"Urban Meyer explained it to me. It's a business, you know what I mean? It's a business?" Clark said. "If he feels the need to. They have to be balanced on all points of the game, and I am not worried about competition." Watch video

AKRON, Ohio -- At one point during Ohio State's recruitment of four-star quarterback Danny Clark of Archbishop Hoban, it was made clear that Clark would be the only quarterback in the Buckeyes 2017 recruiting class. 

Circumstances have changed since Clark made his commitment to Ohio State in 2013, which is why the Buckeyes hosted five-star quarterback Tate Martell of Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman last week. 

Clark is fine with it.

"Urban Meyer explained it to me. It's a business, you know what I mean? It's a business," Clark said during the Unrivaled Athlete Consulting camp at Hoban on Saturday. "If he feels the need to. They have to be balanced on all points of the game, and I am not worried about competition.

"I honestly don't care who they bring in, I'm going to win." 

Rated the No. 12 quarterback in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Clark was the first quarterback to receive a Buckeyes offer and accept as a freshman. He's a 6-foot-4, 225-pound physical specimen with which the Buckeyes have fallen in love. 

Meyer, though, obviously feels the Buckeyes need another quarterback in the class, or at least one like the dynamic Martell. 

Martell, who is currently committed to Texas A&M, is far different from Clark. Martell is a 5-foot-10, 200-pound prospect who is more of a run threat, which is why he's rated the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in 2017 in the 247Sports composite rankings. 

Ohio State sat Clark down and discussed why it is recruiting Martell -- and possibly other quarterbacks -- which meant a lot to the Ohio State commit. 

"They didn't just throw it on me," Clark said. "I have known for a while. They are just saying they're going to look at a couple guys. I don't care who it is, 2017 or 2018, I'm not worried." 

Paea is the 10th verbal commitment for the Wolverines in the Class of 2017.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Three-star defensive tackle Phillip Paea verbally committed to Michigan on Saturday, the second interior lineman to do so in the last 24 hours, according to multiple reports.

Paea, a 6-foot-4, 285-pounder at Berrien Springs, Michigan, is the No. 33 defensive tackle nationally and the No. 13 prospect in Michigan in the Class of 2017, according to 247Sports.com.

Michigan State, Oregon, Notre Dame and USC are among his 14 scholarship offers. He was most recently at Michigan for Friday's spring game.

Paea is the Wolverine's 10^th commitment for 2017 and the first defensive tackle in the group. He follows Friday's commitment from 2018 defensive tackle Leonard Taylor of Springfield (Ohio). 

DT Leonard Taylor commits to Michigan

Michigan football recruiting Class of 2017

The NFL's review of Josh Gordon's reinstatement application has spilled into April. If the league works in mysterious ways, so does the Browns wide receiver -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NFL works in mysterious ways. Hey, what a coincidence. So does Josh Gordon.

So no one should be surprised by the slow pace of his reinstatement.

That would probably be the case even if Gordon were posting only pictures of himself helping little old ladies across well-traveled streets.

Instead, he has kept it real (their definition) in occasional posts with Johnny Manziel, another player without a team.

That's his prerogative. It shouldn't damn him.

Does it help? We don't know if it gave the league further pause in reviewing his case. If so, that's on him.

The NFL owes him nothing. The Browns owe him nothing.

This is a league that might just pursue a suspension of Tom Brady for his role in Deflategate through this season and right up until the Super Bowl.

Not Superbowl LI.

I mean the Super Bowl where Brady is a unanimous selection to the Hall of Fame as a five-year NFL retiree.

Why give Roger Goodell a reason, or even the suggestion of one, to take any longer than absolutely necessary to render a decision.

NFL taking its time in deciding Josh Gordon's status for 2016

Gordon applied for reinstatement on Jan. 20. The conveniently flexible 60-day period for the NFL to rule on his application passed March 20. Friday brought another flip of the calendar.

The NFL lays out a number of hurdles to clear for players seeking reinstatement. One of those stipulates that "all individuals involved in the process will take steps to enable the Commissioner to render a decision within 60 days of the receipt of the application."

That wording is just vague enough to make one wonder if it might also include the company Gordon keeps. Not fair? OK. So what.

Maybe that's not it. Maybe there's a more tangible reason for the delay.

Salute @JOSH_GORDONXII you're a real one #NewLevel ddd

-- Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) March 7, 2016

Either way, it's a good time to point out this is just a first inspection for Gordon to pass. Reinstatement doesn't mean the Browns will welcome him back like Northeast Ohio welcomed back LeBron James. If you haven't noticed, the Browns aren't exactly committed to keeping their most talented players at all costs.

Browns head coach Hue Jackson has said he needs to sit down with Gordon once he's reinstated. Does Gordon want to be here? Enough to practice hard, play harder, finish routes, suffer more losing seasons? 

The Browns have even more reason than the league to make sure Gordon's head is right. He would be with them every day as Jackson tries to change the culture of a forlorn organization.

The league? Gordon represents the NFL but he wouldn't be the league's daily concern.

The Browns start preparation for the new season this week when players report to Berea. The draft is later this month.

The league doesn't owe the Browns a decision. They're no worse off. They'd be foolish to let his status change anything they do in the draft.

If he comes back to them, he can't be the receiver who had nine catches in the final three games of 2014 while frequently looking disinterested.

It's only fair if the Browns have the same question about Gordon -- can they rely on him? --  as they had about one of his favorite former teammates.

Observations on Ohio State's defense after a prolonged viewing period at the Buckeyes Student Appreciation Day spring practice.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It's important to not get too high on players, or too low when your sample size is a 45-minute window during the eighth of Ohio State's 14 spring football practices.

But man did Jalyn Holmes look really good.

The Buckeyes junior defensive end was repping with the first-team defense during Saturday's Student Appreciation Day practice, and he was causing some havoc.

It was admittedly not a great day for the Buckeyes offensive line, with Pat Elflein and Billy Price -- both high rep guys -- being held out for the live scrimmage portion of practice we saw. So Holmes was lining up against a right side of the offensive line that included tackle Isaiah Prince and guard Demetrius Knox, two guys who've never played a meaningful snap.

They couldn't handle Holmes, though. Take some of that with the caveat of the competition, but he also seemed like he was an improved player from last year. Holmes looked more decisive in what he was doing at the point of attack, and was getting in the backfield quickly.

Prince in particular struggled keeping Holmes out of the backfield in one-on-one situations.

We knew that Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard are going to be the starting defensive ends. Hubbard was out there on Saturday, and looked fine going against Jamarco Jones. Lewis is out this spring after shoulder surgery, so that's giving Holmes a chance and he seems to be making the most of it.

Here are more observations from the scrimmage period:

* It was a good day for the defensive ends. Hubbard had an interception, dropping back in coverage and picking off J.T. Barrett. Rashod Berry, moved from tight end last year, beat Prince for a sack of Barrett.

Berry got some run with the ones on Saturday, which was of note for a guy who didn't play any defense at last year. If he can stay in that mix, then Lewis, Hubbard, Holmes and Berry give the Buckeyes some nice options at end.

Jonathon Cooper and Darius Slade worked as second-team defensive ends.

Torrance Gibson's TD, and other offensive observations

* Redshirt freshman Jashon Cornell, who took all of his reps at defensive tackle on Saturday, got in for a strip sack of quarterback Joe Burrow when the Buckeyes went second-team on second-team.

Cornell and Dre'Mont Jones, who both signed as defensive ends, played exclusively at defensive tackle. That's two guys who could provide some nice depth at defensive tackle. And don't forget about Nick Bosa coming in. Those are young players, but there could be some talent in that spot.

* Here's how the first-team defense lined up on Saturday:

DE Holmes, DT Michael Hill, DT Tracy Sprinkle, DE Hubbard

OLB Chris Worley, MLB Raekwon McMillan, OLB Dante Booker

CB Gareon Conley, S Damon Webb, S Malik Hooker, CB Denzel Ward

* Conley didn't play much, because he's a high-rep guy and the Buckeyes will hold him out some. So Ward and Damon Arnette got a lot of work as first-team corners. Cam Burrows and Eric Glover-Williams also got some first-team reps at safety. I did not see Marshon Lattimore out there, but I could've just missed him.

* True freshman Tuf Borland was working at outside linebacker with the second-team defense. I didn't notice Jerome Baker on the field for any first or second-team reps, but that's nothing to be concerned with right now. There was no official word from Ohio State about anything being wrong with Baker, and I still expect him to battle with Worley for an outside linebacker spot.

Check out photos and videos from the Buckeyes' practice Saturday, when about 2,500 students and fans turned out and the players and coaches signed autographs afterward.

Glaser is the second commitment in Miami's Class of 2017.

SOLON, Ohio – Solon football’s Chris Glaser, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound offensive tackle, verbally committed to Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.

Glaser announced the decision on Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/0chjctPhzg

— Chris Glaser (@Cglaser17) April 2, 2016

The junior, who is not ranked by 247Sports.com, also had offers from Cincinnati, Toledo, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Army, Navy and Air Force. He received his offer from the RedHawks on March 1.

Glaser is the second commit in Miami’s Class of 2017, joining Cincinnati Wyoming three-star quarterback Andrew Marty.

Glaser was part of a Solon team that went 9-3, tied for the Greater Cleveland Conference title and reached the second round of the Division I playoffs last season.

Archbishop Hoban quarterback Danny Clark, an Ohio State recruit, and his father led the start of a spring football showcase that attracted about 50 high school players from around the state. Watch video

AKRON, Ohio - Danny Clark and his father, Jeff, hope to spur Ohio on a path that might help level high school football with southern states and recruiting hotbeds.

Their plan is to conduct spring camps, and that venture took form Saturday at Archbishop Hoban's Dowed Field.

About 50 high school football players showed up. They took turns in individual drills and ended the afternoon two hours later with a sprint to decide who was the fastest of the bunch.

Jeff Clark said he tried this once last year and plans to continue it frequently this spring. He organized the event, called the Unrivaled Showdown, through his company, Unrivaled Athlete Consulting.

"It started as a way to get guys together - all of the guys - as our camp instead going out where you're just one kid of 1,000 kids," Jeff Clark said. "Kids in Texas, Florida and California get it in during spring."

Players came from Columbus, including Westerville South sophomore Jaelen Gill. The Ohio State target is an all-purpose back who has gained attention from colleges across the country.

Then there's Danny Clark, the quarterback on Hoban's Division III state championship team and Ohio State commit. He and his father discussed the idea last year of starting a camp.

"When I thought about it a year, ago it was just a dream," Danny Clark said. "Then we thought, let's just do it."

Clark on Martell: 'It's a business'In Florida, teams participate in seven-on-seven tournaments as part of spring competition. This event didn't go that far, but Jeff Clark thinks it can stir some momentum.

"I'm not trying to change the rules, but Ohio kids really are handcuffed when it comes to getting better in the offseason," Jeff Clark said. "I don't want to have big tournaments or anything to take away from high school football, but I'm talking about in the offseason to be able to play - even a quarter of the amount."

UAC's showcase events will take place every other weekend, Jeff Clark said.

This one broke players, mostly all but a few linemen, into groups by position. Quarterbacks worked on timing routes and footwork, which attracted junior Cameron Searight.

Searight transferring to Cleveland Heights 

Searight helped West Geauga to a playoff appearance and Chagrin Valley Conference title last fall. Danny Clark invited him to Saturday's camp via Twitter.

"I like it out here. It's a little cold and a little windy, but that's what football's about," Searight said.

He already works every weekend on his mechanics with a private coach, but the UAC showcase will be added to his routine.

"It's just a lot of work, a lot of reps and a lot of throws," Searight said.

Neither Searight nor Danny Clark was awarded top quarterback of the camp. Clark's father ruled him ineligible, as his staff selected these players:

* Top quarterback: Patrick Robinson, Hamilton Township

* Top receiver: Khalil Straughter, Gahanna Lincoln

* Top linebacker: Keeshawn Ramsey, Columbus Eastmoor

* Top defensive back: Calvin Twyman, Columbus Eastmoor

* Fastest player (60-yard sprint): Jaelen Gill, Westerville South

Gill a national recruit in ColumbusAs Jeff Clark handed out awards, he encouraged the players in attendance to return next time with teammates. They quickly scurried to their cars and left as snow flurries started to accompany the constant wind.

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

Cleveland native Donte Whitner played two seasons with the Browns. He was upset that the Browns didn't release him sooner so he catch on with a team during free agency.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Safety Donte Whitner was released by the Browns Saturday and criticized his hometown team for waiting until almost a month after free agency started to let him go.

"I just wish they had the common courtesy and would've done it weeks ago when free agency was going on,'' Whitner, 30, tweeted Saturday. "25thHour....But I'll bounce back.''

Whitner, the Cleveland native and Glenville High grad, returned home in 2014 to help his beloved Browns win a championship, but found himself the casualty of yet another rebuild and the new analytics approach that doesn't favor older players.

"I love you Cleveland,'' he tweeted. "My plan is in a different place. They're playing MONEYBALL now! Be blessed.''

The Browns released Whitner now so that he'd have an opportunity to catch on with a team before the draft April 28-30th. They also released 2015 seventh-round pick Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, who was still recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL and dislocated knee.

"It is important for us to thank Donte for all of his contributions to the Cleveland Browns over the last two seasons," said Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown. "His passion for this city and dedication to his craft was contagious. These are difficult decisions to make but we felt it was the best decision for the Browns at this time. We wish him the best as he continues his career."

Whitner's departure is part of the youth movement that the Browns told linebacker Karlos Dansby, 34, the team was embarking upon when they released him March 16th. In fact, he told cleveland.com that he told Whitner and others after the season to "be ready for whatever.'' He said Whitner and several of the other older players were bracing themselves for the call.

The Browns also cut receiver Dwayne Bowe, 31, on the day they waived Dansby, and could trade quarterback Josh McCown, 36, by draft day. They also recently released defensive lineman Randy Starks, 32, and tight end Jim Dray 29.

But the day Dansby was released, Whitner told cleveland.com he wasn't concerned he'd be next.

"I'm not thinking about that,'' the former Ohio State Buckeye said. "I'm just working out, getting in the best shape possible. It's really unfortunate that they let Karlos go. Really good player. Really talented player for a long time in this league and I do believe that he'll find work and catch on somewhere because he says he wants to win a championship.

"But I want to win a championship in Cleveland myself, so I wish him the best of luck and I'm just getting ready for the season.''

Whitner, 30, said at the time that no one had given him any indication he was on his way out.

"No no one has mentioned anything like that to me,'' he said. "I'm always confident in myself. I'm confident in the team and looking forward to working with this coaching staff and going out there and winning some games.''

Whitner said he talked to Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown around the time Dansby was released, but didn't ask about his future.

"We didn't really talk about football,'' he said. "There was no reassurance of anything but I don't think I need to be reassured. I'll just go out there and work there and work and see where we go.

In addition to getting younger, the Browns are also clearing cap space for the future. Whitner was under contract the next two seasons for $6.2 million and $6.3 million.

Whitner will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by strong safety Ibraheim Campbell, the 2015 fourth-round pick out of Northwestern. In his lone start last season at Cincinnati, Campbell made five tackles, including four solo.

It means the Browns will have two new starting safeties this season. The Browns also lost starting free safety Tashaun Gipson to the Jaguars in free agency, and he'll likely be replaced by fourth-year Jordan Poyer, who started four games in place of Gipson last season.

In 2015, Whitner finished second on the team with 81 tackles, including 58 solo. He missed two games midseason with a concussion, but started 14 others at strong safety, recording 1.5 sacks, four passes defensed and one forced fumble.

In 2014, his first season with the Browns, he finished with 106 tackles, including 69 solo, and made the Pro Bowl for the third straight season.

A first-round pick of the Bills in 2006, Whitner later helped the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game three times and an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII.

I just wish they had common courtesy and would've done it weeks ago when free agency was going on... #25thHour... But I'll bounce back!

— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) April 3, 2016

[?] love you Cleveland. My plan is in a different place. Their playing MONEYBALL now! Be blessed!

— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) April 3, 2016

Cleveland I'm gone!

— DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) April 2, 2016

Danny Salazar allowed one run in five innings and Rajai Davis hit a three-run homer as the Indians finished their Cactus League season with a 18-12-4 record.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It was 65 degrees and sunny at Globe Life Ballpark in Arlington Saturday afternoon. Indians announcer Jim Rosenhaus called it, "a perfect day for baseball."

The Indians beat the Rangers, 3-1, to end their spring-schedule with a 18-12-4 record, good for a third place finish in the Cactus League. Then they boarded a charter flight to Cleveland where they will find conditions for Monday's regular-season opener against Boston far less than perfect. As a tune-up, it snowed sideways, thundered and hovered in around 36 degrees in the Greater Cleveland area Saturday.

Welcome home, boys of summer. Don't forget your long johns, hand warmers and hoodies.

Danny Salazar pitched five innings and Rajai Davis hit a three-run homer to give the Indians a two-game sweep of the Rangers. Four batters into the game, Salazar was down 1-0 and had already thrown 21 pitches. Double plays in the second and third innings kept his pitch count down as he gradually found the strike zone.

Salazar ended his final spring start by striking out the side in the fifth. He hit 96 mph during his strikeout of leadoff man Ryan Cordell. In striking out the next two batters, Justin Ruggiano and Ron Guzman, he hit 97 mph during their at bats.

For the day, Salazar struck out five, walked three and allowed one run on six hits. He threw 63 percent (45-for78) of his pitches for strikes, which average for a big league starter.

"I feel ready for the season," Salazar told mlb.com. "The way I have been throwing the ball the past two starts is amazing. I'm very excited, not because I am the No. 3 starter, but because I am in the rotation. I earned my spot. I can't wait for the season to start."

Salazar went 3-1 with a 5.47 ERA in seven starts this spring. He struck out 26, but watered that down with 30 hits and 13 walks. The opposition hit .291 against him.

He's scheduled to face Boston's Joe Kelly on Thursday night in the third game of the regular season. Salazar was 2-0 against the Red Sox last year.

So as we contemplate what winter garb to wear to Monday's opener, here are eight things we learned about the Indians on Saturday.

No. 1. Homers R Us

The Indians beat Texas on Saturday on the strength of a three-run homer by Rajai Davis off lefty Derek Holland in the third inning. It was homer No.1 for Davis, but it gave the Indians 47 in 34 games for the spring, tying them with the Cubs for the fourth most in the big leagues. In terms of extra base hits, the Indians finished second in the big leagues with 133 - 75 doubles, 11 triples and 47 homers.

Last spring they hit 32 homers in 33 games and finished 17^th in extra base hits with 97. It could mean something or it could mean nothing more than a gust of hot wind in the Valley of the Sun. Stay tuned.

No.2. Here's how it's done

How does a rookie make a big-league roster in spring training?

He does what Tyler Naquin did; hit .397 (23-for-58) with four homers, seven RBI and 1.203 OPS. Then he catches everything hit his way in center field, while showing his speed and arm strength. Finally, he runs the bases smart and with aggression.

No. 3. No introduction needed

How does a veteran fit in with his new teammates?

He does what Mike Napoli did this spring with the Indians; hit .364 (20-for-55) with four doubles, 14 RBI and a 1.063 OPS. Then he goes out and plays a solid first base.

No.4. No flukes allowed

How does a young player give a hint that what he did as a rookie last year was the real deal?

He does what Francisco Lindor did this spring; hit .339 (21-for-62) with three homers, 15 RBI and a 1.020 OPS. Then he plays good defense at shortstop and shows the same hunger he had as a rookie last year.

No. 5. Seeing is believing

It is one thing to say you're in game shape after signing a minor league contract on March 18. It is another to go out and prove it as Marlon Byrd did by hitting .290 with six doubles among his nine hits to make the 25-man roster.

Byrd lands at just the right time

No.6. First impressions aren't always right

In the wave of outfielders that the Indians brought to spring training, Collin Cowgill seemed lost in the foam. It didn't help matters that he and Lonnie Chisenhall spent much of the Cactus League season seeing who could go the longest without a hit.

But as opening day approached, Cowgill kept getting better. He had a hit and scored Saturday to finish the spring hitting .207 (12-for-58) with five doubles, two homers, 10 RBI and three stolen bases in as many attempts. He can go get it in the outfield as well.

No. 7. To catch a thief

Roberto Perez threw out seven would-be base stealers and Yan Gomes threw out six this spring. Last season Perez threw out 39 percent (16-for-41) of the runners who challenged him, while Gomes threw out 31.6 percent (18-for-57).

Perez ready for life in fast lane

No. 8. In the pen

Trevor Bauer, since losing his spot in the rotation and being moved to the bullpen, made his first relief appearance Saturday. He pitched a scoreless sixth inning with a walk and a strikeout.

How long will Bauer stay in bullpen?

He started the inning with walk to Ryan Rua on five pitches that clocked in at 95 mph to 96 mph. He came back to strikeout Luis Marte on a 95 mph fastball and induced Brett Nichols to hit into a 4-6-3 double play on a first-pitch 96 mph fastball.

Bauer threw nine pitches, five strikes, and lowered his ERA to 2.14.

A standout football quarterback from West Geauga, Cameron Searight said Saturday in Akron he will move to Cleveland Heights. Watch video

AKRON, Ohio - Cameron Searight left Akron a little disappointed he did not throw to prospective teammate Jaylen Harris.

Yes, Cleveland Heights' Jaylen Harris.

Searight said Saturday during a spring football showcase put on by Unrivaled Athlete Consulting that he will not be back this fall for West Geauga. Instead, the quarterback said his family plans to move to University Heights. The change means he can throw passes to Harris - a four-star recruit at receiver - for the Tigers.

"We're in the process," Searight said. "We're about to move soon."

Highlights, photos from Unrivaled ShowdownAs a junior, Searight helped engineer a playoff run and Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division title for Lou Cirino's Wolverines. They finished 10-2 with a Division III Regional semifinal loss to St. Vincent-St. Mary, and Searight earned Inland District first-team honors for his part.

Searight said it was difficult to tell his West Geauga teammates about the move.

"Especially my coach and because we had such a good year," he said, "but they kind of understand."

Searight will now be at a Division I high school program this fall. Cleveland Heights finished 4-6 with a first-round playoff loss to state champion St. Edward. The Tigers reached the postseason despite an 0-4 start under first-year coach Mac Stephens, whose squad was trampled by injuries in the first month.

Searight knows what that's like. He missed most of his sophomore season at West Geauga because of injury.

Healthy last year, the 6-foot dual threat at quarterback threw for 1,615 yards and 22 touchdowns to four interceptions. He also rushed for 680 yards and 12 more TDs.

Indiana, Toledo and Bowling Green are among his top college choices.

"I really like Bowling Green, but I would love Indiana," Searight said. "I'll be going to their spring game."

Cleveland Heights will be Searight's third high school. He began as a freshman at St. Edward before transferring to West Geauga.

As for playing catch with Harris, Searight is confident that will happen before his move to Cleveland Heights.

The 6-5 Harris also plays AAU basketball, which began its circuit of weekend tournaments. Searight attended Saturday's Unrivaled Showdown as an introduction to the bi-weekly football event and expects Harris to soon show up for one.

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

The Lake Erie Monsters extended their winning streak to a season-best five games Saturday, beating the Chicago Wolves, 4-1, in an AHL game at Allstate Arena in Illinois.

ROSEMONT, Illinois -- Cleveland's Lake Erie Monsters extended their winning streak to a season-longest five games Saturday night, beating the Chicago Wolves, 4-1, in an American Hockey League game at Allstate Arena.

With the victory, their seventh over Chicago in the last of the teams' eight meetings this season, the Monsters improved to 39-21-5-5, climbing to second place in the AHL Central Division.

The win also meant the Monsters would be up watching the scoreboard for the late game in San Diego. If visiting San Jose failed to pick up a point against the Gulls, the Monsters would clinch a Calder Cup playoff spot for the second time in franchise history.

Steve Eminger, who had two goals in Lake Erie's victory over the Wolves on Friday, started the scoring Saturday with a shot from the right face-off circle at 7:11 of the first period, with assists by Markus Hannikainen and Josh Anderson.
Chicago's Caron tied the game at 8:41 of the second period with an unassisted goal on a power play.

But the third period belonged to the Monsters. Michael Chaput put them up, 2-1, 5 minutes into the third, on a pass from Daniel Zaar.

T.J. Tynan extended the lead to two goals at 9:12, with Kerby Rychel and Justin Falk assisting. And Josh Anderson fired an insurance goal at 13:38, fed by John Ramage.

Brad Thiessen stopped 25 of 26 shots for the win. Pheonix Copley took the loss, stopping 27 of 31.

The Monsters had two penalties totaling four minutes.The Wolves had one for two
minutes.

Next up, the Monsters play the Marlies in Toronto at 7 p.m. Friday.

Opening Day is hours away and the Indians still don't know which 25 players will comprise the active roster. The club designated Zach Walters and Giovanni Soto on Sunday. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Opening Day is hours away and the Indians still don't know which 25 players will comprise the active roster.

On Sunday, the club officially added veterans Marlon Byrd and Ross Detwiler to the fold and sent outfielders Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall to the disabled list. To create space for the two newcomers on the 40-man roster, the club designated infielder Zach Walters and left-hander Giovanni Soto for assignment.

Here's where it gets a bit complicated.

The Indians made the aforementioned transactions to meet a league roster deadline on Sunday. They will place right-handed reliever Tommy Hunter on the 15-day DL on Monday. They have yet to determine who will occupy his spot on the roster.

It could be Joba Chamberlain, who broke camp with the club and is with the team in Cleveland. However, catcher Roberto Perez took a foul tip to the mask over the weekend. Manager Terry Francona said Perez was feeling better on Sunday, but the team was still proceeding cautiously in the event that he is, in fact, suffering from a concussion. Perez will have to pass a test to be deemed ready to play.

If Perez is not 100 percent on Monday, the Indians will add catcher Adam Moore to the roster. The team preferred to wait to see how Perez responds before they finalize the Opening Day roster. So, Chamberlain is stuck in limbo for now. The Indians were set to begin the season with 13 pitchers anyway.

Perez could land on the 7-day concussion DL, or the Indians could keep him on the active roster along with both Moore and Yan Gomes for a couple of days. If they placed Perez on the DL and added both Moore and Chamberlain to the roster, the team would have to clear two 40-man roster spots instead of one.

On Sunday, the Indians also officially assigned pitchers Craig Stammen, Jarrett Grube and Tom Gorzelanny, catcher Guillermo Quiroz and infielders Todd Hankins and Michael Martinez to minor league camp.

Brantley's DL stint is retroactive to March 25. The left fielder took batting practice over the weekend. He does not yet have a timeline for a potential assignment.

"That's too far ahead," Brantley said. "I don't know that right now."

Brantley went about a week without hitting after he appeared in a pair of Cactus League games. He then felt some soreness in his surgically repaired right shoulder.

Chisenhall's trip to the DL is retroactive to March 28. The right fielder, recovering from a left wrist impingement, could return during the second week of the regular season.

Opening Day lineup: Francona said he would likely turn to the same batting order he trotted out against Texas on Saturday for Monday's opener, except with Mike Napoli and Carlos Santana in different defensive spots. That lineup would look as follows:

CF Rajai Davis

2B Jason Kipnis

SS Francisco Lindor

1B Mike Napoli

DH Carlos Santana

C Yan Gomes

LF Marlon Byrd

3B Juan Uribe

RF Collin Cowgill

What will be Indians' record in 2016?

NCAA Final Four title game between Villanova vs. North Carolina. Can the Tar Heels finish the season where they started, at No. 1?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- March Madness; it's the final one-and-done for the 2016 NCAA Tournament Championship between North Carolina and Villanova, at 7 p.m. Monday night on TBS.

Interesting that at the start of the season North Carolina was the Associated Press preseason No. 1 team in the land. And there is at least a 50-50 chance that is where the Tar Heels will finish. However, Villanova will have something to say about that.

The Wildcats are arguably coming off the most impressive NCAA Tournament semifinal victory, 95-51, over Oklahoma, since the Houston Cougars demoralized the Lousiville Cardinals, 94-81, - 33 years ago on April 2, 1983 - with a display of athleticism by the self described 'Phi Slamma Jamma' seldom seen since.

But even that was just a 16-point win.

So here are four things I think about the Championship matchup.

1. Does Villanova have another near-perfect game in them to take down North Carolina? Then again, it may not take a perfect game, just a good one. Villanova is not overmatched by North Carolina by any means, although it is safe to say the Tar Heels probably have the most talented roster. But each team can only play five at a time, and Nova has some matchups in its favor.

2. Ryan Arcidiacono for Villanova has kind of stepped out of the shadows down the stretch of NCAA Tournament play as the point guard who may not be the eclectic dervish most want at the point, but carries the will and spirit of his team to get them to do what needs to be done for victory. If he has one more shining moment left, the Tar Heels may come up one game short of starting and ending the season at No. 1.

3. Does a victory for North Carolina vindicate coach Roy Williams, or set him up for a very big black mark on his career.

4. It will be interesting to see if the NCAA hammer drops soon on North Carolina for its academic scandal in athletics - if the NCAA will make the Tar Heels vacate the championship should they win it, or look the other way. Academics is at the core of the NCAA's 'student-athlete' mantra so anything less than a heavy penalty - if determined to be guilty - will be looked at as favoritism.

Cleveland fan consoled by former Browns RB Earnest Byner at screening of ESPN's 30 for 30 Believeland. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Willis McNeal had the courage to stand across the room from a man responsible for one of the most tragic days in Cleveland sports history on Sunday downtown at the International Film Festival.

But to McNeal's surprise, the man who fumbled the football on a key possession for the Browns nearly 29 years ago walked across the theater during the film's Q&A session and consoled him with a hug.

"Seeing him cry on the film touched me and I needed to see that," McNeal said. "I needed to see him cry on the film to let me know that he wasn't shaking it off like it wasn't a big deal. He really hurts like we hurt and it touched me."

Retired running back Earnest Byner, who has been long since attached to "The Fumble" during the Browns 1987 AFC Championship, shared his story in ESPN's 30 for 30 Believeland that documents the last several decades of professional sports history in Cleveland.

See related: CIFF to mark 40th anniversary with 'Believeland,' a salute to city's sports fans

Byner shared that he has accepted the letdown, but on Sunday took another step acknowledging McNeal's frustration during the film's Q&A session at Tower City Cinemas.

"I felt his energy and him being upset, but also it was a good time for us to bond over something," Byner said. "I felt like if we hugged, then others at that time would share the same emotions. It just felt right to do."

Browns former running back Kevin Mack, who is also in the film, saw the moment unfold as Byner walked toward McNeal.

"He's really open to people and just to see him hug the guy after all these years was amazing and unbelievable," Mack said. "Hopefully it will help them both heal a bit."

The film, directed by Ohio native Andy Billman, will have two additional screenings at Tower City Cinemas, Monday at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., before the film goes national on May 14^th at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Tickets and additional information can be found at www.clevelandfilm.org.

See related: Fantastic 'Believeland' digs deep into psyche of the Cleveland sports fan

LeBron James recorded 31 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds in a 112-103 win over Charlotte.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James scored over 30 points for the 16^th time this season and the Cavaliers passed another stiff test from Eastern foe coming down the stretch.

James continued his dominate play with 31 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, the Cavs beat the Charlotte Hornets 112-103 at The Q. He added eight rebounds and 12 assists in 41 minutes - a high for him this season in a game that didn't go to overtime.

Cleveland now leads Toronto for first place in the East by 3.5 games with five to play. The Cavs' next three games are on the road, and their magic number to clinch the East is three.

In Friday's 2-point win over the Atlanta Hawks in overtime, James logged 44 minutes. The Cavs were without Kyrie Irving (ankle) Sunday, and, as has been the case lately, the Hornets hacked into what was a 21-point lead in the third quarter, another factor that forced James to play extended minutes.

The Cavs led the Hawks by 21 Friday night. Last Tuesday with James not playing at all, Cleveland led the Houston Rockets by 20 in the third quarter and lost.

James notched three assists to J.R. Smith (27 points) for 3s beginning at 4:03 of the third quarter, after the Hornets had cut Cleveland's 21-point lead down to 8. Charlotte got as close as 4 in the fourth quarter.

It would take a total team effort and perseverance. That's what occurred in the Cavaliers coming away with a 112-103 victory over the Hornets at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Charlotte Hornets are one of the hottest teams in all the NBA.

They had climbed to the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference standings and had won seven of their last 10 games entering Sunday afternoon's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie Irving was ruled out with a right ankle sprain hours before tip off. It had all the makings of a troublesome outcome for the Cavaliers.

"They're No.1 in the league at taking care of the ball. They don't turn the ball over," Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. "They do a great job of running their offense for 24 seconds...They do a great job offensively and then they're a really good defensive team. So, you put those two things together, you have a pretty good team."

It would take a total team effort and perseverance. That's how the Cavs came away with a 112-103 victory at The Q.

LeBron James dominated as he flirted with a triple-double. He registered 31 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. No. 23 owns Charlotte (44-32). He has won 23 of his last 24 games against the Hornets. Kevin Love had 25 points, including five threes, and nine rebounds.

Excellent ball movement was key early on. Cleveland (55-22) made six straight baskets at one point in the first quarter. James and Love were 4-for-4 each in the quarter. That ball wasn't sticking. It was if they were playing hot potato.

They trusted the pass and had faith in the system that the ball would circulate and find the open man. All the shooters had to do was get their feet set and let it fly if there wasn't a defender within arm's reach.

The Cavs' Iman Shumpert, who has struggled for much of the year in shooting a career-low 37 percent from the field, was a beneficiary of the ball movement as he scored eight points on 4-of-6 from the field.

The Hornets didn't know what hit them. When they glanced up at the scoreboard, they were down 21 points in the second quarter. It happened so fast, just as fast as Cleveland was zipping the ball around. Charlotte's Nicolas Batum suffered a strained left knee and wasn't able to play in the second half.

But the Cavaliers have had the propensity all season long to allow the opponent back into the game. That happened again. Charlotte cut it to eight in the first eight minutes of the third quarter. Kemba Walker scored 15 of his 29 points in that quarter.

James followed it up by penetrating and finding J.R. Smith with three crucial 3-pointers to supply some cushion, and moments later the lead was pushed back up to 17.

And yet, that still wasn't enough.

The Hornets trimmed the deficit to four with four minutes remaining in the final quarter. James would answer, but he had assistance. Matthew Dellavedova teamed up with James for a pick-and-roll on consecutive possessions, and he found James for successful, textbook rolling layups to put the Cavaliers up nine with 1:22 left on the clock. Time wasn't on Charlotte's side.

Smith tied a season-high with 27 points and was 6-for-9 from long distance. Dellavedova was huge down the stretch, finishing with six points and nine assists in his 13^th start of the season. Cleveland tallied 34 assists on 45 field goals and was 16-of-29 from beyond the arc.

For the third game in the last four contest, the Cavaliers have blown a 20-point lead to make it a close affair at the end. However, they've gone 2-1 in that span and the "W" is all that matters.

On deck

Cleveland embarks on a three-game Midwest road trip starting in Milwaukee on Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Fox Sports Ohio. The trip concludes with Indiana on Wednesday, followed by Chicago on Saturday.

Former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith posted a series of videos on Instagram Sunday apologizing for his drunken driving arrest, which he also said was "unjust."

Troy SmithWesterville Police 

WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Former Ohio State quarterback and Cleveland native Troy Smith apologized on social media Sunday for his arrest on drunken driving charges.

The apology came after Smith posted a photograph of himself on his Instagram account with the caption "Gotta make better decisions, my night was too fun. Have to smile through it all..#StayOutTheWay #FollowDirections."

Smith then posted a series of 15-second videos because his followers "deserve an explanation," he said.

"What happened to me was definitely nowhere near funny. It was very serious," Smith said. "The thing I'm smiling about is the unjust manner in which it happened. The only people that know about that are the people that were in my party who were pulled over prior to me and I pulled my car over to stay and assist with them. 

"Obviously, what happened happened, and I do apologize," Smith said.

Watch the full statement in the Storify below.

A Westerville police officer spotted Smith driving his 2014 Lincoln MXZ with no front license plate and stopped past the stop bar at a red light about 2:30 a.m., according to a police report.

The officer then turned around and followed Smith, and pulled him over after he made a wide turn and was weaving, the report says.

TMZ also obtained dash camera footage of the arrest.

Previous coverage: Read police report from Troy Smith's arrest

Many Cleveland Indians fans seldom come to the ballpark, but they love to follow the team every day. Now, it all begins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I had a good friend named Jerry Crawford. He lived for today -- opening day.

Jerry would not be at the ballpark when the Tribe faces Boston on Monday. He would be watching on television. He would wake up earlier than normal on this day. He'd wear his Tribe cap and jacket all day.

For so many like Jerry, time does begin on opening day -- even if they never watch a game in person.

The season begins, life is different. The next six months was Tribe Time for Jerry.

As Jerry would tell me, "I got a ballgame today."

He meant it. He planned meals and other daily events of his retired life around the games.

Jerry could be someone in Parma ... in Euclid ... in Bay Village ... in East Cleveland.

Or in Jerry's case, Marquette, Michigan. Before that, he lived in Las Vegas where he was the head of UNLV's theater department.

He retired to Marquette to live near his daughter, Keli. He watched virtually every Tribe game on the MLB-TV package. He read about the team on cleveland.com.

He sent emails nearly every day to friends about the Tribe. He flunked political correctness as he proclaimed himself "The Real Chief Wahoo."

He grew up in Iowa and was a Bob Feller fan, so that was his connection to the Tribe. He visited me in Cleveland in the 1980s and went to few games at the old Stadium.

But mostly, Jerry was a Tribe fan on TV. His plan every year was to watch at least some part of all 162 games.

FEAR OF CLOSERS

Jerry hated nearly all the Tribe closers. Absolutely despised them. Jerry believed every closer should get everyone out ... all the time.

Every ninth inning should be 3-up, 3-down.

Otherwise, Jerry felt as if his house was about to burn down. He could smell the smoke. He could feel the heat. Soon, everything would ashes.

It was all the fault of Chris Perez ... or Bob Wickman ... or Jose Mesa ... or Joe Borowski.

My late Aunt Pat Shawala was a TV Tribe fan. Watched nearly all the games. She absolutely loathed reliever Paul Shuey.

She called him, "That Shuey!"

No cuss words attached, none needed.

Her mother ... my grandmother ... was a radio Tribe fan.

She loved radio talk show host Pete Franklin. She tuned into his "Clubhouse Confidential" Show before the game, the "The Tenth Inning" Show after the game.

She was blind for several years near the end of life, and those games and all the shows on the radio were like oxygen to her.

Current Tribe radio broadcasters Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus know about the special relationship they have with fans, especially those who are older and/or visually impaired.

WHAT OPENING DAY MEANS

Many of us have opening day memories of being at game.

At the old 70,000-seat plus Stadium, my father had a plan for cold days like the one planned for this opener. He knew by the middle of the game, at least half the park would be empty.

"We'll move from section and follow the sun around park," he said.

And we often did just that.

He kept score with the little golf pencil that was sold along with the scorecard. He'd put the pencil behind his ear between innings.

I remember a guy with an old Polaroid camera who'd take instant pictures of fans in front of the park and try to sell them to you as you walked by.

I remember a guy with a trained monkey, although I can't recall much else about their opening day act in front of the ballpark.

I remember the spinning Chief Wahoo sign on the old Stadium, and I remember the smell of hot dogs on the grill as you entered the park.

That's my flashback to Tribe openers in the 1960s.

I like the idea that the Indians want to make Progressive Field more friendly and adaptable to a new generation of fans who connect with the game and friends on their smart phones.

I want them to develop their own special connection to the Tribe.

I want them to one day be like Jerry ... like my Aunt Pat ... like so many other seniors who follow the team in the media in the final innings of their life.

Jerry died on March 20 of heart failure and pneumonia. He was 81. Until a few weeks before his death, he was emailing me about the Tribe.

He thought they could be pretty good ... maybe ... well, he wasn't sure.

But he planned to watch them anyway.

And he couldn't wait for Monday, the opener, when he could say, "I got a ballgame today."

Nearly one month ago, LeBron James said the Cavs were not ready for the playoffs. Some warts still show, but James has declared his team fit for the postseason. His track record suggests you should believe him.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cavaliers reached an important milestone Sunday.

LeBron James declared them ready for the playoffs.

"If it started tomorrow, we'd be ready to go," James said, following Cleveland's 112-103 win over the Charlotte Hornets, which reduced the Cavs' magic number to clinch the East to 3.

About a month ago - on March 7, in fact - James said in no uncertain terms the Cavs were not yet ready for the postseason.

It was an easy point to make at the time. They'd just lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, at home, on a night when the opposition only had one regular starter in uniform.

Then, as now, Cleveland was in first place in the East, though the Cavs' current lead (3.5 games) over the Toronto Raptors with five to play is more comfortable than the 2.0-game lead in early March.

"I can sit up here and say that we're a team that's ready to start the playoffs tomorrow, but we're not," James said after that loss to the Grizzlies way back when, which snapped a three-game winning streak. "We're still learning, we still have things that happen on the court that just, that shouldn't happen."

At first glance, the Cavs still have some of those same issues. Their win Sunday was their third in a row, but the loss they suffered last week (to Houston) came after they had built a 20-point lead.

Against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Cleveland's lead went from 21 in the third quarter to zero. The Cavs won the game by two in overtime. And on Sunday, Cleveland was again up 21 in the third before the game (briefly) turned into a white knuckler when the Cavs were up just 4 in the fourth.

So they're obviously playing poor enough at certain stretches to cough up huge leads. In that win over the Hawks, they were so discombobulated that James switched with Kyrie Irving to pass the ball in near the end of regulation of a tie game after the players had already been set and Irving appeared to be the designated inbounder.

On Sunday, there was little the Cavs could do about Kemba Walker (20 of his 29 in the second half) or Jeremy Lin (10 of his 14 in the fourth quarter).

Nevermind any of that. James is bullish over what the Cavs have accomplished lately.

"Tonight was basically like three games back to back to back, I mean it's three games in 3-1/2 days," James said, referring to the team's schedule of games Thursday and Friday night last week and Sunday's mid-afternoon start. "We played an 8 o'clock game which went into overtime, we got back at 3 o'clock in the morning and we played today at 3:30, so for us to even have the energy, the way we played today, and go out execute the way we did, 30-plus assists, it's exceptional basketball."

The Cavs were missing Irving (ankle) on Sunday, and they did indeed pile up 34 assists on 45 baskets (shooting 54 percent).

Considering the bigger picture, not only have the Cavs amassed huge leads lately that slipped away, but they were also up by 32 on Thursday over the Brooklyn Nets. Cleveland won that game by 20, while neither James, Irving, nor Kevin Love played the fourth quarter.

Stretching back to a 14-point win over the Knicks on March 26 in which the Cavs led by 25, they've held leads of at least 20 points in each of the last five games. Impressive.

The morning of that game against the Knicks in New York, James declared his team ready to make a championship run. He continues to insist the evidence is there, while perhaps the rest of the league chooses to either focus on the Cavs' warts or the shiny object that is Golden State.

SEE: LeBron gets bullish on Cavs' chances

Over his last seven games, James is averaging 28.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists and shooting 56.9 percent from the field. Against the Hornets, he scored 31 to go with 12 assists and eight rebounds and shot 14-of-22.

The Cavs are now 55-22 overall, already 2-games better than last season's 53 wins. And now they have 32 wins at The Q, a game more than they won at home last year, and two more games remain here.

They're averaging 30 assists per game as a team over their last five. Think sharing the ball is important come the playoffs?

And they have talent. Loads and loads of it.

James, Love (25 points, nine rebounds), and J.R. Smith (27 points, five rebounds) became the first Cavs to score at least 25 points with five rebounds in a game since 1987. Only one other team - Oklahoma City - has had done it this season.

The sort of bottom-line judgment on the Cavs is they haven't played as well as the sum of their parts.Too many head-scratching losses, not enough consistency under coach Tyronn Lue after David Blatt was fired in January. Way too much drama.

But for about the past two weeks, James has argued this season has gone much better than most outside the organization believe. Irving, don't forget, said the Cavs were the team to beat in the NBA. The confidence is contagious.

With Lue planning to rest players over the final 10 days, and with four of five games against teams fighting for the playoffs (or seeding within them), there is ample opportunity for another stubbed toe.

But James says the Cavs are where he'd hoped they'd be -- ready for what's to come. And his own personal track record (five consecutive Finals) suggests we should believe him.

Samuels is the top-ranked prospect in New Mexico.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - O'Maury Samuels became the third running back in the Michigan recruiting Class of 2017 on Sunday by verbally committing to the Wolverines.

Samuels announced the decision on Twitter.

Committed to Michigan[?][?] pic.twitter.com/2WSegkm9KR

-- O'maury Samuels (@Shmallz20) April 4, 2016

The top-ranked prospect in NewMexico, Samuels (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) is the No. 21 running back nationally, according to 247Sports.com. He's the third four-star 2017 recruit for the Wolverines.

Samuels, who plays for Los Lunas (N.M.), also had offers from Arizona, New Mexico, New Mexico State and Texas Christian. He last visited Michigan on April 1. 

He joins three-star running backs A.J. Dillon and Kurt Taylor in Michigan's 2017 recruiting class. 

Michigan football recruiting Class of 2017