Check out what media members who cover the Buccaneers have to say about the Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns are in Tampa this week to practice against the Buccaneers prior to Friday's preseason game between the teams.

Here's what the Tampa and Florida media that covers the Buccaneers had to say about the Browns on Wednesday:

Jameis Winston should remember RG3's fall: Martin Fennelly, Tampa Bay Times columnist, wrote about Robert Griffin III's fall and potential return, using it as a cautionary tale for Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston.

"Now he's trying to remake his career with one of the bleakest franchises in football," Fennelly wrote. "The scorched earth remains from Cleveland's previous quarterback savior, another Heisman winner: Johnny Manziel. First-year head coach Hue Jackson, in charge of massive rebuilding, tabbed Griffin his starter this month. Now what?"

The column also included this quote from Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy: "Getting injured, man, I know first-hand how injuries can prohibit how well you can play, and it just knocked (Griffin) off course. He's carrying himself like a vet. From the look of things, he looks good."

A few words about Josh Gordon: Trevor Sikkema of BucsNation.com broke down a couple plays featuring Bucs rookie cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, who had to deal with Terrelle Pryor and Gordon. 

Here's what he had to say about Gordon: "Despite his time away from football, Gordon looked great today. His physique was impressive, and I didn't notice any stamina issues. At his best, this is one of the best receivers in football."

About the Browns offense: "The Browns have acquired some serious athletes on their team over the past few years. A lot of those guys were giving the Bucs secondary all they could handle and then some this morning. The front seven for Tampa still looked good and forced a good amount of rollouts and tackles for loss. But when I watched these two teams go up against each other side-by-side, Tampa looked out-matched in the athletic category."

Catching up with old friends: Joint practices sometimes offer a chance to see former teammates and coaches. 

Cool to see Browns tackle @joethomas73 catch up with Bucs' George Warhop, once his position coach in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/WENR0DMFEB

-- Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 24, 2016

.@MikeEvans13_ and @Mike_Glennon chat with @JoshMcCown12 for several minutes after... https://t.co/5VkXDYPuH4 pic.twitter.com/zGZoCjZgXh

-- JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 24, 2016

Practice observations: Here's how the view looked from Twitter on Wednesday. 

Connor Hamlet for Browns with sweet touchdown catch at goal line in a gang of Bucs defenders. From McCown.

-- JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) August 24, 2016

Seth DeValve making some nice catches for Browns on less than accurate throws.

-- JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) August 24, 2016

Bucs defense looks very sharp... or it is just the Browns.

-- JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) August 24, 2016

Some Browns fans in attendance for today's joint Bucs-Browns practice. It's the last... https://t.co/SY7wcCM8ul pic.twitter.com/KKxBga5gzy

-- JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 24, 2016

The Browns and Bucs wrapped up two days of practices and will take a day off before Friday night's preseason game. Here are some sights and sounds from practice.

U.S. women's goalkeeper Hope Solo was suspended Wednesday for six months by U.S. Soccer for disparaging comments about Sweden following the Americans' early departure from the Rio Olympics.

CHICAGO -- U.S. women's goalkeeper Hope Solo was suspended Wednesday for six months by U.S. Soccer for disparaging comments about Sweden following the Americans' early departure from the Rio Olympics.

Solo called the Swedes "a bunch of cowards" for focusing on defense rather than attacking the three-time defending champion U.S. team. Sweden ousted the U.S. 4-3 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in a quarterfinal match.

U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati said Solo's comments were "unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players."

"Beyond the athletic arena, and beyond the results, the Olympics celebrate and represent the ideals of fair play and respect," Gulati said. "We expect all of our representatives to honor those principles, with no exceptions."

The 35-year-old Solo, who was previously suspended for 30 days early in 2015 for her conduct, will not be eligible for selection to the national team until February.

Solo was a lightning rod during the Olympic tournament, irking fans in Brazil when she posted a photo on social media of herself covered with mosquito netting and armed with insect repellant. Fans booed her mercilessly and hollered "Zika!" each time she kicked downfield.

Then she caused a stir with her "cowards" comment.

Sweden's coach, Pia Sundhage, who led the U.S. team to gold medals in Beijing and London, replied by stating: "It's OK to be a coward if you win."

Solo has been making headlines throughout her stellar career.

Last month, she became the first goalkeeper with 100 international shutouts when the United States defeated South Africa 1-0 at Soldier Field in Chicago. It was also her 150th career win.

Solo won her second straight Golden Glove Award for the best goalkeeper at the Women's World Cup a year ago. Over the course of the tournament in Canada, she had five clean sheets and allowed only three goals in seven games.

She has vocally advocated for women's rights. Solo was among the U.S. players who filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for wage discrimination, saying the men's national team players have been paid much more than many on the women's team, which for years has outperformed the U.S. men on the international stage.

More recently, she has called for better conditions for players in the National Women's Soccer League.

She has also been trying to avoid trial on misdemeanor domestic violence charges after a 2014 incident at her sister's home, when the goalkeeper was accused of being intoxicated and assaulting her sister and 17-year-old nephew. Solo said she was a victim in the altercation. Earlier this year, an appeals court in Washington state rejected Solo's request to avoid trial.

Indians want Danny Salazar to work harder between starts so he's ready for the stretch run and a possible postseason appearance.

OAKLAND - Manager Terry Francona doesn't think the All-Star Game went to Danny Salazar's head, but it might have distorted his priorities.

After Salazar allowed six runs on eight hits Tuesday night against Oakland in his second start since coming off the disabled list, pitching coach Mickey Callaway told reporters Salazar had to "shore up" his routines to get ready for the stretch drive and perhaps the postseason.

The indication being that Salazar needed to work harder.

"With all young guys you just have to remind them," said Francona, when asked about Callaway's comments. "I don't think it's anything remotely like a lazy thing. I think you have to remind young guys, 'Hey, some days when you really don't want to do it is the day you've really got to do it.' So when you do show up to pitch, you have a much better chance of being consistent because you don't have the ups and downs of how you feel that day.

"I think Danny is still learning that, like a lot of young pitchers and players. I think sometimes it's unfair to expect guys to just grow into it without growing into it. "

Salazar was one of three Indians named to the AL All-Star team along with Corey Kluber and Francisco Lindor. He went to the game in San Diego, but did not pitch because the Indians were concerned about his right elbow, the same elbow that put him on the disabled list on Aug. 2.

"The All-Star Game can be a little bit of an (overwhelming experience)," said Francona. "We're thrilled for him, but it's not the end of the season. I think we knew that when he came back that we wanted to sit on a few things.

"There is a reason you got there. Your routines, you don't stop those. The guys that are really good, they do it their whole careers."

Francona pointed to Carlos Carrasco as an example.

Tribe's Carrasco finally bubbles to surface

"Carlos always wanted to be told he's a starter," said Francona. "Then when he went and earned it by doing all those things, it was much more meaningful.

"Now when he runs into a problem, there's a way to fix it. It's not just pull your socks up or hope. It's, 'I'll go have a good side day, a good work session and the rest will take care of itself.'"

This is not the first time the Indians have delivered this message to Salazar. He opened last season at Class AAA Columbus for some of the same reasons.

"Young guys just need a reminder," said Francona. "We can certainly do that."

What's up? In the last seven games, Mike Napoli has DH'd four times, played first base twice and had a day off. Napoli opened the season as the starting first baseman.

"I feel good," said Napoli after Wednesday's loss to the A's. "They're just giving me a little rest."

The Indians are trying to keep Napoli on the field. Varying his time between first base and DH is a good way to do that.

"I'm on a streak where I'll probably play the most games I've ever played in a season," he said. "Everything is good."

Napoli has never played more than 140 games. He's played 117 this season with 38 games to play.

"Tito (Francona) and I talk about it," said Napoli, who leads the Indians with 28 homers and 87 RBI. "We're trying to do what's best for all of us. With these long stretches (of games) with only a couple of days off, we're trying to be smart and do what's best for us to stay healthy and finish the season strong."

Finally: Francisco Lindor didn't start Wednesday afternoon, but pinch-hit in the ninth inning and singled. ... The Olympics did not dampen Indians fever. TV ratings on STO increased 14 percent during the Summer Games. Overall, Indians viewership on STO has increased 58 percent over last year for the same number of games.

The RubberDucks are just 1.5 games out of first in the Western Division of the Class AA Eastern League.

Nellie RodriguezAkron RubberDucks 

AKRON, Ohio -- Mike Papi hit a three-run double and Nellie Rodriguez had a solo homer, giving the RubberDucks just enough to hold off the Reading Fightin' Phils in a 4-3 victory Tuesday night at Canal Park.

The RubberDucks (68-60) have won 10 straight and are just 1.5 games out of first in the Western Division of the Class AA Eastern League.

Akron had only six hits, but left-handed starter Rob Kaminsky combined with three relievers to hold Reading to just four hits.

Kaminsky (9-7, 3.38 ERA) gave up two runs on three hits in five innings, striking out five.

Go here to see a box score from the game.

"Cleveland Hustles, the CNBC reality show produced by LeBron James, premiered Wednesday night. See reaction from the show's host, investors and contestants who attended the official watch party at the Capitol Theatre.

Jason Day, Dustin Johnson and Adam Scott are Nos. 1-3 in FedEx Cup standings entering the playoffs, which begin this week with The Barclays.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The FedEx Cup Playoffs are good for golf fans because the best players in the world are in the same place once again in the calendar year, instead of dispersing after the fourth major, the PGA Championship.

The Fed Ex Cup Playoffs are good for the players because they are a measuring stick, sure. But let's be honest: They are a big-time cash grab.

The first of the four 2016 playoff events, The Barclays, unfolds this week at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. The playoffs, which culminate in the Tour Championship in late September, offer $32 million in prize money. The total balloons to $67 million when bonuses are factored in.

The top 125 in the FedEx points standings qualified for the playoffs.

The Barclays begins at approximately 7:20 a.m. Thursday. Here are the groupings and tee times. Golf Channel will televise live from 2-6 p.m. and you can follow along all round on our live leaderboard (below).

Thursday's live leaderboard:

PGA TOUR

THE BARCLAYS

Site: Farmingdale, N.Y.

Course: Bethpage State Park (Black Course). Yardage: 7,468. Par: 71.

Purse: $8.5 million (First prize: $1.53 million).

Television: CBS Sports (Saturday, 3-6 p.m.; Sunday, 2-6 p.m.); Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-2:30 p.m., Sunday, noon-1:30 p.m.).

Defending champion: Jason Day.

Last week: Si Woo Kim won the Wyndham Championship.

Notes: The top 125 in the FedEx Cup standings qualified for the playoffs, which begin at The Barclays. The top 100 in the standings after this week advance to the Deutsche Bank Championship ... Only 121 players will tee it up at Bethpage. The four who withdrew are Sergio Garcia; Masters champion Danny Willett; Shane Lowry; and Anirban Lahiri (shoulder injury). ... This is the final event to be among the eight automatic qualifiers for the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Five players already have clinched spots: Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, Jimmy Walker and Brooks Koepka. ... Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson are among 16 players who have qualified for the FedEx Cup playoffs since they began in 2007. ... Hunter Mahan's streak of playing every playoff event ended at 35 tournaments last when he failed to make it to the Tour Championship. This year, he didn't qualify for the playoffs. ... Bethpage Black hosted The Barclays in 2012, won by Nick Watney. It also hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 (Tiger Woods) and 2009 (Lucas Glover). ... Vijay Singh is the only player to win The Barclays and go on to win the FedEx Cup. That was in 2008 when the points were not reset after the third event.

Next week: Deutsche Bank Championship.

Online: www.pgatour.com

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Check out some of the sights and sounds from Tampa. Watch video

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Cleveland Browns wrapped up two days of practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday at the Bucs practice facility. The practices went on without incident between the two teams. They will play a preseason game on Friday at Raymond James Stadium.

Check out a video of some of the sights and sounds from Wednesday's practice here. You'll see some receiver drills, some one-on-one between corners and receivers and some 11-on-11, including Joe Haden's interception of Jameis Winston.

Cleveland sports fans wonder about Browns failed first-round draft choices and other uplifting topics.

Barkevious Mingo is another example of the Cleveland Browns not finding much value at the top of the draft.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After a while, it's just sad.

I was thinking that after the Browns traded Barkevious Mingo to the New England Patriots for a 2017 fifth-round pick.

It's so easy to fire off about all the Browns wasted first round picks.

They've had 10 first-rounders since 2009.

Only four are still with the team: Joe Haden (2010), Justin Gilbert (2014), Danny Shelton (2015) and Corey Coleman (2016).

For those keeping track at home, that's eight years of first-round draft picks. And they were selected by five different front offices.

That's right, in the last eight years of the draft, the Browns have had five different front offices doing the picking.

That's why I hope the Browns leave the new regime of Sashi Brown and Hue Jackson in place for a few seasons.

It's also why I was very open to the Sashi Brown/Paul DePodesta analytics approach to the 2016 draft.

When it comes to Cleveland sports, I've learned to never say, "Hey, they can't do any worse than what we've been watching."

History often proves otherwise when it comes to the Browns.

MINGO HAD TO GO

But I also know when a player obviously doesn't fit with the team's plan and his talent is marginal (despite being a first-rounder), get rid of him.

That's what the Browns did with Mingo, the No. 6 pick in the 2013 draft.

To be fair to the Joe Banner/Mike Lombardi front office -- that was an extremely weak draft. First-round disasters are everywhere. It's just a shame the Browns could not have gotten more from Mingo or someone else picked at No. 6.

And to be fair to this front office, three sets of coaching staffs have looked at Mingo and found him lacking -- Rob Chudzinski (2013), Mike Pettine (2014-15) and Hue Jackson (2016).

A fifth-rounder for Mingo is much better than nothing. Odds were Mingo would have been a late training camp cut this season.

HORTON RAN OUT OF IDEAS

The Browns had no clue where to play him. He was a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme at LSU. The Browns picked him as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense for Ray Horton in 2013.

Mingo had some early injuries. It didn't work out.

Horton was defensive coordinator for only one year -- 2013. Then the front office and coaching staff was fired.

He is now back running the defense in 2016. Horton liked Mingo in 2013. The fact that Horton had moved Mingo to inside linebacker hoping to find a spot where Mingo could contribute was a very bad sign.

It meant Horton was running out of ideas, and Mingo was running out of time with the Browns.

NEW LIFE IN NEW ENGLAND?

So why did New England and Bill Belichick want Mingo?

The Patriots have had some injuries at linebacker. Mingo is a good special teams player, and Belichick values special teams.

A fifth-round pick is a small cost, so Belichick figures he'll take a shot at squeezing out value from Mingo.

Belichick is playing a much different game than the Browns. He's thinking Super Bowl. He's thinking Mingo once had first-round athletic ability and he's only 25.

Mingo is not Johnny Manziel. He is a hard-worker, a good guy, a team player.
He can be an asset as a reserve on a good team.

Or at least, that's probably how Belichick sees it.

WHY SO SAD?

I look at the list of first-rounders since 2009 who are elsewhere: Alex Mack (Atlanta), Brandon Weeden (Houston), Phil Taylor (out of NFL), Trent Richardson (out of NFL), Johnny Manziel (out of NFL) and now Mingo (New England).

Only Mack is a certain starter. Weeden and Mingo are fighting for a job on the bench. Taylor, Manziel and Richardson aren't even in training camp right now.

And who knows what looms for Gilbert, the No. 8 pick in the 2014 draft. I doubt his roster spot with the Browns is secure. He's had a rough time so far.

That's why it's sad.

So many front offices with so little time making so many mistakes at the top of the draft.

And that's why I was pleased to see this front office draft 14 players -- and pile up the draft picks. They at least increased their odds of finding someone who can play.

Browns head of football operations Sashi Brown indicated Tramon Williams' big salary won't get him cut, that the club is pleased with Danny Shelton and more.

TAMPA, Fla -- Browns head of football operations Sashi Brown addressed a wide range of topics Thursday in a small group interview with reporter on the off day before the Browns third preseason game against the Bucs here Friday night. He indicated that Tramon Williams' $6.2 million salary won't cost him his job, that the team is pleased Danny Shelton's progress and that they won't be happy with four wins.  

Here are excerpts from that 25-minutes interview, and links to separate stories on Josh Gordon's trade status, Cam Erving's ankle and the Barkevious Mingo trade to New England, which happened after the interview:

* On if they can pay Tramon Williams' $6.2 million to be a backup:  "I think you can never have enough corners, first, I would say and Tramon's been a great pro for us. There's no reason that we would have to cut Tramon for salary purposes is the easiest way I can answer that. Guys haven't set the depth chart for Week 1. He's a savvy veteran that's come in and worked hard, played well, helped a lot of the young guys along as well. We do value him.''

* On K'Waun Williams suspension for refusing to play in Green Bay: "I'm not going to comment on that. It's an internal matter. What we've said externally is all we'll say on that."

Josh Gordon has his price, but Browns view him as a key piece to their offense

* Would he welcome him back?: "K'Waun's suspended. I'm not going to get into it other than kind of what we've said previously."

* Did he know his ankle was hurt the night he refused to play in Green Bay?: "I wouldn't comment on that one way or the other. Again, you shouldn't read into but it's an internal matter that will have to play itself out.''

* On if he's trying to reach an injury settlement with Desmond Bryant: "That's an internal matter. We won't comment on that publicly.

Cam Erving's status for Bucs game uncertain with sprained ankle

* On Corey Coleman needing to be ready for Game 1: "Really important. For all our guys, we're looking at this as something that we need to develop a number of young players in that core young nucleus. I think Corey can be a big piece of that. He has shown ability in practice thus far, that competitiveness shows up, the athleticism shows up and a guy who plays a lot bigger than his stature.

"The time off, he's knocking a little bit of rust off here and getting back into shape. Very eager and unhappy about being on the sideline, eager to get back out there, so I've joked back and forth with him over the last couple weeks and every time he was chomping at the bit to get going.''

* On how much of a pre-draft concern was Coleman's soft-tissue injury history? "Not much. We've got a great strength and conditioning crew here. The reality is for all these young guys, whether it's Zeke Elliott or Corey Coleman or Trey Caldwell on our team, it's a long spring and summer and the rigors of training camp, for what we need to do to get these guys ready, unfortunately, under the work rules, do not provide us a lot of time and we are trying like heck to limit them, but they're kind of conflicting interests. So we weren't concerned with that.''

Browns trade Barkevious Mingo to Patriots for 5th round pick

* On if he would consider four wins progress: "We would be very disappointed if we have four wins. That said, we're not going to measure our success just in terms of wins. We're realistic with where our roster is in terms of a proven roster that's capable of winning. We think we've made some strides this offseason to position ourselves for not just success but sustainable success, using our draft this year to not only help us acquire some picks to build in the future but also really bring in a number of young guys that we feel will be a part of a core nucleus that will be here and be good for a long time, but also valuing the veterans in our locker room and understanding that they have a real role as we move forward. We're going to Philly with the aim that we are going to win that game and we'll take it week by week, but our goal is to win all 16.''

* On rookie Cody Kessler working with the fourth team: "We've always known we have two effectively starting caliber quarterbacks in Robert (Griffin III) and Josh (McCown) here. It's always a battle to get enough reps for your young guys particularly at that position because there's such a steep learning curve. But Cody's come in and worked hard and done a nice job. He is showing some signs of improvement. It is something we're going to look at over time and not rush, so that's what I would say about him. There's days he'll get more or less reps.

* On if they'll keep Josh McCown, who drew interest from the Cowboys: "We do value our veterans and the impact they can have certainly on the on-field performance and their productivity but also in establishing the culture and buying into our program and showing our young guys how to become professionals in this league, which is not an easy task. So we value Josh for a lot of different reasons but we also do feel as a quarterback he's a viable, starting caliber NFL QB.''

* On Danny Shelton's progress: "Danny's working hard. He's still a very young player. He puts good effort out there and he's finding his way and perfecting his craft. Bob Nunn has done a good job with him and Kenny Delgado and we will find some things to do with him where he can be productive but he's shown some progress and Danny wants to be as productive as he can be. ..we're pleased with Danny and his energy and we think there's more in there, but he's also bought in and working hard. We're happy with him and where he is.''

* On if he's started extension talks for Terrelle Pryor: "We wouldn't get into that publicly. Frankly you shouldn't read into that one way or the other but we just respectfully to you guys don't want to come across as being too closed here but just policy-wise we wouldn't have any comment discussions.''

* On Pryor's progress: "You have to really take your hat off to Terrelle and the staff. He's worked really hard at turning himself into what we see as a really nice weapon and he's doing a great job perfecting his route-running....catching the ball well and then getting used to doing all that in 11-on-11, live contact setting. We've seen him have some real success, and we think that'll continue. I can't say we're completing surprised. We always thought Terrelle had a lot of ability, but it's been nice to see his work pay off."

 * On potentially burning bridges bridges with players and agents over K'Waun Williams and Desmond Bryant issues: "No, I think we've got good relationships with our players internally and I wouldn't call either one of those frankly a dispute. Discussions that we had with Des when he left were positive. ...Hue and I have no problems sitting down with a player and we do that often.''

In what could be a preview of an AL postseason series, the Indians open a four-game series against the Rangers on Thursday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Here are the starting lineups for Thursday night's game between the Indians and Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Game time is scheduled for 8:05 p.m.

INDIANS

CF Rajai Davis.

2B Jason Kipnis.

SS Francisco Lindor.

1B Mike Napoli.

DH Carlos Santana.

3B Jose Ramirez.

LF Brandon Guyer.

RF Lonnie Chisenhall.

C Roberto Perez.

RHP Josh Tomlin, 11-7, 4.39.

RANGERS

RF Nomar Maraza.

CF Ian Desmond.

DH Carlos Beltran.

3B Adrian Beltre.

2B Rougned Odor.

C Jonathan Lucroy.

1B Mitch Moreland.

LF Carlos Gomez.

SS Elvis Andrus.

LHP Cole Hamels, 13-4, 2.80.

UMPIRES

H Brian O'Nora.

1B Lance Barnett.

2B Jeff Kellogg, crew chief.

3B John Tumpane.

Under Brazilian law, the penalty for falsely filing a crime report carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison. Lochte could be tried in absentia if he didn't return to face the charge.

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazilian police charged American swimmer Ryan Lochte on Thursday with filing a false robbery report over an incident during the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

A police statement said Lochte would be informed in the United States so he could decide whether to introduce a defense in Brazil.

The indictment will also be sent to the International Olympic Committee's ethics commission, the statement said.

Lochte initially said that he and fellow swimmers Jack Conger, Gunnar Bentz and Jimmy Feigen were robbed at gunpoint in a taxi by men with a police badge as they returned to the Olympic Village from a party Aug. 15. However, security video suggested the four actually faced security guards after vandalizing a gas station restroom.

Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte again changes hair color -- and story about Rio robbery

Lochte left Brazil shortly after the incident. Three days later, local authorities took Conger and Bentz off an airliner heading to the United States so they could be questioned about the robbery claim. They were later allowed to leave Brazil, as was Feigen, after he gave testimony. Feigen, who initially stood by Lochte's testimony, was not charged.

Lochte has since acknowledged that he was highly intoxicated and that his behavior led to the confrontation. It is not clear from the video whether a gun was ever pointed to the athletes.

Under Brazilian law, the penalty for falsely filing a crime report carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison. Lochte could be tried in absentia if he didn't return to face the charge.

The United States and Brazil have an extradition treaty dating back to the 1960s, but Brazil has a long history of not extraditing its own citizens to other nations and U.S. authorities could take the same stance if Lochte is found guilty.

That is currently the case of the head of Brazil's football confederation, Marco Polo del Nero, who faces charges in the wide-ranging scandal entangling international soccer's ruling body, FIFA. He has not travelled outside Brazil for more than a year to avoid being arrested by U.S. authorities somewhere else.

The charges in Brazil raise questions about the future for Lochte, who is planning to take time off from swimming but wants to return to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He has 12 Olympic medals, second only to Michael Phelps among U.S. male Olympians.

Lochte lost four major sponsors early this week over the controversy, including Speedo USA and Ralph Lauren. But on Thursday he picked up a new sponsor -- Pine Bros. Softish Throat Drops. Pine Bros. said people should be more understanding of the swimmer and said he will appear in ads that say the company's product is "Forgiving On Your Throat."

He is also reportedly scheduled to appear on the next season of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."

US Olympic Committee CEO says Ryan Lochte, teammates will face 'further action'

Watch the video of Urban Meyer announcing that Bosa and Harrison were next to have their black stripes removed inside.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Maybe there was a little concern that Nick Bosa didn't have his black stripe off before Ohio State's fall camp ended. That worry is gone now. 

Bosa was one of two Ohio State freshmen to have their black stripe removed on Thursday. The other was Malik Harrison. 

Watch the video here: 

Black Stripes off for Nicky Bosa and Malik Harrison! pic.twitter.com/9cGkohA6SX

-- Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) August 25, 2016

Losing the black stripe is a tradition Meyer started at Ohio State that signifies a player has assimilated well into the program and has earned the right to be called a Buckeye.

Below is a list of this year's freshmen who have had theirs removed: 

Austin Mack, WR, March 31

Michael Jordan, OL, Aug. 7

Damon Arnette, CB, Aug. 13

Tuf Borland, LB, Aug. 13

Joe Burrow, QB, Aug. 13

Jonathon Cooper, DE, Aug. 13

Davon Hamilton, DT, Aug. 13

Joshua Norwood, CB, Aug. 13

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Aug. 17

Rodjay Burns, CB, Aug. 17

Binjimen Victor, WR, Aug. 18

Jordan Leasure, RB, Aug. 18

Joe Schroer, DL, Aug. 19

Demario McCall, RB, Aug. 20

Rashod Berry, DE, Aug. 20

Keandre Jones, LB, Aug. 22

Jordan Fuller, DB, Aug. 22

Joshua Alabi, DL, Aug. 22 

Tyler Durbin, K, Aug. 23

Nick Bosa, DE, Aug. 25

Malik Harrison, LB, Aug. 25

The Indians released veteran reliever Tommy Hunter on Thursday to open a roster spot for one of their September call ups. The 25-man roster can be expanded to 40 players on Sept. 1.

ARLINGTON, Texas - Things change fast in baseball.

A couple of days ago it sounded as if the Indians would be seeing Tommy Hunter right after Sept. 1 when the rosters expanded. That is no longer the case and here's the reason why.

The Indians, in exploring candidates for September promotions, decided they'd like to see some of their younger players. They had to clear some space on the 40-man roster to do so, which is why the veteran right-hander was released Thursday during his rehab assignment at Class AAA Columbus.

Derek Falvey, Indians assistant general manager, said that by releasing Hunter now he has a chance to sign with another team before the Aug. 31 deadline for adding postseason-eligible players. If the Indians would have waited until September to release Hunter, he would not have been eligible for the postseason should he sign with another team.

"In the last week or two we've been working toward who will be our Sept. 1 call ups," said Falvey, traveling with the team. "Looking at the way our roster shook out, we were getting tight on spots . . . guys on the back end of the roster that we wanted to keep.

"Given some of the challenges of trying to get guys on the roster Sept. 1, we felt this was the right move. It will allow some younger guys to pitch in September and we needed that roster spot."

Some candidates for September promotions, who would have to be added to the 40-man roster to be eligible, include: utility man Yandy Diaz, outfielder Bradley Zimmer, catcher Adam Moore and right-handers Adam Plutko, Jeff Johnson, Craig Stammen and Josh Martin.

The Indians will probably promote their first batch of reinforcements on Sept. 2 because they're off Sept. 1. The next batch will arrive after the playoffs in the minors. Every Indians minor league club could make the postseason.

Falvey wouldn't say directly that Diaz would be one of the players who will be called up, but he's a good candidate. He's hitting .320 (107-for-334) with 18 doubles, three triples and six homers in 88 games at Class AAA Columbus. He's played 46 games in right field, 29 at third base and four at second.

"Yandy is able to bounce around," said Falvey. "He's played some third, he's played the corner outfields. As a right-handed bat who can play the corner outfields and right and second base, gives us flexibility."

Diaz started the year at Class AA Akron. He hit .286 (24-for-84) with two homers, 14 RBI and a .826 OPS before being promoted.

If the Indians make the postseason, they are going to need another bat because switch-hitting Abraham Almonte is ineligible because of a PED violation. Diaz bats right-handed.

Tribe's Almonte playing his postseason right now

How much the reinforcements play will depend on how firm a grip the Indians have on first place in the AL Central.

"These aren't exhibition games," said manager Terry Francona, whose team entered Thursday's game against Texas with a 5 1/2 game lead in the AL Central.

Said Falvey, "Tito said our goal is try to get to the playoffs first and foremost. Where we have opportunities to evaluate those guys, we'll plug them in. But the hope, initially, is to put the best team we have on the field all the way through September until we have a postseason spot. Then we can make those adjustments."

The Indians signed Hunter in spring training to a one-year $2 million deal. He made 21 appearances for the Tribe between two trips to the disabled list.

No problem: The Indians got their first look at catcher Jonathan Lucroy on Thursday night since he vetoed a trade to the Indians on July 31. The Indians were on Lucroy's no-trade list, but came close to working a deal with Milwaukee for the All-Star catcher.

In fact, Milwaukee agreed on the deal with the Indians sending the Brewers prospects Francisco Mejia, Shawn Armstrong, Greg Allen and Yu-Cheng Chang, but Lucroy turned it down.

On Aug. 1, Milwaukee traded him to Texas.

Asked if he wanted to show Lucroy what he was missing, first baseman Mike Napoli said, "No, it's part of it. He had the option of going where he wanted. We weren't on his trade list.

"We're happy with our team. We're confident we're a good team."

In Lucroy's first at-bat against the Indians and Josh Tomlin, he singled to center with two out in the second inning.

Napoli has played for Texas twice in his career.

Lake Catholic AD Sam Colacarro confirmed that the Cougars have forfeited their Week 1 game vs. Toledo St. John's.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Lake Catholic AD Sam Colacarro confirmed Thursday night that the Cougars have forfeited their Week 1 football game on Saturday night against Toledo St. John's Jesuit.

Colacarro could not offer further comment. A message was also sent to Lake Catholic coach Scott O'Donnell.

Lake Catholic was investigating a possible case of hazing during a summer football camp at John Carroll earlier in the summer.

Lake Catholic's diocese began an investigation late in July to a police report from John Carroll citing a potential incident of hazing. The incident allegedly occurred during a three-day camp that included two nights on campus.

Read more about the story from reporter Matt Goul.

The Cougars will play Cleveland Central Catholic in Week 2.

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow is changing sports. Tebow reportedly has been working out for more than a year to try and make it as professional baseball player.

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Indians will send a scout to watch Tim Tebow, former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, work out in Los Angeles on Aug. 30. They are expected to be joined by a majority of MLB's 30 teams.

Tebow, a No.1 pick of the Denver Broncos in 2010, is trying to make it as a professional baseball player. Tebow, 29, has not played baseball regularly since his junior year in high school in 2005.

When asked about Tebow's chances, Indians first baseman Mike Napoli said recently, "This game is tough. All I can say is good luck. The game will tell you if you're good enough or not.

"Obviously, he's a freak athlete. We'll see what happens. The game will tell him real quick."

Outfielder Rajai Davis thought Tebow was going to try and be a pitcher. When told he was going to try and make it as a position player, he said, "Well, that's going to be tough. I know he's got a good football arm. I thought he would just going to try and throw some strikes. That might be a little easier.

"But hitting a baseball . . .that's hard. That's going to take a lot of work unless he's got a good coach. It's going to be tough, but I wish him the best. But the road is going to be hard."

Tebow reportedly has been training for over a year in Arizona and Los Angeles for this opportunity. He has not played in the NFL since 2012.

Darren Anders rushed for 105 yards and scored two touchdowns, while quarterback Brandon Maximovich threw for 144 yards and had a hand in three scores.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Darren Anders rushed for 105 yards and scored two touchdowns, quarterback Brandon Maximovich threw for 144 yards and had a hand in three scores, and North Olmsted beat Valley Forge, 39-14, on Thursday in their high school football season opener.

Maximovich, a 5-foot-10 senior quarterback in his first season as the starter, threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another. He also ran for 51 yards to help the Eagles score the first 39 points. They led 32-0 at halftime and tacked on a third-quarter score in a home game played at Avon.

A 6-foot sophomore, Anders' touchdowns came on a reception from Maximovich and a 2-yard run. Both scores came in the first half.

4th down and the @NOEagles strike - Darren Anders 13-yard TD catch - 10-0 Eagles over @VFAthletics 3:14 1st Q pic.twitter.com/MbTP3VoDyA

— Matt Loede (@MattLoede) August 25, 2016

The Eagles rushed for 290 yards as a team and held Valley Forge to 112 yards on the ground and just 128 yards of total offense.

North Olmsted's home games this season and next year will be played at alternative sites during construction of its new school. Two of the Eagles' home games this season are at Avon, plus a Southwestern Conference visit there. Their final three home games will be played at North Ridgeville.

Shaker Heights senior Terrance Colvin ran back two kicks for touchdowns to spark Shaker Heights to a 35-19 football win Thursday night vs. Skyline (Mich.) at Case Western Reserve.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Shaker Heights senior Terrance Colvin ran back two kicks for touchdowns to spark Shaker Heights to a 35-19 football win Thursday night vs. Skyline (Mich.) at Case Western Reserve.

Skyline, which traveled from Ann Arbor, Mich., features Michigan State commit Hunter Rison, the son of former NFL receiver Andre Rison. Hunter Rison caught two touchdown passes in the first half to pull the Eagles within 14-13. At that point, Colvin ran back the opening kick for a touchdown.

The Raiders then took a 20-13 lead with 10 seconds left before halftime on quarterback Jamir Dismukes' TD run. The junior QB added another TD through the air, connecting with Billy Dunn Jr.

The Raiders led 22-19 before Colvin's second score, this one on a punt return with less than four minutes to go in the fourth quarter.

Glenville misses shot to win the game as Euclid wins 13-7 to open the season.

EUCLID, Ohio -- Glenville’s offense and Euclid’s defense left the outcome of Thursday’s season opener in the balance late in the fourth quarter.

Faced with a fourth down on Euclid’s 12-yard line and 1:38 left in the game, Glenville faltered on a pass attempt leading the Panthers to a, 13-7, non-conference win at home.

“The young guys showed up tonight,” said Euclid coach Jeff Rotsky. “It’s not that I doubted them, but when you’re first varsity time is coming in the fourth quarter against Glenville and you’re showing up to make plays, I feel very fortunate.”

Euclid and Glenville, both of whom made the playoffs last year, met for the first time on Thursday following Glenville’s 36-19 win last season. It was also the first gathering for several new players and veterans including the anticipated return of senior quarterback Noah Mitchell.

Check back later for video highlights of the game.

Mitchell, who suffered a season-ending wrist injury before the playoffs, made an impact returning to the lineup connecting with Jovon Owens and Ramone Collins for two touchdown passes. The Panthers went up 13-0 in the first half.

As for the new look Glenville offense, Euclid’s defense made it difficult for the Tarblooders to sustain drives meeting their opponents at the line of scrimmage.

In the second half, Euclid was unable to put any points on the board. However, the Tarblooders responded with a fake punt for touchdown of 61 yards by senior wide receiver Jaylon Carver.

Glenville, down 13-7, left 4:46 on the clock in the third quarter for Euclid.

The Panthers marched down the field for the remainder of the quarter after the kick off team nearly gave up a turnover. Euclid and Glenville would go to exchange possessions until Glenville took over in the final few minutes of the game.

Junior quarterback Jamel Hamm and senior running back Demerius Goodwin, who was absent in the first half due to coaches decision, marched down the field from their 33-yard line to answer. However, the Tarblooders would eventually stop at Euclid’s 12-yard-line after Hamm missed connecting on a pass to attempt to junior receiver Bryan West.

Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. said this was teachable moment for his rookie starters.

“All honors go out to Euclid,” Ginn said. “They played a great game. We made a lot of mistakes and we did what we did, but we showed a little character in the second half.”

On fourth down and for the win? pic.twitter.com/vir2ngYhLA

— Nathaniel Cline (@nathanielcline) August 26, 2016

What’s next:

Euclid will host Aurora on Sept. 1 while Glenville travels to Olentangy Liberty ranked No. 19 in the cleveland.com Ohio Super 25. Games kick off at 7 p.m.