars.” Baptist. “As we have said before, we welcomed this investigation because the integrity of our sport is something that should not be taken lightly and an independent review was important to conclude in this matter.”
Jackson is currently coaching at Grambling.
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