CLEVELAND — The NFL sent a tough message to Browns general manager Ray Farmer for texting.

However, the league didn’t delete any of Cleveland’s precious draft picks.

Farmer has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for sending text messages to the sideline during games last season. The league announced its punishment on Monday, ending an investigation that hung over the franchise during yet another turbulent offseason and threatened to undermine the Browns’ upcoming draft.

Farmer, who acknowledged sending the messages weeks ago, will not be paid during his suspension. The league said his ban begins on midnight of the Sunday preceding the Browns’ first regular-season game and will end immediately after the fourth regular-season game. Farmer cannot be involved in any club matters and is prohibited from being at the team’s offices, practice facility or games, the league said.

“I respect the league’s decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions,” Farmer said in a statement released by the Browns. “Accountability is integral to what we are trying to build and as a leader I need to set the right example. I made a mistake and apologize to Jimmy Haslam, (coach) Mike Pettine, our entire organization and our fans for the ramifications. Learning is a big part of who I am and I will certainly be better from this situation.”

The Browns were also fined $250,000, but that’s pocket change considering what they could have lost.

Cleveland has 10 picks in the upcoming draft, including two in the first round (Nos. 12 and 19) and six of the first 115. The Browns, who went 7-9 last season, could be positioning themselves to make a run at one of the top quarterbacks, and losing any assets would not only have weakened their bargaining power, but prevented a team with several holes from adding young talent. The Browns haven’t been to the playoffs since 2002 and have had just two winning seasons since 1999.

Owner Jimmy Haslam, who has remained supportive of Farmer, has said the team is committed to finding a franchise quarterback.

The team signed free agent Josh McCown , backup Thad Lewis and is waiting for Johnny Manziel to be released from rehab.