David Stern would be incredibly proud of this stance. Former Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts general manager Bill Polian has a solution to the entire mess the Cleveland Browns have found themselves in.
Let the NFL step in if the Browns actually decide to trade six-time All Pro tackle Joe Thomas.
No, you read that right. Polian, now an analyst for ESPN, suggests that the NFL intervene in order to help the Browns avoid making yet another mistake.
Bill Polian on ESPN says NFL should consider stepping in if it hears #Browns intend to trade Joe Thomas . . .
— Tom Reed (@treed1919) October 27, 2016
The only other time this happened in the recent history of professional sports is when then NBA Commissioner David Stern blocked the trade of Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers.
No matter how much of a laughingstock the Browns have proven themselves to be, the NFL has no right to intervene in their decision-making process. In reality, it would set an incredibly poor precedent.
There are rumors circulating that Cleveland is considering moving on from Thomas, its best player. While some may draw the conclusion that this would be a horrible mistake, there are definitely reasons for the Browns to consider making the move.
The NFL has no right here under the collective bargaining agreement. More than that, individual entities within the broader landscape of the league should be left to do what they feel is right for their organizations.