in the Copa del Rey final to Atletico Madrid in May due to back an

CLEVELAND -- As outspoken, unapologetic and intimidating as ever -- even at age 77 -- Jim Brown has reunited with the Cleveland Browns. Still going strong, the great No. 32 is back where he belongs. "Here I am," he said. The Hall of Fame running back, who was estranged for years from the NFL team where he starred in the 1950s and 60s -- after his previous role was eliminated by former president Mike Holmgren -- was welcomed back to the Browns on Wednesday by new owner Jimmy Haslam. Brown will serve as a "special adviser," focusing on community work, interacting with fans and helping mentor players. Haslam called Browns return a "very special and significant day in Cleveland Browns history." Browns homecoming has been in the planning stages for months, and after a few meetings with Brown, Haslam was pleased to bring back "the greatest Brown of all." "Hes not only the most famous Cleveland Brown of all time and best player thats ever played here," Haslam said. "One of the reasons the Browns remain so popular is when a lot of us were growing up, they followed 32 and he was their hero. So to have 32 back on our team and working with us and being part of not just the Browns but the Cleveland community is tremendously important." Brown, who retired in 1965 at the peak of his playing career to become an actor, is thrilled to be again working for the Browns, his pro football family and the team he helped lead to its last championship in 1964. The years he was disconnected were difficult, but Brown, who was accompanied to the news conference at FirstEnergy Stadium by his wife, Monique, said the Haslam familys desire to bring him back soothed any hard feelings he may have had. "Ive been through many ups and downs here," Brown said. "I like the new ownership. I respect the new ownership. I will stand by the new ownership come hell or high water, and I will be doing everything in my power to help the Cleveland Browns be successful." Brown said being away from the beloved brown and orange was tough. "Nothings changed except I was off the payroll and out of town and it was not a good feeling because Im used to being around," he said. "I have no animosity, I have no thoughts on any of that because this is a tough game. The main thing is, Im very happy to have been invited back." Although he lives in Los Angeles, Brown vowed to have a constant presence with the Browns, who havent been able to win with any consistency since their expansion return in 1999. "You will see as much of me as they can stand because somehow, sometimes I wake up thinking Im the coach and it doesnt work that way," Brown said. "Im going to be here quite a bit and I will be on call to the Cleveland Browns first. My activities, whatever, will take a secondary position to the needs of the Cleveland Browns." Never one to mince his words or hold back on an opinion, Brown promised to continue being himself in his new position with Haslam, who bought the franchise last year from Randy Lerner. "I wouldnt be sitting here if there was not a relationship between the two of us," Brown said, with Haslam seated to his left. "Jimmy doesnt bite his tongue, so I kind of like that. I try not to bite mine, as most of you know. But I think with Jimmy I will be a little more under control." "I doubt it," Haslam said with a laugh. While Browns return has given Haslam a boost with the Browns, he remains embroiled in a federal investigation for alleged fraud at Pilot Flying J, his family-owned truck-stop chain. On Wednesday, two PFJ employees pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and conspiracy. Federal prosecutors allege members of Pilots sales team deliberately withheld rebates to boost profits. Brown has also had his share of legal troubles, including a string of arrests for assaults on women. He vowed his full sport of Clevelands embattled owner and said the timing of his return could help comfort Haslam, who has maintained he was unaware of any fraud. "That is my guy," Brown said. "I have a relationship with him. I believe in him. I stand behind him. Yes, Im glad this timing is the way it is. Im here, I believe in this man and thats it. I have been through a thousand things, but ultimately I turned out to be a decent human being. Volatile and involved in controversial things and so forth and so on, but in America thats the kind of country we have." Damian Jones Hawks Jersey . It just didnt show when he hit the ice. Berra made 42 saves and Kris Russell scored at 1:32 of overtime, lifting the Calgary Flames to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night. DeAndre Bembry Hawks Jersey . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. https://www.thehawkslockerroom.com/Jabari-Parker-City-Edition-Jersey/ ., and Rudi Swiegers of Kipling, Sask., took sixth spot on Saturday in pairs at the NHK Trophy ISU Grand Prix figure skating competition. Damian Jones Jersey . Duchene scored two goals and had an assist, helping the Colorado Avalanche beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 on Friday night to match the best 10-game start in team history. DeAndre Hunter jersey . The 31-year-old Spain midfielder hasnt played since Madrid lost in the Copa del Rey final to Atletico Madrid in May due to back and foot injuries. LONDON -- The ATP Tour has announced a new season-ending tournament for 21-and-under players beginning in Milan next November.Called the Next Gen ATP Finals, the tournament will feature the best seven 21-and-under players in the rankings plus a wild card.While the tournament will follow a similar round-robin format to the ATP Finals, it will also feature rule changes and innovations yet to be announced.ATP executive chairman and president Chris Kermodde says the event will act as a launch pad for tennis innovation as we bid to make our sport more attractive to the changing consumer habits of the next generation of fans.ddddddddddddThe event will award $1.25 million.The tournament will be held at Fiera Milano Stadium from Nov. 7-11 and will remain in Milan for five years. ' ' '