Courtesy of Cleveland Browns public relations

BEREA, Ohio (Dec. 22, 1999)- Orlando Brown of the Cleveland Browns has been suspended indefinitely for shoving referee Jeff Triplette during last Sunday's Browns-Jaguars game in Cleveland, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced today.

"We continue to hope that Orlando Brown makes a full recovery from his injury," Tagliabue said. "However, as everyone has acknowledged, the injury to the player was completely inadvertent and did not justify his action against the referee. It was an unfortunate accident, but we cannot condone under any circumstances physical contact against our game officials."

Brown is prohibited from playing in his team's final game against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. The Browns have a bye and do not play during the 17th and final week on January 2-3.

Further disciplinary action against Brown in the form of a possible fine or suspension for a part of the 2000 season will be considered following a hearing with Commissioner Tagliabue in New York after the Pro Bowl.