Rest in peace, Al Lerner. The Browns’ owner, who brought pro football back to Cleveland in 1999, died this evening. He had been battling brain cancer, according to published reports. At this hour, all I could find on the web is this preliminary copy:

Al Lerner, Browns Owner, Dies

By TOM WITHERS

AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) — 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.