Browns don't have public Policy

Updated: April 15, 2004, 12:12 PM ET

Carmen Policy was the public face of the Browns and his presence afforded Butch Davis some protection.

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By By Darrell Trimble
NFL Insider

Just a few weeks ago the Cleveland Browns had a typical front office flowchart. Coach Butch Davis reported to Carmen Policy, the team's CEO. In turn, Policy would report to owner Randy Lerner about the goings on of one of the most storied franchises in professional sports. But that was before Lerner decided to cut out the middle man. When he was hired away from the University of Miami, the Browns gave him total control of football operations. But Policy provided Davis with something he won't get from Collins. Policy was the public face of the Browns and his presence afforded Davis some protection from the harsh criticisms of some of his questionable decisions.

As the image of the Browns, Policy took significant heat from reporters following some of Davis' moves. Whether it was the release of the entire linebacking corps, the in-season release of top wideout Kevin Johnson, or the problems of William Green and Gerard Warren, two of Davis' first-round picks, Policy acted as somewhat of a shield.

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