CLEVELAND >> The Cleveland Browns’ push to move out of the city and play in a proposed domed stadium has encountered a new road block.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb sent a letter to owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, saying the city intends to invoke the “Modell Law” to prevent them from leaving the Browns’ current lakefront stadium. The lease expires in 2028.

Bibb said he wants a response from the Browns by Jan. 9 and to comply or the city will “take appropriate legal action,” the letter states.

The Modell Law was passed in 1996 after former Browns owner Art Modell moved the franchise to Baltimore. It states that no owner of a professional sports team in Ohio playing in a tax-supported stadium can go elsewhere without an agreement with the city in which it plays or unless that city is given six months’ advance notice with an opportunity to buy the team.

The team previously filed a federal lawsuit in hopes of getting “clarity” on the law. That case is pending.

The city’s threat to use the Modell law is just the latest maneuver in what has become an ugly back-and-forth battle.

The Haslams, who have owned the team since 2012, want to build a $2.4 billion domed stadium and surrounding entertainment complex in Brook Park, about 10 miles south of Cleveland.

The city has proposed paying for half of renovation costs at the current 65,000-seat stadium, which opened in 1999.

Cowboys release Ezekiel Elliott >> The Cowboys released running back Ezekiel Elliott on Tuesday, a quiet end to a Dallas career that started with two rushing titles in three seasons but faded quickly from there.

The move was the end of Elliott’s second stint with the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2016. The Cowboys dumped him in a cost-cutting move after the 2022 season.

This time, Elliott’s release could give the 29-year-old a chance to be a late add for a playoff team looking for veteran help.

“Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. “As I have said many times previously, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever.”

Browns undecided on starting QB against Ravens>> The Cleveland Browns haven’t yet decided which of their backup quarterbacks will start the season finale at Baltimore.

It probably doesn’t matter to the Ravens.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said he will “work through” the QB situation this week and it’s possible both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe could play against the Ravens, who will clinch the AFC North title with a win.

If Zappe starts, he will be the 40th quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999.