Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer has been suspended for four games for his involvement in the team's texting scandal, while the club have also been fined for the incident.
Farmer admitted that he had texted personnel on the sidelines from his position in the press box, which has resulted in the ban for the general manager and a $250,000 (£169,000) fine for the AFC North team for breaching the league's policy on the use of electronic devices.
"We accept the league's ruling," Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. "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 organisation."
Farmer added: "I respect the league's decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions. 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 apologise to Jimmy Haslam, Mike Pettine, our entire organisation and our fans for the ramifications. Learning is a big part of who I am and I will certainly be better from this situation."
Farmer was appointed as general manager of the club last year.
Simon Sinclair
