Browns’ Owner Lerner Dies at 69

Billionaire Al Lerner, who used his wealth from banking, real estate and credit-card giant MBNA Corp. to buy the Cleveland Browns, died Wednesday night. He was 69.

Lerner’s death was confirmed by a team spokesman, who asked that his name not be used.

Lerner had surgery in May 2001, reportedly to remove a brain tumor. In June, he said he had been in and out of the hospital during the last year. He was rarely around the Browns’ training facility the last few months.

Lerner ranked 36th on Forbes magazine’s 2002 list of the richest Americans, with a net worth of $4.3 billion. He was awarded Cleveland’s expansion franchise in 1998 for $530 million, at the time the highest price paid for a sports team.

“Al Lerner magnificently fulfilled the American Dream, with extraordinary achievement in business and philanthropy,” NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said. “Tough and considerate at the same time, his judgment and advice was always special.”

*

Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis did not practice and was listed by the Ravens as questionable for Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh because of an injured left shoulder.

Lewis, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, hasn’t played since Oct. 6, when he partially dislocated the shoulder diving for a fumble against the Browns.

*

Miami receiver Oronde Gadsden had surgery for ligament damage in his left wrist and will sit out the rest of the season.... Chicago end Bryan Robinson has been left off the active roster for Sunday’s game at Minnesota after being arrested for drunk driving Sunday, his second DUI arrest this year. The Bears did not suspend Robinson and the league has not taken any action against him.... Minnesota running back Doug Chapman will sit out the rest of the season because of an abdominal injury. The Vikings put Chapman on the injured reserve list, two days after he woke up with internal bleeding.... Kicker Hayden Epstein signed with the Vikings, one day after he was waived by Jacksonville. The Vikings released kicker Doug Brien.