The Buckeyes fell three spots in the AP basketball poll after splitting with Penn State and Michigan State last week.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State Buckeyes fell one spot to No. 24 in this week's Associated Press top 25 basketball poll.

A three-point loss to Michigan State on Sunday left Ohio State still searching for a quality road win, but wasn't enough to knock the Buckeyes out of this week's poll. Ohio State (19-7, 8-5 Big Ten) beat Penn State by 20 on Wednesday night.

The top five spots in this week's poll remained the same with Kentucky, Virginia, Gonzaga, Duke and Wisconsin holding down the top spots. Kentucky, the lone unbeaten team in the country, received all of the first-place votes.

Three Big Ten teams are in this week's poll with No. 16 Maryland, which jumped up three spots, joining Wisconsin and Ohio State.

The loss to the Spartans knocked the Buckeyes out of the logjam for second place in the Big Ten. At 8-5 in the conference, Ohio State is now tied with Indiana for fourth in the Big Ten behind Wisconsin, Maryland, Purdue and Michigan State.

Sunday was Ohio State's last chance to get an impressive road win in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have five games left, two on the road, beginning with a trip to Michigan (13-12, 6-7) on Sunday.

After that, Ohio State closes the regular season with home games against Nebraska and Purdue, then a road game against Penn State and the finale at home against Wisconsin on March 8.

Kansas Jayhawks have been the dominant team in the Big 12 for 10 straight years. They are on the verge of making it 11.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Many people believed this would be the season the Kansas Jayhawks ended a run of 10 straight Big 12 Conference championships. But unless something changes in a hurry, coach Bill Self and his crew are about to make it 11 straight.

The Jayhawks (21-4, 10-2) have a two-game lead over Iowa State (18-6, 8-4) with six to play, and they have already split with the Cyclones. A last game of the regular season at Oklahoma might not mean a thing, unless the West Virginia Mountaineers, who play KU twice down the stretch, can somehow make things interesting with an upset.

That would almost have to come tonight in Morgantown, West Virginia, considering the final tilt between these two will be senior night in Allen Field House, a game few Big 12 teams can win, no matter if the Jayhawks are champions or not.

Down the stretch: Two conference races to watch. Atlantic 10 - If VCU is considered in, no matter what, then Dayton, Rhode Island, UMass and Davidson are fighting for, at best, two NCAA Tournament bids. Mountain West - Another league looking at two bids, max, for Wyoming, San Diego State, Boise State and Colorado State.

The puzzler: That would be Conference-USA, where the RPI numbers say Old Dominion is the best team in the league with NCAA at-large credentials, while the conference standings place the Monarchs fifth, three games out of first with six to play.

So, is this a one-bid league if ODU doesn't win the conference tournament. Or, does the selection committee give ODU an at-large over three or four teams ahead of them in the regular season standings? Understand, one C-USA team ahead of the Monarchs (Western Kentucky) is ranked more than 50 RPI teams behind ODU, while another (UAB) is over 100.

North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith smiles during a news conference in Chapel Hill, N.C.,when he announced his retirement. AP Photo

Sweet memories: It was one thing to play for the late Dean Smith. It was quite another to go against the legendary coach as an opposing player or coach. Ricky Stokes, current Director of Basketball Operations for the Mid-American Conference did both, first as a player at Virginia and later as an assistant at Wake Forest.

"We played them my freshman year and beat them twice,'' said the former point guard for the Cavaliers through the Ralph Sampson era. "Then they beat us in the Final Four; Al Wood, James Worthy, Sam Perkins. That bunch."

As the primary ball handler, Stokes knew what he was in for when Smith and the Tar Heels were on the bench and on the court.

"They scrambled so much (on defense), a lot of run and jump, trapping the ball handler,'' Stokes said. "And after timeouts, you knew something was coming, something different."

During that 1981 Final Four, Stokes, at first, did not think the game would be played.

"It was the semifinals, the week the President (Ronald Regan) got shot,'' Stokes said. "Al Wood had 39. Those teams, they were notorious for their comebacks. You always knew they were coming back.

"Back then, if you were going to win a championship, it went through them. Some time, some where, it was just a matter of time."

Coming to Cleveland: Perhaps the Temple Owls and their basketball program have lost some of the cache that came with former coach John Chaney. But they are still a force to be dealt with in the new American Conference. The Owls (19-7, 10-3) are currently third in the league and on a seven-game winning streak.

But coach Fran Dunphy and the Owls, including Richmond Heights High product Mark Williams, have yet to play the top two teams in the league. That happens beginning this week when Temple travels to play at SMU and at Tulsa. Temple is currently projected to be a low double-digit seed, but a split on this trip, and a strong conference tournament run could get this team up to an 8-9 seed. Stay tuned.

Inside the Top 25: It is the stretch run now, and game faces are on. Where upsets were common almost every week at the top of the Top 25, that was not the case over the previous seven days. The first eight teams in the Top 25 and 10 of the Top 11 all went unscathed.

Conference Tournaments and NCAA Tournament play are coming fast, but don't expect much movement in the weekly Top 25 now, except on the back end.

Key games this week: Perhaps the most compelling, locally, is Cleveland State's Friday game at Wisconsin-Green Bay. The Vikings probably have to win out to win the Horizon League title and this one on the road is mandatory to get that done.

Monday - Kansas at West Virginia, 9 p.m., ESPN.
Tuesday - St. Louis at VCU, 7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Net.
Wednesday - Xavier at Cincinnati, 7 p.m., ESPN2.
Wednesday - North Carolina at Duke, 9 p.m., ESPN.
Friday - Cleveland State at Green Bay, 7 p.m., ESPN2.

Top 25 poll vote: Here's my ballot for this week's AP Top 25.

1. Kentucky
2. Virginia
3. Gonzaga
4. Duke
5. Wisconsin
6. Villanova
7. Arizona
8. Kansas
9. Notre Dame
10. Utah
11. Louisville
12. Northern Iowa
13. Wichita State
14. North Carolina
15. Maryland
16. Iowa State
17, Arkansas
18. SMU
19. Baylor
20. Oklahoma
21. Butler
22. VCU
23. Oklahoma State
24. West Virginia
25. Ohio State

See 64 playoff brackets – printable and interactive – for every OHSAA girls basketball sectional/district in Ohio.

See 64 playoff brackets – printable and interactive – for every OHSAA girls basketball sectional/district in Ohio.

Stay on top of all the state hockey tournament action involving local teams with cleveland.com's printable brackets.

Stay on top of all the state hockey tournament action involving local teams with cleveland.com's printable brackets.

Giambi, who spent the last two seasons of his career with the Indians, finished with 440 home runs. In 2014, he battled injuries -- some nagging and others roster-spot motivated -- and batted .133 with two home runs in 60 at-bats.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- About six weeks after his 44th birthday, Jason Giambi announced his retirement.

The 20-year big league veteran told the New York Daily News that the 2014 campaign was his last as a player. Giambi, who spent the last two seasons of his career with the Indians, finished with 440 home runs. In 2014, he battled injuries -- some nagging and others roster-spot motivated -- and batted .133 with two home runs in 60 at-bats. 

"I've done everything I possibly can in my career," Giambi told the Daily News.

Giambi was named to the American League All-Star team on five occasions. He merited the 2000 AL Most Valuable Player award. He contributed perhaps the most important stroke of lumber for the Tribe in 2013, when he clubbed a walk-off home run off Chicago closer Addison Reed in the final week of the regular season.

Manager Terry Francona constantly lauded Giambi for his ability to provide leadership in the Indians' clubhouse. Former reliever Vinnie Pestano once referred to Giambi as "a coach who hits homers." He socked 11 of them in his two seasons with the Tribe. He became the oldest player in league history to hit a walk-off homer.

Giambi was a central figure in baseball's BALCO steroid scandal about a decade ago. He maintained his reputation enough, however, that he has been widely regarded as a future manager. He was a finalist for the Colorado Rockies gig before he signed with the Indians two years ago. 

The Indians had extended an open invitation to Giambi to remain with the organization in some instructor capacity. For now, it appears as though he will take the family route.

"I have two young ones and I want to get an opportunity to spend that time in their young lives," Giambi told the Daily News. "I want to be there to watch them grow."

The Walk-Off, The Infamous Plunge and more: 5 Giambi memories from his tenure in Cleveland

Check out four things we learned from last weekend's girls basketball matchups.

Check out four things we learned from last weekend's girls basketball matchups.

Garfield Heights product Trey Lewis is CSU's leading scorer. Anton Grady of Cleveland Central Catholic is the team's top rebounder.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Gary Waters remembers when Trey Lewis delivered the news that he was going to Penn State.

"I told him that I understood," said the Cleveland State coach. "I know it's hard to turn down the Big Ten. I also knew that we were his second choice. I said if things didn't work out there, he could always come home."

Lewis was the Ohio Division I Co-Player of the Year in 2011 at Garfield Heights. He finished second to Trey Burke in the voting for Mr. Ohio Basketball.

It's very hard to keep a player like that home, because expectations are so high.

Lewis played 20 games at Penn State, averaging 5.6 points. But there was a coaching change, and Lewis decided to return to Cleveland.

Now he teams up with another local product -- Cleveland Central Catholic's Anton Grady.

Grady was the Ohio Division III Co-Player of the Year in 2011. He was recruited by schools such as Xavier, Cincinnati and others who are considered a higher Division I level than CSU.

But Grady stayed home from the start, because he wanted to play for Waters. He is the highest-rated high school player recruited by Waters at CSU.

Now, the two local players have the Vikings contending for the Horizon League title. Lewis is the team's leading scorer, Grady the leading rebounder.

The Vikings play a non-conference game Tuesday at Western Carolina. But the real test is this weekend. Friday, it's at Wisconsin-Green Bay. Sunday, it's at Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The Vikings are 10-3 in the Horizon League, and probably need to win both games to catch first-place Valparaiso (11-2). Green Bay is 11-0 at home, Milwaukee is 9-4.

"It's not going to be easy," said Waters.

TWO LOCAL PRODUCTS

Which brings us to Grady and Lewis, perhaps the two best Cleveland area players in the nine-year Waters Era.

I recently wrote about how Grady has endured three knee surgeries and revamped his game from being a "jumping jack" at Cleveland Central Catholic to a savvy post-man who uses inside position to grab rebounds and score inside.

"But you should have seen him Sunday," said Waiters. "He was getting up there."

Grady had a career-high six blocks in a 67-59 victory over Illinois-Chicago. He is leading the Horizon League in rebounding, averaging 8.9 in conference games.

Lewis second in the league in scoring with a 16.2 average. Grady is fourth at 15.3 in the conference.

Senior point guard Charlie Lee is playing some of the best basketball of his career. Senior Marlon Mason had been sick earlier in the season, and he's now healthy and has been solid.

Waters raves about the defense of Kaza Keane, a transfer from Illinois State who rarely shoots.

"He guards the other team's top scorer," said Waters. "He knows why he's out there, and he's willing to concentrate on defense."

WINNING ON THE ROAD

To win on the road, a team has to be do more than defend -- which is CSU's trademark. The team has to be strong inside, and it has to have a few legitimate scorers.

The Vikings are only 4-9 on the road this season. If they can win the regular season title, they can host the Horizon League tournament. Winning the regular season also ensures the team a National Invitational Tournament bid.

Finishing second in the league gives a team a bye for the first two rounds of the tournament.

Cleveland State has not been to the NCAA tournament since 2009. Waters believes that Lewis and Grady are playing the best basketball of their college careers, and the two juniors give the Vikings a chance.

"In Sunday's game, the first five shots that Trey took were all 3-pointers," said Waters. "He made three of them. I was going to tell him to not just shoot all 3s, but before I could, he told me, 'Coach, now I'm going to take it inside.' That's real growth."

Lewis is shooting 44 percent on 3-pointers, taking six per game. But the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder can drive to the rim with determination. He also is the backup point guard. He rarely sits, averaging 35 minutes per game. By the time his career is over, Lewis will be the best CSU guard since Norris Cole.

PRESSURE AT HOME

Waters said that when local stars such as Lewis and Grady play at CSU, the expectations are greater than if they had played out-of-town.

"You have friends and family who expect you to score like you did in high school," he said. "When you transfer down a level like Trey did from the Big Ten, some people think you should just tear up the league."

Waters said he went through that stage with Cedric Jackson. While Jackson was from New Jersey, he assumed that he'd score 20 a game because he began his career at St. John's in the Big East.

"Our league is tough," said Waters. "It took Cedric a while to figure that out. And he had a great career for us. But you don't just step on the court and make it happen. And it can be hard for the kid if people don't realize that this is not the same as high school. "

Waters praised Lewis for his willingness to be the team's top scorer, yet work on defense and keep an upbeat, unselfish attitude.

"And let's face it, for us to have a chance in these games -- Trey has to score," said Waters.

Grady has sacrificed some of his scoring to concentrate on rebounding.

"Anton has been outstanding," said Waters. "He puts the team first. I'm really proud of Trey and Anton. They both have been through a lot, and they are such a big part of what we do as a team."

Michael Bourn was on the trainer's table and when Giambi tagged White Sox closer Addison Reed for a walk-off home run in the last week of the 2013 regular season. The center fielder nearly tackled trainer Lonnie Soloff to the ground.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Giambi served a variety of roles during his two years in Cleveland. Here are five memories from Giambi's tenure with the Indians. Giambi announced his retirement on Monday.

5. The Iron Fist: Giambi erased a 2-1 deficit with a pinch-hit, eighth-inning solo home run off the black backdrop in center field at Great American Ball Park on May 27, 2013. When he retreated to the dugout after circling the bases -- he reached home plate before gravity pulled the baseball back to Earth -- he gave with manager Terry Francona a celebratory slap on the hand.

"I put my hand up (to high-five Giambi), but I wasn't watching and he almost broke my wrist and my watch," Francona said. "I was bent over in pain. I said, 'Man, maybe you should have just flew out.'"

4. The First Strike: Giambi made a habit out of notching key home runs against the White Sox. On July 29, 2013, he greeted Chicago reliever Ramon Troncoso with a pinch-hit, walk-off homer to center field to begin (and end) the ninth inning. The Indians won, 3-2.

3. Kiss From A Rose: As the Indians celebrated with champagne in the clubhouse after they clinched a playoff spot in 2013, Terry Francona approached Giambi and gave him a smooch.

"I don't remember a lot," Francona said at the time. "I hope it wasn't on the lips. I'm going to claim that I was out of my mind. I think I did kiss him on the cheek."

Francona routinely praised the veteran for his leadership. He said the team would not have qualified for the Wild Card Game without Giambi.

2. The Infamous Plunge: In the eighth inning of a 14-2 game on April 30, 2013, Giambi slapped a grounder toward first base. The 42-year-old then dove -- bellyflopped? -- into first base, head first. His helmet was jarred loose. The picture of the scene was quickly posted outside of the Indians' clubhouse and remained there through the 2014 season.

1. The Walk-Off: All of his teammates remember where they were and what they were thinking.

Michael Bourn was on the trainer's table and when Giambi tagged White Sox closer Addison Reed for a walk-off home run in the last week of the 2013 regular season. The center fielder nearly tackled trainer Lonnie Soloff to the ground.

Giambi's blast salvaged a game that Chris Perez had blown in the top of the ninth.

"This is the stuff you dream about," Giambi said after the game.

Can the Indians improve on their 85 victories from 2014 and contend for a postseason spot if Corey Kluber doesn't have another Cy Young winning season?

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Indians pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Ariz., on Wednesday for the start of spring training. Like every team headed for Arizona or Florida, the Indians bring questions with them.

We'll address the Top 10 questions facing the Indians as they prepare for the 2015 season.

No. 10. Does Corey Kluber need to win another Cy Young award for the Indians to improve on their 85-win season?

A. Tim Lincecum was the last pitcher to win consecutive Cy Young awards in 2008 and 2009 for the Giants. Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez was the last AL pitcher to do it in 1999 and 2000 for Boston.

The Giants won 72 games in 2008 and 88 in 2009. The Red Sox won 94 games in 1999 and 85 in 2000.

Nine pitchers have done it a total of 11 times since the Cy Young was first awarded in 1956. So it doesn't happen that often.

A more reasonable question would be does Kluber need to pitch well for the Indians to improve on last season and make it to the postseason? The answer is yes.

It doesn't mean he has to duplicate his 2014 season, but if he makes 30 to 32 starts and performs like a No.1 starter that would be a good place to start.

In 2013 Kluber pitched 147 1/3 innings in the big leagues. Last year he pitched 235 2/3. It's a big jump and if Kluber was younger there might be red flags whipping around him this year indicating the possibility of injury.

But Kluber is 29 and outside of a finger injury in 2013 has had no signs of arm or shoulder problems. The question, as it is with all athletes, is consistency. He's set the bar, now it's a matter of clearing it or coming close to it.

The Indians will be just fine with either one.

Next:

Question No. 9: When will Francisco Lindor make his big league debut with the Indians?

BEREA, Ohio - The Browns head to Indianapolis with plenty to accomplish this week as the NFL Scouting Combine begins Tuesday. The week-long event features 323 invited players, who submit to agility tests and drills, one-on-one interviews with teams, medical evaluations and verified measurements. While the college prospects are the focus, there's other business at hand. Browns coach Mike Pettine...

BEREA, Ohio - The Browns head to Indianapolis with plenty to accomplish this week as the NFL Scouting Combine begins Tuesday.

The week-long event features 323 invited players, who submit to agility tests and drills, one-on-one interviews with teams, medical evaluations and verified measurements.

While the college prospects are the focus, there's other business at hand. Browns coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer will address the media at mid-week. Farmer will find himself in the spotlight because of the league's texting investigation and all the off-field news surrounding Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon.

The combine also affords team personnel a chance to meet with agents of pending unrestricted free agents. Then, there's always an unexpected story that surfaces. A year ago, the Browns had to address reports that the franchise tried trading for then-Niners coach Jim Harbaugh.

With Harbaugh safely in Ann Arbor here are Browns' storylines to follow at the combine:

Never-ending QB search continues

This isn't a good year to be in the market for quarterback, which is where the Browns find themselves. It's a weak draft class and questions about the top two candidates, Florida State's Jameis Winston and Oregon's Marcus Mariota abound.

The Browns hold the Nos. 12 and 19 picks and likely would have to trade up to acquire either player. They probably will interview all the top prospects which include UCLA's Brett Hundley, Colorado State's Garrett Grayson and Baylor's Bryce Petty.

The Browns reportedly have keen interest in the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Mariota, who won the Heisman Trophy, but is viewed by some as a project because of the spread system he played in with the Ducks. He also had 27 career fumbles. His hand size will be one of the more important measurables at the combine.

Given the character issues surrounding Winston, it's hard to imagine the Browns trading up for the Florida State product after all the troubles with Manziel and other first-round pick Justin Gilbert last year. Nonetheless,Winston is the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft.

One intriguing mid-round prospect is Grayson, who played in a pro-style offense.

Brian Hoyer redux?

The free agent won't be running and jumping in Indianapolis, but the quarterback who led the Browns to seven wins last season will be part of the Indy conversation.

Hoyer becomes an unrestricted free agent March 10 and his agent Joe Linta likely will speak to Browns representatives this week to gauge interest in resigning him.

Farmer has told the quarterback he wants to meet with him, Linta said, but it's yet to take place. That should be an interesting conversation in light of the text investigation.

While some believe Hoyer will play elsewhere next season, the Browns would be wise to keep their options open. Manziel remains in rehab and the draft- and free-agent classes aren't encouraging. Hoyer had the Browns in the playoff mix before his extended slump saw him benched in favor of Manziel. Perhaps we'll get more clarity on his future with the club this week in Indy.

Receivers watch

The Browns had an opportunity to draft any of a handful of terrific receivers in last year's class and chose against it. Don't expect them to take a pass this season.

Josh Gordon probably has played his last game for the Browns following his latest league-imposed suspension - this time for an entire season.

Alabama's Amari Cooper might be gone by the time the Browns pick at No. 12. West Virginia's Kevin White and Louisville's DeVante Parker - both 6-foot-3 - could be available.

The Browns also will be interested to see what kind of 40-time Arizona State's Jaelen Strong (6-3, 215) runs. Central Florida's Breshad Perriman is an intriguing prospect in the second or third down.

Need at tight end

Browns tight end and UFA Jordan Cameron is almost certainly gone. The club might make a play for Broncos unrestricted free agent Julius Thomas. Otherwise, the Browns had better interview plenty of tight ends in Indianapolis.

The bad news here is it's not a good crop. Minnesota's Maxx Williams (6-4, 250) is the best of the group, but he'll probably go late in the first round. University of Miami's Clive Walford (6-4, 254) could be available early in the second round.

Matters of character

A year ago at the combine, Farmer had this to say about character issues regarding potential prospects:

"It's hard to think that you're going to win football games with somebody that's not going to have a little dirt under their fingernails," Farmer said. "They are all not going to be exact. They are all not going to be the best people from a lot of perspectives, but we're looking for the combination of people and talent. I was told by an older scout, an older coach, that if you don't have some dirt under your fingernails, you're not (experiencing life)."

Given the misadventures of Manziel, Gilbert and Gordon it will interesting to see if the Browns take a different approach at the top of the draft board. (In fairness, Farmer also selected solid character players Joel Bitonio, Chris Kirksey and Pierre Desir in later rounds.)

The Browns get to meet with players for 15-minute intervals in Indianapolis. They also dig into a player's pas,t interviewing coaches, acquaintances and people at their schools. You would expect the Browns to examine fingernails a bit it more closely this year.

Has LeBron James' return to Cleveland made a difference in your life?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Tuesday the Northeast Ohio Media Group will explore the economic impact on the region of LeBron James' return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A hint on what we found: It's exactly what you'd think and nothing at all like what you were told.

Confused? Good. Check back Tuesday.

Ahead of our report, though, which is an analysis of data collected over the first three months of the Cavs' season, we want to know how James' coming home has impacted you, if at all?

Did you change your spending habits so you could afford to go to a Cavaliers' game or two? Are you spending more on entertainment -- Cavs, dinners out, movies, etc. -- because James is back, or did you simply shift how you spend your dough?

Do you feel differently about Cleveland, or, more broadly, northeast Ohio? Why?

What kind of impact do you think James made by returning, especially when considering the spotlight placed on the city by all the Cavs' national TV games and Nike/Beats by Dre commercials?

To get our conversation started today, I asked some of these questions of a relative newcomer to Cleveland, Cavaliers coach David Blatt, who just moved here from Israel.

"There's a lot of things happening in Cleveland," Blatt said. "Obviously one of the most exciting moments was LeBron coming back.

"But, you know, there's so many things happening in the city now, that are not connected only to basketball, or only to sport. The city is growing and it's rejuvenating itself, and it's become, from what I understand, compared with before I came, it's become a very vibrant and attractive place.

"I remember one saying that someone told me when I originally came, they said 'well, Cleveland's not the kind of place that you come to visit, but it's a place that you come to live,' which I thought was beautiful. But now, with all I've seen, Cleveland's also a place that you come to visit. Because there's a lot going on. And that's nice."

Thoughts?

Alex Rodriguez has issued a handwritten apology "for the mistakes that led to my suspension" but has turned down New York's offer to use Yankee Stadium for a news conference and has failed to detail any specifics about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez has issued a handwritten apology "for the mistakes that led to my suspension" but has turned down New York's offer to use Yankee Stadium for a news conference and has failed to detail any specifics about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The five-paragraph statement issued Tuesday, three days before the team opens spring training, was addressed "to the fans."

Rodriguez says "I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be" and "I'm ready to put this chapter behind me and play some ball."

The 39-year-old, a three-time AL MVP, was suspended last season for violations of baseball's drug agreement and labor contract. An arbitrator found "clear and convincing evidence" Rodriguez used three banned substances and twice tried to obstruct the baseball's drug investigation.

Here's the text of the letter, courtesy NJ.com.

To the Fans,

I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season. I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be. To Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association and you, the fans, I can only say I'm sorry.

I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point. I understand why and that's on me. It was gracious of the Yankees to offer me the use of Yankee Stadium for this apology but I decided the next time I am in Yankee Stadium, I should be in pinstripes doing my job.

I served the longest suspension in the history of the League for PED use. The Commissioner has said the matter is over. The Players Association has said the same. The Yankees have said the next step is to play baseball.

I'm ready to put this chapter behind me and play some ball.

This game has been my single biggest passion since I was a teenager. When I go to Spring training, I will do everything I can to be the best player and teammate possible, earn a spot on the Yankees and help us win.

Sincerely,

Alex

Potter has interest from ACC and Big Ten schools.

MENTOR, Ohio -- A strong summer that included plenty of work in the weight room gave Mentor junior Micah Potter that extra muscle he needed to draw the attention of college coaches. Now Potter is one of the hottest recruiting names in Northeast Ohio.

The 6-foot-10 forward has good interior moves and a smooth jumper making him an ideal stretch forward. Lately he's been garnering ACC interest, including Duke.

Here, Potter spoke about the recruiting process:

Name: Micah Potter.

School: Mentor.

Year: 2016.

Height: 6-foot-10.

College offers: Davidson, North Carolina State, West Virginia, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Buffalo, Akron, Lehigh, Boston University.

How has the recruiting process been?

It's definitely picked up over the last couple of weeks. It's humbling, but it's motivating too. It shows that I'm capable of doing that and it makes you want to work harder and be the best.

What do you look for in a school?

Location is not a big deal because I want to go to the place that best prepares me for the future whether it be academics or basketball. That could be 500 miles away or 3,000 miles away. It's academics, and then for basketball, it's the coaching staff and how they run their program. I want a coach that is intense into the program who will have high expectations and will push you but is also the kind of guy who will encourage you. Kind of like a father figure. And in the locker room, I want to be accepted immediately as part of the family.

Why do colleges say they are interested in you?

The one thing a lot of people don't have is my passing ability. The outlet passing and the ability to see the floor. They like my overall feel for the game. The ability to dominate inside and shoot as well as I do. They say that I am the epitome of a stretch-four. I can drive to the bucket and finish with power.

What do colleges say that you need to work on?

The big thing for me is becoming more agile. They say I've made massive drives during the season and the offseason. Now the next step is becoming more versatile and becoming as close to a guard's ability as possible.

What do you remember about getting your first offer?

It came from Davidson. I went down with a couple of my AAU teammates to the Davidson camp last summer.  I played pretty well. Coach [Bob] McKillop. He mentioned all of the stuff Davidson had to offer and said they would really like to have me.

When you are on a campus visit, what do you pay attention to?

The look of the campus. The facilities have to be top notch. I went to a West Virginia game on Monday because I want to feel that Mountaineer atmosphere to comprehend how amazing it is and see how the coaching staff coaches.

Who will help you make this decision?

My parents and family will really help me. So will Mentor coach Bob Soley, who has been my mentor.

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Kevin O'Connell, 29, takes over as the Cleveland Browns' quarterbacks coach after Dowell Loggains was let go after the 2014 season.

BEREA, Ohio -- Kevin O'Connell's days of tutoring Marcus Mariota and Bryce Petty are over -- at least for now.

On Tuesday, the Browns made official what has been common knowledge for weeks. O'Connell, a former NFL backup and private coach, will join the club as its quarterbacks coach.

The team also announced the hiring of senior offensive assistant Kurt Roper, assistant wide receivers coach Frank Edgerly and offensive quality control coach Michael McCarthy.

"Kevin has already shown a knack for individual teaching at a high level," coach Mike Pettine said in a statement. "Our experience being around him makes us confident he will easily transition into being an extremely valuable member of our staff."

A former third-round pick from San Diego State, O'Connell was a dual-threat quarterback in the NFL who spent time on the rosters of the Patriots, Lions, Jets, Dolphins and Chargers.  

He became acquainted with two Jets assistants -- Pettine and new Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo -- during the 2009 season in New York. O'Connell had a second stint with the Jets in 2011 when Pettine was still a staff member. He also spent a few days in Browns training camp last season with the coaching staff.

In recent years, he's worked as a personal quarterback coach with Prolific Athletes in Carlsbad, California. He tutored current Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel last year. Over the past month, he's worked with Oregon's Mariota and Baylor's Petty.

Some NFL executives told cleveland.com his work with Mariota was a conflict of interest when it became clear O'Connell intended to accept the Browns post. It's believed the Browns have interest in possibly trading up for the Heisman trophy winner.

O'Connell is eager to join the Browns staff, but said he's happy the team allowed him to keep training Mariota.

Cue the eye rolls in team offices around the league.  

"I feel like we were able to accomplish a lot and he's going to be in a really good situation moving forward wherever that may be," O'Connell said of Mariota in a statement. "I really was thankful to the organization for allowing me to do that.  I made a commitment to Marcus and it wouldn't have felt right not following through with him knowing that he trusted me for this important time preparing to start his NFL career."

O'Connell replaces Dowell Loggains, who was fired after one season.

"(O'Connell) displayed knowledge of football schematics far beyond your typical player -- even for a quarterback," Pettine said in a statement. "The combination of personality and knowledge made it clear he would make an outstanding coach. He was outstanding in the interview and instantly fit in with our group of offensive coaches that sat in ...

"Flip has an outstanding blueprint for developing quarterbacks that they will implement together," Pettine said. "Regardless of the situation, the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator must be in lockstep, with the quarterbacks coach largely in charge of fundamentals while the offensive coordinator can focus more on scheme."

Roper, 42, joins the Browns after one season as offensive coordinator at the University of Florida.

Edgerly has been a member of Browns' player personnel staff since June 2013.

McCarthy, 29, served as the North Carolina Central University tight ends coach last season.

Scott Beigie becomes Walsh Jesuit's first new head coach in 35 years.

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio -- Scott Beigie has been selected as the next head coach for the Walsh Jesuit football program. He takes over for at Walsh for Gerry Rardin who retired in December after 35 seasons with the Warriors.

Rardin ranks 21st in Ohio for all-time coaching wins with a record of 252-118-2. Walsh posted two undefeated regular seasons under Rardin and captured the state title in 1999.

"I am deeply humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Walsh Jesuit football program into the future," Beigie said. "As the head football coach, I promise to lead with a respect for the traditions of the past, a vision for the future, and a sincere commitment to the school mission, the football program and the student athletes."

Beigie a 2005 graduate of Walsh Jesuit, was named the school’s assistant athletic director in 2014, and is also a guidance counselor there.

He recently completed his eighth coaching season, seven as an assistant coach for the Warriors, with one year coaching at Cleveland Heights. Beigie is a 2009 graduate of John Carroll University, and a two-year football player for the Blue Streaks before a knee injury ended his collegiate career.

"Scott's concern for young people and passion for football will help him carry on the fine tradition of Warrior football that Coach Bill Ricco and Coach Rardin established."

Walsh Jesuit players learned about Beigie's hiring during a meeting after school Tuesday.

Junior offensive lineman Jack Wohlabaugh told the Northeast Ohio Media Group via text message:

"(Beigie) reminds me a lot of Coach Rardin with the way he coaches and the lessons he teaches us on and off the field. Also, I know he agrees with Walsh Jesuit's tradition of "smash-mouth football."

Beigie and his wife, Abbey, reside in Akron.

Follow our high school sports Twitter account @NEOvarsity and tag your related Tweets and score updates with the #NEOvarsity hashtag. 

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Division I leads includes seven projected state champions from Northeast Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – High school wrestling analyst Josh Lowe of InterMatWrestle.com released his annual state tournament predictions report Wednesday, and nine local wrestlers have been deemed state title favorites. 

Lowe’s report lists seven Division I wrestlers from Northeast Ohio as favorites to win their weight class at the OHSAA individual state tournament in March. They include:

113 – Noah Baughman, Wadsworth

120 – Alex Mackall, Walsh Jesuit

126 – Austin Assad, Brecksville

132 – Hunter Ladnier, St. Edward

160 – Shane Mast, Wadsworth

182 – Ben Darmstadt, Elyria

285 – Kevin Vough, Elyria

Predicted runners-up in Division I include: Devione Edwards, Lorain (106); Tim Knipl, Wadsworth (170); Isaiah Margheim, Lorain (195); Parker Knapp, St. Edward (220).

In Division II, only one wrestler – Kyle Kremiller of Perry (195) – is a projected champ, let alone a listed finalist. Division III is similar, with only James Handwerk of Lutheran West (170) as a projected champ.

In the team races, St. Edward is the predicted winner in Division I, followed by Massillon Perry, Brecksville, Elyria and Wadsworth. Fourteen-time champion St. Paris Graham was an easy choice in Division II, but Lowe has St. Vincent-St. Mary finishing fourth. No local teams are among Lowe’s top 10 in Division III.

This is Lowe’s 12^th year of doing his annual report. You can view the entire thing at his InterMat Ohio Wrestling website.

Follow our high school sports Twitter account @NEOVarsity and tag your related Tweets and score updates with the #NEOVarsity hashtag. Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko on Twitter (@ScottPatsko) by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Josh Gordon and the NFLPA will grieve his one-game suspension for showing up late to a walk-through the Saturday before the Cleveland Browns' final game against Baltimore. He's done more to hurt his free agency than the Browns ever could.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- At the heart of the grievance filed on behalf of Josh Gordon is yet another suggestion that he's been wronged, this time by a team that has every reason to be weary of his immaturity and recklessness.

Gordon's suspension for the final game of 2014, if upheld, would delay his unrestricted free agency until after the 2017 season. The NFLPA will argue that could cost Gordon millions.

By that the union means millions more than he's already cost himself. If he's pursuing the grievance at the urging of the NFLPA, I wouldn't be surprised. But both parties do so at the risk of making him look even less accountable than he already appears.

The multiple violations of the drug policy? The subsequent indefinite suspension? Those have crippled his future power almost as much as a free agency he may never see. But he can't contest those, so he clings to only argument available to him.

That argument being that other Browns arrived late to team meetings and treatments and weren't suspended. That the Browns were looking for a reason to deliver a suspension smackdown. It's obvious (to Gordon's people if no one else) the Browns suspended him for the Baltimore game to keep him from accruing the necessary six games to qualify for restricted free agency after 2015, then unrestricted free agency after 2016.

Other NFL players can drink during the season, too -- because other NFL players haven't kept sabotaging their careers and their teams. Gordon is a serial offender. Not a rookie. He's a player the Browns have been trying to reach for a while.

Gordon missed 10 games last season (a reduction), returned half the player he was in 2013 (when he missed the first two games while suspended), broke off routes, didn't fight for passes. Then didn't show up for the final walk-through of the season and was sent home from the airport when the team departed for Baltimore.

Johnny Manziel and Justin Gilbert spent a three-hour timeout in the locker room in Baltimore. Manziel was already on injured reserve. Gilbert was disciplined for being tardy to a Saturday night team meeting. Apparently that made it too late to officially suspend him.

If that's the comparison Gordon's people will cite, good luck with that.

Whatever the Browns' motivation for suspending him, it's safe to say all Gordon had to do to hit those free agency benchmarks he's now fighting for is show up and walk around.

As Cris Carter pointed out about Manziel, who missed treatment on his hamstring and needed an in-person wake up call from team security on the same day Gordon missed the walk-through, all the rookie had to do was get out of bed and lie down again on a trainer's table.

Nothing much more than that was required of Gordon. If he were on time and stayed vertical, the Browns had no reason to suspend him.

At every step Gordon has almost taken responsibility for his actions. Almost.

When he failed a test for marijuana it was just a smidge over the limit. His bad, sort of. Same with his DUI.

The codeine was for a cold. He said he'd take responsibility. But really now how was he to know? The alcohol came after the Browns' season ended. He thought it was OK.

OK?

So now the Browns did him wrong again by suspending him, and he seeks restitution. If suspending him constitutes an ulterior motive for his employer, the payoff isn't so rich as to be obvious.

It gives them one more year of control over a player but it's a player who may never play for them again.

One more year of control could make it easier to trade him. But why would a trade partner give up anything substantial for Gordon given his history and the consequences of his next mistake?

And if there is a next mistake, rest assured he'll admit it was his fault. Kind of.

Shortly after LeBron James announced his return to Cleveland and the Cavaliers made a blockbuster trade for Kevin Love, the new-look roster captured the attention of bettors nationwide.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Shortly after LeBron James announced his return to Cleveland and the Cavaliers made a blockbuster trade for Kevin Love, the new-look roster captured the attention of bettors nationwide.

Jumping in front of reigning champion San Antonio, the Cavaliers became not only the favorite in the Eastern Conference, but the team many picked to win the NBA championship.

Now, with two months left in the regular season, and a rocky start in the rearview mirror, the Cavs have once again become Vegas' favorite in the Eastern Conference, according to ESPN.com's David Purdum.

"Heading into the final two months of the regular season, more money has been bet on the Warriors to win the title than any other team at William Hill's sportsbook in Nevada, where Golden State is listed at plus-240, or 12-5. The Cavaliers are next at 3-1, followed by the San Antonio Spurs (13-2) and the Atlanta Hawks (7-1)."

The Cavs (33-22) own the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference, but have won 14 of 16, and are starting to play like the team many expected early.

"At 7-2, Cleveland remains the favorite at the Westgate SuperBook, listed just ahead of the Warriors at 4-1.

The majority of books have Golden State as the favorite, though, including the MGM, CG Technology and William Hill. The Warriors opened at 15-1 at William Hill. Fourteen percent of money wagered on William Hill's NBA futures pool is on Golden State, according to numbers provided by the book. The defending champion Spurs have attracted 12 percent of the action, followed by the Cavs at 11 percent."

Jermaine O'Neal not ready to return

Teams around the NBA had been keeping tabs on free agent center Jermaine O'Neal as the veteran was eying a possible comeback. But O'Neal used Instagram to announce the time isn't right for him to return. 

I'm not sure if there will ever be another time or not for me and basketball but what I do know at... http://t.co/UFxHBo4GyB

-- Jermaine O'Neal (@jermaineoneal) February 16, 2015

The 18-year veteran had been working out in the Dallas area and the Mavericks were one of a number of teams hoping he would return following the All-Star break.

"I don't feel like I'm at that position now with just seven weeks of training, and I'm not comfortable making that commitment at this point," O'Neal added in a separate Instagram post. "The issue for me is timing and things feeling right. I'm a true believer of signs and listening and understanding life."

O'Neal averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game last season for the Golden State Warriors. He was a six-time All-Star with the Indiana Pacers and has career averages of 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

The Cavs are still in the market for frontcourt depth, but will now have to look elsewhere. 

More Cavs links

Improved Cavaliers could be dangerous playoff team (USA Today)

Economic impact on LeBron James' return to the Cavaliers (cleveland.com)

An evaluation of the Cavs at the All-Star break (News-Herald)

NBA links

Amare Stoudemire expected to join the Dallas Mavericks (ESPN.com)

Suns determined to sign Goran Dragic, barring blockbuster trade offer (Yahoo Sports)

Larry Sanders buyout under discussion (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Kobe Bryant will always be an All-Star of talking (GQ)

Health will decide who starts in right field when the Indians open the regular season April 6 in Houston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Arizona on Wednesday for the start of spring training. Like every team headed west or south to Florida, the Indians bring questions with them.

We'll address the Top 10 questions facing the Indians as they prepare for the 2015 season.

5. When the season opens April 6 in Houston, who plays right field?

A. If April 6 was today, David Murphy would be starting in right. In real time, however, Murphy might not be here when the Indians play Houston at Minute Maid Park.

Manager Terry Francona has a number of options, starting with Murphy, Brandon Moss and Nick Swisher. Murphy and Moss bat left-handed, Swisher is a switch-hitter.

Murphy, at the moment, is the only one of those three capable of playing every day. So until the Indians get a better read on Moss and Swisher, Murphy stays. When the Indians get a better idea of what Moss and Swisher can do, Murphy or someone else might have to be traded to make the 25-man limit.

The Indians owe Murphy $6 million this year.

Raburn and Tyler Holt are right-handed hitters. Raburn is a platoon option, Holt is a centerfielder by design, but he made three starts in right last year. Switch-hitter Zach Walters appeared in two games in right field.

Holt and Walters have options.

Next:

4. Will the bullpen show any wear and tear in 2015 after two years of heavy use?

Browns receiver Josh Gordon, who had a grievance filed against the Browns on his behalf by the NFLPA, is hoping to get his lost game and wages re-instated.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Josh Gordon is fighting his one-game suspension by the Browns for the season finale on the grounds that he had never been told that he was late to five or six other team functions, as the club said he was when it banned him, a league source told Northeast Ohio Media Group.

The NFLPA filed a grievance against the Browns on Gordon's behalf Friday, according to the document obtained by NEOMG.

The Browns suspended Gordon for the season finale in Baltimore after he missed the walk-through the day before in Berea for conduct detrimental to the team. The club informed him that he had already been late about a half-dozen times and that's why he was being suspended without pay, which amounted to 1/17th of his salary, or $48,564.

The NFLPA's grievance states that Gordon was never disciplined for being late prior to the suspension, and was never officially told he had been tardy previously.

The suspension cost Gordon the sixth game he needed for an accrued season, and the chance to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2015 season. The one-game suspension could have prevented him from being unrestricted until after the 2016 season.

Now that Gordon is serving a minimum one-year ban for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, he would not be eligible for unrestricted free agency until after the 2017 season if he's reinstated for 2016 -- providing the one-game suspension stands.

If he wins the grievance, he would be eligible to hit the open market after the 2016 season -- which could translate to millions of dollars for the All-Pro receiver.

If he loses, his trade value would increase, because the trading partner would own his rights through 2017. He already has a very trade-friendly salary of $1.068 million over the next two years. The Browns don't have to pay him his salary in 2015 while he's banned.

The NFLPA's grievance states that "the discipline imposed is improper, unreasonable, excessive, discriminatory, inconsistent with discipline assessed against other employees for similar conduct, and fails to comport with the principle of progressive discipline.''

The union's argument is that the Browns failed to follow the fine schedule that all teams have. What's more, he was punished for multiple violations of the same offense, even though he was never disciplined for or notified in writing about those transgressions.

The NFLPA is seeking to have Gordon's game reinstated and his lost wages restored. The grievance will be heard in front of an independent arbitrator sometime this off-season.

Gordon was suspended after spending at least a portion of the night before with Johnny Manziel, who also overslept the next day for what he said was partying too late. Manziel missed his hamstring treatment, and team security had to be sent to his apartment to find him. Manziel, who checked himself into a rehab facility last month for possible alcohol and substance abuse, was fined by the Browns and banished to the Ravens visitors locker room for the finale.

Five days after the season ended, Gordon violated the substance-abuse policy by drinking alcohol on a plane to Las Vegas with teammates and former Browns receivers coach Mike McDaniel, now with Atlanta. Shortly thereafter, Manziel and Gordon were photographed living it up together in Aspen, Colo.

Finally, Manziel checked himself into a rehab facility last month for possible alcohol and substance abuse.

The NFLPA will also argue during the hearing that other Browns players repeatedly broke team rules and were not suspended. They will cite year-long transgressions by both Manziel and No. 8 overall pick Justin Gilbert.

Gilbert was actually benched for the finale for being late to a team meeting the night before, but it was too late to officially suspend him for the game. Afterward, coach Mike Pettine said he was suspended for all intents and purposes.

A league source told NEOMG that Gordon's camp will also likely suggest that the Browns suspended Gordon instead of fining him that week so they could retain his rights for an extra year.

First of all, of course, Gordon must make it back from his minimum one-year ban, which can no longer be appealed. In order to do so, he must adhere to his program and test negative for a year.

As for whether or not his camp will pursue legal action for the current minimum one-year ban for alcohol, they declined to comment.

Gordon claims he thought that since the season was over, he was no longer being tested for alcohol.

So even while he's banished, the long saga of the 2013 receiving-yardage leader continues.