Haslam Announces Pilot Flying J Changes, Not Taking Questions...

((HT: WBIR-TV))

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam decided to give a rather lengthy statement addressing accusations with his truck stop corporation- Pilot/Flying J...

He took no questions and maintains that the actions involving the federal investigation in Knoxville will not effect his activity as the new owner of the Cleveland Browns.

Here's the presser/reading/recounting of the last week of Haslam's life...

The key for Haslam and Pilot/Flying J is to figure out how to address the issues in and around VP/Sales John Freeman- who was heard on tape saying that Haslam knew about the rebate scam that he is accused of holding back from the independent and smaller trucking companies involved in the complaint.

DEVELOPING: Jimmy Haslam Might Be In Big Trouble

((HT: WBIR-TV/Cleveland Plain Dealer, Caniglia))

Business may have picked up for Pilot/Flying J truck stop and Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam- and not in a good way.

Documents filed in federal court maintain that Haslam knew about fraud committed by sales reps who targeted trucking companies through their rebate program. The documents also say that Haslam was present for discussions. Confidential informants were used to gather information against the company starting in 2011.

The 120-page affidavit led to Monday's search warrant on Pilot/Flying J's headquarters. The reps reportedly withheld the rebates to improve the company's bottom line and give the sales department higher commissions.

From Caniglia:

The affidavit makes clear what Haslam knew: "(A confidential informant) further advised that the rebate fraud has occurred with the knowledge of Pilot's current President Mark Hazelwood and Pilot's Chief Executive Officer James A. "Jimmy" Haslam III due to the fact that the rebate fraud-related activities have been discussed during sales meetings in Knoxville, Tenn., in which Hazelwood and Haslam have been present."

Here was the party line from Pilot/Flying J

Browns Owner Haslam Has Flying J Under Investigation

((HT: WBIR-TV))

Pilot/Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam addressed the recent federal investigation into his company this afternoon as the IRS and FBI swirl around his Knoxville headquarters.

Haslam said this has never happened to Pilot/Flying J before and thinks the investigation doesn't involve tax issues. During the press conference, Haslam said his employees "run a tight ship," and the company is conducting its own internal investigation.

He thinks the investigation centers around unpaid rebates- a point Pilot/Flying J disputes...

Eastern District US Attorney Bill Killian confirmed that a total of four search warrants were issued and served to Pilot Flying J, but a spokesperson says it's only two.

Pilot Flying J claims not to know why the investigation continues...

Here's the Haslam presser from this afternoon...