Quantcast
Channel: Cleveland Sports News
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live

NFL Combine 2016: The Michigan center who studied Alex Mack all summer

0
0

Why Graham Glasgow checked out the Browns Pro Bowler.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Graham Glasgow had Alex Mack homework this summer.

When Jim Harbaugh and his new staff arrived at Michigan last year, offensive line coach Tim Drevno assigned an NFL player to each Wolverine lineman.

Study this guy. Between spring ball and fall camp, this is how you'll learn to play like an NFL lineman, as the Harbaugh staffers tried, in many ways, to create an NFL atmosphere.

Glasgow, Michigan's 6-foot-6 and 307-pound center, got Mack, the Browns' 6-4 and 311-pound veteran Pro Bowler. 

What did he think?

"He runs the outside zone so unbelievably well," Glasgow said Wednesday at the combine. "I tried to look at that. His footwork, the way he can run off the ball and not get too deep and be able to push defenders back at the point of attack. Looking at his hand work in his pass pro, things like that are just awesome."

Mack was a first-round pick in 2009. Glasgow doesn't project that high, but he did help himself with a strong performance at the East-West Shrine Game that led to a late invite to the Senior Bowl. Now he might have a shot at going in the middle rounds.

Mack had a part in that. Glasgow said he watched about half of Mack's 2014 games last summer while preparing for his final year Michigan, what would be by far the best season of his career.

Improving his diet had something to do with that. Following a 2014 DUI arrest, Glasgow said he cut beer, among other things, out of his regular meal plan. He's been answering questions about that DUI charge from NFL teams here at the combine.

Taller than most centers at 6-6, he's viewed as pretty athletic with a good first step. If he can be anything like Mack, he'll take it.

"There's a lot of things he did that I tried to do this season," Glasgow said. "I think that really helped me a lot."


OHSAA district wrestling tournaments 2016: What you need to know

0
0

The top four wrestlers in each weight class at each district advance to the state tournament March 3-5 at Ohio State.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The OHSAA district wrestling tournaments are Friday and Saturday. Wrestlers from Northeast Ohio will be spread across five districts in three divisions.

The top four wrestlers in each weight class at each district advance to the state tournament March 3-5 at Ohio State. 


Here’s a closer look at the districts: 


DIVISION I


Perrysburg District


When: Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.


Where: Perrysburg High, 13385 Roachton Road, Perrysburg. Call 419-874-3181.


Click here for brackets and first-round pairings.


What you need to know: Defending Division I team state champ St. Edward qualified all 14 wrestlers out of the Westlake Sectional. … Eagles state champion Allan Hart (120) and state runners-up Hunter Ladnier (138) and Jared Campbell (220) are three of the lineup’s seven sectional champions. … Elyria qualified 13 wrestlers from Westlake, including state champs Ben Darmstadt (195) and Kevin Vough (220). … Pioneers Brendan Price (170) and state placer J.T. Brown (182) both forfeited sectional final matches due to injury. … Olmsted Falls state runner-up Noel Caraballo dropped from 220 to 195, where he was sectional runner-up to Darmstadt last week. … Wadsworth’s Noah Baughman (120) was state champ on 2014 and third at state last season. … Brunswick’s Nick Kiussis (152) is a two-time state runner-up, and teammates Garrett Lambert (126) and Josh Heil (138) two- and three-time state placers, respectively.


Mentor District


When: Friday, 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.


Where: Mentor High, 6477 Center St., Mentor. Call 440-974-5300.


Click here for brackets and first-round pairings.


What you need to know: Brecksville, defending Mentor District champ, has 12 qualifiers, including seven as sectional champs. … That group is led by state placers Jarod Bronstrup (113), Justin DeMicco (138) and Austin Hiles (152). DeMicco and Hiles were third at state last year. … St. Ignatius’ Michael Drobnick (170), Kaden Russell (182) and Kyle Vilsack (195) were sectional champs. … Walsh Jesuit’s Alex Mackall (126) is a two-time state finalist and was 2014 state champ. … Massillon Perry’s David Carr (145) won a state title with Dayton Christian last season as a freshman. He’s ranked No. 1 nationally by intermatwrestle.com.


DIVISION II


Alliance District


When: Friday, 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.


Where: Alliance High, 400 Glamorgan St., Alliance. Call 330-829-2245.


Click here for brackets and first-round pairings.


What you need to know: Lake Catholic has 13 district qualifiers, including nine sectional champs. … The Cougars’ lineup is highlighted by state placer Kevon Freeman (132) and state qualifiers Hunter Ryan (113), John Szep (182) and Justin Sanders (195). … St. Vincent-St. Mary has 11 qualifiers, including eight sectional champs. … State placers Luke Wymer (126) and Ben Knaus (170) are top seeds. … Norton’s Mitch Bischoff (285) was fifth at state last season.


Fostoria District


When: Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.


Where: Fostoria High, 1001 Park Avenue, Fostoria. Call 419-436-4110.


Click here for brackets and first-round pairings.


What you need to know: Most Northeast Ohio Division II wrestlers are at the Alliance District, leaving only 10 schools to send representatives to Fostoria. … Padua’s Tony DeCesare (120) is a two-time state runner-up. … Buckeye’s Eric Bartos (113) was a state placer last season. … Rocky River’s Aaron Kelly (126) is a two-time state qualifier.


DIVISION III


Garfield Heights District


When: Friday, 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.


Where: Garfield Heights High, 4900 Turney Rd., Garfield Heights. Call 216-662-2800.


Click here for brackets and first-round pairings.


What you need to know: Rootstown has 13 district qualifiers, including seven sectional champs. … The Rovers’ Seth Hayes (120) and Luke Sorboro (170) were state placers last season. … Manchester has eight district qualifiers, including four sectional champs. … The Panthers’ Joey Bowen (126) is a three-time state placer, and Jerek Cropper (220) was fourth at state last season. … Mogadore has seven district qualifiers, including five sectional champs. … The Wildcats’ Collin Kelly (220), eighth at state last year, won a 3-2 decision vs. Cropper in last week’s Independence Sectional final. … Lutheran West’s James Handwerk (182) is a defending state champ.


For more high school sports news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter


Contact sports reporter Scott Patsko on Twitter (@ScottPatsko) by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

If Josh Gordon has changed 'there's a spot for him on the roster' says Sashi Brown

0
0

Josh Gordon can be reinstated by the NFL soon. If he's changed and wants to be back, the Browns will welcome him back.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. --- Browns Executive Vice President Sashi Brown says signs are pointing to Josh Gordon being reinstated and that the club will welcome him back if he's doing the right things.

"Josh we know is working out and by all signs he's on a path to come back and be reinstated,'' Brown said during his podium press conference at the NFL Combine. "Josh is a tremendously talented young man. I've gotten a chance to know Josh over the three years that I've been in Cleveland and know him to be generally a good young man.

"He understands that he's made some mistakes in the past, I think he's accountable for those and everything that we see and hear in talking to his representation and those that have been in communication with him is that he's eager to get back and contribute. And we feel like if he's accomplished those things, there's a spot for him on the roster, could certainly help.''

Gordon applied for reinstatement from his indefinite drug ban in January and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has 60 days to rule on it, which will take place sometime in March. At the Super Bowl, Goodell said the All-Pro will have to demonstrate that he's a changed player from the one who's been suspended for 27 of his last 32 games.

But Brown emphasized that for Cleveland, it's more than just Gordon vowing not to get suspended again for violating the substance abuse policy -- as he has been in each of the past three seasons.  

"For Josh it's really substantively where he is as a person,'' said Brown. "As I understand it, as it's been reported back to me through folks who have been in contact with Josh and seen him throughout the off-season, including his representatives, Josh is taking it seriously and has learned from his mistakes. He's serious about wanting to be a pro and be one of the best wide receivers in the game.

"If he's done all the things, put himself in that position and clean up some of the mistakes, then certainly we would welcome him back. I think it's going to be a tremendous environment for him to reestablish himself. I wouldn't characterize it as simply 'Is he just not going to be suspended again?' We want him to come in and be competitive, be a great teammate, be a great member of the community, be a great Cleveland Brown.''

Brown agrees with coach Hue Jackson that high character is important, but stressed that the Browns will hold him accountable.  Jackson made it clear Wednesday that he won't tolerate misbehavior.

"(We'll) set the expectations and make sure he understands exactly what that means, that you're going to come out and compete in practice, you're going to be reliable and accountable to your teammates,'' he said. "I think Josh is wise enough to understand that if he comes back, he's going to have to prove that a bit and eyes will be on him.

"But I'm confident he can do it. I know him well enough. He's a good, young man, means well. He's just got to get past a few things and hopefully has learned. If he hasn't, he won't be part of the organization. But I trust that he'll have learned enough that he will give himself an opportunity to do that. But we'll see. I don't want to get too much into Josh. He's got to get reinstated first."

Brown said he hasn't been given any indication by the league when they'll make a decision or what it will be.

"I don't expect that one way or the other,'' he said. "It's a process that we don't have a lot of insight into, and properly in support of the league they want to take their time and make sure that they understand where Josh is and where he's heading, and we will be in communication with the league around this and have been, but let the process take its course.''

He said the first concern is for Gordon as a person "and then obviously we'll deal with the football field afterwards. He's a good young man that I think's got a bright future and we hope on the field in uniform, but the first thing's first is just to get him reinstated and make sure he has his life in a place that people are confident he can be successful in the league.''

He said once Gordon is reinstated, they'll evaluate his future. Gordon has been working out, including with Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.

"We'll need to still have kind of our own discussion with Josh and figure out what he wants to do and be here,'' he said. "Our anticipation is he would be open to it, but we're so limited in our communication with him.We're really curious what Josh's mindset will be when he gets back. Our player personnel director is allowed to have limited communications with him. But that's really it. Hue and I will sit down with him and have that conversation at the time, Paul (DePodesta) and others.

"He's got a great environment in which to come back. Al Saunders, Hue Jackson, guys that have coached some really successful wide receivers in the league. I'm  hopeful that Josh as a person made the strides that he set out to make and can come back and contribute hopefully on Sunday will be a bonus for us.''

Sports Insider show at noon: How the jump shot changed basketball; NFL Combine 2016; Indians and Cavs

0
0

Today's Sports Insider at noon will feature Mary Kay Cabot from NFL Combine 2016; Joe Vardon on the Cavs; Paul Hoynes from Tribe spring training; and Shawn Fury, author of a new book on the history and impact of the jump shot.


rise-and-fire-book.jpg"Rise and Fire," a new book about the jump shot by Shawn Fury. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - NFL Combine 2016 and Indians spring training are in full swing;and the Cavs are celebrating a win Wednesday night. Watch today's Sports Insider at noon to catch up on those topics and more.

Today's show will feature Mary Kay Cabot from NFL Combine 2016; Joe Vardon on the Cavs; Paul Hoynes from Tribe spring training; and Shawn Fury, author of "Rise and Fire," a new book on the history and impact of the jump shot.

Today's hosts will be Bud Shaw and Zack Meisel. Watch the show live below, or check back later today for a full archive.

Keith Thurman injury puts bout with Shawn Porter on hold; Cleveland's Yaundale Evans moves up in weight: Boxing Report 2016

0
0

The Shawn Porter-Keith Thurman fight has been postponed after Thurman was injured in an auto accident.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The highly-anticipated bout between Shawn Porter and Keith Thurman has been postponed due to a car accident that resulted in whiplash for Thurman.

The fight had been scheduled for March 12. A new date has not yet been set.

The fight was scheduled for prime time on CBS. It would have been the first fight on prime time since Muhammad Ali fought Leon Spinks in 1978.

Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs) is a graduate of Stow High School. It was a challenge for the undefeated (26-0, 22 KOs) Thurman's WBA welterweight title. But Thurman
was involved in a car accident last Monday. The deployment of his airbags caused a strain of his neck and shoulders.

Now Porter will have to wait for the promoters to reschedule the fight.

Moving on up

Yaundale Evans' goal of keeping busy took a dramatic turn when the Cleveland native decided to move up two weight classes for a bout on March 25 in Oklahoma City against super featherweight Tevin Farmer (20-4-1, five knockouts). The bout will be shown along with several other fights on Showtime's ShoBox.

Evans (18-1, 14 knockouts) will not only move up from featherweight but he will face a southpaw in Farmer. It's all worth it for Evans, who will have his third fight since last July. He's a lot busier now than the three years he was off due to management issues. Evans refuses to let any rust return.

"I'm moving up because he won't move down," Evans said. "He's a good fighter. He's slick and that's why I'm taking the fight because I always want the best."

A victory could mean Evans can get another crack at Javier Fortuna, the only fighter he's lost to.

"I want to get back in with Javier," Evans said. "He's scared to fight the guy I'm fighting."

Quick jabs

This week in boxing history

Feb. 25, 1964: Cassius Clay won the heavyweight title by seventh-round knockout when Sonny Liston quit on his stool. Clay would announce the following day that he embraced the Islamic faith and changed his name is Muhammad Ali. 

Boxing schedule

Saturday

5:30 p.m. (Showtime Extreme): Carl Frampton vs. Scott Quigg, IBF/WBA junior featherweight unification, Gavin McDonnell vs. Jorge Sanchez, WBC junior featherweight eliminator; Hosea Burton vs. Miles Shinkwin, for vacant British light heavyweight title.

9 p.m. (Showtime): Leo Santa Cruz vs. Kiko Martinez for Santa Cruz's WBA featherweight title, Julio Ceja vs. Hugo Ruiz in rematch for Ceja's WBC junior featherweight title, Gerald Washington vs. Oscar Rivas, heavyweights.

10 p.m. (HBO): WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford vs. Hank Lundy, Felix Verdejo vs. William Silva, lightweights; Seanie Monaghan vs. Janne Forsman, light heavyweights.

 

Sashi Brown at the NFL Combine: 4 key quotes

0
0

Sashi Brown met with the media at the NFL Combine on Thursday. Here are five videos

Who could Ohio State basketball end up playing in the NIT? Does Ben Simmons excite you?

0
0

The Buckeyes, unless something crazy happens, look like they're heading to the NIT.

MLB's top 10 double-play tandems: Where do Cleveland Indians infielders Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor rank?

0
0

Indians fans had the privilege of watching one of the league's all-time great double-play combinations in Omar Vizquel and Roberto Alomar from 1999-2001. The Tribe's current middle infield of Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis isn't too shabby, either. Where does it rank among the league's best?


Anderson Varejao was not taking a verbal shot at Cleveland Cavaliers -- Terry Pluto (photos)

0
0

Cleveland Cavaliers should not take offense at anything said by Anderson Varejao.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There is no reason to make a big deal out of what Anderson Varejao said after joining the Golden State Warriors.

The former Cavalier gushed about his new team, and some wanted to believe he took a shot at the Cavs in the process.

"I'm glad I came here because I can tell they love each other," Varejao told CSNBayarea's Monte Poole. "When you want to win, you have to be like they are. Friends have fun out there, fun in the locker room."

As LeBron James said later, "I would hope if you're 50-5 that everyone loves each other ... what else do you want at that point ... Duh."

Varejao has never been a negative guy. He's simply excited about his new team, and that should be the case.

There actually is something a little deeper going on here, rather than Varejao implying the Cavs aren't in the same emotional place as the Warriors. James' point is that no one else is so together, although a case can be made for the San Antonio Spurs being another unique franchise.

A key reason for that is not only winning, but winning with the same key players together for several years.

Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are in their fifth season playing together. Teammates Harrison Barnes and Draymont Green are in their fourth seasons with the Warriors.

Spurs franchise players Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili probably were on the court together for George Mikan's rookie year. Or maybe when James Naismith first put up the peach basket on the barn door when the game was born.

Chemistry takes time.

That's one of the reasons the Cavs making it to the The NBA Finals last season was impressive. It was the first season for James with the Cavs since he left for Miami in 2010. Most of the team was quickly assembled by general manager David Griffin after James returned home.

FEELING REJECTED

But the other factor is what happened to Varejao last week.

In his 12th season with the Cavs, he was shipped to Portland as part of a three-team deal bringing Channing Frye to the Cavs.

Then Portland waived the 6-foot-10 veteran, rather than keep him.

For the Cavs and Portland, part of the reason for the moves had to do with the salary cap. But the Cavs received a player they wanted in Frye. Portland simply let Varejao go, keeping the future first round pick that the Cavs added to make the deal work.

The message to Varejao was that two teams didn't want him. Portland will pay about $15 million left on Varejao's contract.

That had to hurt.

Then, several teams showed an interest in signing him to a minimum contract.

That had lift him up, especially when one of those teams was the NBA Champion Warriors.

The good-hearted, sensitive Varejao suddenly felt some love -- and he needed it.

BATTLING INJURIES

Heading into the 2014-15 season, Varejao had one year at $9.7 million left on his contract.

He also had missed an average of 41 games per season over the previous four years. Remember, an NBA season is only 82 games long.

Yes, Varejao was heading into free agency in the summer of 2015, but his injury history made him a risk for a long-term deal.

In the previous four years, he had:

  1. A torn tendon in his ankle.
  2. A broken wrist.
  3. A sore back.
  4. Knee surgery followed by a blood clot in his lung.

The reason for the injuries was that Varejao played so hard, recklessly throwing his body all over the court. It's why fans and teammates loved him. And he relentlessly came back from one serious injury after another.

THE CONTRACT EXTENSION

That's why several NBA executives and agents told me they were surprised when the Cavs did extend his contract. He was likely to suffer yet another major injury because he already had sustained so many others.

But the Cavs wanted to show good faith to Varejao, and they gave him this extension:

  • 2015-16: $9.6 million.
  • 2016-17: $10.3 million, $9.3 million guaranteed.
  • 2017-18: $10 million, not guaranteed.

He missed 51 games last season because of a torn Achilles. Once again, he came back. He played 31 games this season with very limited minutes. Then he was traded.

I've heard from many fans who say the Cavs treated Varejao poorly. That's because Varejao was a terrific teammate and wonderful with the fans in his nearly 12 seasons here.

But they really did him a favor with that last contract.

He will be paid the remainder of his $9.6 million salary by Portland, along with the $9.3 million guaranteed for next season. Round it off to $15 million. And he was put in position to sign with a team that is favored to win a title, a team that does make him feel wanted.

We'll see if Frye can help the Cavs more than Varejao. I believe that will be case. Frye is off to a strong start as he scored 15 points Wednesday with six rebounds in 18 minutes against Charlotte.

Some fans wondered why the Cavs didn't re-sign Varejao. NBA salary cap rules prevent that for 12 months.

I don't think it was Varejao's intent to take a verbal shot at his old team. I believe he's just happy to be with a terrific team after being traded, then cut. He's a good guy in a good place ... and he also benefited from a good contract given him by the Cavs.

LeBron James wasn't pitted against Rich Paul by NBPA's rule prohibiting agents from representing coaches and players

0
0

The NBPA is choosing to enforce a rule prohibiting agents from representing both players and coaches. LeBron James sits on the union's executive committee, but his agent, Rich Paul, hired an agent to represent his firm's coaching clients, so there is no conflict.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The NBA's players union notified its members and their agents this week that an old rule prohibiting the representation of players and coaches by the same agent would be strictly enforced.

The announcement, which was made in a memo that was reported by USA Today and CBS Sports and confirmed by cleveland.com, seemed to pit LeBron James against his agent, Rich Paul, for a couple of reasons.

One, James, as an executive vice president of the National Basketball Players' Association, sits on the union's executive committee; and two, Paul lists former Warriors coach Mark Jackson and current Suns interim coach Earl Watson as clients.

But Jackson and Watson, while positioned under the umbrella of Klutch Sports Group, the agency started by Paul, are represented directly by Wendy Cohn, who works for Paul at Klutch, sources said. Watson was immediately assigned to Cohn upon signing with Klutch last month; it's not clear when Cohn became Jackson's agent.

All 12 basketball players represented by Klutch, including James, Tristan Thompson, and Washington Wizards star John Wall, are directly represented by Paul. League rules allow different agents at the same firm to represent players and coaches, separately.

For firms where there may not be the same separation, the union is allowing a grace period through late August to get their houses in order. It is common for the biggest sports agencies (and, occasionally their agents) to represent both players and coaches.

Penalties for violation of the rule will include fines of up to $100,000 and the possibility of suspension and decertification.

"We didn't vote on anything," said Cavs forward James Jones, who like James is also on the union's executive committee. "That rule has been in place forever. It was just looking over business and saying, 'Hey, we have rules that we aren't enforcing,' and that was one of the rules."

Jones said the union's executive director, Michele Roberts, approached the committee during All-Star weekend in Toronto about enforcing the rule.

"If her desire is to enforce a rule, she has the discretion to do it," Jones said. "But it usually becomes a conversation where she says to us, 'Is this something you'd like to see stay on the books? Because if so we have to enforce it.' The collective body agreed. If it turns out some of the players don't like it, for whatever reason, they can come to us and we can work something out."

A spokesman for Roberts did not return a phone message seeking comment.

NFL Combine 2016: Michigan State QB Connor Cook returns to the scene of his trophy crime

0
0

The Spartans quarterback explained against what happened with Archie Griffin in December. Watch video

INDIANAPOLIS -- The trophy aura followed Connor Cook to Indianapolis. Actually, this is where it all started.

The Michigan State quarterback is back in Indianapolis at the site of the most controversial trophy acceptance of his career.

It's one that at least a segment of Ohio State fans haven't forgotten.

The Walsh Jesuit grad and Spartan quarterback answered more questions about off-the-field issues than on-the-field play at the NFL Combine this week.

The main topic? The fact he wasn't selected as one of Michigan State's captains this season and what that said about his qualities as a leader.

Another topic? His trophy acceptance style.

That was Cook accepting the MVP of the Big Ten Championship from Ohio State legend Archie Griffin after the Spartans beat Iowa in Indianapolis in December. That happened in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the same building housing the combine this week.

Cook had explained and apologized previously, doing so right after the game on the Big Ten Network. He also tweeted his regrets, saying that he didn't mean to slight Griffin at all.

But some Ohio State fans aren't going to let it go that easily. The trophy issue was part of Cook's podium time in Indianapolis on Thursday, part of the attempt to examine the personality of a potential franchise quarterback.

"That kind of got blown out of proportion as well," Cook said. "I saw it and it did look pretty bad, and the first thing I did was apologize on live television. ... It did kind of look bad and I did feel bad about it."

Cook said he also called Griffin that night, and Griffin said soon after that he accepted Cook's apology.

"It looked a lot worse than it really was and Connor was very apologetic that it came off that way," Griffin told The Sporting News. "I accepted Connor's apology and I think he was sincerely sorry."

Now Cook is on to the NFL. If he wins another trophy down the road in his football career, some Ohio State fans will surely remind him of that December trophy moment.

For Cook's full answer at the combine about that trophy moment, watch the video.

Cleveland Indians to sign outfielder Will Venable, Mike Chernoff's college teammate, to minor league deal

0
0

Venable pieced together his best major league showing in 2013, when he hit .268 with a .796 OPS, with 22 home runs, 22 doubles, 22 stolen bases and eight triples.

Will VenableVenable split the 2015 season between San Diego and Texas. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Will Venable and Mike Chernoff played together at Princeton more than a decade ago.

Now, the two are reunited. The Indians have agreed with Venable, a 33-year-old outfielder, on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring camp, a source confirmed to cleveland.com. The deal is contingent upon Venable's passing of a physical, which is to take place on Friday morning.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal first reported that Venable was expected to be at the Indians' complex in Goodyear, Arizona, on Friday.

Venable joins a sizable cast of candidates who are competing for playing time in Cleveland's outfield. Across eight big league seasons, Venable owns a .251 batting average and a .722 OPS. He had spent his entire career with the Padres, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2005 amateur draft, until he was dealt to Texas last August.

Venable pieced together his best major league showing in 2013, when he hit .268 with a .796 OPS, with 22 home runs, 22 doubles, 22 stolen bases and eight triples. The left-handed hitter carries a career .256/.324/.422 clip against right-handed pitching and a .222/.280/.329 slash line in more limited action against southpaws. He is one of four non-roster invitees in camp to primarily play the outfield. Shane Robinson, Michael Choice and Robbie Grossman are the others. The Indians also added Joey Butler, Rajai Davis and Collin Cowgill to the outfield mix this offseason.

Venable played at Princeton from 2002-05. Chernoff, the Indians' general manager, manned the middle infield at the Ivy League school from 2000-03.

Chernoff: From infield to intern to in charge

Behind the scenes at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine

0
0

Take a look around the set-up at Lucas Oil Stadium for the NFL Scouting Combine.

How Browns' negotiations with Alex Mack, Mitchell Schwartz are influenced by struggles of O-linemen entering NFL

0
0

NFL offensive line play is suffering as youngsters learn to adjust from the spread concepts favored in college.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - If Browns fans thought Cameron Erving struggled in his rookie season they can take solace in knowing the first rounder at least gained some experience, however humbling.

Not so for D.J. Humphries, the Cardinals offensive tackle chosen five picks below Erving. The 24th overall selection didn't take a snap. He didn't dress for a single game. Humphries was healthy. He just wasn't ready.

Sound familiar?

"We drafted D.J. last year knowing we were going to red-shirt him because we had so much to teach him," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday at NFL scouting combine. "If he threw him out there, he was going to fail. Once they fail, it's hard to get those scars off."

As the Browns continue to negotiate with free agents Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz, they know the learning curve for young offensive linemen, particularly tackles, is growing. They saw it first hand last season with Erving, who had the advantage of playing in a pro-style offense at Florida State.

Simplistic spread offenses, all the rage in the college football, aren't adequately equipping blockers with the power and technique required at the next level.

If the Browns choose a quarterback with the No. 2 overall do they want to start over at center and right tackle? Mack earned his third Pro Bowl bid last season, while Schwartz was among the league's best right tackles.

Both players are in their primes at a time the pipeline of NFL-ready offensive linemen is at a trickle.

Related: Wolverines center studied Alex Mack

The question-and-answer sessions with league coaches and general managers on Wednesday were revealing, especially on the heels of the dominating defensive performance by the Super Bowl-champion Broncos.

 "All the way throughout the National Football League I think everybody is concerned about offensive line play," Seahawks general manager John Schneider said.

Not every team is grappling with the issue. The Cowboys have built one of the league's better lines by identifying college players who fit their scheme. Most franchises have not been as fortunate. 

Offensive tackles like Joe Thomas, who the Browns selected No. 3 overall in 2007, used to be considered safe picks high in the draft. That's no longer the case. Chiefs' Eric Fisher, Jaguars' Luke Joeckel and Rams' Greg Robinson - all taken among the top-two picks in recent classes -- are not playing to expectation.

The Titans, who own the top pick and need to protect Marcus Mariota, might pin their hopes on Mississippi's Laremy Tunsil to end the trend.

Former Pro Bowler LeCharles Bentley, who runs a camp for offensive linemen in Arizona, said tackles coming from spread offenses must learn to play with power and generate more force. 

"It's made NFL (offensive line) coaches jobs more difficult," said Bentley, a Cleveland native who's training Ohio State's Taylor Decker for the draft. "It's great for me because the kids understand they don't know, thus I'm working with a blank canvas. They have no base. Easier to build a player when not working backwards." 

The proliferation of spread offenses in college football has created a disconnect between the NFL and its feeder system. As former Browns general manager Phil Savage told Cleveland.com: "It's two completely different football games that just happened to be played with the same ball." 

The primary focus remains on the quarterbacks and the adjustments they must make. The spread is impacting multiple positions on offense and defense, however. Offensive tackles operate from wider splits and, in some cases, exclusively from two-point stances. Texas A&M tackle Germain Ifedi, a likely second-round pick, said he almost never lined up with a hand on the ground. 

The fast-paced college game places a premium on a lineman's endurance level. It's more about finesse than power. Combo blocks are a rarity. Projecting a lineman's ability in the run game also is becoming increasingly difficult.

Arians perhaps best expressed the frustration many NFL coaches are experiencing with offensive linemen transitioning to the pros. 

"You're drafting a guy right now coming out of some colleges that hasn't been in a three-point stance since high school, and you're going to pay him a ton of money," Arians said. "You have to teach him to get in a three-point stance and run block. 

"It's fundamentals that we're going back now and having to teach. We never had to teach it before. Great athletes. The athletes are much, much better, but the fundamentals are worse than they have ever been."

It's why Mack and Schwartz will make serious money wherever they sign.  For some Browns fans it's probably quite confusing. So much fuss made over two players who were part of an offense that couldn't run the ball consistently and surrendered the NFL's second-most sacks.  

But look around the league at the state of offensive line play. Then, think about the rookie performance of Erving, who would serve as Mack's replacement.

No wonder the Browns are negotiating with Mack and Schwartz in an effort to keep them off the market.

NFL Combine 2016: Ezekiel Elliott is the top RB prospect, but is he top 10 pick special?

0
0

Can Ohio State's star running back work his way into the top 10 of the NFL Draft? Watch video

INDIANAPOLIS -- There aren't many questions left about Ezekiel Elliott.

Ohio State's former running back can run, catch and block; he possesses speed, size and durability; and his status as the No. 1 back in the 2016 NFL Draft has been locked up.

What's left for him at the NFL Combine?

Trying to show that he's not just a great prospect, but a special one.

In the last five years, only six running backs have been drafted in the first round. Elliott surely will join that club. But could he join Todd Gurley (No. 10 to St. Louis last season) and Trent Richardson (No. 3 to the Browns in 2012) as the only backs in the last six years selected in the top 10?

There's the best at your position in a particular year. And then there's proving you're the kind of back that a team wants to go and get in the top end of the first round.

"First of all you have to have a team that has a need," former NFL general manager and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian told cleveland.com. "Second of all, you've got be pretty special, which he is. I would have no hesitation taking him anywhere after No. 10 perhaps. But that's just me."

No. 10 is where the New York Giants pick, and that's where CBS Sports draft analyst Dane Brugler sees the first fit for Elliott.

"That's high for them, but no one saw the Rams last year taking Gurley," Brugler said. "There could be a situation like that this year, where it's not an obvious team but a team at some point in the first round says that he's too good to pass up. He's not a sure thing, but you have a great idea what you're getting with him."

Elliott's biggest competition is the trend away from taking running backs high in the draft. Before Gurley went No. 10 last year and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon went No. 15 to San Diego, a running back hadn't been drafted in the first round at all since 2012.

"I think the guys last year that were first-round picks like Todd Gurley, they set a standard for the younger generation coming up," Elliott said at the combine Thursday. "I feel we're going to bring it back." 

Elliott is clearly a three-down back who can pick up blitzes or checkdowns on passing downs. 

"You don't have to take me off the field," Elliott said.

That's what a back at the upper echelon of the draft needs to do.

"He's the total package," Brugler said. "I can make an easy argument that Zeke will have the biggest impact as a rookie this year from this draft class. He's ready to play right now. You can put him in an offense and he can be the foundation of what you do."

Brugler doesn't think Elliott is as athletically dynamic as Gurley, but he is well-rounded. And while many see a decline in value at the running back position, Polian just thinks there haven't been many guys worth taking that high.

"It's not devalued, it's only that there are no Adrian Petersons coming in on a yearly basis," Polian said. 

Peterson was the No. 7 overall pick by Minnesota in 2007 and clearly was worth it. Polian also saw that with Edgerrin James, a back he drafted No. 4 in Indianapolis in 1999.

But lately? Gurley, who ran for 1,106 yards last season in 13 games after recovering from a knee injury, looks worthy of his pick. Gordon, at No. 15 last year, didn't live up to that billing. And the Browns don't need to be reminded about how much of a bust Richardson was at No. 3.

Elliott? He might have enough teams who think he's worth it, who see a back that can get 25 touches a game and reshape an offense.

"I think there are other positions that people might value a little bit more," Polian said. "But from 10 on down, I would not be afraid to pull the trigger. And if I needed one, I might do it earlier than that.

"Go get him."


LeBron James vouches for Joe Johnson to join Cleveland Cavaliers: 'He knows that we want him'

0
0

LeBron James says Joe Johnson knows the Cavaliers want him, writes Chris Haynes of cleveland.com.

TORONTO - LeBron James made it known publicly that he's in favor of bringing Joe Johnson on board the Cleveland Cavaliers' train.

"He knows that we want him," James said before shootaround in preparation for tonight's game against the Toronto Raptors. "He knows that we want him and if he decides to come here, it'd be great. But if not, then we'll continue to move on with what we have."

Johnson was bought out of his contract with the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, and the Cavaliers are one of the favorites to land the seven-time NBA All-Star when he clears waivers, league sources informed cleveland.com.

At 34, Johnson isn't the top-notch player he was during his prime, but for stretches, he's still a force. In today's game where you can never have enough shooting, Johnson would provide that, as he hits threes at a 37 percent rate.

If signed with the Cavaliers, the expectation is his percentage would climb while getting more open looks opposed to the creating he was doing in Brooklyn.

James and Johnson aren't great friends, but there's mutual respect for one another. They played in the Olympics together and had countess battles throughout their careers.

Previously: Johnson still in play for Cavaliers

James doesn't believe that integrating another rotation player on an already deep team in later February would be problematic.

"It's not tough at all. It's not tough," he said. "We got a veteran ball group and we know what we want to do and I think playing against Joe and competing against him, I think he's smart enough to be able to come in here and just get right into the flow of things. It's not hard at all."

Cleveland is pulling out all the stops when it comes to trying to claim an NBA title. Johnson might or might not be the missing piece, but it's worth a shot to find out.

"He's a great piece for any team and if we're lucky enough to get him, it would mean something to us. If not, we have enough here to compete," James reiterated.

Talk Browns, NFL Combine, Cavaliers and Indians with Dennis Manoloff at 12:30

0
0

Talk all things Cleveland sports with Dennis Manoloff during his weekly podcast starting

DManTalk Cleveland sports with Dennis Manoloff during his weekly podcast today at 12:30

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Get your questions ready and join the Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff today at 12:30 p.m. as he talks Cleveland sports.

DMan and I will talk about the NFL Scouting Combine, whether the Cavs need to take a quarterback with the second pick and if the Cavaliers should try to sign recently waived Joe Johnson.

Jump in the comments to ask your questions and talk along with us.

Iman Shumpert to return to action against Toronto Raptors after missing last three games

0
0

After missing the Cleveland Cavaliers' last three games with a left shoulder stinger, Iman Shumpert is expected to return tonight against the Toronto Raptors.

TORONTO - After missing the Cleveland Cavaliers' last three games with a left shoulder stinger, Iman Shumpert is expected to return to action tonight against the Toronto Raptors, coach Tyronn Lue said.

"He's going to go through shootaround and he's supposed to be a go," Lue said this morning.

Shumpert suffered the stinger on Feb. 18 in a game against the Chicago Bulls when he reached for a steal and banged his shoulder against Bulls forward Doug McDermott.

He stayed in the game, though. The next day the injury was revealed.

The Cavaliers were deliberate in the handling of Shumpert's injury since it was the same shoulder he dislocated a little over a year ago while playing for the New York Knicks.

On occasion, it gives him problems if he gets hit a certain way. Cleveland will be glad to have its defensive specialist back for a game with playoff implications.

Although Shumpert is having an off year statistically, arguably the worst of his career, he's still the team's best perimeter defender and is expected to be assigned to Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors: preview of Game 57

0
0

Tonight's big game between the Toronto Raptors (38-18) and Cleveland Cavaliers (41-15) could have home-court playoff implications. The Raptors are only three games behind the conference-leading Cavaliers.

TORONTO - Tonight's game between the Toronto Raptors (38-18) and Cleveland Cavaliers (41-15) could have home-court playoff implications. The Raptors are only three games behind the conference-leading Cavaliers.

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. at Air Canada Centre.

TV/radio: FOX Sports Ohio; WTAM 1100, 87.7 La Mega.

Last game: The Charlotte Hornets walked into The Q and were toasted, losing 114-103 to the Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Cavaliers' probable starting lineup: 6-3 Kyrie Irving (18.9 ppg, 4.4 apg), 6-6 J.R. Smith (12.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 41% 3-pt range), 6-8 LeBron James (24.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 6.6 apg), 6-10 Kevin Love (15.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg) and 6-10 Tristan Thompson (7.8 ppg, 9.6 rpg).

Raptors' probable starting lineup: 6-0 Kyle Lowry (21.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 6.4 apg), 6-6 DeMar DeRozan (23.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg), 6-8 James Johnson (5.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), 6-10 Luis Scola (9.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and 7-0 Jonas Valanciunas (12.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg).

Season series: Tied, 1-1.

Injuries for Cleveland: Iman Shumpert (shoulder) is expected to play, according to coach Tyronn Lue.

Injuries for Toronto: DeMarre Carroll (knee) is out.

Cavaliers' next opponent: This mini two-game trip ends with the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. on FOX Sports Ohio. Each team has won on the other's court this season.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors: Tipoff time, channel and radio information

0
0

The top two teams in the Eastern Conference will clash on Friday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Toronto to play the second-seeded Raptors. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. and the game will be shown on Fox Sports Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The top two teams in the Eastern Conference will clash on Friday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Toronto to play the second-seeded Raptors. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. and the game will be shown on Fox Sports Ohio. On radio, it will be simulcast on WTAM-AM 1100, 100.7 WMMS-FM and 87.7 FM (ESP).

The Cavaliers (41-15) are coming off a win against Charlotte, 114-103, on Wednesday night. In the win, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving each scored 23 points, helping Cleveland bounce back from Monday's loss against the Detroit Pistons. 

Toronto (38-18) is riding a three-game winning streak, most recently beating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 114-105.

The Raptors are led by DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging 23.5 points. His backcourt mate and the Raptors' other All-Star, Kyle Lowry, chips in with 21.0 points per game. 

Friday marks the final meeting between the Cavs and Raptors this season. The two teams have split the season series, with each winning at home. The Cavaliers won the most recent showdown on Jan. 4, 122-100.  

Catch the coverage from before the game; join in the live chat starting at tipoff; and stick around for full postgame coverage. For all Cavs information, be sure to check out cleveland.com/cavs

Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images