The NFL sent a tough message to Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer for texting . However , the league did n't delete any of Cleveland 's precious draft picks . Farmer has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for sending text messages to the sideline during games last season . The league announced its punishment on Monday , ending an investigation that hung over the franchise during yet another turbulent offseason and threatened to undermine the Browns ' upcoming draft . Farmer , who acknowledged sending the messages weeks ago , will not be paid during his suspension . The league said his ban begins on midnight of the Sunday preceding the Browns ' first regular-season game and will end immediately after the fourth regular-season game . Farmer can not be involved in any club matters and is prohibited from being at the team 's offices , practice facility or games , the league said . Ray Farmer sent text messages to the sideline last season during games and has been suspended . ' I respect the league 's decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions , ' Farmer said in a statement released by the Browns . 'Accountability is integral to what we are trying to build and as a leader I need to set the right example . I made a mistake and apologize to Jimmy Haslam , ( coach ) Mike Pettine , our entire organization and our fans for the ramifications . Learning is a big part of who I am and I will certainly be better from this situation . ' The Browns were also fined $ 250,000 , but that 's pocket change considering what they could have lost . Cleveland has 10 picks in the upcoming draft , including two in the first round ( Nos 12 and 19 ) and six of the first 115 . The Browns , who went 7-9 last season , could be positioning themselves to make a run at one of the top quarterbacks , and losing any assets would not only have weakened their bargaining power , but prevented a team with several holes from adding young talent . The Browns have n't been to the playoffs since 2002 and have had just two winning seasons since 1999 . Owner Jimmy Haslam , who has remained supportive of Farmer , has said the team is committed to finding a franchise quarterback . The team signed free agent Josh McCown , backup Thad Lewis and is waiting for Johnny Manziel to be released from rehab . Johnny Manziel 's first NFL season was plagued with doubts about his lifestyle and ability to knuckle down . During its investigation , the league said it found no evidence that Haslam or other team executives knew about the texts . Troy Vincent , the NFL 's vice president of football operations , said Farmer used a cellphone on 'multiple occasions ' during games in 2014 . League rules prohibit teams from using any electronic devices beginning 90 minutes before kickoff through the end of a game . The rule forbids communication to the sidelines , coach 's booths , locker room or any other club-controlled areas . The only exceptions are the league-issued tablets coaches use for still photos . The texting inquiry was just one of several issues to hound the Browns this winter . Along with Manziel 's trip to rehab , offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan had a messy departure and troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon was suspended by the league for at least one season for multiple drug violations . Throughout the inquiry , Haslam professed his loyalty to Farmer , who was promoted in February 2014 when team president Joe Banner and GM Michael Lombardi were fired . 'We accept the league 's ruling , ' Haslam said . 'Ray made a mistake and takes full responsibility for his role in violating the policy . It is critical that we make better decisions . Ray has tremendous integrity and I know has great remorse for what occurred . We are all committed to learning from this and making the Browns a stronger and better organization . '
Browns general manager was caught texting personnel during games last season . The texts violated the league 's electronic device policy . Farmer has been suspended for the first four games of the season and the Browns were find $ 250,000 .