So ugly was the mood, Art Modell missed a home game Sunday for the first time in his 35 years as owner of the Cleveland Browns.
Fans protesting the possible move of the team to Baltimore picketed outside Cleveland Stadium before the Browns' game against Houston, and the team beefed up security inside.However, there was little trouble beyond the norm - a firecracker exploded in the end zone near the "Dawg Pound" bleachers late in the game.
"Art was advised not to be here," Kevin Byrne, Browns vice president of public relations, said when asked if Modell stayed away out of fear for his safety. Byrne would not elaborate.
The atmosphere was dreary as fans arrived for the game, one of only four remaining on Cleveland's home schedule in 1995 - and possibly ever.
Modell has confirmed negotiating to move his team to Baltimore, with the decision to be announced Monday. Baltimore has offered a new stadium and a financial package that Cleveland could not match, although Mayor Michael White and other officials were still assembling a counterproposal.
Jim Brown, the Browns' Hall of Fame running back who now serves as a consultant to the team, said the only time he felt sadder on a football field was in 1963 "when Kennedy got killed."
"It was sort of like a dream out there," Brown said after the Browns lost to Houston 37-10. "The fans cheered the team when they came out. It was almost sad to hear them cheer and say `We love you.' It's a terrible feeling."
Residents of Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, will be voting Tuesday on an extension of an alcohol and cigarette tax to help pay for renovation of the 65-year-old stadium, but Modell has said the vote will not likely sway him.
"It's like going through a divorce," said Jay Wilson, 45, a season-ticket holder from suburban Bay Village who was carrying a seat cushion with the words "This stinks, Art," scrawled across it. "It comes at a time when all of pro sports really needs to be re-evaluated. They've gone too far."
His sentiments were shared by fans inside and outside the stadium. Supporters of Issue 5, the sin tax extension, distributed signs encouraging voters to approve it regardless of whether the Browns stay; the tax would not be extended unless there's a football team to use the stadium.
"This is the greatest football town in America, and Art Modell must be nuts," said Ed Barta, 45, of Strongsville. "I say, let him move. He better run out of town. But keep the team."
Rick Ramey drove four hours from Wapakoneta with his wife and two children for Sunday's game.
"Cleveland Browns sounds right. Baltimore Browns doesn't sound right," Ramey said. "What makes them think Baltimore won't renege? Heck, they're the Indianapolis Colts, aren't they? I don't like it. I've been a Browns fans since I was old enough to know what football is."