Tulsa World: NFL Notebook: Browns lose GM Kokinis

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NFL Notebook: Browns lose GM Kokinis

In this April 25, 2009, file photo, Cleveland Browns general manager George Kokinis answers questions about the NFL draft, in Berea, Ohio. Kokinis has left the club under unexplained circumstances. The team issued a statement Monday night, Nov. 2, 2009, saying the GM "is no longer actively involved with the organization." AP PHOTO

By Associated Press
Published: 11/3/2009 2:26 AM
Last Modified: 11/3/2009 8:36 AM

The Cleveland Browns are currently without a general manager after George Kokinis left the club under unexplained circumstances.

After reports surfaced that Kokinis was fired, the team issued an awkwardly worded statement Monday night saying the GM "is no longer actively involved with the organization." The Browns also denied reports that Kokinis was escorted from their team headquarters.

Kokinis' apparent ouster came one day after owner Randy Lerner said he wanted to hire a "strong, credible, serious" football adviser to help run his struggling team, which is off to a 1-7 start. Kokinis was hired on Jan. 23, two weeks after the Browns named Eric Mangini as their fourth coach since 1999.

Romo's steady side helps Cowboys surge: Tony Romo has gone from swashbuckling to steady. Dare we say "workman-type"?

Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips came up with that answering a question about his quarterback after Sunday's 38-17 victory against Seattle. Romo had just finished his career-best third straight game without an interception, which happens to coincide with a three-game winning streak that ties Dallas with Philadelphia atop the NFC East and sets up a first-place showdown Sunday.

Phillips was trying to describe his whole team, but the connection was notable. And the coach continued the theme Monday, even after some time to think about it.

"We all know Tony played well and has been consistent throwing the ball for most of the games this year, but really the last three," Phillips said. "He's thrown it to who he needs to throw to."

Chiefs reach settlement with Johnson: The Kansas City Chiefs, apparently fearful of losing in arbitration, agreed Monday to cut Larry Johnson's suspension in half for making gay slurs.

The agreement saved the running back about $315,000. The Chiefs issued a terse announcement saying they had made the settlement in conjunction with the NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association. Originally, they suspended the former two-time Pro Bowler two weeks, which would have cost him about $630,000.

He will still miss the game at Jacksonville this week and not participate in team activities until Nov. 9.

Vikings take 7-1 record to bye: The first half of Brett Favre's unfathomable season in Minnesota has been an unquestionable success.

Before the most important part begins, Favre and the Vikings can enjoy a welcome intermission. The later-than-usual break in the schedule comes at an ideal time, providing this veteran team the annual chance to recuperate as close to the stretch run as possible.

"Hopefully everybody will come back full and ready to go," defensive end Ray Edwards said.

This is the latest bye Minnesota has had in 10 years. Sometimes a week off can squelch momentum, but the opportunity to return from the rest period refreshed mentally and physically is probably more critical for a 7-1 team.

"Fresh bodies. Fresh minds. Fresh brains, as you go forward," coach Brad Childress said.

Young auditioning to determine future with Titans: Vince Young says the year of watching Kerry Collins from the bench helped him grow and mature. One stat from his first start since the beginning of the 2008 season appears to back that up.

It was his first game without being sacked or intercepted.

Young helped the Titans (1-6) win their first game of 2009, a 30-13 rout of Jacksonville on Sunday that snapped an eight-game skid dating back to Dec. 21.

Young has the final nine games to show how much he's really grown and whether he's worth keeping past this season. Young currently is slated to count $14.2 million against Tennessee's salary cap in 2010 with a $4.25 million roster bonus due in March.

Texans TE Daniels done for season: Houston tight end Owen Daniels has a torn knee ligament and will have season-ending surgery to repair the injury.

Daniels, who injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, was hurt on Houston's second possession in Sunday's win at Buffalo when he caught his foot in the turf. Coach Gary Kubiak said he'll have surgery in about two weeks after swelling in the knee has gone down. By Associated Press

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