CLEVELAND — In a day where the Browns are hoping to knock their archrivals out of the playoffs, one of the team's most beloved former players is no longer employed by the organization.
Legendary Cleveland quarterback Bernie Kosar announced on Twitter Sunday he has been let go from his job with the club's radio network, saying the organization told him his "services are no longer desired or needed" and that he would not be heard on the pregame show prior to kickoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, Kosar's ouster was first reported as being related to him placing a bet involving the team.
Sunday evening, a Cleveland Browns spokesperson confirmed those reports when they released the following statement on the situation:
“Earlier this week we notified Bernie, that per league policy, we were required to remove him from our pregame radio coverage for the season finale after he violated the NFL gambling policy by placing a bet on an NFL game. We understand what Bernie means to this community and our history but as team contracted personnel hired to provide content on our media platforms, his bet was a violation of NFL rules and we must adhere to all NFL policy.”
Sports gambling became legal in Ohio on Jan. 1, and Tipico Sportsbook celebrated the occasion by having Kosar place its first official wager in the state: a $19,000 bet on the Browns to beat the Steelers on Sunday. The figure is obviously symbolic of Kosar's No. 19, which he wore during his nine seasons with the team from 1985-93.
Kosar later said on his podcast with former teammate Hanford Dixon he would donate any winnings to charity, but while sports gaming may be permitted in Ohio, the NFL maintains policies that prohibit its employees from placing wagers involving either its games or other sports leagues.
This past spring, the NFL suspended Calvin Ridley for the entire 2022 season after the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver allegedly placed bets on games during the prior year. While Ridley was injured at the time and there was no evidence his actions compromised the results on the field, league Commissioner Roger Goodell said Ridley "put the integrity of the game at risk."
A Northeast Ohio native, Kosar made the Pro Bowl in 1987 and led Cleveland three AFC Championship Game appearances during his tenure, while also posting a 10-4 record against the Steelers. 3News has reached out to the Browns for comment.