The Buffalo Bulls upset the Ohio Bobcats, 72-60, in the first quarterfinal of the Mid-American Conference women's basketball tournament on Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Junior guard Joanna Smith had 19 points and 10 rebounds and played good defense in 39 minutes as the Buffalo Bulls upset the Ohio Bobcats, 72-60, Wednesday afternoon in a quarterfinal of the 2016 Mid-American Conference women's basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena.

The eighth-seeded Bulls improved to 18-13; the top-seeded and defending champion Bobcats slipped to 24-6.

The Bobcats are 16-3 against MAC competition this season, including 16-2 in the regular season. All of the losses have come against Buffalo.

Buffalo outscored Ohio, 20-13, in the fourth quarter. Most of the points came on layups or free throws. Buffalo patiently ran its offense and capitalized on a size advantage in the low post.

Buffalo helped hold Ohio standout senior guard Kiyanna Black to 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting. Black was the 2015 tournament MVP.

Ohio, the highest-scoring team in the MAC, shot 20-of-52 from the field.

The Bulls led, 52-47, after three quarters. They used an 8-0 run, including five points from Smith, to pull ahead, 50-45.

The Bobcats led, 29-28, at halftime. Junior forward Quiera Lampkins scored 15 on 7-of-12 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Both teams struggled to score against active defenses. Ohio shot 11-of-26 from the field, Buffalo 9-of-31.

The Bulls led, 10-3, midway through the first quarter. Ohio coach Bob Boldon called timeout, and his players began to relax.

Key stretch: In a flurry midway through the second quarter, Lampkins drilled a 3-pointer, grabbed a defensive rebound and made a layup. She gave the Bobcats a 21-17 lead; it was extended to 24-17.

But the Bulls did not panic and chipped away the remainder of the quarter. Smith finished the half with 10 points and eight rebounds.

Key players: Buffalo center Cassie Oursler was a force at both ends, especially in the fourth quarter. The 6-3 Oursler scored 10 and grabbed five rebounds in the fourth.

Buffalo guard Stephanie Reid had 16 points and four assists and was excellent defensively.

Other side: Lampkins finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Up next: Buffalo advances to play the winner of Akron/Toledo in a semifinal Friday.

Quotable: Buffalo coach Felisha Legette-Jack -- "Ohio is an unbelievable team, but today, our ladies decided that our time was now. If they were going to beat us, they were going to have to take it from us.''

Buffalo senior guard Karin Moss -- "That's the thing about our team: We always have each other's back, no matter whom we're playing or what the score is.''

Manager Terry Francona says Michael Brantley, recovering from surgery on his right shoulder in November, could take batting practice on the field Friday or Saturday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Manager Terry Francona is doing quite a balancing act when it comes to Michael Brantley.

Francona, on one hand, is thrilled at the progress Brantley is making after undergoing surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. On the other, he doesn't want to push Brantley back into the lineup before he's ready.

Brantley was cleared Sunday by Dr. Craig Morgan, who performed the surgery, to resume his hitting program. He's been hitting in the batting cages since, but the next step should come this weekend.

"Friday or Saturday he should be on the field for BP," said Francona. "That is kind of the target. He's been flying through everything so well; I'd be surprised if he doesn't.

"I just want to be careful. He's done so well. If he's not on the field (Friday or Saturday) everybody will say 'what happened?' He's so far ahead of where most people would be. A lot of that is attributable to how he's going about it."

When Brantley had the surgery, his recovery time was listed as five to six months. It's still anticipated that he'll open the season on the disabled list.

Michael Brantley wants to swing for real

Heat needed: Francona is a fan of Jose Ramirez, who is being groomed as the Tribe's super utility player. He can play second, short and third and Francona said Wednesday that he'll soon be seeing playing time in the outfield.

But what Francona really wants is for Ramirez to find a way to be successful in the chill of a Cleveland April.

"The biggest thing for Jose is getting out of the gate when it's cold," said Francona. "It looks to me like it bothers him. Once he gets his legs under him, he's a good player. It's not just about him going back to Triple-A (to get motivated). He's a pretty confident kid."

Ramirez opened last season as the starting shortstop. He hit .175 (11-for-63) with one homer and two RBI in April. Defensively, he made four errors.

What is Jose Ramirez's potential with Tribe?

In this corner: Corey Kluber will face Jake Arrieta of the Cubs today at 3:05 p.m. ET. Indians.com will carry the game.

Josh Tomlin, Ross Detwiler, Jeff Manship, Felipe Paulino and Kyle Crockett are scheduled to follow Kluber to the mound in Mesa, Arizona.

Today's lineup: DH Rajai Davis, CF Tyler Naquin, 1B Carlos Santana, C Yan Gomes, LF Robbie Grossman, 3B Gio Urshela, SS Erik Gonzalez, 2B Michael Martinez, RHP Kluber.

Minor league infielders making the trip to Mesa include Yandy Diaz and Ronny Rodriguez.

Back it up: Francona and other coaches have talked to Naquin about playing deeper.

"He plays a really shallow center field," said Francona. "He's probably go the best arm in camp, but we want him to work on getting behind the ball. Big league hitters are stronger."

Testing, testing: Michael Choice, in camp as a non-roster outfielder, returned to game action Tuesday with an at-bat against Seattle. Choice had been sidelined since Feb. 29 with a sore left hamstring.

On the mend: Zach McAllister, hit by the flu, was back in camp Wednesday. He'll probably go through a regular workout Thursday.

The Indians want to get McAllister stretched out to at least three innings in camp. Francona doesn't think that will be a problem.

Shawn Armstrong, dealing with a sore lat muscle, is making progress as well. The Indians didn't want to rush him too early.

Enjoy the show: As much as the Indians are trying to rein in right-hander Mike Clevinger, Francona admits he's enjoying watching him pitch.

"He's fun to watch," said Francona. "As much as we do worry with this being his first camp, I'd be lying if I told you it's not fun to watch. You can see there's so much in there and it's rapidly coming out."

Clevinger, the Tribe's top minor-league pitcher last year, went 9-8 with a 2.73 ERA in 27 appearances at Class AA Akron. He struck out 145 and walked 40 in 158 innings.

The Indians promoted him to Class AAA Columbus for the postseason and he went 2-0 with 15 1/3 scoreless innings.

This spring Clevinger has thrown four scoreless innings in two appearances.

Finally: Francisco Lindor put up big numbers last season -- .303, 122 hits, 12 homers, 51 RBI, 50 runs and 12 steals in 99 games. Francona, however, says Lindor can help the Indians win in other ways as well.

"What we're talking to Frankie about are the things you don't see in box score," said Francona. "Like getting to know the league and who can run. You can't know that until you go through it. Fortunately for us he's a smart kid. There are a lot of ways he's going to help us win that people don't even realize."

The Sacramento arena where LeBron James made his pro debut 12 1/2 seasons ago is closing, so tonight is the last time he'll play at Sleep Train Arena.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The building where LeBron James played his first NBA game is closing.

When James and the Cavaliers play at Sleep Train Arena against the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night, it will be a special moment for James if only because this is it for him on this court.

The Kings are opening a new arena in downtown Sacramento next season.

It's on the old court (back then it was called Arco Arena), on Oct. 29, 2003, where James made his professional debut.

"I had less tattoos and more hair," James said Wednesday morning, before the Cavs' shootaround, as the memories came flooding back. "And my jersey was a lot bigger at that time, I had less weight."

There's almost nothing James has forgotten from that night, more than 12 years ago, when the skinny 18-year-old phenom from Akron who was the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft the previous April made his start.

James recalled his first shot - a "fadeaway baseline jumper right over there by our bench" that splashed over Sacramento center Brad Miller.

Of course he remembers his first dunk - off a steal, where he cocked the ball behind his head with his right hand and crushed it home on a breakaway.

And the play after that.

"I got back to back steals," James said, recalling how he flipped the ball over to Ricky Davis for a dunk. "We started myself, Ricky, D Miles (Darius Miles), Booz (Carlos Boozer) and I believe Z (Zydrunas Ilgauskas). It was just my unselfish ways. I had already gotten my fastbreak dunk and our scorer at the time was Ricky, so, you know, let's try to get him in a rhythm."

James even remembers his stat line from that game, which Cleveland lost 106-92.

"I think it was 25 (points), nine (assists), and five (rebounds) or something," he said.

Close. James had six rebounds, not five.

On Wednesday, James also twice confused the old name of Sleep Train Arena as "Oracle Arena" instead of Arco. Oracle is where Golden State plays, about 90 minutes southwest of here.    

James, 31, is the only player still in the NBA from either team that took the court that night. He has won two titles, played in six Finals (including the last five in a row), and captured four league MVPs.

He said he's watched that first game a few times throughout his 13 seasons, and "just seeing how for an 18-year-old kid there really wasn't much I could tell him at that point.

"He was just excited to be on the court, and he was just having fun," James said, speaking about his younger self. "This was before social media and all that (sort of thing), so he didn't really have to worry about anything, just go out and play and live with the results, live with whatever happened, and he's continued to do that."

The Cavaliers' four-game Western swing that starts Wednesday has the potential to be full of nostalgia for James. Assuming both he and Kobe Bryant plays Thursday, it will be the last time they face each other.

Before that, though, James has one last dance at Oracle, or Arco, or Sleep Train, whatever.

"When I - I don't know if it's a movie made of me or my book gets started (about) my NBA career getting started, this will be the first place it starts, here at Sleep Train...or Arco Arena," James said. "This will always be the beginning of it."

Tate is out for the season after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Looking back, the timing really could not have been worse.

Ohio State's Jae'Sean Tate slapped the floor three times, and then got beat by Nebraska's Tai Webster. Then Tate started holding his shoulder. Then Tate had shoulder surgery. Now he's out for the season.

Maybe that's where the story stops for some people, Tate is out for the year because he injured his shoulder slapping the floor against Nebraska.

That, of course, isn't true. But it makes for a good story.

Here's Tate's story:

"So the story behind that is. If you watched the game from the beginning, you can see that (the shoulder) popped out in the first half," Tate said Wednesday in his first comments since having season-ending surgery for a torn labrum on Feb. 26.

"In the second half, a guy popped out to shoot a 3, when I contested it (the shoulder) actually came out. I was crouching on the ground holding it, and then I started to slap the floor. Then he went by me. It was the heat of the moment. It was smart play by that guy. I would've done the same thing. Next time maybe one or two slaps instead of three."

Tate owns up to the floor slap. It was bad.

But that's not when he got hurt.

"I did it a couple practices before Northwestern, at home," Tate said. "Just the wear and tear and how physical the Big Ten game is. Nebraska is when it really started to come out."

So in the four games Tate played with the shoulder injury, he averaged 15 points and nine rebounds with two double-doubles. The Buckeyes won all four games.

That's what Tate means to the Buckeyes. Sure, the floor slap was a bad decision because it led to free throws in a close game, but that's not when he got hurt and it's not a sign of the player Tate actually is.

He's the guy who played through fear of his shoulder popping out.

"There were a couple rebounds I knew I could've got, but I was scared my shoulder would pop out," Tate said. "I just went out there and did what I could for the team, even if it was boxing out and letting a teammate get the rebound. Just being smart."

This is the second time Tate has suffered a torn labrum. It happened in his right shoulder in high school. Now it's is left shoulder.

"It's just how I'm built up. I have loose shoulders," Tate said.

He said the timetable for recovery could last six months. He's hoping to be able to take contact to the shoulder again in August.

In the meantime, Ohio State begins the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday without him.

Get a look ahead to the 2016 OHSAA state hockey tournament starting on Thursday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Here is a scouting report for the 2016 OHSAA state hockey tournament. Both semifinals and the championship game will take place at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus.

Check out all the updated, printable brackets from throughout the postseason.

All rankings are according to MyHockeyRankings.com.

State semifinals: University School (25-11-2) vs. Dublin Coffman (28-8-3), Thursday, 4 p.m.; St. Ignatius (36-2-1) vs. Toledo St. Francis DeSales (36-1-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.

State final: Saturday, 2 p.m.

Scouting University School: The No. 3 Preppers reached the state semifinals last year before losing to eventual state champion Toledo St. Francis DeSales, but are looking for their first state title since 2009. University School advanced to the state semifinals with a 2-1 win against Shaker Heights in the Kent District final on Friday. Ben Heller and Rob Engoglia had the goals for the Preppers. J.D. Clemens led University School in scoring in Great Lakes Hockey League play with 22 points in 10 games, and Ryan Gorbett added 21 in 10 games.

Scouting Dublin Coffman: The No. 6 Shamrocks are making their second trip to the state semifinals, with their first coming in 2010. This season, Dublin Coffman has outscored teams by a total of almost 100 goals and have lost only once since Jan. 22. The Shamrocks defeated Upper Arlington, 5-2, to win the Columbus District. Cameron Fiorita had two goals to lead Dublin Coffman in the win.

Scouting St. Ignatius: The No. 2 Wildcats are in search of their fourth state championship, including their second in three years. St. Ignatius has won 24 consecutive games, including Saturday's 3-1 win in the Brooklyn District final vs. St. Edward. Jared Stepka led the way in the district final with a goal and an assist. St. Ignatius' last loss came to Toledo St. Francis DeSales, 5-1, on Dec. 20, 2015. The Wildcats have been extremely strong defensively, allowing just 0.95 goals per game while scoring an average of 5.26 per game.

Scouting Toledo St. Francis DeSales: Ohio's top-ranked team and defending state champion avenged their lone loss of the season to Bowling Green, 4-2, in the Sylvania District final. Senior Brendan Furry had two goals for the Knights. Goaltender Kade Phipps has not lost a game this season, going 34-0-0 in goal. The two goals the Knights allowed against Bowling Green were the first goals they allowed against an Ohio team since beating Findlay, 11-1, on Jan. 23.

Four teams are likely in play for the final No. 1 seed for 2016 NCAA Tournament -- Villanova, Xavier, North Carolina and Oklahoma.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For Kansas, Michigan State and Virginia, it's all about holding serve to maintain what looks to be a solid No. 1 seed in the 2016 NCAA Tournament. For Villanova, Xavier, North Carolina and Oklahoma, there is still some work to be done to land that final top rung on the ladder in the ultimate 68-team bracket.

And all of it must be done in their respective conference tournaments. The two in particular to watch are North Carolina and Oklahoma. The Tar Heels supplant Virginia on many projected bracket lists, meaning one or the other is playing for that final spot. Oklahoma might be the longest shot at the start of this weekend, but could ultimately have the most solid case.

No. 3 Villanova (27-4) -- Big East No. 1 seed: The Wildcats have been a Associated Press top five mainstay the bulk of the season, so shy of any early missteps in the conference tournament Villanova will definitely be in the conversation for that final spot. It will likely take one of the following to win their conference tournament to knock them out.

No. 5 Xavier (26-4) -- Big East No. 2 seed: Since the Musketeers play in the same Big East as Villanova, and like the Wildcats were a top 10 mainstay much of the season, they only need a bit more polish on the resume. Advancing to the title game against Villanova, then winning, just might do it.

No. 7 North Carolina (25-6) -- ACC No. 1 seed: If the Tar Heels don't already have the last No. 1 NCAA Tournament slot they likely only need to keep their nose clean in the ACC Tournament and let the dominoes fall around them. Advancing to the title game likely does the trick, but North Carolina has been known to cough one up too, so this is not a given.

No. 6 Oklahoma (24-6) -- Big 12 No. 3 seed: Playing in the No. 1 conference in the country and with the likely No. 1 player in the land, Buddy Hield, the Sooners will have to get past No. 19 Iowa State, No. 8 West Virginia and No. 1 Kansas from the Top 25 ranks to win the Big 12 Conference automatic NCAA Tournament bid. Just getting the first two, pending what others do, might be worth the last No. 1 seed to the NCAA Tournament. Getting all three is practically a no-brainer.

The final Dos Equis ad featuring actor Jonathan Goldsmith as "The Most Interesting Man in the World" debuts during the Cavaliers-Lakers game Thursday. He's outta here in more ways than one.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World'' is headed to another world and about to be replaced.

The final commercial featuring actor Jonathan Goldsmith in the highly successful beer campaign will debut nationally Thursday during the NBA game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers on TNT (10:30 p.m. Eastern).

Goldsmith, 77, will be swapped for a younger actor who will fit with the beer's upcoming college football sponsorship, Advertising Age reports.

In the commercial (below), Goldsmith blasts off on a rocket ship to Mars while uttering his catch phrase, "Stay thirsty, my friends.''

He is sent off, of course, with great fanfare. Fighter jets fly over a mass of people from all cultures who have appeared in previous ads. The crowd parts as he walks leisurely through in his trademark black tux and black sunglasses, a wood shafted golf club over one shoulder. He kisses a queen and gives his car keys to a Tibetan monk, who laughs, while soldiers and a motorcycle gang look on admiringly. He exchanges the golf club for a photo of Earth with a cultural ambassador.

"His only regret,'' we're told, "is that he doesn't know what regret feels like.

''He is the most interesting man in the world.''

A beautiful woman hands him his helmet on the launch pad. The rocket takes off. His trip to Mars is one way.

The impression is that Goldsmith is gone for good. The ad campaign will continue with an as-yet unnamed, more contemporary actor.

Johnny Manziel, anyone? Or perhaps Matt Damon. He's already been to Mars -- and back.

"There will be a hand-off of sorts -- one day it won't just be somebody new," Andrew Katz, VP of marketing for Dos Equis, told Ad Age. "(The campaign) will feel familiar, but it will be different.

"There will be elements that are very, very recognizable, that are super iconic to us, but it will have a very fresh take on things. It will not feel like we've just swapped actors."

The campaign is considered among the most successful of the 21st century.

Sales of Dos Equis Lager Especial grew 10.2 percent to $325.3 million in the last year, USA Today reports. Dos Equis cases shipped grew 35 percent between 2007 and 2015.

Dos Equis will sponsor the College Football Playoff this fall, so the beer's parent company, Heineken, wanted a more contemporary feel than ads that previously featured grainy film of Goldsmith running with bulls, among other exotic activities.

"If you just plug the current campaign in the context of college football, there is something there missing," Heineken USA Chief Marketing Officer Nuno Teles told Ad Age. "You need something a bit more in today's world.''

So Goldsmith's character, it would appear, will have to settle for being the most interesting man on Mars. Left unsaid was whether he was taking beer with him.

Lyle and the Buckeyes open Big Ten Tournament play on Thursday against Penn State. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- JaQuan Lyle emerged from Ohio State's practice gym sweaty and out of breath. The team wasn't practicing, because the Buckeyes were only an hour or so away from leaving for Indianapolis.

Lyle was getting in some extra work with Ohio State assistant Jake Diebler.

Finishing touches before Lyle's first experience in the Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State plays Penn State Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Diebler wasn't the only one trying to get Lyle ready.

Before the workout, Lyle dropped in on Thad Matta. Matta was in the middle of a FaceTime conversation with Evan Turner. Turner was getting ready to play the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. But first Turner wanted to hit up Matta for some new Buckeyes gear. Perks.

When Lyle popped in, Matta passed him the phone.

"I just talked to ET on FaceTime, and he said the Big Ten Tournament is a grind," Lyle said Wednesday. "It's a four-day stretch and you have to be ready to play all four days. You can't go in with the mindset that you're only gonna play two days, you have to play four days. Your body is gonna be fatigued and you have to fight through it."

Lyle said he talks to Turner a lot.

That's not surprising. Turner has remained close with Matta and the program since he moved onto the NBA. Players get to pick his brain when he has time. Perks again.

It was timely prodding by Turner, though, because if Ohio State has any chance of going on an improbable Big Ten Tournament run, it has to begin with Lyle. When everything is going right, Lyle is Ohio State's best player.

There have been flashes, and only flashes, of that this season. There were 29 points at Indiana, 27 at Wisconsin, 19 at Nebraska and 18 at Michigan State. There were also zeros against UConn and Iowa.

Imagine if it all came together now.

"I think JaQuan has shown to really play some great basketball in great environments," Matta said. "Hopefully that carries over, him going to his home state, and he plays well for us."

Lyle said he didn't care much about being back home in Indiana (he's from Evansville), but maybe there's something there. His career-high of 29, albeit mostly in garbage time, came in Bloomington in January.

This is the time of year where teams can be buoyed by stars. Guys get hot and carry their teams to unexpected places. Lyle at times has looked like he has that talent.

"I feel like if anyone of us is hitting shots, we have confidence in each other that we'll ride their horse," Lyle said. "If one of the nights is my night, they're gonna feed the hot hand just like I would if it was one of them. It's just making big-time plays because you're a big-time player."

Carrying Ohio State on some kind of run when a win Thursday means playing Michigan State on Friday seems unlikely. Very unlikely.

But a swift kick to jump start a guy like Lyle never hurt. So he at least got that from Turner on Wednesday.

"I think Evan was spot on with him just in terms of what we've been saying," Matta said. "Now is the time to play your best basketball. You can have a few bad minutes in a game but you've gotta play yourself out. You can't have a bad game."

The Akron Zips knocked off the Toledo Rockets in their Mid-American Conference women's basketball tournament quarterfinal, winning, 73-71, in overtime.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Guard Anita Brown scored 37 points as the Akron Zips defeated the Toledo Rockets, 73-71, in overtime Wednesday afternoon in a quarterfinal of the 2016 Mid-American Conference women's basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena.

Akron improved to 19-12; Toledo is 17-13.

Akron outscored Toledo, 13-11, in overtime. Guard Hannah Plybon, who shot 1-of-10 in regulation, drilled an ultra-deep 3-pointer from the right wing to give the Zips a 67-63 lead with 1:49 remaining.

After two Toledo free throws, Lakewood product Greta Burry's offensive rebound and putback gave Akron a 69-65 lead with 41 seconds left.

Toledo, which trailed, 40-36, at the half, did not score in the third quarter until guard Brenae Harris made two free throws with 6:13 left. Brown answered with a jumper to give the Zips a 44-38 advantage.

Akron surged ahead, 50-38, on Fairview Park product Megan Barilla's layup with 3:01 left in the third. The Rockets responded with a 3-pointer by guard Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott and fastbreak jumper by Harris in consecutive possessions.

By the end of the quarter, Toledo had cut the deficit to 50-44.

The Rockets opened the scoring in the fourth with a three-point play by Bravo-Harriott. Akron kept stumbling and Toledo eventually moved in front, 52-50, with 7:14 remaining on two free throws by Harris.

DiAndra Gibson ended Akron's dry spell with a layup with 6:27 left, and Akron regained the lead, 54-52, on Brown's jumper with 5:38 remaining.

Burry's fastbreak layup off a Brown steal enabled Akron to tie the score, 60-60, with 10.5 seconds left. After Toledo committed its second straight turnover, Brown's long-distance 3-pointer at the horn narrowly missed.

In the first half, Brown scored 21 on 9-of-13 shooting. The Zips shot 15-of-29, including 6-of-11 from 3-point range. Janice Monakana scored 11 for the Rockets, who shot 13-of-29 from the field.

Toledo made two 3-pointers to take a 6-0 lead. Akron used an 11-2 run, capped by a Brown layup, to pull ahead, 18-12, with 2:56 left in the quarter.

Brown's jumper made it 22-15 with 1:08 remaining. Toledo answered with a field goal for the final points of the quarter.

Akron led, 25-17, early in the second quarter. Toledo responded with a 7-0 spurt, including two fastbreak jumpers by Harris.

Key player: Brown made jumper after jumper en route to 16-of-30 from the field. She piled up points when the Zips absolutely needed them; their second-leading scorer, Gibson, had 10.

Brown had seven rebounds and three assists and played well defensively in 43 minutes.

In the tournament's first round Monday, Brown scored 29 in a victory over Miami in Akron.

Key moment:

Other side: Harris led Toledo with 24 points in 44 minutes. She was 6-of-16 from the field and 11-of-12 from the line.

Toledo went 20-of-29 from the line; Akron was 8-of-10.

Toledo deserves credit for refusing to fold when trailing, 50-38.

Quotable:

Up next: The Zips face Buffalo in a semifinal Friday. The Bulls upset top-seeded Ohio earlier Wednesday.

Akron coach Keith Dambrot credits team for latest award. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Keith Dambrot is the Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year for the second time since 2013.

Dambrot led Akron (24-7) into this week's MAC Men's Basketball Tournament as the No. 1 seed. Akron will play No. 8 Eastern Michigan at noon on Thursday. Dambrot also guided the Zips to their third MAC regular season title (13-5).

Dambrot is 276-128 all-time at Akron. He is the second Akron coach to earn the coach of the year honors. Former Zips coach Dan Hipsher won the award in 1998.

"The award is a tribute to our team," Dambrot said. "It's really a team award. I wouldn't be reaping the benefits if it wasn't for our coaching staff and players."

Timofey Mozgov is battling an illness and is listed as questionable for this evening's game. The big man did not attend shootaround this morning.

SACRAMENTO - When the Cleveland Cavaliers take the floor tonight for the first game of a four-game road trip, they could be without their best rim protector.

Timofey Mozgov is battling an illness and is listed as questionable for this evening's game against the Sacramento Kings. The big man did not attend shootaround this morning.

Mozgov has been feeling under the weather for some time. The team was unsure if he would be available for Monday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a game in which Mozgov only played 11 minutes and the Cavaliers lost 106-103.

Tristan Thompson would return to the starting five if Mozgov is out. An update on Mozgov's availability will be known approximately two hours before the 10 p.m. tip.

Browns center Alex Mack signed a five-year deal with the Falcons worth about $9.5 million a year, making him the highest paid center in the NFL again.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Center Alex Mack signed a five-year deal with the Falcons, saying he chose Atlanta over the Browns because he needed a fresh start.

"This was an extremely difficult decision,'' Mack said in a statement. "After careful consideration, I concluded it was time to start a new chapter in my life. Over the last seven years, I have established friendships with teammates, coaches, and staff that will last a lifetime. I certainly will miss the Dawg Pound!

"I am VERY thankful and grateful for the opportunity and privilege to have played for the Browns organization, and I did my level best always to represent the team well. I'm particularly thankful to Jimmy and Dee Haslam --and to the fans and the city of Cleveland as a whole--for the way they embraced and accepted me. I wish the entire organization good luck and much success in the future."

The deal is worth about $47.5 million and averages about $9.5 million year, making him the highest paid center in the NFL.  Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported that Mack took about $500,000 a year less to go to Atlanta, where he'll be reunited with former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. But NFL Network reported that the guaranteed money in the deal was the turning point.

"We knew we needed to add an established presence along our offensive line," said general manager Thomas Dimitroff in a statement.  "Alex is a three-time Pro Bowler and is an ideal scheme fit for our offense. We understand the importance of solidifying the center position and we have been able to do that today. We are pleased to be able to add Alex to our roster and believe he will be an anchor to our line."

Mack was hoping to become the highest paid center in the NFL and the first one to average about $10 million a year.

The Browns have 2015 No. 19 overall pick Cam Erving to step in at center and are also looking at Jaguars free agent center Stefen Wisniewski, who was drafted by Hue Jackson in Oakland in 2011.

Mack voided the final three years of his contract Wednesday, but his return to the Browns was still very possible, his agent, Tim Younger, told cleveland.com.

"We view Alex's decision to void as procedural,'' said Younger. "It was built into his contract to afford him maximum flexibility. For the first time in his career, he will be experiencing true free agency. Although we anticipate interest from multiple teams, he was very impressed with Hue Jackson and returning to the Browns certainly remains on the table.''

Mack, 30, had three years remaining on his Browns contract at $8 million a year, including $8 million guaranteed.

Jackson estimated last week Mack's value was right 'up there with the quarterback's' with how well he's played and for how long.

In 2014, after placing the rarely-used transition tag on Mack, the Browns matched Jacksonville's lucrative and creative offer sheet. It was a five-year deal worth $42 million, including $18 million guaranteed over the first two years and another $8 million guaranteed in 2016 if he's on the roster April 5.

The deal averaged $8.4 million a year. It was the top salary at his position at the time, but was fifth as of last week.

Essentially, Mack played under a two-year contract worth $18 million guaranteed. 

Thanks to broken fibula and ligament damage in his ankle that cost him the final 11 games of 2014, that works out to $857,000 per game for his 21 starts over the past two seasons.

The transition tag, which Brown acknowledged he was part of, didn't work in the Browns' favor, because it enabled his agents to craft a deal that allows Mack to cash in on the open market after only two years.

But Mack, their first-round pick in 2009, had deep roots here and wanted to stay. He's close to his fellow offensive linemen, including left tackle Joe Thomas and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, and has become entrenched in the community. The Browns are also in jeopardy of losing Schwartz to free agency.

Mack was also an iron man on the field, playing just days after an appendectomy in 2011 and earning the Ed Block Courage Award in 2015 for his comeback from a broken leg.

"I'm not saying that Cam can't go in, compete and win a job," top offensive assistant Pep Hamilton said two weeks ago. "It was good to see that there were times when he was a dominant player. We expect that over time the more that he plays and once he has a chance to work with the offensive line coaches that we have here, he can be an every-down player for us."

He acknowledged that the thought of losing both Mack and Schwartz, who's also set to become a free agent March 9, is unnerving.

"I try not to think about it, but at the same time, I'm optimistic that things are going to work out,'' Hamilton said. "Just looking at what they put on film over the course of their careers across the board, those guys up front, it's exciting to see that the core, probably the most important component besides your quarterback of your offense, we have a strong group in place."

The Browns will now have to regroup, beginning with the vital center position -- and maybe right tackle too.

Keep up with what's happening as the league year opens at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NFL's league year is officially underway. All the reported deals became official at 4 p.m. (or thereabouts) and everyone else -- it's time to get to work.

The Browns have already lost Travis Benjamin and Alex Mack. Mitchell Schwartz and Tashaun Gipson are among their other free agents.

Check back here throughout the day for updates on the latest in free agency.

Chargers make Travis Benjamin official.

It's official!

We've agreed to terms with WR Travis Benjamin.

READ: https://t.co/6jIMy5fnQT pic.twitter.com/HtdXcB9Q4B

— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) March 9, 2016

Sounds like we won't have Johnny news today.

#Browns not expected to waive Johnny Manziel today

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 9, 2016

A veteran receiver hits the market.

The #Colts officially released WR Andre Johnson. He wants to play one more year.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Yeah...this isn't happening for the Browns.

Just got off the phone with WR Mohamed Sanu, : "The plan is to fly to Atlanta tonight to visit the #Falcons and then New England after."

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2016

The Dolphins love free agency.

Former #Lions S Isa Abdul-Quddus has agreed to terms with #Dolphins, source said.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 9, 2016

Who likes backup quarterback news?

Titans have agreed to one- year deal with QB Matt Cassell. https://t.co/RGFNKRkunV

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) March 9, 2016

Guess who's back!

Welcome back to the ATL, Matt Schaub. #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/mSXMzXKd5D

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 9, 2016

Cardinals add a safety.

Former Chiefs safety Tyvon Branch reached agreement with Arizona Cardinals, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

That trade is finally official.

Eagles officially acquire 8th overall pick in 2016 draft from Miami for LB Kiko Alonso, CB Byron Maxwell, and 13th overall pick in 2016.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

There it is:

Officially official!

Welcome to Atlanta, @alexmack55! #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/FWsJPGH7ST

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 9, 2016

I'm starting to think this isn't going to happen for the Browns.

The #Falcons will host WR Mohamed Sanu on a visit, source said. They'll try to sign him.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Youngstown native.

Bears are signing former Broncos LB Danny Trevathan, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

Brent Grimes officially released.

Dolphins announce they have released CB Brent Grimes.

Grimes was a Pro Bowler last season. pic.twitter.com/17egJZmvEn

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 9, 2016

That's a lot of money.

WR Marvin Jones got $20M guaranteed in five-year, $40M deal from Lions. Rich for new Browns regime...

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 9, 2016

Numbers for Travis Benjamin.

Chargers are giving former Browns' WR Travis Benjamin a 4-year, $24 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

The Texans keep doing things.

Former #Chiefs G/T Jeff Allen is expected to sign with #Texans, source said.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 9, 2016

The Eagles love free agency.

Eagles still spending, ante-up $8M/yr on a five year deal with former Texans G Brandon Brooks

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016

Haloti Ngata stays put.

#Lions agreed to 2-year deal with DT Haloti Ngata, per his agent, @MikeMcCartney7.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 9, 2016

Houston continues to remake their backfield.

Former Miami RB Lamar Miller plans to sign with the Houston Texans, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

Lamar Miller's numbers:

Lamar Miller will be agreeing on a 4 year deal with the Texans for $26mil. He has $14mil fully guaranteed. $6.5 average per year.

— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) March 9, 2016

The Brock Osweiler ripple effect.

Two players on the radar of the #Broncos now that Brock Osweiler is gone: RGIII and Colin Kaepernick.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Here comes the Hoyer train.

The likely move now for the Houston #Texans is to release QB Brian Hoyer, putting another capable backup now on the market.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

There goes Brock Osweiler.

I'm told QB Brock Osweiler has agreed to a deal in principle with the Houston #Texans.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 9, 2016

Details on the deal:

Osweiler's deal with the Texans likely to come around the $16M/yr range. DEN offered $13M originally were willing to move a bit higher...

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016

Here's your replacement for Chris Ivory.

Matt Forte is signing with the NY Jets, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

Some details on Marvin Jones' deal in Detroit.

Marvin Jones' deal with the #Lions is for 5 years at $40M, source said. $20M in guarantees, $17M fully guaranteed. Thru 3 years, it's $27M

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Might be interesting to see how things play out with Thomas.

Joe Thomas should try to force a trade from Browns with Alex Mack gone & Mitchell Schwartz expected to follow. Browns are 37-91 with him.

— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) March 9, 2016

He'll know his way around the stadium already.

#Giants are on verge of landing former #Jets DT Damon Harrison. Hearing it's likely going in $8-9M range per season https://t.co/Mc1jQnEpKm

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 9, 2016

It's a big boy contract for ex-jets DT Damon Harrison and the Giants. $24M guaranteed/$9M per year. Giants aren't messing around

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016

Has played 16 games in two of his four seasons and rushed for over 1,400 yards both times.

Buccaneers and RB Doug Martin reached agreement on five-year deal worth over $35 million, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

Would be one of the more intriguing offensive linemen on the market.

#Seahawks are making moves before the bell rings. I'm told they made a strong offer to pending FA tackle Russell Okung. Trying to keep him

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Worth keeping this in mind in regards to some of the tweets below about the Browns approach.

Agents are grumpy because the #Browns won't open the checkbook & help jack up their commission so the team getting ripped by them. Shocking!

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) March 9, 2016

Sanu's worth keeping an eye on.

If nothing else, the Sanu and others news, it appears the Pats are being aggressive in looking for that new outside WR.

— Adam Kurkjian (@AdamKurkjian) March 9, 2016

Now it's Jason La Canfora's turn:

Issue w/browns isn't not spending $$ - free agency is fool's gold - it's more the tenor of talks and how they're being perceived by agents..

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016

And pulling an offer with a player who had played out his rookie deal doesn't help with their perceptions problems. Lot of grumbling....

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016

If the Browns turn corner and win - huge if with them - it won't really matter. But plenty of grumbling going on now from players/agents...

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016

You know how agents are, but...

Multiple agents echoing criticism that #Browns are being extremely hesitant in negotiations

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) March 9, 2016

This is a fun list for the Browns to show up on.

Buyer beware: Spending big in free agency doesn't always translate to wins. pic.twitter.com/KHUPB4PLjJ

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 9, 2016

Andrew Hawkins negotiating for one of his former teammates.

$6M* https://t.co/vRWW95sDTe

— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) March 9, 2016

Punters in the news.

Punters are Breaking News too: @BradNortmanisms about to bolt Panthers for Jacksonville, 4-year deal #PuntersAreTamperingWindowWorthyToo

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) March 9, 2016

Oof.

Browns last 3 FA periods lost:

Mack
Benjamin
Sheard
Skrine
Rubin
Ward
Lauvao

Schwartz, Gipson next?

Quality franchise building.

— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) March 9, 2016

The curse of the Shanahan.

Ex-Cle center Alex Mack will average @$9.5m in Atlanta deal. Could have made 500k more on ave in Cleve. Atl OC KShanahan a factor for Mack.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) March 9, 2016

Then there's this:

Said a Browns player re: the team pulling its offer for RT Mitchell Schwartz: "I'm as confused as anyone." @nflnetwork

— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 9, 2016

Browns fans are the best.

Here is an early look at the Browns' starting offensive line for this upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/2nIzYKeD0c

— McNeil (@Reflog_18) March 9, 2016

Everyone out here taking shots at the Browns.

The official account for @TheWalkingDead is now following us. The name of the show suggests that they are Browns fans.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 9, 2016

Try to keep up. I dare you.

Per multiple sources, Browns have yanked offer to OL Mitchell Schwartz. (It could be posturing.)

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 9, 2016

An updated look at the top wide receivers still left.

Top free agent wide receivers

More on Mack.

Source confirms for https://t.co/o11vJSOExu that #Browns C Alex Mack is "very close'' to a deal with #Falcons as @ProFootballTalk reported.

-- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 9, 2016

Jason Pinkston isn't a fan.

@alexmack55 you better NOT

— Jason Pinkston (@JasonPinkstonOL) March 9, 2016

Another safety off the market.

Rodney McLeod agrees with the #Eagles for 5 years, $37M, source said.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Not a bad option to replace Heath Miller.

Source says Chargers TE Ladarius Green is set to visit the Steelers on Thursday -- there is serious interest from both sides.

-- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2016

Mike Silver not optimistic on Schwartz returning to the Browns.

I am hearing that RT Mitchell Schwartz likely won't return to the Browns...

-- Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 9, 2016

Tom Reed: Browns' reliance on Josh Gordon may grow

Chase Daniel says 'thank you.'

Thank you Kansas City... pic.twitter.com/KfPFWTRk49

-- Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) March 9, 2016

We can officially put the "Bernie for team president" calls to rest.

WR class at Combines not as deep!wonder since Coach Hue Jackson coached Free agentWR receivers Marvin Jones and/or Sanu !do they Fit Browns?

-- Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) March 9, 2016

Eagles add another quarterback.

Chase Daniel is headed to #Eagles to join Sam Bradford, source confirmed (ESPN 1st reported). This was a looming possibility the whole time

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Kent State's own.

The #Chargers agreed to terms to keep TE Antonio Gates, source said

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Not bad for a guy who will be 36 in June.

Antonio Gates: two years, $12 million, with $6m in guarantees to stay with the Chargers, source says.

-- Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2016

Lakewood native.

Former 49ers guard Alex Boone is signing with the Minnesota
Vikings, per source.

-- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

Fullbacks out here making money.

The #Panthers deal with Pro Bowler FB Mike Tolbert is a 2-year deal worth a max of $4M, source said.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

There's this scenario.

Broncos expected to chase Colin Kaepernick if Brock Osweiler bolts, @RapSheet reportshttps://t.co/HawtdygFOH

-- Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 9, 2016

A few more details emerging about that Dolphins-Eagles trade.

Source says Dolphins get LB Kiko Alonso, CB Byron Maxwell and the 13th overall pick ... The Eagles will get the 8th overall pick.

-- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2016

That's reasonable.

Hearing RT Mitchell Schwartz has a decent chance of returning to the #Browns. About $7.5 million a year.

-- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 9, 2016

Free agency in 2016:

Julian Edelman just started following Mohamed Sanu on Instagram, according to my 'gram activity. Hmm.

-- Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 9, 2016

It's hard to see him coming to Cleveland based on his age.

This almost certainly spells the end of a great run in Cincinnati for Reggie Nelson.

-- Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) March 9, 2016

#Bucs did not expect DE Olivier Vernon to hit the market. Now that he has I have to believe they'll take a run at him.

-- Roy Cummings (@RCummingsTBO) March 9, 2016

San Francisco hangs on to Ian Williams.

The #49ers deal for DT Ian Williams is 5 years worth between $5 and $6M per year, source said.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

This is a pretty good source in regards to Alex Mack news.

I believe the Atlanta Falcons are the leading contender to sign Alex Mack. Browns may make a late push to retain him.

-- Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 9, 2016

Sounds like the Eagles-Dolphins deal is happening after all.

According to agent @AlvinKeels, the #Dolphins deal with the #Eagles is going through.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

I'll admit this is disappointing.

I'm told the #Browns came in with a low offer for #Bengals WR Marvin Jones and were not serious contenders

-- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 9, 2016

Seahawks working to keep their defensive line intact.

The #Seahawks are working to bring back Brandon Mebane before 4 pm today. They already secured Ahtyba Rubin on that DL, working on Mebane

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

Johnson is taking a pay cut to stay with the Panthers.

After visiting with the Giants and the Buccaneers, DE Charles Johnson now plans to return to the Panthers, per team sources. Big return.

-- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

Iloka was a guy I like if Gipson leaves.

The #Bengals are closing in on a deal with star S George Iloka, source said. They should keep one of their own.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

The Bengals are closing on a five-year deal worth about $30 million with S George Iloka, per source.

-- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2016

Travis Benjamin signs with the Chargers

Jones was a possible target for the Browns.

Marvin Jones signing with Lions

Marvin Jones signing in Detroit per sources

-- Dianna Marie Russini (@diannaESPN) March 9, 2016

Money, money everywhere.

Raiders OL Kelechi Osemele gets $36.6M in the first 3 years of a 5-year, $58.5 million deal. His $6.7M base for '17 = fully guaranteed.

-- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2016

Rolando McClain stays in Dallas.

On Rolando McClain, that deal for him to go back to Dallas is one year, $5m

-- Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2016

Vernon will become an unrestricted free agent.

Dolphins remove transition tag from DE Olivier Vernon https://t.co/YxYRCTWRsF

-- SunSentinel Dolphins (@SSMiamiDolphins) March 9, 2016

So long, Travis Benjamin.

I'm told WR Travis Benjamin plans to sign with the #Chargers when the market officially opens tomorrow. San Diego gets a dangerous weapon.

-- Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 9, 2016

Janoris Jenkins is getting paid.

When Janoris Jenkins signs with the #Giants, it'll be worth more than $12M per year. Huge investment.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016

About that Eagles-Dolphins trade...

As of now, #Dolphins consider trade with #Eagles to be dead. Deal had teams swapping spots in 1st round of draft, Eagles moving from 13 to 8

-- Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) March 9, 2016

Eagles/Fins trade was originally to include a swap of 1st rnd picks and a reworked deal for B. Maxwell starting in '17. Terms could change

-- Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016

CB Byron Maxwell is with doctors in Florida now, per source. Dolphins certainly concerned, taking a closer look. Nothing final either way.

-- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2016

Colt is still hangin' on.

As @AdamSchefter said, QB Colt McCoy is re-signing with the Redskins.

-- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2016

Jacksonville continues to put weapons around Blake Bortles.

Former Jets' RB Chris Ivory is expected to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars when new league year begins, per league source.

-- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

Source: Chris Ivory's deal with the Jaguars is for 5 years. Will average more than $6M per year. #nyj

-- Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) March 9, 2016

The Eagles add a corner.

#Eagles and CB Leodis McKelvin agree to terms on a two-year contract. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/4yRkYWh0Db

-- Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 8, 2016

Here's some of what's happened in the first two days:

Donald Penn, possible replacement for Mitchell Schwartz, staying in Oakland.

A former Browns tight end is still going strong.

Ravens have agreed in principle to a deal with free agent TE Benjamin Watson, per source

-- Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) March 8, 2016

If he leaves, Houston would seem like a good fit.

Denver and Houston shape up as the two primary potential landing spots for free-agent QB Brock Osweiler.

-- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2016

Dolphins about to spend more money on their defense?

Dolphins, Mario Williams could get deal done on Tuesday, source tells @ProFootballTalk. https://t.co/ltdI4iLfQF pic.twitter.com/DHdWsVd4JY

-- NBC Sports (@NBCSports) March 8, 2016

One of the better running backs available:

The #Texans are making a strong push to secure RB Lamar Miller before the league year begins, source said. Working toward a deal.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016

Nothing like stealing a player from a division rival.

Packers are expressing interest in Bears free-agent RB Matt Forte. (via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/NCWUqEhbxJ

-- NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 8, 2016

The Browns aren't the only team that screws up first-rounders.

The Colts have waived their 2013 first-round pick Bjoern Werner.

-- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 8, 2016

A guy Baltimore really liked/

When the market opens tomorrow, Kelechi Osemele will become the newest member of the #Raiders. The two sides have an agreement in principle.

-- Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 8, 2016

William Gay stays with the Steelers.

Thrilled for client William Gay re-signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers! #SteelerNation #steelerforlife #bigplay

-- Jerrold Colton (@Jerrold_Colton) March 8, 2016

Alshon Jeffery signs his franchise tender.

Brandon Marshall wants Ryan Fitzpatrick back (I think).

Seems like Brandon Marshall realllllly wants the Jets to re-sign QB Ryan Fitzpatrick... (via @BMarshall)https://t.co/f7R3NwnEqu

-- Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 7, 2016

Calvin Johnson officially retires

Jackson had five sacks last season.

Just got off the phone with #Broncos DE Malik Jackson. I asked if definitively intends to leave Denver for Jacksonville. He said, "yes."

-- Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 8, 2016

And he's getting paid.

The #Jaguars deal for DL Malik Jackson is 6 years, $90M with $42M guaranteed, source said. So, wow.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016

Loyalty pays off for the Giants.

The #Giants are expected to keep Jason Pierre-Paul, source said. It's a 1-year deal. He turned down more money elsewhere.

-- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016

Offensive lineman Richie Incognito staying in Buffalo

Tight end Owen Daniels among three veterans released by the Broncos.

This is a big keep for the Chiefs.

And @TambaHali91 looks to be staying with the Chiefs. That too as expected despite significant outside interest

-- Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 8, 2016

The Eagles are ridding themselves of Chip Kelly as fast as they can.

Tennessee finalizing deal for Eagles RB DeMarco Murray, league sources tell ESPN. Trade expected to be complete for new league year Weds

-- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2016

UPDATED: #Dolphins acquire Eagles CB Byron Maxwell, LB Kiko Alonso, per source...expected to release CB Brent Grimes https://t.co/zkpMGOJZvw

-- Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) March 8, 2016

Are we still mad that Mike Holmgren didn't make this trade?

ICYMI: Redskins have released quarterback Robert Griffin III. https://t.co/LqWrumEwHM pic.twitter.com/l5vHV5wFkI

-- NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 7, 2016

Chase Daniel still has a home in Philly, it appears.

Eagles' re-signing of Sam Bradford did not spell the end of QB Chase Daniel in Philly. Doug Pederson's buddy remains a possibility there.

-- Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2016

Alex Mack in Atlanta?

Source confirms #Falcons are interested in #Browns FA center Alex Mack. First reported by @JasonColeBR

-- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 7, 2016

Author Tim Smith captures essence of former great boxing trainer Lou Duva.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Lou Duva spent more than 50 years developing himself into one of the most iconic trainers and managers in boxing.

He developed 19 world champions that included the likes of Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, Bobby Czyz and Mike McCallum.

In the book "A Fighting Life: My Seven Decades in Boxing", former sports writer Tim Smith not only captured Duva's career in boxing but also how Duva rose from a life of immigrant parents to an enlisted soldier during World War II, and a host of various jobs while still supporting his family as he built a boxing promotion empire - Main Events.

The book is written as told to Smith by the 93-year-old Duva.

Duva shares many of his great memories while growing up in New Jersey that included time spent with Joe Louis, and how he grew up in the same neighborhood with Larry Doby, the second black man to play in the Majors.

"A Fighting Life" is more than a book on boxing, just like Duva was more than a trainer and manager. Not only does Smith detail many inspirational aspects of Duva's life, but the storytelling is strong enough to produce tears during some of the challenges Duva faced, to tears of joy from many of Duva's antics.

There's a story on how Duva, who was a bail bondsman at the time, utilized his friendship with Joe Frazier to help capture a fugitive who idolized the former heavyweight champion. It became the easiest capture of a fugitive by Duva.

The biggest coup by Duva was signing the top stars on the 1984 Olympic team. That team included Holyfield, Whitaker, Mark Breland, Tyrell Biggs and Meldrick Taylor.

It was the jolt Main Events needed to reach unprecedented levels.

Smith reaches even higher levels in his work with Duva.

Quick jabs

• Amir Khan trains hard for fight with Canelo Alvarez.
• Wladimir Klitschko focuses on rematch with Tyson Fury.
• Ray Boom Boom Mancini is a member of latest Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame class.
• No headgear for Olympic boxers for the first time in 30 years.
• An injury forces Lucas Matthysse out of May 7 bout.
• Retired champ Floyd Mayweather wants to buy an NBA team.
• Nigel Benn offers Chris Eubank a 50-50 split.
• Manny Pacquiao says his fight with Tim Bradley will be his last.
• Unfortunately, Roy Jones Jr. has fallen to this level for fights.
• Shawn Porter wants Danny Garcia if Keith Thurman isn't ready.
• Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali fought the Fight of the Century 45 years ago.

This week in boxing history

March 13, 1993: Michael Carbajal wins by knockout over Chiquita Gonzalez to retain the IBF WBC Junior Flyweight Title. Carbajal rallies from two knockdowns to knockout Gonzalez in an all-time great fight.

Boxing schedule

Saturday

(Fox Deportes): David Lemieux vs. James De La Rosa, super middleweights; Steven Butler vs. Sladjan Janjajnin, junior middleweights; Schiller Hyppolite vs. Darnell Boone, light heavyweights.

(UniMas): Casey Ramos vs. Jonathan Perez, lightweights; Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Max Becerra, junior welterweights; Miguel Marriaga vs. Adones Aguelo,  featherweights.

(CBS Sports Net): Zab Judah vs. Josh Torres, junior welterweights; Jesus Gutierrez vs. Leon Spinks III, lightweights; Salvador Perez vs. Fabian Naranjo.

Schiano, the Buckeyes' co-defensive coordinator, is making $600,000 per season. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The typical Ohio State football assistant coach contract lasts for two seasons. Greg Schiano's contract is for one year.

The Buckeyes' new co-defensive coordinator knows that's something that has been noticed since Ohio State released his $600,000 contract this week. He knows other teams recruiting against Ohio State might notice it, too.

"I would not read into that," Schiano said when asked by cleveland.com after the second practice of spring football Thursday. "It's more of a business thing for me because I'm still under contract at another place and all that stuff.

"I would not read into it from another way, because I know people would like to read into it who are recruiting (against Ohio State), 'Oh, he's not going to be there.' I wouldn't read into that. It's more of a business thing for me personally."

That place is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who fired Schiano two years into a five-year, $15-million deal in December of 2013.

Deals like that typically work this way - you're owed the money. But if you get a new job, what you make at the new place is taken out of what the old team owes you.

Getting Schiano - a head coach at Rutgers for 11 seasons and with the Bucs for two seasons - for $600,000 is pretty cheap. According to the USA Today database of salaries for college assistants, 39 assistants made more than that last year.

He was making $2.3 million his final season at Rutgers in 2011 before getting his $3 million per year deal in the NFL. 

Schiano's contract with Tampa will run out after this year. This is just me talking, but if I knew my new employer might be willing to pay me, say, $800,000 a year and I was in Schiano's spot, I might say pay me $600,000 this year and $1 million next year, when the Bucs won't owe him anything.

He's not going to work for free now. He wants to keep up appearances. But something like that just seems like good money management.

It certainly would also make sense that a 49-year-old coach who already has 13 years in as a boss will be looking to get back to running his own program as soon as possible.

After all, the coach who replaced him in Tampa, Lovie Smith, also got fired and already has a new gig as the head coach at Illinois. Meyer typically asks for a two-year pledge from assistant hires, but none of his previous assistants were former NFL head coaches.

"That's between he and I," Schiano said when asked if Meyer asked for a longer commitment. "But we have talked about how important it is."

That's the talk. The contract is for one year.

"So we had that first practice, it was Nick Vannett, it was the red zone, and he did a five-yard out in the end zone. I gave him a concussion. Then the next practice when he came back from his concussion, he did a post, and I got him good again." Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nick Vannett did a simple five-yard out-route in the end zone when he was tagged with a helmet-to-helmet hit by true freshman Chris Worley. Everyone gasped. 

That was in August of 2013 during Ohio State's first full-padded practice. It was also before the season when the NCAA was first implementing its targeting rule. 

Worley was a new, wide-eyed kid who wanted to leave an impact. And he did, smacking Vannett in the head and temporarily stopping time for those who saw it. 

When Worley turned around, there was a flag on the ground. It wasn't in a game, but he was officially the first Buckeye to ever be flagged for targeting. 

There's a reason he was. 

"It really started before that day," Worley told cleveland.com on Thursday. "Before I got here, Ryan Shazier came up to me on my visit or whatever, and he was like, 'You know, you're not getting as much buzz as the other guys, but I've watched your film, and you're probably the hardest hitter we have in this class. Then I said, 'I wasn't a five-star or anything, but in camp I'm going to show ya'll.' "

A former three-star prospect from Glenville, Worley came in as a safety. He was close with Christian Bryant, another Buckeyes safety from Glenville. The two wanted to have that Tarblooders' mean attitude. 

"Christian was here, and he was one of the big hitters, he told me like, 'Look man, Carlos (Hyde), he not going to play with you, he's going to try and run you over in open field,' " Worley said. "I was like, 'Alright, I'm not going to worry about that. I am just going to hit everyone hard.' 

"So we had that first practice, it was Nick Vannett, it was the red zone, and he did a five-yard out in the end zone. I gave him a concussion. Then the next practice when he came back from his concussion, he did a post, and I got him good again." 

Three years have passed, and you're going to start seeing a ton of stories about how Worley is next in line as Ohio State's outside linebacker now that Darron Lee is gone. He has been waiting for this moment, and he spoke about that with cleveland.com extensively in the fall. 

Things are different for Worley now than they were in August of 2013. It's not about being a big hitter as much as it's about being fast, agile and making plays by reacting quickly. 

It's his first spring being in position to start. He's out of Lee's shadow. 

And he wants to prove he can fill Lee's shoes. 

"It's about time," Worley said. 

Akron Zips open Mid-American Conference Tournament quarterfinals by beating Eastern Michigan.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Akron Zips were cold from behind the 3-point line until they needed it. Then Noah Robotham delivered with 50 seconds to play to give Akron a 65-63 victory over Eastern Michigan in the opening quarterfinal game of the Mid-American Conference Men's Basketball Tournament on Thursday at The Q.

Robothom posed at the top of the circle -- arm raised high and wrist limp and bent aimed right at the rim -- as the crowd roared.

The Zips were not on their 3-point game in the opening half, but still took a 35-32 lead at the break, thanks in great measure to the free-throw line. Three times Akron was fouled on 3-pointers and got nine points out of it. And with 15.3 seconds to play, Akron's Josh Williams lured a flagrant foul out of EMU's Raven Lee as Williams crowded Lee and caught an elbow while Lee was trying to clear the ball above his head.

The end result was 8-for-11 shooting at the line to offset 5-for-18 missiles behind the arc. Akron's Reggie McAdams and Isaiah Johnson combined for 25 of Akron's points with Lee and James Thompson IV getting a combined 23 for the Eagles.

The Zips remained cool behind the arc through the first 12 minutes of the second half, and in the process allowed the Eagles to build a double-digit lead, 54-42, capped by a Thompson two-handed tip-dunk. Still down, 56-46 with with 7:46 to go, Akron was in need of some tough defense and prime offensive execution.

They got it in a blink, anchored by back-to-back 3-pointers from Antino Jackson and McAdams to close the deficit to 56-53. Lee stopped Eastern's drought with a layup and 58-53 lead. The Zips answered and with 50 seconds to play, Robotham's 3-pointer gave Akron a 62-61 lead and they held on.

Up next: Akron will play in the semifinal on Friday at 6:30 against the winner of today's No. 12 Bowling Green vs. No. 4 Central Michigan quarterfinal.

Key player: Isaiah Johnson, MAC Sixth Man of the Year, kept the Zips in the game until the end with his inside dominance, even as he struggled from the free-throw line. He finished with 19 points and 16 rebounds.

Key play: Trailing by nine (56-47) and struggling with 6:59 to play, the Zips hit back-to-back 3-pointers for the only time in the game to get the crowd back into it and make it a one-possession game. Akron then closed the game out with a clutch 3-pointer by Robotham in the final minute.

Tough break: Eastern Michigan dominated the glass all game (40-30) but missed two straight rebound opportunities on missed Akron 3-pointers. Given a third opportunity the Zips cashed in for a 62-61 lead.

He said it I: EMU coach Rob Murphy - "We had five good opportunities on offense the last three minutes and missed. The we set up a last play for Raven Lee (23 points) and don't get it. You can't go 0-for-5, 0-for-6 like that and win the game. We had the opportunities, we didn't deliver. We didn't shut the door, we left it cracked and they won the game."

He said it II: EMU center James Thompson on a critical missed rebound: "I knew I couldn't get the rebound, and they kept crashing. I put that on me because I didn't go get it.''

He said it III: Akron coach Keith Dambrot. "I made believe I still had Lebron James and I was going to throw it to him every play."

AKRON 65, EASTERN MICHIGAN 63

Halftime-Akron 35-32. 3-Point Goals-E. Michigan 5-14 (Lee 3-5, Mangum IV 2-5, Toney 0-1, Bond 0-1, Nazione 0-2), Akron 9-33 (McAdams 4-9, Robotham 2-6, An. Jackson 2-6, Williams 1-4, Aa. Jackson 0-1, Cheatham Jr. 0-2, Kretzer 0-5). Fouled Out-McAdams. Rebounds-E. Michigan 44 (Nazione, Thompson IV 12), Akron 38 (Johnson 16). Assists-E. Michigan 6 (Bond, Nazione 2), Akron 10 (An. Jackson 4). Total Fouls-E. Michigan 15, Akron 18. Technical-Bond. A-NA.

ESPN reporter says players view their time in Cleveland as four years and done.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It has been a rough couple days from a public relations standpoint for the Cleveland Browns. They lost four starters on Wednesday, chief among them offensive linemen Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack. Their handling of the Mitchell Schwartz negotiation, explained in-depth here by Mary Kay Cabot, has been widely panned.

ESPN.com 

Tashaun Gipson even said he viewed the Jaguars as a better opportunity to win than the Browns. The Jacksonville Jaguars!

In reality, as dark as it seems -- and it seems really dark -- the Browns weren't going anywhere whether they signed those guys or not and, frankly, this is what a complete teardown looks like.

Still, Adam Schefter took the opportunity to get his shot in as well.

If you can't listen, here's what he said:

"Players treat the Browns organization like it's a college experience -- four years and done."

If nothing else, the "Oh, snap" reaction of the reporter sitting next to him is priceless.

(H/T to The Big Lead and 92.3 The Fan's Keith Britton.)

Michael Brantley is one step away from playing in spring training games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Brantley has hit in the batting cage. On Friday, he'll take batting practice on the field.

And what it all really means is that the Indians' left fielder -- and perhaps the centerpiece of Terry Francona's lineup -- is closing in on playing in his first spring training game.

"Every step is important in this progression, but it's cool when you finally get out on the field," Francona told reporters on Thursday. "Really, the net thing is a game."

Francona would not estimate when Brantley might appear in his first spring action. That has been the team's M.O. throughout Brantley's recovery, so as not to rush the 28-year-old or tie him to a specific deadline.

"When he's ready to play, we'll play him," Francona said. "We're not going to hold him back, but we're not going to shortcut it."

Brantley underwent surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He was originally expected to return in late April or May. Francona said this week that he anticipates Brantley will return earlier than that initial projection.

Business to tend to: Juan Uribe will leave the team in the next few days to resolve some issues with his visa in the Dominican Republic.

"We knew that [this would be the case]," Francona said. "We're trying to get him some at-bats now and we'll get him back and ramp him up."

Francona penciled Uribe into his lineup at third base for the first time this spring on Thursday. He had previously played in one game as designated hitter.

"He may not be ready to run the marathon," Francona said, "but he has bat speed and he can catch the ball."

Pants on fire: Yan Gomes socked his first home run of the spring in Wednesday's win against the Cubs. That wasn't the at-bat that stood out to Francona, though.

"In his first at-bat, he hit a ground ball [to second base] and he came about a step from beating it out," Francona said. "This is our catcher. He hits it and he runs to first like his pants are on fire. If you're ever going to give somebody a pass, it's the catcher. But he knows how important that is. The way you run the bases sets the tone for how you're going to play the game.

"I don't ever want it to be taken for granted. Although you want it and expect it, when you get it consistently, it's really good. It's not just because of how it looks. It'll help us win a game. You never know when it's going to be. That's why you can't just do it sometimes. He'll run a guy into an error at some point.

"Everybody noticed. And it makes it easier talking to young players when your best players are playing the game like that."

Behind Kluber, Tribe tops Cubs, 5-3

Browns beat reporter talks about what happened with the team's former right tackle. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns lost right tackle Mitchell Schwartz in free agency on Wednesday. Schwartz was considered by many to be a player the team could ill afford to lose.

Following his departure, information came out about how the Browns negotiated with him and some strange events that might have led to him deciding to both test the free agent market and ultimately leave the team.

Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot talked about the situation on Sports Insider on Thursday. Watch her answer above and catch the show live every Thursday at noon.

Sports Insider: Watch the full episode