Bernie Kosar files lawsuit against firm he claims cost him Cleveland Browns job
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar is suing a digital media company and its CEO for breach of contract and verbal assault, respectively.
Kosar is asking for damages from BIGPLAY, the company Kosar worked with on his podcast, and its CEO Kendall Myles.
According to the complaint, Myles wrongfully terminated Kosar’s contract – signed in December, 2022 – to host podcasts and make two personal appearances per quarter. Kosar recorded monthly podcasts during the NFL’s offseason beginning February 2023.
The suit alleges Myles tried to force Kosar into more than the required number of personal appearances, counter to the contract. Kosar argues that any appearances, per the contract, had to be mutually agreed upon, which Myles allegedly refused. At issue: game-day appearances.
In a meeting to work out issues as the 2023 football season was getting underway, Kosar attempted to explain that game-day duties prevented him from appearing. According to the suit, Myles attempted to renegotiate the contract and when unsuccessful sent a proposal to “modify or terminate” the agreement. Kosar declined.
In a follow-up encounter at Burke Lakefront Airport on Sept. 19, 2023, the suit alleges Myles verbally assaulted Kosar. Less than a week later, on Sept. 24, 2023, Myles sent Kosar a termination notice.
As part of a promotion surrounding the launch of legalized sports gambling in Ohio, BIGPLAY co-manager David McAllester and Myles required that Kosar personally place the bet that led to his losing his game-day appearances.
Kosar is seeking $850,000 in damages, including $650,000 from BIGPLAY and $200,000 from Myles in addition to $25,000 in legal fees.
BIGPLAY is home to a host of well-known local broadcasters, including Bruce Drennan and former Browns players Josh Cribbs and Hanford Dixon.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Bernie Kosar suing firm he says cost him Browns job
