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Who is the best quarterback currently on the Cleveland Browns' roster? (video)

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Michael Reghi, Bud Shaw, Chris Fedor and Dan Labbe discuss who is the best quarterback on the Cleveland Browns' roster. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After selecting quarterback Cody Kessler in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns QB depth chart is suddenly crowded. 

Robert Griffin III was signed this off-season and is being paid like the starter. He will likely get the first shot at the job. But there are also veterans Josh McCown, Austin Davis and Connor Shaw. Now, add in rookie Kessler. 

So who is the best QB on the roster? 

Michael Reghi, Bud Shaw, Dan Labbe and I discussed that during our weekly video series.

Watch the video above.


Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers, Game 23

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The Indians and Tigers begin a three-game series at Progressive Field on Tuesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat in the comments section.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and Tigers begin a three-game series at Progressive Field on Tuesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat in the comments section.

Game 23: Indians (10-12) vs. Tigers (14-10)

First pitch: 6:10 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup: RHP Josh Tomlin (3-0, 3.18 ERA) vs. Justin Verlander (2-2, 5.46 ERA)

Fact du jour: The Indians' sweep of the Tigers last month at Comerica Park was the club's first since August 2008.

Grading Cleveland Browns draft? Give them a 'B' with an arrow through the roof -- Terry Pluto (photos)

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The Cleveland Browns draft didn't draw many raves from the experts. Most consider the front office a bunch of C students. Is that fair?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Not many of the experts loved the Browns draft.

In fact, most didn't like it very much.

Grading drafts is both fun and dumb. I've never really done it.

I was wondering what the "experts" thought of the Browns delivering a draft of 14 players ... five trades ... four wide receivers ... and a surprising quarterback pick.

Rob Rang (CBS Sports) gave the Browns a C-minus. His main point was this: "The Browns 14 picks look great on paper, but if Carson Wentz proves to be a legitimate franchise quarterback in Philadelphia (and Cody Kessler does not), the passionate fans in Cleveland will once again be left disappointed."

Before looking deeper in the draft, I want a definition of a "franchise quarterback."

For weeks, I kept hearing that phrase...

Franchise quarterback...

Franchise quarterback...

Franchise quarterback...

Is Matt Ryan a franchise quarterback? How about Ryan Tannehill? Or Matt Stafford? Or Jay Cutler?

I'll return to quarterbacks in a bit, but I have major doubts about them being "franchise quarterbacks."

A "franchise quarterback" sounds like a special player.

Heading into 2017, I have these players on my "franchise quarterback" list: Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, Tony Romo and Russell Wilson.

That's 12.

To make it a draft-day dozen, I'll even add Andy Dalton. He hasn't won a playoff game, but he has a 50-26-1 regular-season record.

In my mind, a Franchise Quarterback is a consistent winner who usually has his team in the playoffs.

THE QUARTERBACK HUNT

Carson Wentz is the North Dakota State quarterback who was the No. 2 pick in the draft. The Browns traded that choice to Philadelphia. They made a second deal, dropping from No. 8 to No. 15 in the draft.

Their first pick was Baylor receiver Corey Coleman.

ESPN's Mel Kiper gave the Browns draft a "C", and that's the lowest grade  Kiper delivered. He preferred TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson over Coleman.

"In part, this draft will be remembered for what Carson Wentz becomes," wrote Kiper. "With Cleveland, it always comes back to the quarterback."

There was almost a consensus among most experts grading the draft that Wentz is likely to become "a franchise quarterback." He is a 23-year-old who started 23 games for a powerhouse NCAA Subdivision program.

I'm surprised how many people seem so sure about Wentz.

THE NEXT LEVEL

After my group of 13 "franchise quarterbacks," there are some young passers who are very intriguing: Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr and Blake Bortles.

Carr and Bridgewater were available to the Browns in 2014 when they drafted Johnny Manziel. The three teams with Bridgewater, Carr and Bortles are content with their quarterback situations. I wish the Browns had any of those guys.

But it's far too early to call them  "franchise quarterbacks."

What about Cutler, Stafford, Tannehill and Ryan? Cutler was the No. 11 pick in 2006. He has a career 67-67 record. Clearly, he is a legitimate NFL starter. But a franchise quarterback?

Or how about Stafford, the No. 1 pick in 2009. He has a 42-51 career record with the Lions. Or Ryan, the No. 3 pick in 2008. His record with Atlanta is 74-52, but it's 18-20 in the last three years. Or Tannehill, the No. 8 pick in 2012. He's 29-35 for Miami.

If you want to call these guys "franchise quarterbacks," you are really talking about viable NFL starters. But "franchise quarterback" implies a quarterback who dramatically and positively impacts a franchise.

PLAYING THE ODDS

The odds are none of the quarterbacks in the 2016 draft are truly franchise changers. That includes California's Jared Goff, who was the No. 1 pick to Los Angeles.

At this time a year ago, did you even hear of Wentz or Goff?

Before the 2014 draft, I liked Bridgewater better than any of the quarterbacks in this draft.

Part of the analytics approach to the draft is playing the odds, turning picks into more picks -- so you can pick more players.

Obviously, if you truly are convinced a quarterback is likely to be a real franchise-changer ... or even a possible one such as Bridgewater and Carr ... pick the guy at No. 2. The Browns had major doubts about Wentz, and they decided to cash in the No. 2 pick and go the Mr. Big Volume approach.

Profootballfocus gave them an "A" for the draft. The analytics site rated Coleman as the top receiver in the draft. Another analytic site -- Football Outsiders -- rated Coleman as having the "highest playmaker score" of any player in the draft.

I'm not sure I'm handing the Browns an "A," but I like the Big Volume draft approach of taking college players who have been extremely productive on the field and stayed away from big trouble away from the field.

DRAFTING 14 PLAYERS

Sports Illustrated gave the Browns a "C+," wondering, "How many of this year's 14 newcomers will stick?"

That's the wrong question, at least when framed by "14 newcomers." The real question is how many starters do the Browns find in this draft? If it's 4-5, that's a tremendous draft. It doesn't matter that they had 14 picks to find five starters.

Sports Illustrated raised a good point about pass rushers Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib playing in 4-3 defenses in college, and how will that translate to the Browns' 3-4. I also wonder about that.

Chad Reuter (NFL.com) gave the Browns a "B+".

He liked the drafting of Coleman. He wrote, "Getting four extra picks to move down eight spots is a good deal, if you buy the 'more is more' theory when it comes to accumulating selection. Only capitalizing on extra selection will make it a great deal... Building on the line was a high priority, and they did just that..."

Capitalizing on your picks obviously is what matters, regardless of how many you have in a draft. But when the Browns opened the 2014 draft with 10 picks ... and ended up with only six players ... that's going from more-is-more to less-is-more.

Players remaining from the 2014 draft are Joel Bitonio, Chris Kirksey, Justin Gilbert and Pierre Desir. They also received a 2015 first-rounder, and that became Cameron Erving.

HOW ABOUT THE QUARTERBACK?

It seems the Browns are the only ones with a high opinion of USC quarterback Cody Kessler, their third-round pick. Actually, he was their THIRD pick in the THIRD round ... No. 93. It's where the Big Volume approach allowed them to perhaps take Kessler "too high."

ESPN's Kiper wrote: "They should have gotten safety Justin Simmons at the end of Round 3 instead of reaching on Cody Kessler, a player who lacks starter upside."

Pete Prisco of CBS wrote: "Using a third-round pick on Cody Kessler is really strange. I know (Browns coach) Hue Jackson has ties to USC, but is he really worth a third-round pick?"

Sports Illustrated wrote: "The Browns sound as if they like QB Cody Kessler a ton, straying quite a bit from the feeling outside their building."

Even Profootballfocus had doubts: "Kessler is as accurate as any quarterback in this draft ... but he doesn't have a great arm and he can be slow to process the pocket at times."

Some experts said Browns fans should compare Kessler to Wentz. That's odd. A better standard is how Kessler performs compared to some quarterbacks drafted after him, such as Connor Cook, Kevin Hogan, Cardale Jones and Dak Prescott.

I like the Browns' overall approach. I also have doubts about Kessler, but he's their third pick in the third round. If it's a miss, it's not a franchise shaker.

Since everyone is grading, I'll use a Hue Jackson line. ... Not the "You gotta trust me on this one" that he uttered about Kessler. Rather, it's when Jackson said this of Corey Coleman: "His arrow goes through the roof."

The Browns grade?

I give them a solid "B" with a chance for their arrow to go through the roof.

Richard Jefferson breaks down the LeBron James pass that 'can't be defended' (video)

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An oral history from Richard Jefferson and Tyronn Lue on LeBron James' pass from Game 1 against the Hawks Watch video

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - Richard Jefferson is in his 15th NBA season, and he said there are only three other players he's called teammates who could throw the pass LeBron James bounced into him for a dunk in Game 1 against the Hawks on Monday.

(One was Jason Kidd. The other two might surprise you.)

Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue played point guard in the NBA for 11 seasons. He said on Tuesday that he couldn't have made the pass.

If you don't consider James' zip into Jefferson for a dunk with 5:28 left in the second quarter of the Cavs' 104-93 win over the Hawks in the opening tilt of this Eastern semifinal the play of Game 1, perhaps you will after considering the following oral history.

James wasn't available to speak to reporters Tuesday, but Jefferson broke down the play exclusively to cleveland.com. Lue addressed it to the group of media members at practice.

As you'll learn (or can see above), the play had quite a few moving parts, beyond James catching an outlet pass behind halfcourt, taking a half step and lunging toward a streaking Jefferson, hoisting the ball behind his head with two hands and bouncing a dart all the way past the 3-point line to Jefferson, who caught the ball in stride and dunked.

"For LeBron to make that pass, I think he's made it a lot of times, so it's not that hard for him," Lue said. "But to be a bounce pass from half-court on the money is a tough pass to make."

"Sometimes there are passes that just can't be defended," Jefferson said. "That was a pass that couldn't be defended the way he did it."

Screen Shot 2016-05-03 at 4.25.50 PM.png 

The run out

Lue: "First of all, RJ and Teague were side-by-side, so I don't know how old RJ ran by him like that."

The play started with a defensive rebound by Cleveland's Tristan Thompson, who immediately advanced the ball to James. Jefferson, who is 35, was standing at the foul line, and Jeff Teague, 27, was indeed next to him. How did the older and slower Jefferson beat Teague down the court?

Jefferson: "it's just like a back cut. I saw the back of my defender's head. So we're both below the free-throw line, the ball goes over, it gets to LeBron at like the 3-point line. So, and then I look at the back of his head and I see daylight. So I see nobody up there.

"I see one defender that if LeBron's got the ball at the 3-point line, if LeBron starts to go really, really fast, then that guy is going to have to initially take him. So if I look and see two or three guys, you don't run that hard because you know that even if you get past them there's a second line of defense. But as soon as I see it, I see Teague start to look over his shoulder, and then I see him start to slowly trot. So I know if I get on my horse from here to the 3-point line, he's not going to be able to catch me, not at full speed." 

Screen Shot 2016-05-03 at 4.30.56 PM.png 

LeBron's choice

As Jefferson mentioned, there was a defender between James and the basket - Atlanta's Paul Millsap. James, who had just blown a layup on the Cavs' previous possession, could've attacked the basket to make up for it. Instead...

Jefferson: "LeBron is the ultimate teammate, he is looking to see where his teammates are as soon as he catches it. And all of a sudden he just sees a blur out of the corner of his eye running. And now the first thing he sees, too, is he sees there's one defender, and he sees that there's daylight also.

"So now at the same point in time he catches it, I'm running, he sees daylight, I see daylight, so now he knows that he just needs to get that ball anywhere around that 3-point line and we're going to have a layup or a dunk." 

Screen Shot 2016-05-03 at 4.35.20 PM.png 

The pass

In one motion, James caught the ball from Thompson, turned toward the hoop, lifted both hands with the ball behind his head, and essentially spiked it into Jefferson, who was running at full speed nearly half the court ahead of him.

Lue: "He didn't do that... he didn't spike it."

Yes he did.

Lue: "That's a tough pass. I couldn't have made it when I played and I was a point guard, but I wouldn't have even tried to make that play."

Did James have to throw the pass precisely that way?

Jefferson: "That ball has to be thrown low but with enough force that it pops up, at least to the hip or above the knee. When you're throwing a crosscourt pass, you can't just throw a chest pass because that's when guys sprint back, and then they get a tip. So when he throws the ball low, it's underneath the defense. But the reason why he has to throw it with two hands so hard is because it has to pop up. But the only way to make it pop up at that long of a distance is if you throw it really, really, really hard.

"Now you can do it from 3-point line in, but from that distance the only way to do it is, and you saw it if you watched the play, he lunges his whole body forward, because that will take the ball fast low and it will still make it pop up. There's a lot of (stuff) that goes into it." 

Screen Shot 2016-05-03 at 4.36.23 PM.png 

Dunk or layup?

Jefferson caught the ball, took his two steps and slammed it home. He was almost startled by the precision of James' pass, and had a split second to decide what to do with it.

Jefferson: "At that point in time I'm running full speed. And for me as a player, I know I'm 15 years in, but that was pretty much how I made my living the first 10 years of my career. That's part of the reason why I was able to recognize, that's why when 'Bron sees me running, because he's played against me, we played together in the Olympics, he's like, 'Oh, Richard is on his sprint.' ... That pass from the hash mark to inside the 3-point line, hitting a guy running full speed, in stride, not having to slow down, not having to speed up, but literally catching it in stride. I don't even know if I dribbled. That should let you know even more about how good of a pass it was." 

19sCavs11.jpgWho? Him? 

Like, how good?

Jefferson: "I've only played with probably three or four guys who could make it. I would say LeBron, J-Kidd, I'm going to give a little love to my old boy Luke Walton, who was a great, great passer. And then Luke Ridenour was a really, really good passer, I played with him. But after that, it starts to get real thin."

Cleveland Indians center fielder Tyler Naquin works on taking first step to success

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Outfield coach Brad Mills has been working with rookie Tyler Naquin on improving his jumps and first-step quickness on fly balls.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - When it comes to catching fly balls, outfielders succeed or fail based on their first step quickness. But that's not all.

That first step has to be in the right direction. In or out, right or left, the slightest misstep can turn what appears to be a routine fly ball into a bloop single or a double or triple in the gap.

Rookie center fielder Tyler Naquin has been working on that since the start of spring training. The work has intensified since he made the club out of spring training and has been sharing time in center field with Rajai Davis.

"We're working on his jumps and the best way we can do that is by coming out and working in batting practice and taking balls off the bat," said Brad Mills, Indians bench/outfield coach. "We're working on his set and ready position, first step quickness and his routes getting to those balls."

In Saturday night's 4-3 loss to the Phillies, David Lough blooped a ball in front of Naquin to start the seventh inning. Lough, born in Akron, came around to score the winning run.

Mills said Naquin didn't break back on the ball, but in his set position, he leaned back and then had to regroup before going forward after the ball. It cost him a chance to make the catch.

"I was in a bad position," said Naquin. "He hit the ball off the end of the bat. I got a bad read and I was too late. But I absolutely feel like I'm making progress. I work with Millsie every day and feel great.

Naquin, the Indians' No.1 pick in 2012, has the reputation of being a good outfielder and athlete. But he was injured in 2014 and 2015 because of injuries and that has hurt his development.

"I talked to our minor league people and they know he's a real good athlete and a very good outfielder," said Mills. "But he's been in a situation where he's had to adjust at each level he's been. He's also gotten hurt and missed a significant amount of time. So we're in a situation where we're constantly working with him and to his credit he's been really good at working on those things. I think it's just going to take some time."

Offensively, Naquin is hitting .333 (16-for-48) two doubles and two triples. He's hitting .326 (14-for-43) against righties and .400 (2-for-5) against lefties.

Surgery possible: Catcher Roberto Perez, who broke his thumb Saturday night making a tag at the plate against the Phillies, will have the thumb re-examined Thursday by Dr. Thomas Graham. The Indians will have two choices then - Perez can rehab the thumb or have surgery.

Roberto Perez suffers broken right thumb

Perez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, but he's expected to be on the DL longer than that regardless of what course of action the team takes.

"After Dr. Graham looks at it we'll see what happens," said Perez. "I'm just rehabbing it, keeping myself calm because it's going to be a long process. Unfortunately, I'm going to be out for a while."

Perez had an MRI in Philadelphia on Sunday and a fracture was found. Adam Moore was recalled from Class AAA Columbus to take Perez's spot.

Comeback trail: Manager Terry Francona said Carlos Carrasco, rehabbing following a left hamstring injury, has been doing some light jogging, but is still doing most of his rehab work in the pool.

Carrasco injured in sweep of Tigers

Carrasco, expected to miss four to six weeks, strained his hamstring covering first base at Comerica Park on April 24.

"He's doing everything he can to get back," said Francona.

On schedule: Francona said Cody Anderson is still on track to rejoin the Indians for Saturday's start against Kansas City. Anderson was optioned to Class AAA Columbus on April 27 after struggling through his first four starts of the season.

The Indians have been able to go with a four-man rotation since Anderson's demotion and won't need a fifth until Saturday. On Sunday Anderson started for Columbus and allowed four runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked three, struck out six and allowed two home runs.

Cody Anderson struggles against the Twins

"He gave up a couple home runs and was a little frustrated with his mechanics the first three innings," said Francona. "It seemed like the last two innings he felt much better about where he was. Hopefully, he can take that and continue it with his next start here."

Francona said Anderson has been struggling with his mechanics when it comes to driving the ball to the plate.

"I think that's why so many balls have been elevated," said Francona. "If he finds his rhythm, we won't care if he gave up a couple of home runs in Triple-A."

Player of the week: Detroit's Victor Martinez was named AL Player of the Week after hitting .519 (14-for-27) with five doubles, three homers and eight RBI last week. Martinez entered this series hitting .333 (103-for-309) with 52 runs, 28 doubles, 12 homers and 68 RBI against the Indians.

The Indians signed and developed Martinez. He spent parts of his first seven season with the Tribe before he was traded to Boston in 2009.

"Cleveland and the Indians are always in my heart," said Martinez, during the Indians recent three-game visit to Comerica Park. "My whole family still loves Cleveland. Unfortunately, when I play them I have to do my best to beat them."

Finally: The Indians' 11 one-run games are tied with the Twins for the most in the big leagues. From 2012-15, the Indians led the big leagues with a 94-68 record in games decided by one run. This year they're 4-7.

The Browns gambled at quarterback and 5 other takeaways from the NFL draft: Mary Kay Cabot

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The Browns gambled at quarterback, loaded up on wide receivers and addressed their anemic pass-rush. Here are 6 takeaways from the draft.

Francisco Lindor 3-for-4 with double, three-run homer on Tuesday vs. Tigers: DMan's Lindor Log, Week 5 (ongoing)

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Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor went 3-for-4 with a double and three-run homer in a 7-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on May 3 in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor's MLB arrival in June of last season came with considerable hype. He lived up to it -- and then some.

Lindor had an .835 OPS and 4.6 WAR in 99 games. He finished second to Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

What will Lindor do next? Here is a week-by-week recap of his 2016 season:

Week 1: 4 G, 17 PA, 5-for-15 (five singles), four runs, two walks, three strikeouts. 10/17 Quality Plate Appearance (subjective).

Summary: Even though he had no extra-base hits, Lindor swung the bat well overall. He took what the pitchers gave him and totaled three hits against two good lefties (David Price, Chris Sale). Issues were with cutter under hands and splitters. Solid defensively.

Week 2: 6 G, 26 PA, 6-for-25 (three singles, two doubles, homer), four RBI, three runs, two steals, seven strikeouts. 9/26 QPA. One error.

Summary: Not one of Lindor's better six-game stretches. Uncomfortable too often against off-speed, particularly changeups. Seven strikeouts/zero walks was noticeable. OK defensively.

Week 3: 6 G, 27 PA, 9-for-22 (eight singles, double), five walks, RBI, five runs, steal, caught stealing. 16/27 QPA.

Summary: Once again, Lindor took what the pitchers gave him and settled for singles en route to a strong six-game block. Finished with one walk in four straight games. Excelled defensively.

Week 4: 6 G, 27 PA, 5-for-23 (four singles, one double), three walks, three RBI, sacrifice fly. 12/27 QPA. Good defensively.

Summary: Lindor did not swing well. Too eager/anxious numerous times. Missed plenty of pitches to hit.

Week 5 (ongoing):

SEASON GAME 23: May 3 vs. Detroit Tigers (W, 7-3)

Season plate appearance No. 98. First inning vs. RHP Justin Verlander (runner on first, one out) -- 92 fastball low; 90 fastball, single to right.

Quality plate appearance (subjective): Yes. Lindor punished Verlander for get-me-over fastball. Lindor scored on Mike Napoli's two-run double to center.

99. Third inning vs. Verlander (none on, one out) -- 83 changeup called strike; 75 curve foul; 91 fastball foul; 75 curve outside; 77 curve high; 86 changeup foul; 84 slider, double to right (off wall).

Quality plate appearance: Yes. Lindor thought he homered but it sounded as if bat cracked. Lindor scored on Michael Brantley single up middle.

100. Fifth inning vs. Verlander (runners on first and second, one out) -- 92 fastball foul; 93 fastball down and in; 77 curve in dirt and inside; 93 fastball inside; 91 fastball, three-run homer to right.

Quality plate appearance: Yes. Lindor attacked pitch on inner third at thighs.

101. Sixth inning vs. RHP Buck Farmer (bases loaded, one out) -- 78 curve, GIDP 4-6-3.

Quality plate appearance: No.

Totals: 3-for-4, 2B, HR, three RBI, three runs. 3/4 QPA. All PA as LHH. Zero errors, one standout defensive play (denied Justin Upton in second).

Home sweet home: Cleveland Indians thump Tigers, 7-3, behind Josh Tomlin, Francisco Lindor

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The Indians improved to 4-0 against the arch-rival Tigers on Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Who would have thought that the Indians would find a safe haven against the Detroit Tigers, Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera?

After a nine-game trip in which they spent most of their time losing games by one run, the Indians returned home Tuesday night to beat the Tigers, 7-3, behind Josh Tomlin's strong pitching and a three-run homer by Francisco Lindor.

The Indians just completed a 4-5 trip in which the highlight was a three-game sweep of the Tigers. Tuesday's win makes them 4-0 against a Detroit team that has done bad things to them down through the history of the American League, especially since Terry Francona took over as manager in 2013.

Could the tide be turning? The two teams have 15 games left against each other this season, so anything can still happen. But here's something to remember -- the Indians have won nine of their last 11 against the Tigers.

Tomlin (4-0, 3.13) allowed two runs on nine hits in six innings. He struck out five and didn't walk a batter. He's 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA (three runs, 12 2/3 innings) against the Tigers this year.

Verlander (2-3, 6.49) took the loss. He allowed seven runs on eight hits in five innings.

Lindor's three-run homer in the fifth stretched the Tribe's lead to 7-2. The Indians came in having played six straight one-run decisions. To have a five-run lead had to feel like a holiday.

The Indians struck early, taking a 3-0 lead in the first against Verlander on Mike Napoli's two-run double to center and a single by Yan Gomes. Napoli was back in the lineup after missing the last two games on the Tribe's just completed trip with a stiff neck. The fact that he hit .129 (4-for-31) in the first seven games of the journey might have played a part in that as well.

Jason Kipnis and Lindor set the table for Napoli as they reached on a walk and a single, respectively. After Michael Brantley lined out to center, Napoli drove a 95 mph fastball over the head of center fielder Anthony Gose for a 2-0 lead.

Yan Gomes, like Napoli, had a trip to forget. He hit .143 (4-for-28) and came into the game in a 0-for-16 skid. Gomes lined a 1-2 slider into center for a 3-0 lead.

The Indians made it 4-0 in the third. Lindor doubled off the wall in right and Brantley delivered him with a single to center. It was Brantley's second RBI since being activated on April 25 and his ninth career RBI against Verlander.

The Tigers cut the Tribe's lead in half on Ian Kinsler's two-run homer off Tomlin in the fifth. Kinsler came into the game hitting .353 (6-for-17) against Tomlin.

Lindor, however, gave the Indians room to worth with his three-run homer in the fifth. The win ended a three-game losing streak for the Indians and snapped Detroit's five-game winning streak.

The pitches

Tomlin threw 105 pitches, 64 for strikes. Verlander threw 97 pitches, 61 for strikes.

Verlander is 18-20 in 45 career starts against the Indians. This season he's 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA.

Replay magic

The Tigers went from a 1-0 lead to an inning-ending double play in the first inning when plate umpire Chris Conroy's call was overturned on a replay challenge by the Indians.

J.D. Martinez scored from third on a fly ball to right by Victor Martinez. He was called safe by Conroy despite a strong throw from Marlon Byrd.

The review lasted 1:21. The replays showed that J.D. Martinez missed the plate with his lead foot as Gomes slapped the tag on him as he slid past him.

Picked off

Gomes and Napoli picked off Justin Upton in the fourth inning. Upton singled with one out, but Gomes caught him wandering too far off first base with a quick throw to Napoli.

It was the second time Gomes and Napoli have combined to pick a runner off first base.

Thanks for coming

The Tigers and Indians drew a crowd of 11,022 to Progressive Field on Tuesday night. They have drawn 139,772 in nine home dates this season.

What's next?

On Tuesday night Corey Kluber (1-3, 4.24) will face Detroit RHP Anibal Sanchez (3-2, 6.08) at 6:10 p.m. at Progressive Field. SportsTime Ohio, WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

Kluber owns his only win of the season against the Tigers. He beat Detroit and Sanchez on April 23 at Comerica Park. The Indians overwhelmed him with runs on the way to a 10-1 win. He struck out 10 and allowed one run in eight innings.

Cabrera is hitting .500 (19-for-38) with five homers and 10 RBI against Kluber.

Sanchez is coming off a win over Oakland in which he struck out nine, but walked seven in 5 2/3 innings. Gomes is hitting .545 (6-for-11) with two homers and seven RBI against Sanchez.


The inside story of how Michigan set up a satellite camp in Northeast Ohio: 'It's about the kid, not recruiting'

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"I'm not aiding Michigan or helping Michigan recruit in the area," Arnold told cleveland.com Wednesday afternoon. "They are having camps all across the country, so I'm not helping anything."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It was all fun and games when Michigan was planning satellite camps in Georgia, Florida, Alabama and California because, in reality, it didn't impact Ohio State much. 

That all changed Wednesday when Warren G. Harding High School announced that Michigan is going to be a guest at its camp on June 9, marking the first time Jim Harbaugh is bringing his program to the Cleveland area.  

Now it's personal. It's war. 

This is recruiting tactics at its finest, and though Michigan is going to come help coach up a bunch of high schoolers in Ohio, Harbaugh's motivation is about gaining a presence in Northeast Ohio.

That's the entire goal. 

Some Ohio State fans may be thinking to themselves, "How could an Ohio high school program aid Michigan in recruiting against Ohio State in Ohio?" 

Well, for Warren G. Harding head coach Steve Arnold, that's not his concern.

"I'm not aiding Michigan or helping Michigan recruit in the area," Arnold told cleveland.com Wednesday afternoon. "They are having camps all across the country, so I'm not helping anything. 

"It's not about Ohio State and Michigan. For me, it's about the exposure and our high school and our kids. That's what this is about. Other people may look at it like that, but that's on them. 

"If Ohio State would have called and said they want to have one or asked if we were having a camp they could work, of course I would say yes. Or any other BCS school. It's about the kid, not recruiting." 

So how does something like this get set up? It's actually rather simple. Michigan called Arnold, asked if they were hosting a camp -- Warren G. Harding has one every summer -- and inquired about having guest coaches assist. 

Having a guy like Harbaugh wandering the sidelines -- regardless of college rivalries -- will have the camp numbers booming. High school football players from all across the state will likely flock to Warren G. Harding just for the opportunity to compete in front of Michigan's coaching staff. 

"It's special for our high school to have the staff down here working our camp," Arnold said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the majority of our kids. We are looking forward to having a really good day and having some fun here.

"It goes without saying, to have one of the most prestigious universities on your campus and a well-known former NFL coach and a very good coach all the way around, to have him and his staff here working with our staff here, it's just good. We're happy we are one of the schools they chose to work at." 

NBA Playoffs 2016: LeBron James speaks with media before game 2 (video)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James spoke with the media Wednesday during shootaround about their win Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks and what they need to continue going forward in this series.  The Cavs defeated the Hawks Tuesday in a close game 104-93. JR Smith keyed up on Kyle Korver limiting him to only one shot during the game, but Dennis Shroder flew under the radar having...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James spoke with the media Wednesday during shootaround about their win Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks and what they need to continue going forward in this series. 

The Cavs defeated the Hawks Tuesday in a close game 104-93. JR Smith keyed up on Kyle Korver limiting him to only one shot during the game, but Dennis Shroder flew under the radar having one of the best games of his career to keep this game close. 

The Cavs will play game 2 tonight against the Hawks to try bringing this series to a 2-0 lead and we will see if they make any adjustments on Shroder for tonight. 

Maishe Dailey, Beachwood's three-star boys basketball standout, picks Iowa

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After decommitting from Rutgers, Beachwood boys basketball standout Maishe Dailey announced Wednesday he will attend Iowa.

BEACHWOOD, Ohio - Beachwood boys basketball standout Maishe Dailey is headed to Iowa.

After reopening his college search in March, the 6-foot-6 senior guard picked the Hawkeyes on Thursday during a ceremony at Beachwood High School. His decision follows a visit last weekend to Iowa.

Dailey originally committed to Rutgers in January, but changed his mind March 18 after the school fired Eddie Jordan following a 7-25 finish. At the time, Dailey said Rutgers would remain an option.

Dailey decommits from RutgersWith Iowa, Dailey remains in the Big Ten but upgrades his destination. The Hawkeyes finished 22-11 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to eventual national champion Villanova. Iowa is slated to return one starter from last season in 6-6 guard Peter Jok, the second-leading scorer for coach Fran McCaffery.

The Hawkeyes also lost two players via transfer in March, so Dailey could have an early chance to play.

Last summer, he used the AAU circuit to draw attention to himself. He went from zero offers to 12 in a 20-day stretch. By his commitment to Rutgers, he received 22 college offers.

Dailey averaged 13.2 points and led Beachwood in rebounds and was second in assists during a 22-3 season. The Associated Press picked him for its all-state second-team in Division III.

He is classified as a three-star combo guard, ranked No. 25 at his position and 19th overall in Ohio by 247Sports.com.

In addition to Rutgers, he held offers from Northern Iowa, Akron, Ohio, Winthrop, George Mason.

Click the link below for for video and more from Dailey's announcement.

How Iowa landed Maishe DaileyHere are some highlights of Dailey in action during a December home win against Division I power St. Edward.

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.

Starting lineups, Game 24: Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers

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Here are the lineups for Wednesday's affair between the Indians and Tigers. Cleveland is looking for its fifth straight win against Detroit this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups for Wednesday's affair between the Indians and Tigers. Cleveland is looking for its fifth straight win against Detroit this season.

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (1-3, 4.24 ERA) vs. RHP Anibal Sanchez (3-2, 6.08 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. DH Carlos Santana

2. 2B Jason Kipnis

3. SS Francisco Lindor

4. LF Michael Brantley

5. 1B Mike Napoli

6. C Yan Gomes

7. RF Lonnie Chisenhall

8. 3B Juan Uribe

9. CF Tyler Naquin

Tigers

1. 2B Ian Kinsler

2. RF J.D. Martinez

3. 1B Miguel Cabrera

4. DH Victor Martinez

5. LF Justin Upton

6. 3B Nick Castellanos

7. C James McCann

8. CF Anthony Gose

9. SS Jose Iglesias

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers, Game 24

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The Indians and Tigers continue their three-game series at Progressive Field on Wednesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat in the comments section.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and Tigers continue their three-game series at Progressive Field on Wednesday evening. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat in the comments section.

Game 24: Indians (11-12) vs. Tigers (14-11)

First pitch: 6:10 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WMMS 100.7 FM, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (1-3, 4.24 ERA) vs. Anibal Sanchez (3-2, 6.08 ERA)

Fact du jour: Michael Brantley has only three hits in 21 at-bats since returning from his shoulder injury.

Robert Griffin III pulls off the ultimate fake, proving he's no dummy

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Robert Griffin III made like a mannequin Tuesday, posing for the North Ridgeville High football team to present them with their new helmets.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Robert Griffin III pulled off the ultimate fake Wednesday, proving he's no dummy.

Posing as a mannequin in a North Ridgeville High football uniform, Griffin made like Stiffin and then scared the daylights out of the two football players called on to remove his helmet.

The skit, acted out with the help of center Cam Erving, was designed as a fun way to present the team with $25,000 worth of new helmets from the Browns, United Health Care and University Hospitals.

But North Ridgeville High quarterback Collin Sullinger, the first one to approach the mannequin, is no dummy either.

"I had never seen a mannequin that big, so I had my suspicions about it,'' Sullinger told cleveland.com. "But the second he jumped out, he still got me. Definitely pretty cool.''

Sullinger, who was joined on the stage by receiver Jacob Talley, said the fact it was Griffin made the surprise all the more spectacular.

"RG3 jumps out at you and takes the helmet off and I couldn't believe it was actually him,'' said Sullinger. "It was amazing. You could tell just from everybody else's reaction that they were astonished too. Everybody was up on their feet screaming. They were excited.''

Griffin didn't need to be introduced to the Rangers football team.

"Coming out of Baylor he was a pretty big name and even after his first year he was a pretty big name, so everybody around here knows him,'' Sullinger said. "He's had some off years because of injuries. But quarterback to quarterback, that's just awesome to meet someone like that.''

Browns say Cody Kessler will compete with RG3

Griffin wasn't the first-big name quarterback Sullinger has met this school year. In October, he was the MVP of the Browns high school game of the week, and got to be on the field for warmups of the Browns-Broncos game.

"I got to shake Peyton Manning's hand and talk to him a little bit,'' said Sullinger. "It's been a great year.''

Once Griffin came to life, he proved that he can be just as captivating in motion as standing still. He and Cam Erving busted some moves with the kids and had a blast.

"It was entertaining and funny to see someone of his fame be so down to earth and enjoy the time with the high schoolers,'' he said.

Hue Jackson has said Griffin has been the model citizen since he joined the team, and apparently he wasn't kidding.

Miami Heat rule out Chris Bosh for the remainder of NBA playoffs

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Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat will miss the remainder of the NBA playoffs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Sidelined since the All-Star break with a second bout of blood clots, Chris Bosh was ruled out of this season's playoffs in a mutual Twitter statement with Bosh on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Miami Herald reported that the team and its forward had been at odds over his playing status. Bosh's wife had Tweeted during Miami's opening-round series with Charlotte that the Heat needed her husband on the court. The team's medical staff continued to keep Bosh out of games, while a doctor hired by Bosh said he was cleared to play.

Bosh has been out of action since Feb. 9 against the San Antonio Spurs. He was averaging 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. He missed the second half of the 2014-15 season with a blood clot in one of his lungs.

Bosh is a two-time NBA champion with the Heat and won an Olympic gold medal with the USA team in the 2008 Olympics.

The Heat are ahead, 1-0, in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Toronto Raptors.


Nyquist made favorite for 2016 Kentucky Derby (photos)

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Nyquist is the 3-1 favorite running out of the No. 13 post for Saturday's running of the 2016 Kentucky Derby.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Nyquist has been made the early 3-1 favorite for the 142nd Kentucky Derby, with Exaggerator the second choice in the full field of 20 horses.

Trained by Doug O'Neill, Nyquist is undefeated in seven career races. The colt drew the No. 13 post on Wednesday. Four horses have won from there since 1900, most recently Smarty Jones in 2004. O'Neill, jockey Mario Gutierrez and owner Paul Reddam teamed to win the race in 2012 with I'll Have Another.

Nyquist broke from the No. 13 post when he won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last year at Keeneland.

"The post draw didn't matter to us a ton but we're happy being more toward the outside for sure," O'Neill said. "The whole team is pumped up. We're just very optimistic for a big day."

Exaggerator drew the No. 11 post and is 8-1 for the 1 1/4-mile race Saturday at Churchill Downs. He's trained by Keith Desormeaux, whose Hall of Fame brother, Kent, will be aboard.

Creator, Gun Runner and Mohaymen are the co-third choices at 10-1. Creator will break from the No. 3 post with Gun Runner in the No. 5. Both are trained by Steve Asmussen. Mohaymen drew the No. 14 post.

Mor Spirit, trained by four-time Derby winner Bob Baffert, will break from the No. 17 post. No horse has won from there in the race's previous 141 editions. Mor Spirit is 12-1, the same odds as Brody's Cause, who drew No. 19.

Last year, Baffert won with American Pharoah, who swept the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes to win the sport's first Triple Crown in 37 years.

"The last time I had the 17 post was Point Given with Gary Stevens (fifth in 2001), and here we are again," Baffert said. "I wanted the 16. All the speed is on the outside, so there will probably be two different races going on."

The dreaded No. 1 spot that pins a horse to the inside rail coming out of the gate went to Trojan Nation, who has yet to win a race. Along with Trojan Nation, the other horse listed at 50-1 is Oscar Nominated, whose owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey put up a supplemental fee of $200,000 to get him into the race.

That fee boosted the Derby purse to $2,391,600 if 20 horses start. The winner would receive $1,631,000.

Japan's entry, Lani, is listed at 30-1. The horse is known to be unpredictable in starting gate, and he will break from the No. 8 post.

Field for Saturday's 142nd Kentucky Derby, with post position, horse's name, jockey's name and odds:

1. Trojan Nation Aaron Gryder 50-1
2. Suddenbreakingnews Luis Quinonez 20-1
3. Creator Ricardo Santana Jr. 10-1
4. Mo Tom Corey Lanerie 20-1
5. Gun Runner Florent Geroux 10-1
6. My Man Sam Irad Ortiz Jr. 20-1
7. Oscar Nominated Julien Leparoux 20-1
8. Lani Yukata Take 30-1
9. Destin Javier Castellano 15-1
10. Whitmore Victor Espinoza 20-1
11. Exaggerator Kent Desormeaux 8-1
12. Tom's Ready Brian Hernandez Jr. 30-1
13. Nyquist Mario Gutierrez 3-1
14. Mohaymen Junior Alvarado 10-1
15. Outwork John Velazquez 15-1
16. Shagaf Joel Rosario 20-1
17. Mor Spirit Gary Stevens 12-1
18. Majesto Emisael Jaramillo 30-1
19. Brody's Cause Luis Saez 12-1
20. Danzing Candy Mike Smith 15-1

Trainers (by post position): 1, Patrick Gallagher. 2, Donnie Von Hemel. 3, Steve Asmussen. 4, Tom Amoss. 5, Steve Asmussen. 6, Chad Brown. 7, Michael Maker. 8, Mikio Matsunaga. 9, Todd Pletcher. 10, Ron Moquett. 11 Keith Desormeaux. 12, Dallas Stewart. 13, Doug O'Neill. 14, Kiarin McLaughlin. 15, Todd Pletcher. 16, Chad Brown. 17, Bob Baffert. 18, Gustavo Delgado. 19, Dale Romans. 20, Clifford Sise Jr.

Owners (by post position): 1, Julie Gilbert and Aaron Sones. 2, Samuel F. Henderson. 3, WinStar Farm LLC. 4, G M B Racing. 5, Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Three Chimneys Farm. 6, Sheep Pond Partners, Newport Stables LLC and Jay W. Bligh. 7, Kenneth L. and Sarah K. Ramsey. 8, Ms. Yoko Maeda. 9, Twin Creeks Racing Stables, LLC. 10, LaPenta, Robert V., Rosenblum, Harry T. and Southern Springs Stables. 11, Big Chief Racing LLC. 12, G M B Racing. 13, Reddam Racing. 14, Shadwell Stable. 15, Repole Stable. 16, Shadwell Stable. 17, Michael Lund Petersen. 18, Grupo 7C Racing Stable. 19, Albaugh Family Stable. 20, Halo Farms.

Weights: 126 pounds. Distance: 11/4 miles. Purse: $2,391,600 if 20 start. First place: $1,631,000. Second place: $400,000. Third place: $200,000. Fourth place: $100,000. Fifth place: $60,000. Post time: 6:34 p.m. EDT

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona on why he likes the four-run save

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There was a reason Indians closer Cody Allen pitched the ninth inning Tuesday night against Detroit when the Indians weren't in a save situation.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It won't show in his stats, but closer Cody Allen earned a four-run save on Tuesday against the Tigers.

Closers get credit for a save when they record the final out while protecting a lead of three or fewer runs. Manager Terry Francona manages the save situation a little differently than most. If the Indians have a four-run lead entering the ninth, he's more than likely going to use Allen.

Such was the case Monday when Allen came to the mound in the ninth inning with 7-3 lead. Allen, with the exception of a one-out single by J.D. Martinez, struck out the side.

Francona's reason for using Allen is practical.

"I won't use my closer always in that situation, but it doesn't seem to be that complicated to me," said Francona. "I've (almost) always done it. If you wait for the save situation, you can potentially pad your closer's stats.

"Think about it for a minute. You have to get Cody up throwing and hot because the save situation comes if the tying run is on base, at the plate or on deck. So he's got to get hot. So if he's got to get hot, we should pitch him."

Third tour: Wednesday afternoon the Indians re-acquired catcher Chris Gimenez from Texas for cash. It's the second time in less than two years the Indians have traded for Gimenez, both times with Texas.

Gimenez, a 2004 draft pick of the Indians, will back up Yan Gomes.

"We've had Chris in the past," said Francona. "When we had him here, we really liked him. When that season (2014) was over one of the first things we did was try to re-sign him. He ended up going to Texas and it really worked out well for him.

"He played a lot last year and got some good experience, even in the playoffs."

Tribe acquires Gimenez ... again

Gimenez replaced Roberto Perez, who broke his right thumb Saturday night against the Phillies. Catcher Adam Moore was designated for assignment to make room for Gimenez.

Change of roles: Left-hander Ross Detwiler accept his outright assignment to Class AAA Columbus after being designated for assignment to make room for Tommy Hunter on Friday.

Detwiler will start at Columbus after making the Tribe out of spring training as a reliever.

Ross Detwiler DFA'd to make room for Hunter

"We're glad he stayed in the organization - very much so," said Francona. "He's got a starter's repertoire. He's got the pitches, he's got the body. To let him start will be really good for him. I think down deep he views himself as a starter.

"I think he'll enjoy it. I think it will be good for him and, hopefully, for us."

Francona said Detwiler could always move back to the pen if the Indians bring him back. Detwiler entered this season with 173 games in the big leagues, including 76 starts.

Old school throw: Marlon Byrd did a nice job getting behind Victor Martinez's fly ball to right field on Tuesday night in the first inning. It gave him momentum as he caught the ball and made a strong throw home to get J.D. Martinez at the plate.

"The old man still has a few tricks," said Byrd, 38.

Said Francona, "I thought one of the things that got overlooked Tuesday night was Marlon getting behind that ball in right field. A lot of times, in this day and age, you don't see that. It's the second time he's done it. ... He doesn't have the arm he had, but he got behind the ball and made a real strong throw or we don't have a challenge to make."

J.D. Martinez was originally called safe. The Indians challenged and call was overturned.

Finally: Mike Napoli leads the big leagues with 4.91 pitches per plate appearances. As a team the Indians are averaging 3.99, sixth highest in the big leagues.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks NBA Playoffs 2016 Game 2: Live chat and updates

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Get the latest updates and analysis on the Cleveland Cavaliers Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers will continue their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. It's Game 2.

Follow along in the comments section as Chris Haynes, Joe Vardon and Chris Fedor bring you observations and analysis throughout the game.

Make sure to follow Haynes, Vardon and Fedor on Twitter.

Scoring Summary:

End of 2nd Quarter - Cavs lead Hawks, 74-38. J.R. Smith leads the way for Cleveland with 20 points on 6-of-10 from three-point range. LeBron James has added 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Kevin Love has chipped in with 11 points. The Hawks are led by Paul Millsap, who has 16 points. 

End of 1st Quarter - Cavs lead Hawks, 35-20. J.R. Smith leads the way with 14 points. LeBron James has chipped in with seven. The Hawks are led by Paul Millsap, who has nine points.  

Game 2: Cavs (1-0) vs. Hawks (0-1)

Tip off: 8 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

TV/radio: TNT; WTAM 1100, 87.7 FM (ESP)

Cavs probable starting lineup: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.

Hawks probable starting lineup: Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, Kent Bazemore, Paul Millsap and Al Horford.

FREQUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest updates. If you're viewing this on a mobile app, click here to get updates and comment.

Johnny Manziel posts bond on Texas domestic violence charge, faces hearing on Thursday

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Manziel faces a Class A misdemeanor that carries up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

DALLAS -- Johnny Manziel has been booked and posted bond in a domestic violence case, one day before the former Cleveland Browns quarterback faces his first court hearing.

Manziel attorney Robert Hinton said Wednesday that the 23-year-old quarterback presented himself for booking and a mugshot. Police in Highland Park, a wealthy Dallas enclave that's separate from the city, released the mugshot Wednesday afternoon.

The Heisman Trophy winner and former Texas A&M star was indicted by a grand jury last month after his ex-girlfriend alleged he hit her and threatened to kill her during a night out in January.

Manziel faces a Class A misdemeanor that carries up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

He is expected to appear briefly before a Dallas judge Thursday morning.

Iowa's interest in Maishe Dailey began when he decommitted from Rutgers men's basketball

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Beachwood 6-foot-6 senior guard Maishe Dailey unveiled Iowa as his college basketball choice Wednesday. Watch video

BEACHWOOD, Ohio - Iowa didn't show interest in Maishe Dailey until he decommitted from Rutgers.

The 6-foot-6 guard from Beachwood High School never got to sign his National Letter of Intent with the Scarlet Knights. They fired men's basketball coach Eddie Jordan before signing day.

Lucky for Dailey, who announced Wednesday he signed with the Hawkeyes.

"I think a player should go to a school because of the coaching staff, not because of the name of the school," Dailey said, "but how much that coaching staff will develop you."

Five other classmates, including teammate Tyrone Gibson, were recognized during a ceremony at Beachwood. Most knew their college destinations well before Dailey. He didn't even have a Division I offer at this time last year, but everything changed with a summer on the AAU circuit.

Dailey brought that up as he thanked his family and coaches, including Bison head coach Matt Miller. It was Miller who helped Dailey make sense of the 12 Division I offers he suddenly received in July.

"It was insane during that time," Miller said. "This time wasn't as crazy, luckily."

Dailey sifted through 22 offers by January when he settled on Rutgers, a school he liked because of a connection with Jordan.

Rutgers finished 7-25 this season, which led to his ousting.

Dailey opts out of Rutgers pledgeDailey reopened his recruitment March 18, the weekend of Ohio's state championships. A last-second shot by Villa Angela-St. Joseph in the district finals kept Beachwood (22-3) from playing that late in the season. Instead, Miller had time to correspond with interested colleges and inform them of Dailey's status. Miller reached out to a few more schools, too.

Iowa responded.

"He said he liked me a lot," Dailey said of coach Fran McCaffery.

McCaffery sent assistant Sherman Dillard to see Dailey in person about three weeks ago. Dillard and the Hawkeyes liked Dailey enough to offer him their last scholarship in this year's recruiting class.

"We have to have him. I have to figure out a way to make this happen," Miller recalled Dillard telling him.

Dailey visited Iowa last weekend.

He came home weary of disclosing his decision before Wednesday's ceremony. Dailey even tried to keep it secret from athletic director Ryan Peters. However, speculation surfaced on Twitter and discussion boards that Dailey picked Iowa because he began to follow players on social media.

Still nervous Wednesday, Dailey waited for each of his classmates to put on hats of their college choices. He even passed the microphone so track-and-field athlete Hannah Kahn could announce her decision from the far end of the table.

Dailey then reached down, struggled to find his hat before pulling it up.

He is rated three stars by 247Sports.com, which ranks him as the No. 19 player in Ohio for the 2016 class. He is classified as a combo guard, 25th in the country, which appeals to Iowa.

"The thing that impresses me the most about Maishe is his overall skillset," McCaffery said in a release on the school website. "He's a multiple position player who can drive, pass, shoot and handle the ball. He has tremendous athletic ability who can play above the rim. He can play an up-tempo game, but also has enough skill to play in the half court."

The Hawkeyes finished 22-11 this season, lost to national champion Villanova in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and like versatile perimeter players. Dailey meets that requirement, finishing in the top three of about every statistical category at Beachwood.

"Maishe brings everything to the table," Tyrone Gibson said. "I mean, he's a 6-6 guard. Who doesn't want him?"

The Hawkeyes' interest comes with replacing four starters. They also lost two players via transfer.

Dailey added a visit to Northern Iowa after reopening his recruitment. Providence and mid-majors showed interest, but Dailey said he wanted to remain with a Big Ten school.

Rutgers was the first from the conference to offer.

"It was always my dream conference," Dailey said. "My mom told me she wants to see me play on TV. We always watch the Big Ten games and like the atmosphere, playing styles and coaching styles. We both felt I could play in the Big Ten."

Dee Tabb now gets to watch her son on that stage.

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.

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