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Robert Griffin III experiment should be over for Cleveland Browns -- Terry Pluto (photos)

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The latest injury to Robert Griffin III should tell the Cleveland Browns that they must continue to look for a quarterback.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Robert Griffin III experiment is over.

The Browns won't say that after their quarterback suffered a significant shoulder injury during the 29-10 opening day loss in Philadephia.

But it's just common sense. Griffin is out for at least eight games after being hit near the sidelines in the final moments of Sunday's game. He has a broken bone in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

While there was some debate about how it happened ... was Griffin trying to avoid contact or not ... that's irrelevant.

The 26-year-old Griffin has a long history of injuries. Those include two major knee surgeries (one in college, one in 2012) and a dislocated ankle (2014).

He has never had a fully healthy season in the NFL -- unless you count 2015 when he didn't take a regular season snap. But even in 2015, he suffered a concussion in the preseason.

By trading the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft (passing up a chance to take Carson Wentz), the Browns could at least tell their fans and themselves that they were trying to revive the career of Griffin.

In 2012, Griffin was the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Maybe it would work, or maybe not. But it was interesting to see what would happen.

Well, we saw.

Griffin could not stay healthy for a full regular season game.

The best hope for him is to recover and perhaps play a few games for the Browns near the end of the season. Maybe he can establish himself as a backup who can occasionally start.

But any real thought of Griffin being a starter for the Browns in 2017 should end right now.

While he made progress in the preseason, he still had some very shaky moments trying to run a conventional NFL offense. Throw in the durability issues, and it makes no sense to have much faith in Griffin as a starter.

TALKING ROOKIE QUARTERBACKS

Now, there is nothing for Browns fans to watch when it comes to quarterbacks, unless you want to track the progress of Wentz and torture yourself.

As a side note, how do you think Rams fans feel right now?

They had the No. 1 pick in the draft. They also passed on Wentz and selected Jared Goff from California. The Browns also liked Goff.

Goff opened the season as the Rams No. 3 quarterback.

He's behind Case Keenum and Sean Mannion. The average NFL fan probably doesn't know much about either guy.

Goff was 22-of-49 passing in the preseason with two touchdowns, two interceptions and three fumbles. He was having major problems adjusting from the all-shotgun, no-huddle offense at California to the standard NFL offense with the Rams.

Wentz was helped because his North Dakota State team played an NFL-style offense. That's not the case with many college quarterbacks these days because so many coaches are in love with the no-huddle, spread offenses.

The only other rookie quarterback to start the opening week was Dak Prescott for Dallas.

One eye-popping opening game doesn't mean Wentz will be a star. And one game as a third quarterback doesn't mean Goff is bust.

One game for the Browns doesn't mean trading down (and passing on Wentz) will be a disaster. There are lots of picks, lots of players.

Three of those players added in the trades showed promise in the opener -- Carl Nassib, Joe Schobert and Corey Coleman. The Browns also have a 2017 first rounder and second-round picks in 2017 and 2018 from the trade-down deals.

But when it comes to quarterbacks, the Browns are nowhere right now -- unless rookie Cody Kessler comes out of nowhere and surprises everyone late in the season.

WHAT McCOWN CAN DO

Here's a list of injuries:

  1. Concussion
  2. Bruised ribs
  3. Sore shoulder
  4. Bruised hand
  5. Broken collarbone

Josh McCown had all those physical problems last season. He started only eight games, playing relatively well -- 12 TD passes, 4 interceptions, 93.3 rating.

But he couldn't stay healthy.

The Browns now need McCown on the field on Sunday. The 37-year-old veteran can bring some order to the offense, helping young players such as Terrelle Pryor, Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, Rashard Higgins and Corey Coleman  develop.

To begin to judge a team's young running backs and receivers, there must be at least respectable quarterback play.

McCown can supply that, but he must find a way to avoid all the hits he took a year ago.


NCAA pulls 7 postseason events out of NC due to LGBT law

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The NCAA has pulled seven championship events from North Carolina, including opening-weekend men's basketball tournament games, for the coming year due to a state law that some say can lead to discrimination against LGBT people.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA has pulled seven championship events from North Carolina, including opening-weekend men's basketball tournament games, for the coming year due to a state law that some say can lead to discrimination against LGBT people.

In a news release Monday, the NCAA says the decision by its board of governors came "because of the cumulative actions taken by the state concerning civil rights protections."

"This decision is consistent with the NCAA's long-standing core values of inclusion, student-athlete well-being and creating a culture of fairness," said Georgia Tech president G.P. "Bud" Peterson, the chair of the board of governors.

The law -- known as HB2 -- requires transgender people to use restrooms at schools and government buildings corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates. It also excludes gender identity and sexual orientation from local and statewide antidiscrimination protections.

HB2 was signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory earlier this year.

The NCAA's release also noted that five states and several cities prohibit travel to the state for public employees and representatives of public institutions, which could include athletes and staffs. The only championship events that can be hosted in the state are ones determined when a team earns the right to play on their own campus.

The men's basketball first- and second-round games were scheduled for March 17 and 19 in Greensboro. The NCAA will also relocate:

-- the Division I women's soccer championship scheduled for Dec. 2 and 4 in Cary, just outside the capital city of Raleigh;

-- the Division III men's and women's soccer championships set for Dec. 2 and 3 in Greensboro;

-- the Division I women's golf regional championships set for May 8-10 in Greenville;

-- the Division III men's and women's tennis championships set for May 22-27 in Cary;

-- the Division I women's lacrosse championship set for May 26 and 28 in Cary;

-- and the Division II baseball championship from May 27 to June 3 in Cary.

The law has created a public and business backlash, which includes the NBA moving the 2017 All-Star Game to New Orleans instead of hosting it in Charlotte as originally scheduled because of the law. Duke lost a men's basketball game from its schedule when Albany backed out due to that state's travel ban, while the Vermont women's basketball team has canceled a December trip to play North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Entertainers like Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Ringo Starr have canceled plans to play in North Carolina. And PayPal reversed plans to open a 400-employee operation center in Charlotte.

NAACP pleased with support Brunswick High football player has received from police after backlash from anthem protest

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Brunswick senior Rodney Axson's national anthem protest has drawn the support of the Brunswick Police Department.

BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Brunswick High School football player Rodney Axson Jr.'s act of protest during the national anthem before a recent game drew racially offensive and intimidating messages from his peers. On Monday, the football player's family and the Cleveland NAACP sought help from the Brunswick Police Department to investigate the racially offensive words used toward Axson, including comments of lynching.

See related: Axson joins national anthem protest, receives backlash

"I believe the police department is taking this very seriously," said NAACP chapter president Mike Nelson at a Monday press conference. "The officer who is in charge of investigating this matter, who is affiliated with the school, is really on top of the source of this information, these derogatory offensive statements as well as the possible ethical intimidation."

After meeting with the police, Axson's representatives detailed the story of the senior football player kneeling during the playing of the national anthem before the Sept. 2 game. Axson took offense to the use of the n-word by teammates to describe their opponent Austintown-Fitch, which has a roster with a majority of black players.

During the anthem, Axson took a knee, joining San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and a wave of athletes who have taken a knee during the playing of the national anthem to draw attention to what they see as racial injustice across the country.

Axson has spent the past week dealing with racial slurs and malicious messages from his peers via text and social-media accounts.

"What I really would like to see at the end of the day is fairness for my children," Rodney Axson Sr. said.

Cleveland attorney Ken Myers, who represents two of the students involved, said they are remorseful for their part in offensive language found on a grocery list and distributed via social media. Myers said his clients did not make any lynching comments.

"They did make racially inappropriate and insensitive comments on a piece of paper," Myers said. "They were wrong for doing so, acknowledged they were wrong for doing so and they are in the process of being disciplined for what they've done, and are cooperating with the police and school officials."

Ryan Durbin, who recently moved to Brunswick, attended the news conference with his two children. They later presented Axson with an inspirational letter and some artwork that read "I like your brown skin."

"I just want my daughter to learn the realities of our world, our nation and in our community," Durbin said. "This is a real life teaching moment for my 5-year-old daughter and it's never too early to start learning how to love people and love people well."

Axson's family will be speaking at University Circle United Methodist Church on Tuesday at the monthly NAACP meeting starting at 7 p.m.

Brunswick's next football game will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Greater Cleveland Conference opponent Solon.

Robert Griffin III goes on IR: Cleveland Browns report

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Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe talk about RG3, Josh McCown and more. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns got bad news on Monday. They had to place starting quarterback Robert Griffin III on injured reserve -- he is not eligible to return for at least eight games -- with a fractured coracoid bone in his left shoulder.

Mary Kay Cabot and I talked about the RG3 situation and what it means for his future. We also talked about Josh McCown and the impact he can have on the offense and the team's crop of young wide receivers.

Cleveland Indians' Terry Francona on injured Danny Salazar: 'We want to get him healthy'

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Indians right-hander Danny Salazar won't start again in final 20 games of the regular season and is doubtful for the postseason if the Indians qualify. Salazar strained the flexor muscle in his right forearm Friday night against the Twins.

CHICAGO - Over the weekend at Target Field several Indians players were confident that they could withstand the loss of Danny Salazar if his injury proved to be significant.

Well, now they'll find out if they were right.

Salazar won't pitch again in the final 20 regular season games and the postseason is doubtful should the Indians qualify. The team announced Monday that he'll be shut down for 10 days with a strained flexor muscle in his right forearm and won't be able to pitch in games for three to four weeks.

"He's not going to start during the regular season, so we know that," said manager Terry Francona. "I think we felt we already knew that.

"When it's all said and done, getting the news that we did is pretty damn good. It's musculature as opposed to something with a ligament. The repair that was already in there is fine. "

The repair Francona was talking had to do with the Tommy John operation Salazar underwent in 2010.

Salazar (11-6, 3.87) will receive a PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection Tuesday in his forearm to help healing process.

"If we're fortunate enough to keep playing (in the postseason), and they can ramp him back up, good," said Francona. "Even if it's just to let him know that he's feeling good before he goes home, that's important, too."

Asked how Salazar might be used in the postseason, Francona said, "There's no reason to even speculate. We want to get him healthy.''

Salazar injured in win over Twins

Ideally, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Salazar and Trevor Bauer would have been the top four starters headed into the postseason. Now Bauer has been bumped to the No.3 spot with Mike Clevinger and Josh Tomlin in the fourth and fifth spots.

"Bauer has pitched well - so has Clevinger," said second baseman Jason Kipnis. "So it's not like we don 't have the depth to fill the spot. That being said, we're obviously a better team when Danny is on the mound for us."

Francona said it's essential that the starters not to do anything out of the ordinary to try and compensate for the Salazar's loss.

"Guys can't be something they're not," he said. "If you start trying to pitch for you and somebody else, that makes it harder. They just need to be able to do their thing and we'll be OK."

Perfect world: If Salazar does show improvement, and the Indians make the postseason and advance, how could he get his arm strength back to be able to contribute?

"Our Instructional League would be up and running then, so he could get some work there," said GM Mike Chernoff.

Testing, testing: Catcher Yan Gomes continued his rehab assignment Monday night for Class AA Akron.

Gomes, recovering from a separated right shoulder, was scheduled to catch nine innings for the RubberDucks in the Eastern League championship series. Gomes separated the shoulder in July.

Tuesday, Gomes will DH.

"He's caught three games," said Francona. "We need him to get the normal aches and pains out of the way, let a lone working on the shoulder."

Gomes is eligible to be activated Friday.

Runs aplenty: The Indians went into Monday night's game with 700 runs. They ended last season with 669 runs.

One of the reasons for the increase is power.

Mike Napoli 32, Carlos Santana 31, Jason Kipnis 22, Francisco Lindor 14, Tyler Naquin 14 and Jose Ramirez 10 are regulars this season who have set career highs in homers. This is Naquin's rookie year, but in the minors he never hit more than 10 in a season.

'I didn't know that," said Francona. "I know throughout the league home runs are up, but I don't have a good answer for that. But I hope we get more."

Finally: The Indians went to the bullpen 14 times Friday and Saturday nights in Minneapolis. Cody Anderson did not make an appearance in those games.

He did pitch two innings Sunday in relief of Corey Kluber in a 7-1 win over the Twins.

Francona said he's trying to be selective with Anderson, who has dealt with a sore right elbow this season.

Anderson goes on DL at Triple-A with sore elbow

"We're trying really hard to not get him up unless we think he's getting in a game," said Francona. "We're trying to use some common sense so we can keep him nice and healthy. We think he can help us, but we don't want to get him up and down."

Francona said there is no talk of trying to stretch Anderson out to have him make a start going down the stretch this season. They do see him coming to camp as a starter next year.

Hue Jackson not conceding Browns blew it on Carson Wentz: 'That was one game'

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Hue Jackson will not concede that the Browns blew it by not drafting Carson Wentz despite his promising debut against the Browns in a 29-10 Eagles victory. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Hue Jackson isn't ready to concede that the Browns blew it by not drafting Carson Wentz No. 2 overall and trading the pick to the Eagles instead.

Not even after Wentz threw for 278 yards and two touchdown passes on the Browns in a 29-10 loss to the Eagles in the season opener Sunday.

Not even after the Browns are back to the drawing board at quarterback after Robert Griffin broke a shoulder bone in the game and is out at least eight games, possibly the whole season.  

"No, we haven't (second-guessed ourselves),'' Jackson said. "That's one thing I can tell you for sure has not happened. He had a good game, a great game if you guys want to term it that, and I respect that. He's a fine young man and they have good coaches and a good organization, and he is going to do well for them, but that was one game.

"He played well. Like I said, we'll look back and see where he is over a period of time, but the Browns have to get better. That's what we have to do. We have to play better, and I think we all understand that."

Jackson's certainty that the Browns made the right move by trading the pick comes on the heels of Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta saying that the Browns didn't think Wentz would be a top 20 quarterback in the NFL.

The Browns opted instead to move down to No. 8 and pick up the Eagles' third- and fourth-rounder in 2016, first-rounder in 2017 and second-rounder in 2018.

Now, not only does Wentz look like he'll be good, the Browns are without a surefire quarterback of the future with Griffin out indefinitely. They have rookie Cody Kessler as their current No. 2 behind Josh McCown, but he has a long way to go. They also have rookie Kevin Hogan out of Stanford on the practice squad. But the Browns will have to look long and hard again at drafting a quarterback high in 2017.  

"The problem with it for me is Hue [Jackson] comes in and they have a new franchise, a new regime, they're going to change the whole makeup and they're going to move forward and we're going to build something here - well, you're building it without a franchise quarterback,'' NFL analyst and former NFL quarterback David Carr said on NFL Total Access Monday. "If you thought Robert was the guy, then you probably need to do some more homework because he hasn't made it through a 16-game season.

"He hasn't been able to be on the field consistently. I'm a huge fan of Hue Jackson, I love what he does creatively on the offensive side of the ball but I think he might have gotten caught up in the RG3 hype a little too much and he thought he could be a guy that could be consistently there. It doesn't look like he's going to be that guy and now you're trying to build a franchise without that cornerstone who played you [Carson Wentz] -- a guy you had a chance to pick up was on the field."

RG3 on IR at least 8 weeks with broken shoulder; Josh McCown to start

As for having to hunt for their franchise quarterback, Jackson said. "I haven't thought that far yet. There is Baltimore right around the corner here and that is probably what is totally on my mind and just making sure that our players grow from the experience that we had on Sunday. I'm sure it will be a conversation here pretty soon."

Cleveland Indians give sloppy a bad name in 11-4 loss to Chicago White Sox

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The Indians lost, and lost badly, to the White Sox on Monday night at U.S. Cellular Field. Carlos Carrasco couldn't get through the fourth inning, Lonnie Chisenhall made two errors and Roberto Perez had a tough night behind the plate. Watch video

CHICAGO -- Now that was a mess.

Carlos Carrasco showed why he's 3-9 against the White Sox in his career. Lonnie Chisenhall had a night to forget in right field. Jason Kipnis almost scored a TKO over Jose Abreu and catcher Roberto Perez is still trying to figure out how he missed that pitch from Kyle Crockett.

Sorry you didn't watch Monday's game between the Indians and White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field? To simulate, if you must, bang your head into the wall five times in succession.

The Indians lost to Chicago, 11-4, but it was a lot more one sided than that. How one-sided? The White Sox scored at least one run in every inning for just the second time since 1949.

Maybe it was the pre-game news that Danny Salazar is most likely lost for the remainder of the year, leaving a big hole in any postseason plans the Indians are  hatching.

Or maybe it was the fact that the Indians awoke Monday morning with just 20 games left in the season and realized, yes, they have a great chance to win the AL Central. Perhaps, with that thought in mind, they strayed from manager Terry Francona's single-minded mantra of "we're going to try our rear end off to win tonight' and dared to look past the game at hand.

Whatever the reason, they were disjointed and discombobulated.

"We gave up runs in every inning," said Francona. "We gave up an early run, then came back with three. But we can't let them score in every inning. Carlos' stuff is too good for that.

"It's not just on Carlos. We didn't make plays, we made errors. We had cross ups. That's about as bad a game as we've played in a while. Hopefully, we got it out of our system."

Carrasco (11-8, 3.32) lasted just 3 2/3 innings, matching his second shortest start of the season. Chicago worked him over for five runs, four earned, on eight hits.

It's not like Carrasco took the mound trying to find himself. He'd won his last two starts, striking out 16 in 14 2/3 innings, and was 4-1 in his last six starts. But when it comes to the White Sox, Carrasco doesn't have many answers.

They've scored 10 runs off him in 17 2/3 innings this season.

"They were really aggressive and hit everything," said Carrasco. "We just have to move on. Tomorrow is another day."

Chisenhall made two errors in right field, leading to two unearned runs. In the second, with the Tribe leading, 3-1, he put Avisail Garcia on third when he charged his single only to see it skip past him. Garcia scored on a sacrifice fly by Omar Narvaes.

In the fifth, Todd Frazier's single bounced off his glove as Abreu went to third and Frazier to second. The error set up another unearned run with an assist from Perez.

Kyle Crockett struck out Narvaes for what should have been the third out, but Perez fanned on the pitch as it went to the backstop. Crockett was at the plate awaiting the throw to try and get Abreu, but Perez threw to first instead. Everybody was safe.

Turns out that Crockett and Perez weren't on the same page. Crockett thought he'd shaken to a fastball. Perez, however, called for a slider.

"We're still trying to get to the bottom of it," said Francona. "We've got a couple of different versions."

In the third, Kipnis was running out a grounder to short. Tim Anderson made an offline throw to Abreu at first. Abreu was off the bag, but tagged Kipnis for the out. As Kipnis ran past, he threw up his arms and hit Abreu in the face, sending him to one knee.

Abreu stayed in the game.

Yes, the Indians actually held a lead Monday night against right-hander Miguel Gonzalez (4-6, 3.82) for a moment or two. After Chicago took a 1-0 lead in the first on Abreu's RBI grounder, the Indians scored three times on four hits in the second.

All four hits, perhaps in a sign of things to come, were bloops.

Jose Ramirez dropped a double into short center field to start the inning. Chisenhall sent a sort single to left to score Ramirez. Rajai Davis scored Chisenhall with a double down the left field line that barely cleared the infield dirt.

Perez made it 3-1 with a soft single to center. With the exception of Mike Napoli's 33rd homer in the eighth, that was the best work the Indians did on a bad night on the South Side of Chicago.

What it means

The Tigers cut the Tribe's lead in the Central to six games with a win over the Twins on Monday night.

The Indians, who lost for just the fourth time in their last 12 games, are 9-4 against Chicago this season.

The pitches

Carrasco threw 84 pitches, 57 (68 percent) for strikes. Gonzalez threw 96 pitches, 66 (69 percent) for strikes.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and White Sox drew 12,588 fans to U.S. Cellular Field on Monday night. First pitch was 8:10 p.m. and the temperature was 75 degrees.

What's next?

Trevor Bauer (11-6, 3.86) will face the White Sox and lefty Jose Quintana (11-10, 3.13) Tuesday night at 8:10. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM and WMMS will carry the game.

Bauer is 4-1 in his last six starts. He's made two appearances, including one start, against Chicago this season. He's struck out 11 and allowed one run in nine innings.

In his career, Bauer is 3-1 with a 3.21 ERA against the White Sox.

Quintana will be making his fourth start of the season against the Indians. He's 0-2 with a 3.32 ERA in the first three. Quintana is 5-3 with a 2.70 ERA against the Tribe in his career.

Cleveland Indians flattened by relentless Chicago White Sox: DMan's Report, Game 143 (photos)

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Carlos Carrasco lasted 3 2/3 innings as the Cleveland Indians lost to Chicago White Sox, 11-4, Monday night in Chicago.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Avisail Garcia went 4-for-5 with one homer, Adam Eaton and Todd Frazier homered, and right-hander Miguel Gonzalez allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings as the Chicago White Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians, 11-4, Monday night at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. The White Sox scored at least once in every inning they batted (eight).

Here is a capsule look at the key aspect(s) of the game, which was televised by Fox Sports Time Ohio:

Ground lost: The Indians (83-60) lead the AL Central by 6.0 games over second-place Detroit (77-66). The Tigers beat the Twins, 4-2, at Comerica Park in Detroit.

File and forget: The Indians were out-performed in the most important facets. Simple as that.

Fox Sports Time Ohio play-by-play voice Matt Underwood said of the players wearing gray: "They looked like imposters out there.''

Fox Sports Time Ohio analyst Rick Manning said: "I'm happy. The 27th out is over. Now I'm forgetting about 'em.''

There games happen in the course of 162. Nothing to see here. No reason for Tribe Nation to fret -- unless it happens in the next three days, as well.

Cookie crumbles: Tribe righty Carlos Carrasco allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. He walked one and struck out two. He was gone after 84 pitches.

Carrasco clearly did not possess his best stuff, or command/control of it. His fastball lacked late life, and too many off-speed or breaking pitches stayed above the knees. He deserved the result.

At the same time, Chicago's first run was tainted because of an umpire's terrible ball call. And two other runs could have been cut off at the plate if Tribe outfielders had made better throws.

The shame of this night, from the Cleveland perspective, is that Carrasco was handed a 3-1 lead against Gonzalez after 1 1/2 innings. For a pitcher of Carrasco's caliber against a bad team, that should have been enough.

The White Sox improved to 69-74.

Relentless: Against Carrasco, the White Sox scored once in each of the first three innings and twice in the fourth.

White Sox 1st

Eaton led off with a walk that never should have been. Eaton took a 3-2 fastball (95) that was 100 percent in the zone above the knees. Only plate umpire Dan Iassogna knows why he called it a ball.

One of these days (probably later than sooner), MLB will use video equipment and lasers to call balls and strikes. There still would be the need for a game manager behind the plate, so no jobs would be lost.

Tim Anderson punched a single to right, Eaton stopping at second. Melky Cabrera's grounder to Carrasco moved the runners to second and third, and Jose Abreu's grounder to shortstop drove in Eaton.

White Sox 2nd

Garcia blooped a single to right that Lonnie Chisenhall turned into a single + two-base error. Omar Narvaez hit a sacrifice fly; center fielder Tyler Naquin almost threw out Garcia at the plate.

White Sox 3rd

Anderson lined a single to left. He stole second, barely beating catcher Roberto Perez's throw. Abreu waited out Carrasco until he got a hanger and drilled it to left for an RBI double.

White Sox 4th

Garcia led off with a homer to left (0-1 fastball). Narvaez doubled to right (0-0 fastball). Three batters later, Anderson had an RBI single to left (2-2 breaking pitch) to make it 5-3. A good throw by left fielder Rajai Davis would have erased Narvaez at the plate. 

Dinks and dunks: The Indians softly scored three in the second to take a 3-1 lead.

Jose Ramirez led off by blooping a 2-1 fastball (92 mph) to center. Eaton broke back but recovered in time to be able to call for it. As he called for it, though, Eaton saw shortstop Anderson charging and yielded. Anderson, likely hearing Eaton and sensing him in close proximity, gator-armed the attempt at the catch.

The ball dropped. Hustling Ramirez reached second ahead of right fielder Garcia threw to the infield.

Manning said: "That ball could have, should have, been caught -- but Ramirez will gladly take the double.''

Chisenhall dug out a 1-0 fastball (92) and dumped it in front of left fielder Cabrera near the line. Third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh waved in Ramirez, who beat Melk Man's throw, which would have been too high, regardless. Ramirez's helmet, of course, was flying everywhere as he approached the plate.

As Ramirez tied the score, 1-1, Chisenhall sprinted to second.

Underwood said: "Some gutsy base-running by Ramirez, and a good call by Mike Sarbaugh to wave him home.''

Manning said: "I'll tell you what: That was a good read by Josey. He was off and running knowing Cabrera was not going to get there.''

Davis chopped an 0-1 breaking pitch (79) over the head of third baseman Frazier, who was pulled in because of the threat of bunt. Chisenhall scored and hustling Davis beat Melk Man's throw to second.

Naquin hit a fly to center that would have been a sacrifice if it had been a bunt. With Davis at third, the White Sox pulled in the infield. Perez fought off a first-pitch fastball (94) and dumped it into center for an RBI single.

Carlos Santana grounded into a bang-bang double play to end the uprising.


Oh, what a night! Cleveland Indians stumble, bumble as White Sox score in every inning

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Indians manager Terry Frandona was not happy following an 11-4 loss to the White Sox on Monday night. "That's as bad a game as we've played in a while." Watch video

CHICAGO - The Indians at one time Monday night held a 3-1 lead against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. It's a distant memory because in the words of right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall, "They scored a run in every inning. It's not easy to keep pace with that."

The White Sox, for the first time since 1949, scored a run in every inning of a game on the way to an 11-4 win over the Indians. Manager Terry Francona seemed stunned by that fact and a lot of other things that went wrong Monday.

He watched No.2 starter Carlos Carrasco allow five runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings. He watched Chisenhall make two errors in right field that led to two unearned runs. He watched lefty Kyle Crockett and catcher Roberto Perez get their signals crossed, resulting in a third-strike passed ball that allowed a run to score.

In the seventh inning Jason Kipnis had a ball go off his glove behind second base for a single that allowed a run to score. Not to mention the three home runs the White Sox hit as Francona used six relievers after Carrasco's early exit.

"We gave up runs in every inning," said Francona. "We gave up an early run (first inning), then came back with three runs (second inning). But we can't let them score in every inning. Carlos' stuff is too good for that.

"It's not just on Carlos. We didn't make plays. We made errors. We had cross ups. That's as bad a game as we've played in a while. Hopefully we get it out of our system and come back and play like we can."

After winning his last two starts, Carrarsco looked overmatched against Chicago.

"His stuff was good. He just made a lot of mistakes and they put good swings on him," said Perez. "Sometimes you're going have games like that. You've just got to move on."

Carrasco is 3-9 lifetime against the White Sox. Asked what makes them so difficult, he said, "I don't know. I just want to figure out what I did so I don't do it for my next start."

Chisenhall, with the Indians leading, 3-1, charged a one-out single by Avisail Garcia in the second inning. Halfway through his charge, he stopped, tried to play the ball on the bounce and it skipped past him. Avisail went to third and scored on a sacrifice fly.

"I should have committed to catching that ball," said Chisenhall. "I just wasn't aggressive. If I'm aggressive for that ball, coming in for the dive, catch it or not, I'd be OK with that."

In the fifth, with Jose Abreu on first, Todd Frazier singled to right. Chisenhall played it on the bounce, but the ball skipped off his glove as Abreu went to third and Frazier to second. Abreu ended up scoring on Perez's passed ball.

First a word from Chisenhall, "It's the same thing on the second error. If I stay aggressive and keep coming, I think I can catch that ball, too."

Crockett relieved Perci Garner and struck out Omar Narveas to end the fifth. But because Perez was set up outside expecting Crockett's slider, he never put a glove on his fastball, which broke inside.

Said Perez, "He crossed me up."

Said Crockett, "I went back on the video and looked. My shake (to change signs) wasn't distinctive enough."

Shake or no shake, Francona said, "That can't happen. It's September."

As for Chisenhall, Francona said, "On the first one he got caught in no man's land. I think on the second one, he was looking to see where the runner was and didn't look it into his glove. We have to do better all around. There was a lot of things that happened tonight that hasn't been the norm for us."

Midview moves up in cleveland.com Ohio Super 25 football rankings as five drop out for Week 4, 2016

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Hudson, STVM and Mentor among the five teams to drop out of the in cleveland.com Ohio Super 25 football rankings for Week 4.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The St. Edward football teams slides up in Top 10 as Cincinnati La Salle falls in the Ohio Super 25 entering Week 4 following a 6-0 loss to No. 1 Colerain. A few high-ranking teams also suffered losses resulting five squads being dropped from the Top 25.

Solon dropped from 20th to 25th. But the biggest fall? Fairfield's loss to Dublin Coffman cost it 11 spots. The Indians now sit at No. 22.


Reporters Tim Bielik, Nathaniel Cline and Matt Goul are among the cleveland.com panel that picks the Super 25, which is released each Tuesday. Here is this week's edition:



1. Cincinnati Colerain (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 1, beat Cincinnati La Salle, 6-0.


This week: Friday at Cincinnati Princeton.


2. Huber Heights Wayne (2-0-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 2, beat Lakota West 51-7.


This week: Friday at No. 21 Miamisburg.


3. St. Edward (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 4, beat Glenville, 41-0.


This week: Saturday vs. Cincinnati Elder.

4. Cincinnati La Salle (2-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 3, lost to Colerain, 6-0.


This week: Saturday at Christian Brothers (Tenn.).


5. Stow (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 5, beat Solon, 13-10.


This week: Friday vs. Wadsworth.

6. Archbishop Moeller (2-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 6, beat Mason, 17-14.


This week: Saturday at Don Bosco (N.J.).


7. St. Ignatius (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 7, beat Valley Forge, 49-0.


This week: Friday at Detroit Central Catholic (Mich.).


8. Archbishop Hoban (2-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 8, beat Youngstown Ursuline, 37-12.


This week: Friday vs. Royal Imperial Collegiate (Canada).


9. Cincinnati St. Xavier (1-2)

Last week: Ranked No. 9, beat Mentor, 20-7.


This week: Friday at Cathedral (Indiana).


10. Toledo Central Catholic (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 10, beat Bishop Timon (N.Y.), 49-0.


This week: Friday vs. Oregon Clay.




11. Pickerington Central (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 13, beat Clarkson (Canada), 17-9.


This week: Friday vs. Groveport-Madison.


12. Worthington Kilbourne (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 14, beat Hamilton Township, 38-3.


This week: Friday vs. Thomas Worthington.


13. Olentangy Liberty (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 15, beat St. Thomas More (Canada), 55-10.


This week: Friday vs. Hilliard Davidson.


14. Upper Arlington (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 16, beat Westerville North, 34-7.


This week: Friday at Westerville South.


15. Lewis Center Olentangy (3-0)

Last week: Ranked No. 22, beat Reynoldsburg, 52-51.


This week: Friday at No. 19 Dublin Coffman.


16. Trotwood-Madison (2-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 23, beat Middletown, 42-0.


This week: Friday vs. Tippecanoe.


17. Massillon Perry (2-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 24, beat New Philadelphia, 23-15


This week: Friday vs. Massillon Jackson.


18. Springfield (2-1)

Last week: Unranked, beat Lima Senior, 35-28.


This week: Friday at Centerville.

19. Dublin Coffman (2-1)

Last week: Unranked, beat Fairfield, 31-14.


This week: Friday vs. No. 15 Lewis Center Olentangy.




20. Toledo Whitmer (2-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 25, beat Perrysburg, 52-24.


This week: Friday vs. Lima Senior.




21. Miamisburg (3-0)

Last week: Unranked, beat Dayton Thurgood Marshall, 49-6.


This week: Friday vs. No. 2 Huber Heights Wayne.


22. Fairfield (2-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 11, lost to Dublin Coffman, 31-14.


This week: Friday vs. Middletown.


23. Midview (3-0)

Last week: Unranked, beat Amherst, 34-15.


This week: Friday vs. Avon.


24. Hilliard Bradley (3-0)

Last week: Unranked, beat Hilliard Davidson, 31-28.


This week: Friday vs. Hilliard Darby.


25. Solon (2-1)

Last week: Ranked No. 20, lost to Stow, 13-10.


This week: Friday at Brunswick.


DROPPED OUT


Perrysburg (2-1, was No. 12), Hudson (2-1, was No. 17), St. Vincent-St. Mary (2-1, was No. 18), Hilliard Davidson (2-1, was No. 19), Mentor (1-2, was No. 21).


KEEP AN EYE ON


Avon (3-0, Division II, Region 6), Cincinnati Princeton (3-0, Division II, Region 8), Gahanna Lincoln (3-0, Division I, Region 3), Massillon Jackson (3-0, Division I, Region 1), Uniontown Lake (3-0, Division II, Region 7).



Anthony Hines, a four-star LB and top Ohio State recruit, officially visiting Penn State: Buckeye Breakfast

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Ohio State is still in the mix for an official visit, but he's also closely considering ones from Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and TCU. He can choose only three moving forward.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State has limited spots remaining in its 2017 class, but Urban Meyer would give one of them to four-star linebacker Anthony Hines of Plano (Texas) East. 

But while Ohio State is in Hines' area of the country on Saturday for a national matchup with Oklahoma, the 6-foot-3, 222-pound linebacker is going to be on an official visit to Penn State. 

Rated the No. 2 inside linebacker in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Hines has unofficially visited the Buckeyes multiple times, but it would still be huge if Ohio State could secure an official. 

After going to Penn State this weekend, that will now be two of the five that he's used. Hines was in College Station, Texas, for Texas A&M's season-opener. 

Ohio State is still in the mix for an official visit, but he's also closely considering ones from Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and TCU. He can choose only three moving forward. 

Hines is announcing his college decision on Nov. 29, which is three days after Ohio State's home game vs. Michigan. Browning Browning of Kennedale, Texas, Ohio State's other major linebacker prospect, is also announcing that day. 

Keep up with our coverage from Monday as we look ahead to the Oklahoma game:

Unlike 2015, will Ohio State's first big game of 2016 be a win? Doug Lesmerises

Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott: See Ohio State's new display honoring first-round draft picks under Urban Meyer

What uniforms will Ohio State wear at Oklahoma? The ones from the 2014 Sugar Bowl vs. Alabama

Ohio State's Dontre Wilson is doing something, so how's his foot? Doug Lesmerises

How did Ezekiel Elliott, other Buckeyes rookies fare in NFL debuts? Ohio State NFL Roundup

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Robert Griffin III on IR for at least 8 games with broken bone in shoulder; Josh McCown to start

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RG3 on IR at least could be out awhile with his left shoulder injury and Josh McCown is expected to start Sunday vs. the Ravens. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Robert Griffin III's mom Jackie had plenty of reason to worry afterall.

Her son was placed on injured reserve Monday for at least 8 games with a broken coracoid bone in his left shoulder suffered during the Browns' 29-10 loss to the Eagles in the season opener.

An MRI Monday revealed the fracture.

No surgery is required at this time, but it will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks. Coach Hue Jackson didn't rule out a procedure down the road, and it remains to be seen if Griffin will play at all this season.

As it turns out, mothers really do know best. Griffin's phone went off at the start of his press conference, and he apologized and said, "It's my mother. She's very worried about me.''

By the plane ride home, Griffin knew something could be seriously wrong and expressed it to Josh McCown, who takes over as the starter at the age of 37, beginning with Sunday's home opener against the Ravens.

"It's just heartbreaking because I know how much he wants to be out there with his guys fighting for his team and even on the play itself it showed the fight that he had late in the game when it was tough,'' said McCown, who set a club record with 457 yards passing in an overtime victory over the Ravens last season. "It's not just a teammate, it's a friend that's getting injured.''

McCown added, "At the same time you have to shift mindsets and go, 'This is a job I have to do for my team.' It's a little bit of a juggling act, but as we always say it's the next man up and you move on and focus on next week."

Under the new IR rules in 2016, one player can be designated to return. The designation does not need to be made until that player is able to return to practice. A player placed on injured reserve is eligible to return to practice in six weeks and must miss a minimum of eight games.

Hue Jackson, who made Griffin his reclamation project this year, acknowledged the blow to the team and to Griffin.

"It's very unfortunate, Robert came in and has worked extremely hard to learn our offense and earn the respect of his teammates," Jackson said. "This is a tough loss because everyone has seen how invested he has been in this team and his dedication to the work needed to improve his craft. We all know these are the realities of the NFL, injuries occur and you have to find ways to overcome them so they don't impede your progress.''

Jackson noted that the Browns hung on to McCown, whom the Cowboys coveted, for this very reason. Rookie Cody Kessler, the Browns' third-round pick, now gets moved up to No. 2. The Browns also have rookie Kevin Hogan of Stanford on the practice squad and have no immediate plans to sign another quarterback.''

"Robert will do everything in his power to rehab and get healthy but Josh McCown is on this roster for a reason and we have great confidence in him,'' Jackson said. "He is more than capable. His veteran presence has been an asset to our team throughout our process of preparing for the season. We look forward to him assuming the role of the starter and leading our offensive unit."

After the news broke, Griffin tweeted, "I love this team and believe in the men on it. Keep pushing.''

Griffin was initially hurt on an 11-yard scramble on third and long from his own end zone when rookie cornerback Jalen Mills blasted him right at the sidelines as he was running out of bounds at his own 15. The Browns trailed 22-10 at the time.
RG3-injury-hit 

"Yeah the guy kind of surprised me there on the sideline trying to get out of bounds,'' Griffin said. "It was an unfortunate play.  Just trying to score a touchdown and put us in a position to have a chance to win the game.  It hurt pretty bad, but I felt like I had to get back out there and finish the battle with my teammates out on the field."

On the next play, he was knocked down again after an incomplete pass to Andrew Hawkins and came up wincing.

"It all hurt,'' he said. "The play happened, and you just have to move on from it."  
Griffin said he decided to run out of bounds there instead of sliding.

Jackson stressed that Griffin did the right thing in that situation and shouldn't have necessarily slid instead. He also said he didn't think the play was dirty or that Mills, who came off a Gary Barnidge block, was out of line for the hit despite the fact Griffin was already at the sideline when he popped him.

"Please let me make it known, Robert did not get hurt trying to run into a linebacker or DB,'' said Jackson. "Gary (Barnidge) was blocking the defender and the defender was really out of bounds. (Griffin) was trying to get there, and at the last second, he was being pushed in the back and as he turned to go out of bounds, the guy was standing there, hit him right in the chest. That's how that happened.

"It wasn't because he was trying to take on a defender doing a scramble or anything like that. He was trying to do the right thing, there's no question in my mind about that."

The injury is the third major one of Griffin's professional career and fourth overall. He tore his ACL in 2009 at Baylor and tore it again in 2012 at the end of his rookie season, along with the LCL. In 2014, he suffered a dislocated ankle and missed six games. He's also suffered two concussions in the pros.

Now, he'll miss at least eight games, and possibly more, in a year when the Browns were trying to develop him as the quarterback of the future. The Browns signed Griffin in the offseason to a two-year deal worth $15 million, including $6.75 million guaranteed.

coracoid fracture 

"It's frustrating,'' Jackson said. "But nobody's going to feel sorry for us about it. So we have to move on to the next guy and keep going.''

Jackson, who lost starter Jason Campbell to a broken collarbone when he was head coach in Oakland in 2011 with a 4-2 mark, took the news in stride.   

"My world hasn't been rocked yet,'' he said. "It would take a lot to rock my world at this point. Am I disappointed? Yeah, I'm disappointed for our players and for the organization and for the fans. But I'm not discouraged by any stretch of the imagination. Matter of fact, I'm more determined to get this fixed.''

In McCown, Jackson has a seasoned veteran who played well last year before succumbing to a broken collarbone and being placed on injured reserve for the final five games. He completed 63.7% of his passes with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. He earned a 93.3 rating, which was 14th in the NFL. His record was only 1-7, but the Browns certainly didn't lose because of him.

"That's why we kept Josh here, because he knows how to play and he's been in this league,'' he said. "It's unfortunate that this happened to Robert, but it's comforting to know that we have a guy that knows how to play the game.''

The Cavaliers were saved by these plays you forgot from Game 7 of the NBA Finals (video)

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Fans remember LeBron James' block, Kyrie Irving's 3-pointer, and Kevin Love's defense on Stephen Curry from the Cavs' Game 7 triumph in the Finals. Here's a look at seven other plays that saved Cleveland. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- To recap, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA Finals.

After it happened, on June 19, with the Cavs' stunning 93-89 victory in Game 7 over the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., LeBron James dropped to the court and wept tears of joy.

ABC play-by-play man Mike Breen quipped: "Cleveland's long sports nightmare has ended. The drought is over."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver told the stunned Oracle Arena crowd: "You just witnessed one of the greatest games in NBA history."

So, there was a lot going on.

The Cavs, of course, completed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, recovering from a 3-1 deficit to force and beat the Warriors in that Game 7.

James, named Finals MVP for the third time and having posted a triple double in the last game, completed a modern American sports fairy tale by delivering to northeast Ohio the first Cavs championship.

Kyrie Irving's game-winning 3-pointer over Stephen Curry.

James' block of Andre Iguodala.

Kevin Love's smothering defense on Curry, the two-time MVP.

Again, it was a busy night.

With training camp for the 2016-17 season nearly upon us, and, frankly, having never watched the telecast of Game 7 myself, I decided to dial it up on DVR for one last look before the Cavs go to work on their title defense.

What stood out to me were the key plays, storylines, and momentum swings throughout the game that preceded the game's frenetic, unforgettable final 4:40.

No, the Cavs probably don't win if not for James' out-of-nowhere, iconic, chase-down block, or Irving's steely, indelibly etched in NBA history 3-pointer. But those are the plays you've celebrated all summer. You've seen them each 100 times.

Here are some of the moments that were perhaps swept up by the suspense and then euphoria over Cleveland's first major pro sports championship since 1964.

LeBron gets going

Yes, James finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He scored the game's final point -- his free throw with 10.6 seconds put the game virtually out of reach, save for a Warrior miracle.

But he didn't start well, something that's hard to imagine now. Before James slipped free from Curry and attacked the rim with a vicious, two-handed slam with 3:12 left in the first quarter, he was just 1-of-3 shooting with three turnovers.

James ended the quarter with six points, six rebounds, and three assists.

The 4-pointer

Iman Shumpert would be near the bottom of any list of Cavs you'd expect would make the team's first and only 3-pointer of the first half in the most important game in franchise history.

Shumpert struggled in the playoffs, averaging only 3.3 points. And yet he caught a kick-out from James, drained his 3-pointer while being fouled by Shaun Livingston, and converted the free throw with 7:02 left.

The play gave the Cavs a 31-29 lead, but the half ended with the Warriors ahead 49-42. Golden State was 10-of-21 from 3-point range to the Cavs' 1-of-10.

It could've been worse. Oh and by what margin did the Cavs ultimately win this game?

Four points.

The Block, vol. I

You can argue James' swatting of a Curry layup try with 5:07 left in the second quarter was foreshadowing THE BLOCK of Iguodala later.

You can opine that James' dismissive, are you kidding me look at Curry after the two were tangled up following the block was James sending a message that he's still boss in the NBA.

For me, it was more of a metaphor for a theme from the entire game. The Cavs always had an answer for Curry.

Curry scored 17 points and registered four 3-pointers. He also notched an old-fashioned 3-point play in the second quarter when he was fouled on a layup.

After all but one of those Curry 3s, the Cavs scored the next basket.

The Warriors' longest run of the game was 8-0. They were never able to build off the momentum a Curry 3-ball usually generates.

JR to the rescue

The Warriors won 39 of 41 home games during the regular season. They set an NBA record for wins overall -- 73 -- and of course were defending champs who were trying to avoid becoming the first team to lose the Finals after going up 3-1 in the series.

So when the Cavs fell behind 54-46 with 10:31 left in the third (their largest deficit), there was great reason for concern.

Enter J.R. Smith, who scored 8 points in the first 2:30 of the quarter, including back-to-back 3s. Smith's consecutive triples enabled Cleveland to blunt the Warriors' momentum that had swelled in similar situations all season.

Smith's outburst brought the Cavs to within two points, until...

The Kyrie quarter

This guy took over. Irving scored 12 of his 26 total points in the third. He blew past Festus Ezeli (remember the name for later) at 8:53 to tie the score at 54 and cap an 8-0 spurt with a layup.

But that play pales in comparison to the ridiculous, off-balance, left-handed banker he pulled off over Draymond Green with 4:43 left. Irving was fouled, of course, and make his free throw. He finished an 11-0 run that put the Cavs ahead 65-59.

Had he not hit THE SHOT, this would've been the play of the Finals for Irving.

Poor Festus

The Warriors were ahead 87-83 with 5:24 left in the game and riding a 7-0 run (remember all that stuff about being historically good at home and a historically great team? Now, add in a 4-point lead halfway through the final quarter with momentum clearly on Golden State's side).

And then, Festus Ezeli fouled James on a 3-point try (to view the foul, go to approximately 2:15 on the above clip). Naturally, James made all three foul shots.

You see, Ezeli didn't commit just the one bone-headed play by fouling James. Making his first start of the playoffs because center Andrew Bogut was injured, Ezeli killed the Warriors. He missed all four of his shots and grabbed just one rebound in 11 minutes, and was a liability on defense, too.

Bad Steph

The other culprit in stomping out the Warriors' fourth-quarter lead and momentum was Curry. The Cavs had not yet overtaken them when Curry brought the ball up the floor and nonchalantly flipped an errant, behind-the-back pass to Klay Thompson that landed out of bounds with 5:16 left (can viewed at :30 in the above clip).

There was simply no reason for Curry to throw the pass, and even less of a reason to be so careless in his attempt.

James buried a 3-pointer on the Cavs' next possession and Golden State never led again. Curry was 1-of-6 shooting in the quarter.

Aftermath

The final buzzer blared, the Cavs (most notably, Love) mobbed James, the Warriors shuffled off the court in disbelief.

When the team finally gathered on the makeshift stage to accept the Larry O'Brien trophy, one particular player wasn't in down in front. James, the Cavs' best player, the Finals MVP, was somewhere in the back when Silver handed the trophy to owner Dan Gilbert.

James eventually emerged into the shot, and his teammates were urging him to go up front and grab the trophy. Lift it up, LeBron, in glory, they urged.

"I can't," James said as he shook his head, still overcome with emotion. Of course, he found his way to the front and did indeed hoist that trophy high overhead.

Training camp to defend that trophy starts Sept. 27.  

Carl Nassib is listed as a starter on Browns' new depth chart; here are 8 GIFs showing you why

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Take a look at some of the highlights from Carl Nassib's NFL debut.

No Robert Griffin III, what now for Cleveland Browns? -- Terry Pluto (video)

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Robert Griffin III will miss at least eight games after suffering a shoulder injury in the Cleveland Browns opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. So now what? Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns will be without quarterback Robert Griffin III for at least eight games, if not more. Griffin suffered a shoulder injury in the Browns' season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

RG3's chance of being a long-term answer at QB was a long shot at the start of the season. Now, the Browns can't even consider him as anything more than a possible backup.

A major part of ability in the NFL is durability.

That is a major problem for Griffin.

So Josh McCown takes over at quarterback for Sunday's home opener against the Baltimore Ravens. What does that mean for the Browns?


Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox starting lineups for Tuesday night

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The Indians and White Sox play the middle game of this four-game set Tuesday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

CHICAGO -- Here are the lineups for Tuesday night's game between the Indians and White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m.

INDIANS

CF Rajai Davis.

2B Jason Kipnis.

SS Francisco Lindor.

DH Mike Napoli.

1B Carlos Santana.

3B Jose Ramirez.

LF Brandon Guyer.

RF Abraham Almonte.

C Roberto Perez.

RHP Trevor Bauer, 11-6, 3.86

WHITE SOX

CF Adam Eaton.

SS Tim Anderson.

LF Melky Cabrera.

DH Jose Abreu.

C Alex Avila.

1B Todd Frazier.

RF Avisail Garcia.

3B Carlos Sanchez.

2B Tyler Saladono.

LHP Jose Quintana, 11-10 3.13.

UMPIRES

H Lance Barrett.

1B Dale Scott.

2B Bob Davidson.

3B Dan Iassogna.

Sen. Sherrod Brown volunteers Ohio to host NCAA championships

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U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown says Ohio would embrace NCAA events removed from North Carolina over its controversial LGBT laws "with open arms."

WASHINGTON D.C. - North Carolina's pain could be Ohio's gain, if U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown gets his way.

On Tuesday, the Cleveland Democrat wrote a letter asking NCAA President Mark Emmert to consider having Ohio host some of the seven championship events his organization removed from North Carolina over the state's laws on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

NCAA pulls 7 postseason events out of NC due to LGBT law

The sports organization is the latest to bypass the state over its controversial law requiring transgender people to use restrooms that match the sex on their birth certificates. The law blocks gender identity and sexual orientation from inclusion in local and state anti-discrimination laws.

Brown's letter thanked the NCAA for its decision, saying it "sends a powerful message that discrimination is unacceptable."

He went on to note that Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati and Akron have hosted six separate NCAA championship events in the past two years and those cities, along with Cleveland, are slated to hold eight more through 2018.

"Our state's undeniable track record, along with the remarkable growth underway in our major cities, are why I urge you to relocate NCAA championship events to Ohio," Brown wrote. "Your organization would be hard-pressed to find a better partner, and I know Ohioans would embrace these events with open arms."

Ohio Democrats say Cleveland should host NBA All-Star game

Earlier this year, Ohio Democrats in Congress volunteered Cleveland to host the 2017 National Basketball Association All-Star game when the organization withdrew the event from North Carolina over the state's policies. The NBA chose to move that event to New Orleans.

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox, Game 144

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The Cleveland Indians continue their four-game series against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

CHICAGO -- The Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox play game two on Tuesday of their four-game at U.S. Cellular Field. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat below.

Game 144: Indians (83-60) vs. White Sox (69-74)

First pitch: 8:10 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 FM, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup: RHP Trevor Bauer (11-6, 3.86) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (11-10, 3.13).

Fact du jour: Jose Ramirez is hitting .389 in 18 career at-bats against Quintana with a .950 OPS. Rajai Davis, Mike Napoli and Carlos Santana each have a career home run off the Chicago lefty.

Should the Cleveland Indians be worried about Danny Salazar? -- Terry Pluto (video)

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The Cleveland Indians believe Danny Salazar's arm issues aren't serious, but he had elbow surgery in 2010, so arm problems are always a concern. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Indians righthander Danny Salazar made the American League All-Star team with a 10-3 record and 2.75 ERA. But his elbow was already starting to bother him a few weeks before the July 8 All-Star break began.

Since the break, Salazar is 1-3 with a 7.44 ERA in eight starts. He received a cortisone shot in his elbow.

Now, he's out at least for the rest of the regular season with a strained flexor muscle in his right forearm.

The Indians believe the arm problem is not serious. But Salazar had Tommy John elbow surgery on August 1, 2010. Arm problems are always a concern.

With Salazar out, what will the Indians do to fill the holes in the rotation? Watch the video.

Catcher Yan Gomes expected to be activated this weekend by Cleveland Indians

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If the Indians activate catcher Yan Gomes, they must be able to answer two questions -- how much can he play and will he be a factor if they advance to the postseason?

CHICAGO - The Indians are expected to activate catcher Yan Gomes this weekend when Detroit comes to Progressive Field for what could be the start of a critical seven-game home and away series in the final 17 games of the regular season.

Gomes has been on a rehab assignment in the minors recovering from a separated right shoulder suffered in July against the Twins at Target Field.

"I think he's on track to join us when he's eligible," said manager Terry Francona. "Again, he won't be able to catch everyday, but having him back will be really nice."

Gomes is eligible to be activated from the 60-day disabled list Friday. Roberto Perez is currently starting behind the plate. Chris Gimenez and Adam Moore are the other two catchers on the roster.

The return of Gomes comes with a question. If the Indians make the postseason, and Gomes isn't ready to play every game, will they carry three catchers to compensate? It's hard to imagine they would, but at the moment a lot depends on how much Gomes will be able to play.

Gomes caught Tuesday night for Class AA Akron in the Eastern League championship series against Trenton. He's scheduled to DH on Wednesday before joining the Indians.

As for the remainder of the regular season, Chris Antonetti, Indians president of baseball operations, was unsure who would catch the most.

"We don't have a clear answer," he said. "A lot will be dependent on how the guys are doing. Tito is going to go, I'm sure, with the guys who give us the best chance to win the game."

Waiting game: Antonetti talked about the possibility of getting Danny Salazar back should the team make the postseason.

Salazar long shot to pitch again this season

"The estimate we're getting is that it will take three or four weeks," said Antonetti. "He'll have the PRP injection. He'll have a period of not being able to throw and then we'll build up his volume and see how his arm responds to that.

"If it responds favorably, it could be on the early side of that three- to four-week time frame. If we build up the volume and it doesn't respond favorably, we could be longer. That would obviously have an impact if we were able to get into or advance in the postseason."

Salazar was shut down with a strained flexor muscle in his right forearm after he left Friday's start against the Twins after four innings. He received a PRP injection Tuesday and can't pick up a baseball for an estimated 10 days. After that, the Indians said, he'd need three to four weeks to be ready to pitch in games.

Nominated: First baseman-DH Mike Napoli has been nominated for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award by his teammates. All 30 teams nominated a player and six finalists will appear on the ballot Tuesday when all big league players vote for the Players Choice Awards.

Fans can vote for the Miller nominees of their choice at MLBPlayers.com.

Miller, who died in 2012, turned the players association into one of the strongest unions in the county. In doing so, he revolutionized the way players are paid and treated by teams.

Finally: The Indians will start their fall program for prospects Monday at Progressive Field. It's an off day for the big league club so the players will report to Progressive Field. From Tuesday through Friday they will work out at Classic Park, home of the Class A Lake County Captains in Eastlake.

"In some ways this is a combination of our old winter development program and our fall program," said GM Mike Chernoff. "We still do an instructional league our younger players, but this is for players with a bit more experience." ... Minor league managers Tony Mansolino and Anthony Medrano have joined the Indians on this trip. Mansolino just finished his first year at Class A Lake County, while Medrano finished his sixth season managing the Arizona Rookie League Indians.

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