BROWN'S EYE INJURY MAY BE PERMANENT.

Byline: Tom Withers Associated Press 

Orlando Brown might have permanent damage in the eye that was accidentally hit by a referee's weighted penalty flag during a game Sunday, doctors said Monday.

The Cleveland Browns tackle, who pushed the ref to the ground after being struck by the flag, was being treated for impaired vision at the Cleveland Clinic.

Brown said his family's medical history is what drove him to storm onto the field and confront Jeff Triplette. Brown's father lost his sight to glaucoma in 1993.

Triplette's 3-ounce flag - weighted with BBs - struck Brown directly in his right eye in a game against Jacksonville.

``My actions yesterday were based upon an incredible amount of pain which affected my judgment,'' Brown said in a statement. ``This situation was very scary due to my father's blindness and having to deal with that for many years.

``My injury and those facts still do not justify pushing an official. I regret what happened a great deal. Nothing like this will ever happen again.''

The NFL is considering disciplinary action, which could include a fine and suspension. The minimum fine for physical contact with an official is $10,000.

Brown was expected to remain under a doctor's care for at least two more days.

``It's not good,'' said Cleveland coach Chris Palmer, who visited Brown at the hospital. ``He is concerned about losing his eyesight.''

Palmer said doctors were concerned about pressure building around the eye, which was swollen shut and covered by a metal patch. Doctors told Palmer that because Brown is predisposed to eye problems, any injury could lead to permanent damage.

Because Brown already had poor vision, he couldn't see the flag right away as it was coming toward him, Palmer said.

After he was hit, the 6-7, 350-pound Brown dropped to one knee, and Triplette rushed to his side to pull the marker from inside the player's helmet.

Brown then staggered toward the Cleveland sideline but returned to confront Triplette, an energy company treasurer. Brown knocked the ref to the ground with a two-handed shove to the chest.

Four NFL players have been disciplined for such contact: Don Burroughs of Philadelphia in 1963, Monty Stickles of New Orleans in 1968, Michael Jackson of Seattle in 1982 and Steve Wisniewski of Oakland in 1996.

Browns president Carmen Policy, who appeared at a news conference with Palmer, said the league should not treat Brown any differently because of the severity of the injury.

``The pushing of an official should never be ignored,'' Policy said. ``With that premise in mind, I don't think what happened can simply be written off. I don't think the league should totally waive what happened, but I do think they should weigh all the details.''

Palmer said when he saw Brown walking back onto the field he thought he was simply rejoining the huddle. He thinks Brown became enraged when he crossed paths with Triplette.

CAPTION(S):

photo

PHOTO (color) Cleveland's Orlando Brown leaves the field Sunday after being ejected.

Tony Dejak/Associated Press