 However, he was only a minority owner of the Browns and lacked the resources to buy out the rest of the ownership group.In 1961, businessman Art Modell assumed control of the team and on January 9, 1963, Modell controversially fired Brown.Many believe that Modell had tired of complaints of Brown's autocratic style; others claim it was Brown's decision to trade for Syracuse University's Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ernie Davis, who was drafted by the Washington Redskins, without Modell's knowledge.