EREA, Ohio -- Jim Brown has informed Browns President Mike Holmgren that he will not participate in the club's Ring of Honor ceremony on Sept. 19.
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In a letter delivered on Monday and obtained independently by The Plain Dealer, Brown states that while he had no formal contract as executive advisor with the Browns, he believes his agreement with owner Randy Lerner was violated because a clause in it stated he would answer to no one but Lerner.
Brown disclosed that Holmgren offered him a salary of $100,000 for an opportunity to serve the club as, in Browns interpretation, a greeter ... a mascot ... a person that would represent special events by his physical presence.
"All of those things that you offered me would be controlled by you," Brown wrote.
He turned down the position in a subsequent letter to Lerner and Holmgren.
Brown said that he viewed the press conference announcing the creation of the Ring of Honor last week.
"Your most powerful statement about me was that, and I must laugh, one monkey don't stop the show," Brown wrote.
Holmgrens actual statement from the Aug. 26 press conference was this: I trust Jim will be there and I hope hes there because he is a part of this. Hes part of the history of this place, a big part of it. Any way it comes down, its going to be a wonderful day. Its going to be a celebration ... Its going to be a great celebration for all of us and the 16 families on that day and I trust he will be part of it.
Brown concluded:
"I've never danced in the end zone, I always gave the ball to the referee, so you should know I don't dance. Also Mike, I don't hang out on the Westside of town. I'm an Eastside guy. I play my golf at Highland Golf Course.
"I don't go to the Hall of Fame ceremonies, except on occasions, like when Gene Hickerson was inducted, and I felt very proud to be with Bobby Mitchell and Leroy Kelly in showing our respect for his great contribution, and for helping us become great players.
"I don't have any trophies in my home on display. I don't claim to be the best at anything, and I emphatically do not need validation from any man, so I will not participate in your Ring of Honor."
Holmgren responded through a team spokesperson. Jim got back to me as he said he would and informed me he would not be attending the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor ceremony.