Brown issues statement after being fired

Sashi Brown issued the following statement on the afternoon of Dec. 7 about six hours after being fired by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam.

“I want this to be real and clear, the way I know Cleveland and Browns fans can appreciate: Our win-loss record since I became executive vice president isn’t going to cut it.

“We worked hard. I am so grateful to the people I worked with throughout my four-plus years with the Browns, particularly the people I worked with the past two years. We embarked on a mission to rebuild the Browns for longterm, sustainable success. We were committed and aggressive in our approach, even if unorthodox at times. We made dramatic changes and put in place a foundation on which championships can be built.

“Obviously, the Browns have not yet achieved the turnaround we wanted for a franchise and the best fans in the NFL, who deserve it more than any other in sports. I know that turnaround is coming.

“I thank Dee and Jimmy and the rest of the Haslam family for taking a chance on me. And when that turnaround happens, wherever I am, I will smile — more than a little bitter-sweetly — and say, to myself, ‘Go Browns!’ ”

Brown was named executive vice president of football operations on Jan. 3, 2016. He took over a team that was 3-13 in 2015 and on a streak of eight straight losing seasons.

The Browns are 1-27 under Brown’s leadership. Brown’s legacy will be leaving his successor with five picks in the first two rounds of the 2018 draft and more than $59 million in salary cap space.