Former Browns general manager George Kokinis settles grievance over firing

Browns, former GM resolve grievance

CLEVELAND — Fired Cleveland Browns general manager George Kokinis resolved his grievance with the team on Wednesday.

The NFL issued a two-sentence statement through the Browns saying the grievance had been amicably resolved.

The terms were confidential.

Kokinis was dismissed by the Browns on Nov. 2. He was seeking more than $4 million in compensation and damages. Kokinis, who previously worked in Baltimore, claimed the Browns fraudulently induced him to join the team under the representation that he would have control over all player personnel matters and report directly to owner Randy Lerner.

After Kokinis’ dismissal, the Browns sought to show his firing was “for cause.” There were reports that the team’s security and legal departments were reviewing phone records to build its case against him.

Kokinis felt he was wrongly fired because of his unwillingness to defer on numerous important matters relating to the team’s football operations. He was with the team for less than a year.

Before joining the Browns, Kokinis spent 13 years with Baltimore. He had little or no authority with the Browns as coach Eric Mangini enjoyed full control over football operations.

The Browns have since hired Mike Holmgren as president and Tom Heckert as their new GM.