Browns employee kills self at team's practice center

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- A member of the Cleveland Browns' grounds crew killed himself at their practice facility, a team spokesman said Sunday.

The man's body was found Saturday morning at the facility in suburban Cleveland, the same day Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher committed suicide in front of his coach and general manager after earlier killing his girlfriend.

Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis confirmed to The Associated Press that a team employee died of a suicide, but provided no other details. He released a statement calling the man a good friend and an outstanding employee and saying the team's heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

"This is a terrible tragedy," the statement said. "He will be missed by everyone in the Cleveland Browns organization."

The Browns play in Oakland against the Raiders on Sunday.

A spokesman for the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner said they were called to the practice facility to investigate a suicide Saturday morning, but would not release any further details.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.