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

Ohio State women's basketball beats West Virginia to advance to Sweet Sixteen: Instant recap

0
0

The Buckeyes will play in the Sioux Falls regional next week.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Kelsey Mitchell topped the 40-point mark for the third time in five games and Ohio State is moving on to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in five years.

No. 3 seed Ohio State beat No. 6 seed West Virginia 88-81 in a second-round NCAA Tournament game at St. John Arena on Sunday to advance to play next week in the Sioux Falls regional.

Mitchell finished with 45 points on 11-of-31 shooting, her fourth 40-point game of the season.

Sweet Sixteen history

The Buckeyes (26-7) advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the 10th time in program history and the fourth time since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1994.

The previous three trips in the 64-team tournament came in 2005, 2009 and 2011.

Never have the Buckeyes advanced past the Sweet 16 in the 64-team field. 

Simultaneous games

The women advanced in the NCAA Tournament at the same time the OSU men were losing to Florida in the NIT to end their season. Both games tipped off at noon, the women in St. John Arena, the men at Value City Arena.

Walking from NCAA to NIT

Alston plays

Senior Ameryst Alston, Ohio State's second-leading scorer, didn't start but did play with an injured right shooting wrist. Alston hurt the wrist in the Big Ten Tournament two weeks ago and sat out Friday's first-round win against Buffalo.

She clearly wasn't herself, dribbling primarily with her left hand, but she did get on the floor and it seemed like she grew more comfortable as the game went on. A driving right-handed scoop in the middle of the second quarter was a flash of the usual Alston.

She finished with six points on 2-of-5 shooting in 21 minutes.

What's next

Ohio State will play in the Sioux Falls regional in South Dakota. They'll play their next game on Friday against the winner of the game between No. 2 Arizona State and No. 7 Tennessee that tips off at 9 p.m. Sunday.


LeBron James, Cavaliers have neither consistency nor reason to panic after Miami massacre

0
0

All historical data from LeBron James' career points to the massacre the Cavs suffered Saturday in Miami being an anomaly rather than a harbinger of more bad things to come.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James was asked Saturday night if he was concerned over the Cavaliers' lack of consistency this late in the season.

He responded with a look on his face like someone questioned whether he had any Nike shoes in his closet.

"Is that a real question," James smirked to reporters in Miami, after the Cavs were pounded 122-101 by his old team. "I mean, consistency is part of life."

So, right. Of course James wishes the Cavs were better than the 11-6 record they've posted since the All-Star break, that there weren't three brutal, terrible-looking losses to a depleted Memphis team, to the Wizards, and now this.

Yes, it's bothersome that his team has failed to build any sustained momentum since coach Tyronn Lue took over Jan. 23. That the Cavs still struggle to defend the pick-and-roll, play selfishly at times, don't necessarily have consistent rotations.

The quote from James making the rounds after the Heat thumped Cleveland Saturday night is that "the way" Miami's beaten the Cavs on South Beach over the past two seasons "is a little concerning, if we face them" in the playoffs.

And that's a real possibility. The Cavs, right now, are first in the East. Miami is fourth. If both teams hold, or if Cleveland slips to second and the Heat improves to third, a second-round series would be likely.

In four games at the Heat's AmericanAirlines Arena since James left Miami for the Cavs, the Heat is 4-0 against Cleveland with an average margin of victory of 15 points in those games.

James didn't play in one of those losses, but let's stop the Heat discussion right here and get to the heart of the matter.

History tells us that nothing - not what went down in Miami on Saturday night, nor the Cavs' inconsistent play since the All-Star break - means James and Co. are doomed in the playoffs.

Quite the opposite is true.

Let's start with the records of James' teams post All-Star break in each of the past five seasons, all of which ended in Finals runs.

Last season, the Cavs were 11-4 from the All-Star break through March 20 (which is where we are in the schedule right now). They finished the unofficial second half at 20-7.

The year before, in Miami, the Heat was 9-6 at this time (finished 17-14). In 2012-13, the Heat went 16-0 as part of its historic 27-game winning streak (finished 30-2).

During the lockout-shortened 2011-12 campaign, Miami was 10-7 from mid-February to late March and concluded the season 19-13. And in James' first season with the Heat in 2010-11, it was 7-7 during the same time frame (finished 18-12).

So when James said Saturday night that "you would like to be playing extremely well in late February going into March, but if not then you just work your habits, continue to work what you've been doing over the season and then get ready for postseason" ... he's actually lived both sides of the equation.

And propelled his teams to the Finals either way.

The Cavs appear to be stuck in somewhat of an identity crisis, unsure of how they want to defend, whether to play bigger and slower or smaller and faster.

The chemistry between James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love remains a work in progress. Lue seems to be struggling with whether to commit to Channing Frye or find some way to divide time among him, Timofey Mozgov, and to a lesser degree Tristan Thompson (he's going to play one way or another).

The Cavs didn't seem to have any of these issues heading into the last postseason. And then the roof nearly caved.

Love -- out for the playoffs after game 4 of the first round. Irving was gimpy for rounds 2 and 3 before breaking his knee cap in Game 1 of the Finals.

J.R. Smith -- suspended for games 1 and 2 of the conference semis.

So the Cavs completely changed the way they played to account for all of this controversy, swept Atlanta in the conference finals and led the Warriors 2-1 in the Finals before running out of gas.

Goes to show there is ample time (and room) for Cleveland to commit to a style that works best, and even change things up if a scenario arises in the playoffs that demand it.

In the meantime, James has raised his level of play since the All-Star break. in a career-low 34.8 minutes per game, he's boosted his shooting (to 51.4 percent from 50.4 percent), his 3-point shooting (to 31.7 percent from 27.7 percent), and free throws (to 74.4 percent from 71.7 percent).

James' rebounds are up (to 8.1 per game from 7.1); his assists have held at 6.5 per game. He's scoring a smidgeon less (24.1 points per game now, versus 25 before the break), but the difference is inconsequential and he's playing fewer minutes any way.

Finally, there is the issue of a potential second-round series against the Heat.

There would be some real drama surrounding that hypothetical matchup, mostly because of James and his decision to leave the Miami sunshine and Pat Riley to return home.

But when it comes to the Heat's dominance of the Cavs in Miami over the past two seasons, or Miami's 2-1 season-series triumph over Cleveland, pay it no mind.

James' career is littered with examples of struggles against certain organizations during the regular season followed by playoff victories.

Last season, the Hawks beat the Cavs twice. As previously mentioned, there was no trouble for James and Cleveland against Atlanta in the postseason.

In 2013-14, the Brooklyn Nets swept the Heat in the regular season, only to be bounced by James' Miami squad 4-1 in the playoffs.

In 2010-11, James went 1-6 against the Bulls and Celtics; the Heat dumped both on their way to the Finals.

Taking a closer look at the Heat's four wins over James in Miami - one was on Christmas, 2014, the game after the Cavs lost Anderson Varejao for the season and before they'd made roster-reshaping trades.

The other losses were all on the second night of consecutive road games for Cleveland. And in one, of course, James didn't play.

James has never missed a playoff game. There are no back-to-backs in the playoffs.

It's totally different.

"I don't see it as saying, 'We don't have enough time, we don't have enough time,'" James said. "It is what it is. We have to finish the season off as well as we can and get ready for the postseason."

Watch 5-foot-9 Ohio State guard A.J. Harris dunk over 6-foot-9 Florida center Kevarrius Hayes

0
0

Harris pulled off the dunk in Ohio State's NIT loss to Florida on Sunday. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A.J. Harris' Ohio State teammates talked before this season about how they're always on the lookout for Harris during practice, because they don't want to get dunked on.

There's something about getting slammed on by a guy who's 5-foot-9 that doesn't sit well with taller players.

Enter 6-foot-9 Florida center Kevarrius Hayes.

During the second half of Ohio State's loss to Florida on Sunday, Harris drove baseline and caught everyone in the building off-guard by rising over a defender a foot taller than he is and flushing home a dunk.

The slam gave cut Florida's lead to 60-49 with 7:51 left. It looked like a possible momentum swing for the Buckeyes at the time, but Ohio State couldn't capitalize. So in that way Hayes got the last laugh. Florida ended Ohio State's season with a 74-66 win.

But after the game, Hayes didn't back down from giving up the dunk.

"To be honest it surprised me too," Hayes said. "I was betting on the pass, but he got me. Gotta give him that one. He got me."

You can watch the dunk below.

It will go on Harris' highlights reel.

"I just had a lane, and my eyes got big once the lane got open," Harris said. "I just went for it and dunked it ... Because of my size, and I have a big heart. So I just wanted to attack the rim really aggressively."

Cleveland Indians Scribbles from Goodyear about Michael Brantley feeling good and Juan Uribe's return -- Terry Pluto

0
0

The Cleveland Indians were pleased Michael Brantley was feeling good the morning after playing his first Cactus League game.

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA -- Some quick thoughts from listening to Manager Terry Francona's pregame press conference Sunday:

1. Michael Brantley reported no soreness or any other physical problems after his Cactus League debut. That was Saturday night. He played five innings, hit a homer and threw a runner out at home plate from left field. He will play again Monday.

2. Francona on Brantley: "Given the amount of work he's done. . . I'd be surprised if there are setbacks. . . He attacked his rehab."

3. Juan Uribe was in the clubhouse early Sunday morning. He'll play Monday. His visa issues with the Dominican Republic are settled. Francona also plans to play Marlon Byrd quite a bit in the next 10 days as the Tribe tries to decide if they should keep the veteran on the opening day roster.

4. Carlos Santana has a slightly sore back, but it's not supposed to be anything major. Santana is hitting .353.

5. Francisco Lindor had a dynamic performance in Saturday's 10-5 victory over the Cubs. He had a single and a triple and made some nice plays at shortstop. He's batting .250 with 6 RBI.

6. Veteran Will Venable finally had a decent game with two hits, a walk and two stolen bases in Saturday's victory over the Cubs. The 33-year-old veteran has been in the Majors for seven years and last was in the minors in 2011. He is on a minor league contract. He batted .224 with 6 HR and 33 RBI in 135 games for the Padres and Rangers last year. Francona talks about players fighting for their baseball lives, and Venable is one of those.

7. In 2013, Venable batted .268 (.796 OPS) with 22 HR and 22 stolen bases. He's struggled since. A strong showing by Marlon Byrd could wipe out the chances for Venable and other veteran outfielders hoping to make the team.

8. Franklin Guitierrez was with the Tribe from 2005-08. He is a superb outfielder, and has put together a tremendous comeback with Seattle. He missed all of 2014 with a  autoimmune disease called ankylosing spondylitis, a form of progressive arthritis due to chronic inflammation of the joints in the spine. He came back with Seattle in Class AAA in 2015, and played his way back to the Mariners. In 189 at bats, he whacked 15 HR and batted .292. Now 33, he's batting .385 this spring for Seattle. He helped the Tribe win the Central title in 2007, hitting 13 HR in 100 games, batting .266 (.790).

9. Tyler Naquin batted three times in Saturday's game, drawing two walks and striking out once. He's hitting .432. The walks were a good sign because the Tribe wants him to be patient at the plate. He came into the game with only one walk.

10. Prospects Brad Zimmer and Clint Friazier both played against the Cubs. Both had a walk and a strikeout. Zimmer also stole a base. They are headed to Class AA Akron.

Ohio State basketball: This season was all about Buckeyes building to the next, and now it's here

0
0

Ohio State's season ended with a loss to Florida in Sunday in the second round of the NIT. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Maybe it was sometime in the middle of Florida's first 14-2 run against Ohio State on Sunday that you started thinking about next season. Or maybe it happened during the Gators' second 14-2 run.

Maybe it happened before the NIT even started. Maybe it happened in January.

No matter when, it was right to think about what this Buckeyes basketball team is going to look like in the 2016-17 season. That's what this entire year has been about anyway. That year ended on Sunday with a 74-66 loss to the Gators in the second round of the NIT.

The loss was fitting in so many ways: Slow start, mental lapses, poor defense, spurts of good basketball, then a rally that didn't quite close the gap enough and ultimately a loss to another quality team (which Florida is).

Puts a nice bow on things.

Now it's time to move on.

That doesn't excuse the problems the Buckeyes had this year. It's reality. Ohio State can either stew about not making the NCAA Tournament while eligible for only the second time under Thad Matta, or the team can approach this offseason in the way needed to show marked improvement next year.

There's a lot to improve on.

"I think there were some strides made," Matta said. "We knew this was going to be a challenging season, no question about that. I hope our guys have a sense of what college basketball is about now, you can't just show up and play, say 'I'm gonna get my game on.' It just doesn't work in college basketball."

Less than a week after a Bleacher Report feature on D'Angelo Russell included his comments about some of his Ohio State teammates lacking work ethic last year, the Buckeyes turn the page to a time where putting in the necessary work is all that matters.

Matta said he and Russell spoke about his comments, and that Russell apologized and said his comments were taken out of context. They probably weren't, and that's OK.

If this team has a work ethic problem, it needed to be addressed. The No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft who worked his way to millions of dollars is probably a good guy to say it. It's likely Russell was being critical of players who are no longer on this Ohio State roster. If he wasn't, then it can be a good thing for the Buckeyes if that message resonated with its intended targets.

Players were already hammering that message home on Sunday.

"I don't know why any of them would say they're hungry for next year when we had a game today and we came out flat in both halves," JaQuan Lyle said. "Most guys are hungry, but I don't know if everybody is really as hungry as they say they are."

Those are strong words from Lyle.

You can quibble over whether or not he's in a place where he can say that, because just a few days ago he was getting reamed out by Matta on the floor during a loss to Michigan State for his lack of focus.

But Ohio State is in a position where it needs leaders to emerge. The Buckeyes missed Jae'Sean Tate's on-court presence over the latter part of the season. It was obvious. Lyle was better after his public chewing-out, urging his teammates to pick things up during the game on Sunday and offering a public challenge to them afterward.

He knows the way this season went is just as much on him as it is on anybody, and seemed eager to enter his first offseason as a college player with that as a motivator.

"I get like that at times too where you're just not feeling it," Lyle said. "When your season is on the line, I don't care if it's the NCAA Tournament or NIT, why not give it your all? Tonight was our last game, and I hope nobody goes out with any regrets."

So now it's on Lyle. It's on Tate. It's on Matta and his staff to improve heading into next season.

Ken Pomeroy, whose efficiency ratings are as good a gauge of college basketball's best teams as any, tweeted before Ohio State's loss on Sunday that the Buckeyes could be a sleeper team next season according to his models with Ohio State bringing back every player.

That's not a guarantee of a better season, but it's an indicator of talent. There are pieces in place, and more coming next year.

It's the next few months that will determine if the Buckeyes truly become a better team, and show that this year was just an anomaly and not a sign of similar things to come.

"For all of the young guys we have, spending that first year in the NIT kind of creates a sense of motivation moving forward, of not wanting to be back here for however long they're here to play for us," Kam Williams said. "I think whenever they want to get a sense of satisfaction, they can think on this and it will make them work harder, because I know it's going to make me work harder."

Corey Kluber in control, Josh Tomlin gets vote of confidence: Cleveland Indians briefing

0
0

Corey Kluber has allowed one run in four Cactus League starts this spring. Josh Tomlin, meanwhile, has struggled by manager Terry Francona still has confidence that he'll win the fifth spot in the rotation.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Corey Kluber is moving toward his opening day start against Boston on April 4 at Progressive Field in fine fashion.

Kluber is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA after Saturday night's 10-5 victory over the Cubs at Goodyear Ballpark. He has allowed one run on 12 hits in 14 innings this spring.

He ranks third in the big leagues with 16 strikeouts -- teammate Danny Salazar leads with 18 -- and the opposition is hitting .222 against him.

"It's a good thing to have a pitcher like Kluber anchor your rotation," said manager Terry Francona.

The top four spots in the rotation are set with Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Trevor Bauer. Josh Tomlin is competing with Cody Anderson and TJ House for the fifth spot and has not pitched well this spring.

Sunday morning, however, Francona expressed confidence in Tomlin to a reporters in Goodyear, Ariz.

"Josh makes sense for a number of reasons," said Francona. "His first three outings (Tomlin has made five appearances, including three Cactus League starts) here haven't been what he wanted. We saw how he pitched (last year). As long as he gets close to that, we feel he can really help us."

Tomlin has started and relieved in the big leagues. Francona said the Indians still consider him a starter.

"He can do anything, but our preference is for him to start," said Francona. "Handling April can be challenge for pitchers and hitters. Just the way he carries himself, he does a pretty good job of handling himself no matter what is thrown at him."

Tomlin went 7-2 with a 3.02 ERA in 10 starts last year for the Indians. After the season, he signed a two-year extension.

Tribe, Tomlin agree on 2-year extension

In five appearances this spring, Tomlin has posted a 7.72 ERA. He's allowed nine earned runs on 21 hits in 11 1/3 innings. He's struck out nine, walked three and the opposition is hitting .429 against him.

Sunday's lineup: CF Rajai Davis, 3B Jose Ramrez, 1B Jesus Aguilar, DH Marlon Byrd, LF Joey Butler, RF Collin Cowgill, C Roberto Perez, SS Erik Gonzalez, 2B Michael Martinez, LHP T.J. House.

Pitchers scheduled to follow House on Sunday against the Mariners include Austin Adams, Joba Chamberlain, Ross Detwiler, Joe Thatcher and Toru Murata.

The game is on WTAM at 4:05 p.m.

This will be Byrd's debut with the Indians. They signed him to a minor league contract last week. If he makes the club, he'll earn a base salary of $1 million with a chance to earned $2.5 million in incentives.

Francona said Byrd could play the outfield on Monday.

How does Marlon Byrd fit on Indians?

What's up Monday?  Carrasco will start against Scott Carroll and the White Sox at 4:05 p.m. ET at Goodyear Ballpark. Byran Shaw, Cody Allen, Felipe Paulino and Jarrett Grube are scheduled to follow Carrasco.

Anderson, competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, will start a minor league game on Monday. Tomlin, competing for the same spot, will start a minor league game on Wednesday.

The Indians are off Tuesday.

Sick bay: Carlos Santana, who is having a good camp, came down with a stiff back after Saturday's win over the Cubs. He did not play Sunday and is expected to miss Monday's game as well.

Right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall, sidelined with a strained right forearm, is expected to play in a minor league game on Monday.

He's back: Juan Uribe rejoined the Indians on Saturday night after tending to visa problems in the Dominican Republic. He could play against the White Sox on Monday.

Outfielder Shane Robinson played in a minor league game on Sunday to get some extra at-bats.  Robinson, in camp on a minor league deal, is hitting .286 (6-for-21).

Talking Tribe: What people are writing about the Indians.

Michael Brantley's makes Cactus League debut with bang on Saturday night. cleveland.com

Everybody is happy over Michael Brantley's return. mlb.com

Indians beat Cubs, 10-5, behind Michael Brantley's HR and assist from left field. cleveland.com

Yan Gomes uses MMA fighters for inspiration in comeback year for Tribe. cleveland.com

Is Mike Napoli a spring-training mirage? Hey, Hoynsie. cleveland.com

Trevor Bauer wants to throw harder, but he's throwing plenty hard enough for manager Terry Francona. cleveland.com

Cleveland Indians Scribbles from Arizona: Jose Ramirez imitates Hank Aaron, T.J. House impresses -- Terry Pluto

0
0

Cleveland Indians Manager Terry Fracona loves what he's seeing from Jose Ramirez, who has four homers and 10 RBI this spring.

PEORIA, ARIZONA -- Scribbles in my Tribe notebook while watching Jose Ramirez imitate Hank Aaron as he hit two homers in the Tribe's 3-1 victory over Seattle:

1. Just a thought: What if this is real? Not what if Jose Ramirez is going to hit 30 homers. But what if Ramirez is ready to hit? He has a career .304 minor league batting average (.766 OPS). He won't be 24 until September 17.

2. So when he opened the 2015 season at short, he was only 22. Rarely are 22-year-olds ready for regular big league duty. That turned out to be the case with Ramirez.

3. Ramirez comes into this season with 564 big league at bats, a .239 average (.644 OPS). The Indians believe part of the problem for Ramirez was knowing that Francisco Lindor was coming to take his job at short. He had played with Lindor in parts of three minor league seasons (2012-14). When he was on the same team as Lindor, Ramirez moved to second base. Lindor was the shortstop.

4. Ramirez has been very relaxed in camp, knowing he has a spot on the team as the utility infielder. Manager Terry Francona has even played Ramirez in center field. He'll play some third base, depending upon how ready Juan Uribe will be early in the season. The Indians don't want the 5-foot-9, 180-pound Ramirez to suddenly think he is a power hitter, but his track record in the minors is that he can be a good hitter.

5. My memory was that Ramirez struggled last spring in Arizona. For once, my memory was right as he batted .227 with a homer. This spring, it's .385 with 4 HR and 11 RBI.

6. Francona on Ramirez: "The ball is coming off his bat so well. If got a a guy can come off the bench 3-4 times a week and has the ability the change the game, that's really helpful."

7. This was a low-scoring, well-played game. The wind was not blowing out, teams had trouble scoring. That's why the homers by Ramirez were impressive. The two teams combined for only four runs and nine hits.

8. This was an excellent day for T.J. House, who delivered four scoreless innings and looked like the ground-ball throwing machine of 2014. The lefty had shoulder problems last season and threw only 37 innings between the Majors and minors. He struggled a bit early in the spring, but not Sunday. Very few balls were hit hard and he had excellent control. His ball was sinking, his confidence was soaring.

9. The 26-year-old House will not be in the rotation. At some point, he will be sent to Class AAA Columbus. The Indians want to have depth in the rotation and House gives them a left-handed option. In 2014, he was 5-3 with a 3.35 ERA in 19 games for the Tribe.

10. Francona on House: "He was pretty good. He threw strikes at the bottom of the zone. I think he's still trying to find the breaking ball he had before. . . He's working his way back. We won't forgot what he can do or what he can do (in the future)."

11. Marlon Byrd made his debut for the Tribe. He was 0-of-3 with a ground out to short, a fly ball to center and he reached first on an error by the second baseman. Hard to tell much about Byrd other than he made contact. He has been in camp two days. He had been working out with Pierce Community College's baseball team before that.

12. The Indians plan to use him again Monday. His spot on the team is not guaranteed, so he needs to produce quickly. He can become a free agent on March 29 if the Indians don't offer him a big league deal.

Hue Jackson says Robert Griffin III had 'great meeting' with Browns and he's 'a tremendous talent'

0
0

Hue Jackson sounded a lot like a man who wants to sign Robert Griffin III in an interview here last night.

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- The Browns remain interested in quarterback Robert Griffin III after meeting with him Friday and Saturday, a source told cleveland.com, and coach Hue Jackson raved about him Sunday upon arriving here for NFL Annual meeting.

"It was a great meeting. I think he's obviously a tremendous talent and a great young man," Jackson told NFL Media's Steve Wyche. "He had a lot of success early in Washington and then things just didn't work out. Those things happen in the National Football League.'

Jackson stressed that the Browns are continuing to do their due diligence on Griffin III, who lost hist job last season to Kirk Cousins and didn't take a snap.

"We are going through our process,'' Jackson said. "We're going to be very diligent in what we are doing -- trying to make sure that we put the right quarterbacks on our football team and in that quarterback room. And that's one of my biggest responsibilities and also one of our organization's biggest responsibilities."

As for trade talks for 49ers Colin Kaepernick, which are at a standstill, Jackson said, "I can't comment on players on other teams. But it is where it is and eventually I think all those things will show itself."

The visit, which took place on Friday and Saturday, went well enough that the Browns are moving forward with the courtship. They're interested in signing him, but have to make sure it's the right fit.

In addition to kicking the tires on the veteran quarterbacks, the Browns are also strongly considering drafting either Jared Goff or Carson Wentz at No. 2.

If the Browns plan to sign Griffin III, the annual meeting would be the perfect place to do it. The Browns' top brass are all here,  owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown, Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta and coach Hue Jackson.

Jackson had his sights set on Kaeperick, whom he's coveted since 2011, but the 49ers are reportedly willing to hang onto him and let him battle it out with Blaine Gabbert for the starting job despite the fact he wants out. The 49ers reportedly want a second-round pick for Kaepernick, and reportedly have no plans to cut him before his $11.9 million contract is guaranteed on April 1st.

The Broncos and Browns have both taken a wait-and-see approach on Kaepernick, possibly thinking the 49ers will release him even though reports say they won't.

The advantages of Griffin III, who lost his job to Kirk Cousins and didn't take a snap last year, over Kaepernick are the fact that the Browns would not have to give up a draft pick and they could start from scratch on the contract. Kaepernick is currently averaging $19 million a year, although he can be cut any year before April 1st and not be owed anything.

Apparently, Jackson values the dual-threat quarterback and wants to work with one. But in the case of both Griffin III and Kaepernick, he'd likely have to run the read-option if the quarterbacks are to revive their careers.

Robert Griffin III visited the Browns Friday and Saturday

Griffin excelled in the scheme under former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in 2012 before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the playoff loss to the Seahawks. Griffin was never the same after going 9-7 that season -- and after losing Shanahan as his offensive coordinator. He's gone 5-15 since then.

Like Kaepernick, Griffin III would be reclamation project, but Jackson seems to be up for the challenge.


Is it a bad look for LeBron James to be chummy with Dwyane Wade during Cleveland Cavaliers' blowout loss? (video)

0
0

Chris Fedor, Michael Reghi and Bud Shaw discuss whether LeBron James socializing with Dwyane Wade is a bad look after the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent blowout loss. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are friends, a relationship that goes far beyond the basketball court.

Over the weekend, the Cleveland Cavaliers played against the Miami Heat, getting crushed, 122-101.

During the blowout, James was fraternizing with Wade, chatting and smiling, which rubbed some fans and perhaps even his teammates the wrong way. It also led to our Chris Haynes writing about whether that relationship could stand in Cleveland's way during a potential playoff series. 

Michael Reghi, Bud Shaw and I discussed whether that relationship could be a potential issue. 

Watch the video above.

Ohio Stadium to host international soccer match

0
0

An International Champions Cup exhibition game will be played at Ohio Stadium on the Ohio State University campus this summer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio soccer fans won't have to travel far this summer to see an international team play. 

Ohio Stadium will host an International Champions Cup exhibition game, likely in July or early August, the Columbus Dispatch reported Monday

Details about the match and others planned for the annual ICC North American exhibition series are expected to be announced during a Tuesday press conference in New York. The Dispatch reported 2015 cup winners Paris St.-Germain of France will likely play at the Shoe -- on a temporary grass surface. 

The stadium was the initial home of the Columbus Crew before its new home, now called Mapfre Stadium, opened in 1999 east of Ohio State University. The Dispatch reported the Crew won't be the other team in the ICC matchup there this summer. 

The summer exhibition series have drawn huge crowds in the United States.

A 2014 match between Manchester United and Real Madrid drew 109,318 spectators to the University of Michigan's Michigan Stadium. The game set a record for the most spectators at an American stadium soccer match.

March Madness or March Mayhem? Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament 2016 (video)

0
0

A plethora of March Madness first-round upsets does not overshadow the fact 14 of the 16 teams in the Sweet 16 were picked in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The more things change, the more things remain the same. Consensus parity in the ranks of college basketball did not move many new names up from the middle of the pack to the top either when the 68-team NCAA Tournament field was filled, or when the games ultimately played out. Consider the following:

  • All but one team (LSU) in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 Poll made the field.
  • Only seven (Arizona, Baylor, Cal, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Vanderbilt) of the preseason Top 25 failed to advance to the round of 32.
  • Of the remaining Sweet 16 only two teams (Oregon, Syracuse) were not on the preseason Top 25.
  • The four ACC teams (North Carolina, Duke, Virginia, Notre Dame) in the preseason Top 25 were joined by two (Syracuse, Miami) others in the Sweet 16.
  • And yes, there could be an ACC Final four as Notre Dame/North Carolina remain in the East; Virginia/Syracuse in the Midwest; Duke in the West and Miami in the South.

LINK: NCAA bracket

What's next: The top four Sweet 16 matchups.

No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 5 Indiana, Friday: The Hoosiers, should they make the Final Four, will undoubtedly do it through a gauntlet as a victory over powerhouse Kentucky set this game up.

If Indiana actually gets by the Tar Heels, a matchup awaits between one of two familiar rivals (Notre Dame/Wisconsin). As for North Carolina, the cloud grows darker every game they play considering it's proven this team can't handle success for long without going belly-up. For the record, Indiana is 2-0 vs. North Carolina in NCAA Tournament history.

No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas A&M, Thursday:  Bad blood, pure and simple. The Aggies once were members of the Big 12 with Oklahoma before jumping to the SEC. It's mostly a football feud, but this will do as a sideline skirmish before October.

A&M needed a small miracle to advance over Northern Illinois in double-overtime, so the Aggies are now playing with house money. As for the Sooners, they have the spotlight player of the tournament on their side, Buddy Hield, coming off a 36-point game vs. VCU, and aiming for a Final Four stage.

No. 4 Duke vs. No. 1 Oregon, Thursday: Why does it always seem like the easiest road to the Final Four is almost always traveled by Duke. It posted two rather comfortable wins to reach the Sweet 16.

While the Blue Devils are underdogs by seed, more than one eyebrow was raised when Oregon landed a No. 1, so Duke taking down the Ducks will not be a surprise. As for Oregon, left coast basketball has always been looked down upon, so taking out the Blue Devils, even as a No. 1 seed, will be considered a major accomplishment for the Ducks and the Pac 12.  

No. 10 Syracuse vs. No. 11 Gonzaga, Friday: Two teams that had a 50/50 chance of not making the tournament at all without an automatic slot (Gonzaga) or the blessings of the selection committee (Syracuse) will see one team advance to the Elite Eight with a solid shot at a Final Four. Go figure.

Gonzaga's shaky backcourt this season has yet to be exposed and Syracuse's tepid perimeter shooting has yet to lead to its demise. But it's tough believing a 36.2 percent 3-point shooting team and 68.6-percent free throw shooting team like Syracuse is going to last very long.

Looking back

Let the debate begin over the major first-round upsets; bad day,  bad matchup or bad seeding.

No. 15 Middle Tennessee State over No. 2 Michigan State: Bad seeding for both teams. MSU should have been a No. 1 seed. And if the NCAA Selection Committee wasn't choking the middle of the field with power conference teams, Middle Tennessee likely would have been as high as a 12 seed.

No. 14 Stephen F. Austin over No. 3 West Virginia: A bad matchup and the perfect example of why teams like the Mountaineers don't play teams like SFA on the road in non-conference. WVU was exposed on a neutral court.

No. 12 Yale over No. 5 Baylor: Clear example of arrogant coaching as Baylor was in no way prepared for Yale's high level of skill and veteran experience, arguably believing superior talent would win out, no matter what. A bad day for the Bears.

No. 12 Arkansas-Little Rock over Purdue: A bad matchup for Purdue as collective high level athleticism for ALR combined with one player getting a hot hand was too much for the Boilermakers to overcome. Traditional formula for an NCAA Tournament upset.

No. 11 Wichita State over Arizona: Truth be told, both teams were leaning more on reputation than expectation as neither was up to their traditional overall standards. That said, WSU's seniors delivered one last shining moment on true grit alone.

If the Browns sign RGIII, it shouldn't change their draft plans -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

0
0

The Cleveland Browns met with former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III. He would come a lot cheaper than Colin Kaepernick. Griffin is not the answer but at least the new regime in Berea believes in exploring every possibility -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns seem to believe quarterback is the most important position on the field. Imagine.

It's a notion that's led them to consider San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick, to happily attend the pro days of the top prospects in the 2016 draft and -- most recently -- to meet with free agent Robert Griffin III.

The III does not stand for Griffin's position on the Washington Redskins depth chart last season, but it's difficult to ignore the coincidence.

Griffin makes more sense than Kaepernick because he's a free agent and would come cheaper both in salary (presumably modest) and player compensation (zero).

But it only makes sense to think of him as improving the quarterback "room" (to borrow a Mike Pettine pet phrase) if only because he brings No. 2-overall pick talent to the roster. Or at least what's left of it.

Hue Jackson likes what he sees (and hears) from RGIII

Griffin as the presumptive starter is a completely different scenario. That can't be what the Browns have in mind. No way should they bypass a quarterback in the draft on the off-chance Griffin can be put back together again.

In 2015 he backed up Colt McCoy, who backed up Kirk Cousins. That's not exactly like playing behind Sonny Jurgensen and Billy Kilmer.

Research Griffin's time in Washington and you find too many stories about his less-than-warm relationship with teammates, his stubbornness, his sense of accomplishment based on his bottle-rocket entry into the NFL in 2012.

The "change of scenery" notion is more often a fable than a fix. It's probably even less of a remedy for quarterbacks because they inherit the same leadership position wherever they go. It's not about fitting in for them.

Team executives can call what's going on in Berea "building" as opposed to "rebuilding" - as Sashi Brown did from the owner's meetings in Florida Monday -- but either way RGIII can't be a cornerstone of the construction project.

Griffin and Kaepernick are system quarterbacks. It just so happens they're most effective outside the pocket, or at least they were most effective outside the pocket when defenses hadn't yet torn them limb from limb.

Since 2012, Griffin has as many fumbles (20) as touchdowns thrown. He has 18 interceptions.

But the Browns owe it to themselves to check out myriad quarterback options. Of all the options out there, RGIII is one of them.

Would they sign him and promise him the starting job? Would they not draft a quarterback because they have him? Not likely.

A more reasonable question considering where he's at in his career: 

Could he beat out Josh McCown?

Browns' Sashi Brown says 'no offer pulled' for Mitchell Schwartz

0
0

Browns Sashi Brown says 'no offer pulled' for Mitchell Schwartz and that he saw a lot of agents for players who didn't return to their turns 'mouth off in the media.'

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown denied a report that he yanked his offer for right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

"No offer pulled,'' he said at at the NFL Annual Meeting here Monday morning.

Asked to explain what happened, he said, "I think enough has been said about it. I think a lot of players left their teams. I've seen a lot of their agents mouth off in the media, and I'll just leave it at that.''

Schwartz ended up signing a five-year, $33 million deal with the Chiefs after his agent, Deryk Gilmore, went back to the Browns to accept their original pre-NFL Combine offer and discovered it was no longer on the table.

The Browns, a source said, felt that Gilmore didn't engage with their original offer, believed to be about $7 million a year, and opted to test the waters. The average was more than the $6.6 million he ultimately received from the Chiefs.

When Schwartz shopped his offer in the days leading up to free agency, the right-tackle market turned out to be worse than originally anticipated. Several teams were interested, but none matched or exceed the Browns' $7 million offer.

On Wednesday morning, the first day of free agency, a source told cleveland.com that Schwartz planned to return to the Browns because their deal was the best and he wanted to remain in Cleveland.

But when Gilmore went back, the original deal was no longer there. The Browns thought Schwartz was gone when he didn't engage with the original offer, and moved on. They would've taken him for less, but not the $7 million. Kansas City's offer was the best one remaining.  

"I'm not getting into a back and forth,'' said Brown. "Looking forward not driving in the rear-view mirror. We did have discussions with every single one of our guys. And we always will.''

He did acknowledge that the Browns can't keep losing their homegrown talent.

"We obviously can't put ourselves in position where we've got four starters going in free agency,'' he said. "It'll be a key part of our strategy to not just draft but also to keep them on our roster. So we're looking forward to adding at least 10 more young talented guys and get a core nucleus of guys. We had 12 last year in the draft, 10 more this year.

"And that'll be the core of our strategy. Once you get into in March in free agency, you're effectively in free agency with your own guys. We respect the guys that were here, but we'll move forward with building in the draft and feel good about our opportunity to do that.''

Browns not counting on Gordon in 2016; NFL will rule on him when appropriate

Brown stressed that he's not taking the team down to the studs and eradicating all the 30-and-over players on the team.

"Not at all,'' he said. "It's not a scorched-earth policy or a policy just making decisions on a guy's age. We want to look at who can contribute to us. Those guys may come in all different packages and all different ages.''

U.S. Olympic boxing teen Charles Conwell returns to Cleveland Heights (photos, video)

0
0

Charles Conwell, 18, is the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team and the second consecutive Olympic middleweight from Greater Cleveland. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Charles Conwell came home an Olympian on Monday.

Conwell was cheered by about 25 family and friends at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport upon his arrival from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he qualified for the U.S. Olympic boxing team last week.

The 18-year-old middleweight from Cleveland Heights won a gold medal at the Americas Qualifier. He clinched a berth in the Olympic Games with a semifinal win on Thursday and added his fourth straight win in the middleweight championship bout against Mexico's Misael Uzierl Rodriguez Olivas.

As was the case throughout the tournament for Conwell, the fight quickly evolved in to a slugfest and Conwell excelled in an action-packed bout. He showed off his aggressive style and powerful body shots en route to a unanimous decision.

Conwell is the youngest member of the U.S. team, which will compete in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Aug. 5-21.

"It's an honor to be called number 1 in the continent, but there are still bigger fish out there to fry at the 2016 Olympic Games,'' Conwell said.

"My heart and determination and listening to my corner gave me the success I had in the ring, and the great team I have behind me. I did it for my country. I have one more step in the 2016 Olympic Games and I want to hear the national anthem again.''

Conwell, a senior at Cleveland Heights High School, said he was looking forward to prom, graduation and some time at home after training and competing around the world in recent months.

"Charles is a resilient young man,'' said Conwell's uncle and coach, Otha Jones. "We have watched him stand up to this challenge. To make the kind of sacrifices he's made shows that kind of maturity he has.''

Conwell's parents, Annette Steen-Conwell and Charles Conwell Sr., were especially happy to have their son home Monday.

"He's always been very mature and he's enthusiastic and keeping his grades up,'' Steen-Conwell said. "He's a mentor to younger children.''

A friend gave Conwell a crown and put it on Conwell's head as he greeted well-wishers.

Conwell also is the second consecutive U.S. Olympic middleweight from Cuyahoga County -- 2012 Olympian Terrell Gausha is from Glenville. He has since turned professional.

(Plain Dealer photographer Lynn Ischay contributed to this report.)

Cleveland Browns Scribbles about Robert Griffin III and having doubts about him being able to start -- Terry Pluto

0
0

Cleveland Browns are looking at Robert Griffin III as their quarterback. Huge question marks linger.

Scribbles in my Browns notebook:

1. First there was Colin Kaepernick, now Robert Griffin III. Neither quarterback has any special attraction, at least for me. If I had to pick between the two, I'd probably go with Kaepernick. But I'm with the Browns in having no interest in trading a third-round pick to San Francisco for Kaepernick.

2. Griffin is different in that he is a free agent. He won't cost the Browns any picks. His contract is not an issue (as was the case with Kaepernick) because Griffin has no contract right now. So the Browns can sign Griffin at their price, or not sign him at all.

3. There is a message from the Browns doing their "due diligence" on those quarterbacks. My guess is the Browns don't want to open the season with veteran Josh McCown and a rookie quarterback. It's no disrespect to McCown. It's the reality of McCown being 37 years old on July 4 and unable to stay healthy.

4. McCown opened 2015 as the starter. He sustained a concussion in the opener. He missed games with shoulder and rib injuries. He ended the season on the injured list with a broken collar bone. He played only eight games. The season before, he played only 11 games because of a thumb injury when with Tampa Bay.

5. New Browns coach Hue Jackson knows how important it is to have depth at quarterback. He knows how it is for a rookie to start, although he found a way to prepare Joe Flacco to start opening day in Baltimore in 2008. Flacco was a rookie out of Delaware and was helped by Jackson, who was the Ravens quarterback coach.

6. The Browns also have Austin Davis and Connor Shaw on the roster. The previous front office and coaching staff had some interest in Davis. It's hard to know how the new front office views Davis. Shaw missed all of last season with thumb surgery. I never hear his name mentioned when quarterbacks are discussed.

7. Browns Vice President Sashi Brown has said there's nothing happening with Kaepernick. The Browns interviewed Griffin over the weekend. Griffin also interviewed with the Jets, but they decided not to sign him. Griffin's agent is trying to generate as much interest as possible in his client, which is the job of an agent. So, Griffin may visit other teams.

8. The Browns have some interest in Griffin. Perhaps Jackson believes the No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft can find his old form in a new offense. Griffin was superb as a rookie, throwing 20 TD passes compared to 5 interceptions. He also ran the ball for 815 yards in 120 carries. Then he injured his knee in the 2012 playoffs and had surgery.

9. Griffin had ACL knee surgery in 2009 at Baylor and again on the same knee after the 2012 season. He didn't seem to have the same quickness when he returned in 2013. Griffin had a dislocated ankle in 2014. There are a lot of theories about his decline, but a good guess is his health is a major reason.

10. Starting in 2013, it's been a major struggle for Griffin. He was 9-6 as a rookie starter. Since then, he's 5-15. He didn't take a snap in 2015. He not only lost the starting job to Kirk Cousins, former Brown Colt McCoy emerged as the backup.

11. I've heard that Griffin wanted to prove he could be a pocket passer, and that was part of his problem. I know Washington tried to put him in a form of a West Coast offense with fast throws after 3- to 5-step drops, but he never felt comfortable.

12. Griffin is at his best in the read-option where he's on the move. But that also leads to being hit and injured. Perhaps Jackson believes he can figure out an offense that will help Griffin at this stage of the quarterback's career.

13. In 2014, Griffin threw only 4 TD passes in 9 games -- compared to 6 interceptions. He was a shell of the dynamic RG3 of 2014. There must be major doubts about his durability.

14. It's possible Coach Jay Gruden simply had no hope for Griffin and that's why the quarterback was relegated to third string. But not being able to beat out McCoy? That's a real concern.

15. I've been told that signing another quarterback will not prevent the Browns from drafting one. I hope that doesn't change. At this point, I'm very lukewarm on Griffin. It seems like a long shot. If the Browns want to take it, that's fine. But they should keep their eye on finding a quarterback in this draft.


Would signing Robert Griffin III change the Browns' need for a quarterback early in the NFL Draft? (video)

0
0

How would signing Robert Griffin III change what the Browns should do with the No. 2 pick? Chris Fedor, Michael Reghi and Bud Shaw discuss Cleveland's interest in Griffin. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns met with quarterback Robert Griffin III over the weekend, a meeting that head coach Hue Jackson referred to as "great."

Griffin, released by the Redskins after a few disappointing seasons, has been getting interest around the NFL and could be an option for the Browns, as they continue to search for a new signal caller.

The Browns also have the No. 2 pick in the draft, a chance to draft either Jared Goff or Carson Wentz. 

Does the interest in RG3 change anything? Would signing Griffin alter the Browns' need for a QB early?

Michael Reghi, Bud Shaw and I discussed that. Watch the video above. 

Searching for No. 32: Why Ohio State WR Michael Thomas make sense for Cleveland Browns

0
0

Thomas' size, NFL bloodlines and good hands make him a good fit in the second round.

Browns say Joe Thomas will 'be our left tackle' and 'we'll see' about Josh McCown's future

0
0

The Browns say they have no plans to trade Joe Thomas, and 'we'll see' about Josh McCown's future.

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Browns Executive Vice President Sashi Brown addressed a number of key issues at the NFL Annual Meeting, including the futures of left tackle Joe Thomas and quarterback Josh McCown.

It's been widely speculated that the Browns might try to trade Thomas now that they're in rebuilding mode and have let center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz walk in free agency.

But Brown reiterated that he has no intentions of trading the nine-time Pro Bowler.

"That's not our plan at all,'' he said. "I know it's been written about a lot. But that's as simple as I can say it."

And if somebody offers you a first-round pick?

"Again, our plan is not to trade Joe Thomas,'' he said. "He'll be our left tackle."

Playoff contenders are expected to inquire about Thomas because the Browns are in rebuilding mode, and because they nearly sent him to the Denver Broncos at the trade deadline in November. The Broncos offered a 2017 first-round pick and a 2016 second-rounder, and wanted Thomas and a third-rounder. The Browns would only surrender a fifth-rounder, and that was the dealbreaker.

Thomas also said he didn't want to be traded, and that helped persuade the Browns not to make the move. But Thomas might feel differently now that two of his best pals are gone and the Browns are in a youth movement. He said in February he wants to stay now that Hue Jackson is on board, but that was before four starters left in free agency.

As for quarterback Josh McCown, who will be 37 in July, Jackson made no promises he'll still be around if the Browns sign Robert Griffin III or another veteran quarterback. 

Browns admit "it's too early to tell'' if Haden will be ready for start of 2016

"Again, we'll go through the process and see,'' said Jackson. "He's not going to be the reason why we don't try to get better, and he's not the reason why we're trying to get better. We're just going to unturn every rock that we can, as I said, at every position and see how it fits for us, and then we'll make those decisions as we go."

If the Browns sign Griffin, they could try to trade McCown, who finished 14th in the NFL with a 93.3 rating before finishing the season on injured reserve with a broken collarbone. Several teams were interested in signing McCown last offseason, including the Bills and Bears.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets: Live chat and updates

0
0

Get the latest updates and analysis on the Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Denver Nuggets.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Cavaliers topped the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, 124-91, behind LeBron James' second triple-double of the season. 

James scored 33 points to go with 11 assists and 11 rebounds. J.R. Smith added 15 points. Channing Frye, starting in place of Kevin Love who was ill, scored 14 points. 

The win clinches the Central Division title and moves the Cavs to 50-20 on the season. 

Scoring Summary:

End of 3rd Quarter - Cavs lead Nuggets, 87-72. LeBron James has a team-high 26 points. J.R. Smith has chipped in with 15 while Channing Frye has 14 points. The Nuggets are led by Will Barton, who has 24 points off the bench. 

End of 2nd Quarter - Cavs lead Nuggets, 56-48. LeBron James leads all scorers with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Channing Frye has added eight points. The Nuggets are led by Will Barton, who has 18 points off the bench. 

End of 1st Quarter - Cavs lead Nuggets, 38-23. LeBron James leads all scorers with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Channing Frye has added eight points. The Nuggets are paced by Gary Harris, who has seven points. 

Kevin Love won't play in Monday night's game against Denver because of illness

0
0

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love won't play in Monday night's game against the Denver Nuggets because of an illness that forced him to miss the morning shootaround.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love won't play in Monday night's game against the Denver Nuggets because of an illness that forced him to miss the morning shootaround. 

With Love out, Channing Frye will make his second start since arriving in a midseason trade. 

Love came to the arena on Monday evening and wanted to see how he felt before Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue made an official determination about an hour before tipoff. 

Monday marks the fourth game Love will miss this season. Most recently, he sat out March 10 against the Los Angeles Lakers, in the midst Cleveland's four-game Western Conference road trip.

Love is averaging 15.6 points to go with 9.9 rebounds in 31.8 minutes this season. 

In his most recent game, Love scored seven points on 3-of-7 shooting in Saturday's blowout loss to the Miami Heat. He scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds in Friday's win over the Orlando Magic.

The Cavs can clinch the Central Division title with a win against the Nuggets. 

Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images