Browns' Haslam denies allegation that Hue Jackson was paid to lose

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam insists he never paid former coach Hue Jackson to lose games and believes Jackson's making allegations to cover up his failure as an NFL coach.

"Hue Jackson has never ever accepted any responsibility for our record during that time period," Haslam said, according to The Knoxville News Sentinel's Adam Sparks.

"He's been masterful at pointing fingers but has never accepted any blame. I have accepted a ton of blame, and rightfully so."

Jackson alleged on social media that Haslam "offered him a good number" to lose games and gain a higher draft pick, adding that the owner was "happy while we kept losing."

The current Grambling State bench boss later clarified that he could earn bonuses in 2016 and 2017 if the Browns hit goals like being the youngest team in the league and accumulating draft picks.

"Unequivocally, Hue Jackson was never paid to lose games," Haslam said. "And it’s also an absolute falsehood that I laughed while we were losing. Most people who know me would say, ‘That’s not how Jimmy would react to losing.’"

Jackson posted his own experience in response to former coach Brian Flores' lawsuit against Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, who is alleged to have offered him $100,000 per loss in 2019.

Flores is also suing the NFL, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos for alleged racial discrimination.

Cleveland hired Jackson in 2016, and he lead the club to a 3-36-1 record over two-and-a-half seasons. The organization fired him in 2018 after a 2-5-1 start.

The Browns drafted All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett with the first overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, followed by quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2018.