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

World Series 2016 preview: Links to all of cleveland.com's Cubs vs. Indians coverage

0
0

Check out links to all of cleveland.com's World Series preview coverage. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Game 1 of the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians is hours away. Here are links to all of cleveland.com's coverage leading up to the Fall Classic.

THE TEAMS

Take a look at each team position-by-position and see which club has the advantage. 

Will injuries to Jason Kipnis and Trevor Bauer hold the Tribe back? Can Danny Salazar have some sort of impact on the Series? 

THE NUMBERS

Here's a look at four numbers that should give Indians fans hope against the Cubs and four numbers that should cause concern

THE ODDS

The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto says the Cubs are favored to win the Series, but oddsmakers have been counting the Indians out this entire postseason. And hit hasn't worked yet. 

THE HOMETOWN KID

Chicago native Jason Kipnis laments the matchup with his hometown Cubs, saying he knows how frustrating it is to wait so long for a shot at a World Series crown. 

THE DROUGHT

Both the Cubs and Indians have waited a long time for the chance to get the World Series monkey off their backs. One team will get it done in the next 10 days. The other will see its misery continue. 

THE PREDICTIONS

Columnist Bud Shaw says the Indians have come far enough to be able to figure out how to win against the Cubs.  Zack Meisel quips that with the Indians' success, maybe these are the new 'good old days' in Cleveland sports.  And Paul Hoynes says the Indians have only one goal: to be the last team standing at the end of the Series

THE SCHEDULE

There are some late nights ahead for Tribe fans as World Series games all carry an 8 p.m. start time. 

THE FORECAST

If you're heading to Progressive Field for games tonight and tomorrow, here's the weather you can expect at the park. 

THE TRAFFIC

Getting to the park could be a little hectic, with the Cavaliers ring ceremony going on next door. Here's a list of parking bans and closures in the area. 


The World Series is a good time to be a goat in Cleveland

0
0

Goats have become a common sight in Cleveland this week as Indians fans try to extend the curse on the Chicago Cubs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Goats are big in Cleveland this week as Indians fans try to extend the curse on the Chicago Cubs.

James Kovach walked Dexter and Tug around Progressive Field Tuesday morning after they made several television appearances. The going was slow as fans sought photos, Kovach said by phone.

It was a new duty for the male goats, who are rented to homeowners who need weeds and other fauna stripped from their property. But Kovach said he will do anything to extend the Cubs' Curse of the Billy Goat, which many fans believe have kept their team from winning a World Series since 1908.

That move came after Indians fans brought two goats to the stadium Monday in an effort to extend the so-called Curse of the Billy Goat.

Indians fans bring goats to Progressive Field.

Kovach said he is tracing the lineage of Dexter and Tug and they may be distant cousins to Murphy, the goat banned from Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series that started the whole Curse of the Billy Goat. Kovach and his wife, who live in Valley City, own Haulin' Goats.

The goats' appearance was booked by Universal Medical Systems of Solon, which supplies veterinary imaging systems.

The animals were featured on Fox8.

More goats

This afternoon Kimpton's Chicago properties will be delivering a goat to The Schofield Hotel in Cleveland.

The goat has this message:

Your Kimpton sister hotels in Chicago wanted to let you know "They Ain't Afraid of No Goats!" But YOU should be. 

If Chicago loses the five Kimpton Chicago hotels will offer Cleveland residents rates of $99 a night in December, subject to blackout dates. If Cleveland loses the Scofield will offer Chicago residents the same deal.

The reason behind this whole goat obsession.

On Oct. 6, 1945, Billy Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, arrived at Wrigley Field for game four of the 1945 World Series with his pet goat, according to history.com

Sianis, who had a ticket for his goat, was either turned away at the gate or was allowed to enter but later asked to leave because his goat smelled, according to the website.

Regardless, an angry Sianis allegedly declared "Them Cubs, they ain't gonna win no more."

The Cubs lost the series. They haven't appeared in the World Series again until now.

Ohio State playing at Wisconsin, Penn State back-to-back was not a Big Ten scheduling conspiracy

0
0

The Big Ten explained to cleveland.com how Ohio State ended up playing at Wisconsin and at Penn State back-to-back with each team coming off a bye.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Put down your pitchforks. There's no Big Ten scheduling conspiracy against Ohio State.

Yes, the Buckeyes had to play at Wisconsin and at Penn State back-to-back weeks with each opponent coming off a bye week. That's the Buckeyes (bad) luck of the draw, and possibly the new normal in the Big Ten.

The Big Ten is better. Some games will be tougher. It just so happened that the Buckeyes had to play two tough road games back-to-back, but that schedule was approved by Ohio State.

"The schedules are approved by the athletic directors," Mark Rudner the Big Ten's Senior Associate Commissioner of Television Administration told cleveland.com on Tuesday.

"When we draft the schedules, we present it to them and everybody has their say. They look at it from a competitive standpoint and if there's something they don't like, they have a vote in the room to. These schedules were all approved by the athletic directors. Any change to a schedule requires an approval by the athletic directors. It's not really driven by the conference office."

We received a lot of questions on Twitter from Ohio State fans wondering how the Buckeyes ended up with this tough two-week stretch that ended with a 1-1 record.

The schedules are reviewed and approved by the Big Ten's athletic directors. If Ohio State had a problem with the setup, it could have asked for it to be changed. A change would have required a vote of approval from the conference athletic directors.

Ohio State never asked for a change, because at some point every team has to play someone coming off a bye and sometimes tough Big Ten games pile on top of each other.

"You can look around the league at other programs and make the same argument," Rudner said. "I'm sure there are teams out there who have played some of the stronger programs in back-to-back weeks with a week to prepare."

Wisconsin's schedule is ridiculous. The Badgers played at Michigan State, at Michigan, home against Ohio State, at Iowa and home against Nebraska in five-straight games.

Nebraska has to play at Wisconsin and at Ohio State back-to-back weeks. Maryland plays at Michigan, home against Ohio State and at Nebraska in three-straight weeks.

Ohio State isn't alone in having a tough stretch. What made the Buckeyes situation more unique is that both Wisconsin and Penn State were coming off byes.

That's just the way it shook out.

"We've talked with our athletic directors and they've instructed us not to factor (when bye weeks happen) into the scheduling equation. Hopefully over time it evens out ... We do not take that into account when we create the schedule. We play 12 games in 13 weeks, everyone is going to have at least one bye. It's one of the consequences of having the extra week in the season."

Cleveland Orchestra celebrates winning Tribe with banners outside Severance Hall (gallery)

0
0

Just as it did for the champion Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Orchestra has adorned the front of Severance Hall with banners honoring the Cleveland Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Let the games begin. The Cleveland Orchestra is now officially behind the Cleveland Indians.

Just as it did for the champion Cleveland Cavaliers, the orchestra Tuesday - hours before Game 1 of the World Series - adorned the front of Severance Hall with banners honoring the Tribe.

The red, white and blue banners, visible from Euclid Avenue at East Boulevard, read, "American League Champions 2016: Congratulations from the Cleveland Orchestra." All who pass through University Circle will now get a lift like a ball headed out of the park.

A spokesman for the orchestra said the banners will remain in place at least through the duration of the series.

That's not all the orchestra has done to show its support and love of baseball. The group also has shot a promotional video featuring inspirational performances and cheers for the team by individual musicians. That video is expected to be released later Tuesday.

Baseball writer takes chilly dip after Cleveland Indians reach World Series

0
0

Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes, after writing the Indians off in September, made a bet that if they made it to the World Series, he'd jump into Lake Erie. Tuesday morning, before Game 1 of the World Series, he took the plunge. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - News flash. The Indians are in the World Series and one particular baseball writer is in the drink.

No, not that kind of drink, we're talking about Lake Erie and Davey Jones' locker. I made a bet with a fan that if the Indians reached the World Series, I'd jump into the lake after I wrote the Indians off in September, saying they'd win the AL Central, but would advance no farther than the first round of the postseason following injuries to starting pitchers Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco.

Well, Game 1 of the World Series is Tuesday night at Progressive Field, Salazar was just added to the Tribe's roster so I figured I'd better pay my debt before we start see ice flows and Polar bears on the big pond between Cleveland and Canada.

I didn't run into any walleye or perch. Didn't even come across a bottom feeding carp (insert joke here). To be honest, I didn't stick around that long.

Do you remember the undertow? When the wave was the rage at ballparks across the county, Tom Waddell, a pitcher for the Indians, looked around old Cleveland Stadium and knew there weren't enough fans in attendance to do a proper wave. So he called the Tribe's version of the wave the undertow.

When I dove into the lake this morning, that's what I thought about. The undertow. It made me smile, but it didn't make me any warmer.

OHSAA football computer points after Week 10: Cuyahoga Heights, Mogadore among teams to clinch a home playoff spot

0
0

Gilmour and Cuyahoga Heights football teams moved up in the computer playoff rankings after Week 9. Here is a brief look at the OHSAA playoff points and predictions moving into Week 10.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – A handful of area teams have clinched a home playoff spot after wins in Week 9 while others dropped out of contention.

Plenty of scenarios can change between now and the end of Week 10. Those teams that are "currently in" the postseason picture can drop out, and teams that are "currently out" still have a chance to win a spot. JoeEitel.com offers unofficial figures to project computer points.


On Tuesday, the OHSAA will release its weekly ratings. Only eight in each of 28 regions across the state will advance to the postseason.


Here is a look at the area teams in qualifying position and squads in the hunt.


DIVISION I, REGION 1


Currently in: St. Edward* (7-1), Solon* (8-1), Stow* (8-1) and St. Ignatius (8-1).


Currently out: Cleveland Heights (6-3), Mentor (5-4) and Euclid (6-3).


Comments: Euclid drops out of the list of qualifiers after 26-19 loss to Medina on Friday. This brings the Panthers to 55 percent of making the playoffs, according to Drew Pasteur's Ohio Fantastic 50 projections. Cleveland Heights holds a 45 percent chance followed by Mentor’s 14. Shaker Heights (5-4) is out of playoff contention after have been mathematically eliminated.


DIVISION I, REGION 2


Currently in: Medina* (8-1) and Lorain* (7-2).


Currently out: None.


Comments: Medina and Lorain earned playoff berths while Elyria (3-6) and Parma (5-4) were put out of playoff contention after have been mathematically eliminated.


DIVISION II, REGION 5


Currently in: Aurora** (8-1), Chardon* (9-0), Hudson* (7-2), Copley* (7-2),  Bedford (7-2), Brecksville (8-1) and Ellet (7-2).


Currently out: Willoughby South (5-4), Barberton (7-2), Maple Heights (5-4)


Comments: Aurora clinched a home playoff game as Hudson, Chardon and Copley clinched playoff berths. Willoughby South moved out of the list of qualifiers after a 20-14 overtime loss to Riverside. A small chance of making the playoff chances still exists for Maple Heights and South. Pasteur projects Brush (4-5) not in playoff contention, but not mathematically eliminated by JoeEitel.com. Green (2-7) and Nordonia (3-6) have been eliminated.


DIVISION II, REGION 6


Currently in: Avon**(9-0), Midview** (8-1), Olmsted Falls (7-2), Glenville (6-3) and Westlake (6-3).


Currently out: Avon Lake (6-3).


Comments: Avon and Midview clinched a home playoff spot. Avon Lake’s playoff chances are at 74 percent after falling, 55-34, to Midview on Friday. Glenville moved back into a qualifying spot after an OHSAA ruling was overturned returning the team’s two wins. Highland (5-4) and Wadsworth (4-5) have been mathematically eliminated.


DIVISION III, REGION 9


Currently in: Archbishop Hoban* (8-1), Buckeye* (8-1) and St. Vincent St. Mary (5-4).


Currently out: West Geauga (5-4), East (6-3) and Ravenna (6-3).


Comments: A 33-28 win for Perry pushed West Geauga out of the list of qualifiers. Akron East has an 84 percent chance to make the postseason followed by one percent chance for Ravenna. West Geauga is projected by Pasteur to be out of playoff contention. Norton (4-5), Buchtel (4-5) and Coventry (4-5) have been mathematically eliminated.


DIVISION III, REGION 10


Currently in: University School* (7-2) and Padua (5-4).


Currently out: John Hay (5-3), Bay (6-3), Collinwood (4-5) and Benedictine (3-6).


Comments: Bay and John Hay still hang on to a small percentage of making the playoffs. Pasteur projects Collinwood (4-5) and Benedictine (3-6) to be out of playoff contention, but have not been mathematically eliminated based on figures by JoeEitel.com. Toledo Central Catholic, which holds the No. 1 qualifying spot, clinched the No. 1 seed.


DIVISION IV, REGION 13


Currently in: Perry** (9-0), Crestwood* (8-1), Woodridge* (9-0), Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (6-3) and Lakeview (6-3).


Currently out: Firelands (6-3), Southeast (5-4), Keystone (6-3), Orange (5-4) and Holy Name (6-3).


Comments: Perry clinched a home playoff spot as Crestwood and Woodridge solidified their playoff spots. Holy Name has 64 percent chance of earning a postseason bid as Streetsboro (4-5) fell out of contention after being mathematically eliminated. Pasteur projects Firelands, Southeast, Keystone and Orange not in contention for the postseason, but have not been mathematically eliminated.


DIVISION V, REGION 17


Currently in: Wickliffe (7-2), Akron Manchester (6-3), Garrettsville Garfield (7-2) and Gilmour (7-2).


Currently out: Black River (6-3) and Rootstown (5-4)


Comments: Gilmour moved up to a qualifying spot after a 14-8 win at home against Lutheran East. The Lancers have a projected 34 percent chance to earn a playoff bid. Warrensville Heights (4-5), Crestview (3-6) and Beachwood (3-6) each lost last week and are projected to miss the playoffs after being mathematically eliminated. Rootstown is projected by Pasteur to miss the playoffs following a 35-14 loss to Garrettsville Garfield.


DIVISION V, REGION 18


Qualifiers: None.


Currently out: Elyria Catholic (5-4).


Comments: Elyria Catholic remains with a one percent chance of making the playoffs after a 24-7 win against Rocky River.


DIVISION VI, REGION 21


Qualifiers: Cuyahoga Heights** (9-0), Kirtland* (8-1), and Columbia Station (7-2).


Currently out: Independence (7-2).


Comments: Kirtland has clinched a playoff spot and will host Cuyahoga Heights clinched a home playoff game after a 21-0 win against Kirtland on Friday in a Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division matchup. Independence still has a three percent chance of making the playoffs following a 47-7 win against Berkshire.


Division VII, REGION 25


Qualifiers: Mogadore** (8-1) and Windham (6-3).


Currently out: Newbury (5-4).


Comments: Mogadore sealed up a playoff spot and clinched a home game with a 48-0 win against Waterloo. Windham improved its playoff chances from 46 percent to 99 as the team jumped from eighth to the sixth in the rankings. Despite a win in Week 9, Newbury’s playoff chances dropped from four percent last week to one.


*Clinched playoff spot


**Clinched home game

What are we dreaming about the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals? Bud vs. Doug

0
0

Our picks for the NBA Finals are part of the latest Prepare for List off with Bud Shaw and Doug Lesmerises. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Your NBA Finals pick is different?

NBA general managers, not surprisingly, picked the Cavs to face the Golden State Warriors in the finals for the third straight season. And 69 percent of them picked the Warriors to win. 

In our Latest Prepare for List Off, Bud Shaw and I analyzed the obvious, which is right in our wheelhouse. Future Prepare for List Off topics include the Browns are bad, LeBron is good and Doug is more handsome than Bud. 

What did we think when we saw what those GMs picked?

What are our own NBA Finals predictions?

Watch and learn.

How Hue Jackson needs Cody Kessler to protect himself better: 'He's proved his toughness'

0
0

Hue Jackson is calling on Cody Kessler and his other QBs to protect themselves better, especially behind an injury-ravaged line. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Hue Jackson loves that Cody Kessler has that dog in him. Now, he wants that dog to heel every once in awhile.

"Cody has proved his toughness,'' said Jackson. "He doesn't have to do that all the time. He can do some things better to protect himself in those situations, but it was a heck of a play that he and Gary (Barnidge) made that gave us the chance to go score a touchdown. I don't want to take the fight out of him, but he also has to understand the situation he's in.''

Kessler was knocked out of Sunday's 31-17 loss to the Bengals with a concussion when he took a big hit on his backhanded flip to Barnidge, who rumbled 11 yards to the 5. Two plays later, Isaiah Crowell ran in from the one for a touchdown to put the Browns up 10-7.

Kessler is hoping to be cleared for Sunday's game against the Jets, but it will be up to the independent neurologist. It's difficult to get sprung from the concussion protocol in a week, but the chances are greater for  quarterback with no history of concussions and with a mild head injury, which Kessler, a source said.

But Jackson can no longer stomach watching his young prospect absorb all these blows behind an injury-ravaged and oft-reshuffled line. Kessler was sacked six times in Tennessee, and hit hard a total of 11. For comparison's sake, Marcus Mariota was struck three times in that 28-26 Titans victory.

Did Kessler cross the line on that second and 13 flip to Barnidge from the 16?

"I don't know if the rule (of protecting himself) was violated,'' said Jackson. "He made a play. Sometimes, you react and you do things, and all of a sudden, he was rolling to his right and he saw Gary and at the last second, he flipped the ball there and ended up taking a wicked hit. When we watch this with Cody, we will tell him again, 'Hey, if you are going to get flushed, maybe throw the ball away just to save yourself a little bit from those hits.' We don't want quarterbacks taking unnecessary hits.''

Cody Kessler, Josh McCown, and Kevin Hogan are all still possibilities to start vs Jets

Jackson said the quarterbacks, especially given the fact they're down to their fourth-stringer in rookie Kevin Hogan right now, must not put themselves in harm's way. The Browns also added rookie quarterback Joe Callahan, who's No. 2 on the unofficial depth chart behind Hogan right now.

 "You can't do it,'' Jackson said. "At the end of the day, that's what they're going to learn because if not, you're standing over there next to me or you're in concussion protocol. You just can't do it. That's hard. It is a hard lesson to learn sometimes. I used to have this thing where quarterbacks just had to say 'uncle.' You throw the ball away or you take a sack just because it's the right thing to do for your football team. This is not about one individual. This is about your team.

"If you're not playing, then we're hurting the team. I don't think Cody was trying to do anything to hurt his football team. He was trying to do everything he could to help his team score. There's a fine line, but right now in the situation that we've been in losing quarterbacks, the quarterbacks all have to say to themselves, 'Hey, look, maybe I need to throw this ball away or go down because it is the best thing for our team right now.'''

Jackson said he'll say the same thing to McCown once he's cleared to play from his broken collarbone. Like Kessler, McCown sacrifices his body and loathes saying 'uncle.'

"Absolutely, 14 or one, I will have it with Cody again, Josh and all of them,'' he said. "You have to be team protecting as we move forward."

But anyone who's played quarterback knows that's easier said than done. They're wired to leave it all on the field and fight to the death.

 "There's no balance in playing football,'' said Terrelle Pryor, who began his career as a quarterback.  "It's football. Coach Hue knows that. At the end of the day, we're trying to make a play and Cody tried to make a play and actually got us in great position to score. I know coach Hue. (Kessler's) our third-string guy. We're having a little history with these quarterback things going on. What Hue's saying is 'be smart, don't take the hits. Maybe throw it away.' But it's tough because you're on the line. We're out here fighting for the fans, for this city, for our coaching staff, for the teammates and all you want to do is advance and score so everybody's happy.''

Pryor defended Kessler flipping the ball to Barnidge instead of living to see another down.

"That's what this game's all about is making everyone happy, doing your job and doing it to the best of your ability and that's what Cody did,'' said Pryor. "He took a hit, took a hell of a hit, but he has the heart of a lion. He wanted to go back out there. I'm like 'dude, you can't...'' I (held up three fingers)  and I was like 'how many fingers am I holding up?' and he said 'four.' So I was just joking with him a little bit. Our trainers did a great job getting him out and testing him and keeping him off to keep him safe.''

Hogan, who rushed for 104 yards and will also have to be more careful now, said he would've done the same thing as Kessler in that situation.

"Yeah, Cody is trying to make a play there and Cody's a tough kid,'' he said. "That was just one of those things where he had a good hit and then I think he just hit the ground. It was just one of those plays, but he's trying to make a play there and made a great play if it was not for the unfortunate circumstance of what happened. That is a great play getting us in third and short, manageable situation, so you can't really fault him for that. It is just him being a football player."

At the same time, Hogan understands where Jackson is coming from on the 'protect yourself' mandate. The Browns are injury-ravaged on the line, with guard Joel Bitonio out for the season and center Cam Erving missing time with a bruised lung and unspecified illness. The line has been shuffled and reshuffled all season.

"It is extremely vital,'' said Hogan. "You need to protect yourself. It's not a pride thing. You want to protect yourself so that you can stay in the game and put yourself in a good situation to execute the offense. I learned from yesterday a little bit more, had some good hits and was able to get down a few more times, but now I kind of understand which situations you want to kind of go for the first down or the end zone and when to kind of get down and protect yourself."

Jackson is hoping all four of his quarterbacks, including three rookies, get the message.


Ohio State's deep threat? Corey Smith expected to return to practice Tuesday

0
0

"I think he's going to practice today," Meyer said. "You know, his hand is in a little (cast). He has use of his fingers now. He had that surgery on his wrist, so we'll know more today, but I think he's going to practice from what I hear."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Even though Corey Smith had a cast on his right arm, he played at Oklahoma in September. He stopped playing after that. 

Smith could be back this week. 

Urban Meyer said on the Big Ten teleconference Tuesday that Smith -- who is recovering from wrist surgery -- is returning to practice. 

"I think he's going to practice today," Meyer said. "You know, his hand is in a little (cast). He has use of his fingers now. He had that surgery on his wrist, so we'll know more today, but I think he's going to practice from what I hear." 

There has been some concern with Ohio State's production at wide receiver. Meyer said Monday that outside of Noah Brown, none of the other wideouts have done a good enough job separating themselves. 

A fifth-year senior, Smith has never really been much of a factor in the passing game. The biggest boost he has given the Buckeyes is on special teams. 

But when asked what kind of lift Smith could provide, Meyer said two words that would make any Ohio State fan's ears perk up: "Deep threat."

"Experience, special teams, he's very active in special teams," Meyer said. "And (he's a) deep threat." 

A message for Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler: Terry Pluto (video)

0
0

Cleveland Browns rookie Cody Kessler is showing that he belongs in the NFL. Now he must show that he can stay on the field. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Call this a message for Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Cody Kessler.

We don't yet know if Kessler is a long-term answer at quarterback, but we do know the Browns need their rookie on the field.

Kessler has proven he can organize and run an offense. He has earned the respect of older players.

But in two of his five starts, he has been knocked out of the game before halftime.

Kessler needs to be on the field. And he needs to be smarter about his play to insure that he stays on the field.

I talk in this video about how Kessler is hurting the team by taking too many risks.

LeBron James calls Game 7 block 'defining moment' of his career in Nike commercial

0
0

LeBron James' latest Nike commercial portrays his game-saving, chase-down block of Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the NBA Finals as a "defining moment" of the Cavs' superstar's illustrious career. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James' latest Nike commercial portrays his game-saving, chase-down block of Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the NBA Finals as a "defining moment" of the Cavs' superstar's illustrious career.

In the new ad campaign launched in step with the start of the 2016-17 NBA season in Cleveland, called "Here You Are," James provides a voiceover for a 90-second commercial showing youths of all shapes and sizes overcoming the odds on a basketball court.

The mantra in the commercial -- "you're not supposed to be here" -- applies to James and the Cavs, from James' upbringing in a poor, single-parent household in Akron to Cleveland's improbable, never-been-done-before comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.

The commercial crests with a high school male, wearing a No. 23 jersey for "Shuttle Central" sprinting the length of the floor and pinning a shot against the backboard, like James did to Iguodala late in the fourth quarter of Game 7, with the score tied at 89.

"You're not supposed to play 40 minutes, and make up 40 feet, and make a defensive play, a defining moment in your career," James says in the ad.

Then James appears, emerging from a locker room tunnel, as he says: "You're not even supposed to be here. And yet, here you are."

Nike is also promoting its "Championship Pack" of signature shows from James and Kyrie Irving.

AA5I9026.jpg 

LeBron James mum on conversations with Carmelo Anthony about possibly joining Cleveland Cavaliers

0
0

But at one point this summer, as frustration built for Anthony, there was speculation about the two buddies becoming teammates.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- With the New York Knicks in town for the Cleveland Cavaliers' regular season opener, LeBron James gets to celebrate ring night Tuesday with teammates, family members and even some of his closest friends -- Carmelo Anthony included.

Anthony, the high-priced star of the Knicks, will be on the other side of the court, preparing for what he hopes is a turnaround year for the franchise that hasn't been to the postseason since the 2012-13 season. 

But over the last year there has been speculation about the two buddies being on the same team. 

"We have a lot of conversations," James said Tuesday of his relationship with Anthony.

Did any of those talks center on Anthony coming to Cleveland?

"Maybe. Maybe not," James said. 

The chatter isn't new. One Google search of "Carmelo Anthony Cavs" will lead you to numerous rumor-filled articles about Cleveland looking to form a new Big Three, with Anthony taking Kevin Love's spot. 

When Love isn't being shipped to the Knicks in imaginary trades, he's going to the Boston Celtics for Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley or Love is being sent to Sacramento for talented, but mercurial DeMarcus Cousins.

The hypothetical Anthony swap gathers more steam because of James' relationship with him. The two became friends in high school, bonding over what they had in common. They were in the same draft class, played for Team USA together and have formed a bond that goes even deeper than basketball, as the two trade texts and calls regularly.

Along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul, the foursome has formed a brotherhood, which has been affectionately referred to as "Team Banana Boat," a moniker that stems from their water adventures captured on social media. 

Just last year James spoke to the Bleacher Report about the possibility of that group playing on the same NBA team. 

"It would be pretty cool," James said at the time. "I've definitely had thoughts about it. I really hope that, before our career is over, we can all play together. At least one, maybe one or two seasons -- me, Melo, D-Wade, CP -- we can get a year in. I would actually take a pay cut to do that."

It's hard to envision that happening. It would would take the perfect storm. And pay cuts from the rest of those players.

Prior to the Cavs' preseason game against the Chicago Bulls, James was spoke about Cleveland's pursuit of Wade during free agency this summer, the start of that squad.

"We couldn't afford him," James admitted. "It's that simple."

Money isn't the only obstacle. And it gets more complex with Anthony. He's not a free agent. He won't be until the summer of 2018, at the earliest. The same goes for James if he chooses to opt out of his contract early. Any possibility of bringing the lethal scorer to the Cavaliers prior to that would include a trade, a significant shakeup of the Eastern Conference's best team and reigning world champions. It would most likely include Love. 

For now, the Cavs aren't ready to entertain those talks. And, apparently, neither is James. 

Urban Meyer the third-highest paid coach in college football behind Jim Harbaugh, Nick Saban

0
0

USA Today released its annual college football coach salary database on Wednesday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State coach Urban Meyer had about a year run as the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten. Now he's No. 2 behind Michigan's Jim Harbaugh.

USA Today released its annual college football coach salary database on Wednesday. Harbaugh is the highest-paid coach in the country at just over $9 million, followed by Alabama's Nick Saban ($6.9 million) and Meyer (nearly $6.1 million).

Meyer signed a contract extension in 2015 that will keep him at Ohio State through the 2020 season, and pay him an average of $6.5 million per year. When he signed it at the time, he became the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten.

* See the details of Meyer's contract

Then Harbaugh got a boost of $2 million in April 2016, passing Meyer.

It's important to note that the money in these contracts comes from different places. It's not a lump sum the school pays to a coach. Large chunks of Meyer's deal come from Ohio State's partnership with Nike, and from media and public relations obligations.

The bump Harbaugh received last spring came in the form of of a life insurance policy.

The Big Ten has four head coaches in the top 10, with Iowa's Kirk Ferentz and Penn State's James Franklin (both $4.5 million) joining Harbaugh and Meyer.

Former Ohio State assistants Tom Herman and Chris Ash are making $3 million at Houston, and $2 million at Rutgers, respectively.

You can see USA Today's entire salary database here.

Cleveland Indians lag behind Chicago Cubs in terms of search popularity

0
0

While the Indians won Game 1, 6-0, most of the country seems to be focused on their opponents, the Chicago Cubs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It really is "us against the world," Cleveland. 

We may have shut out the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the World Series. But according to today's Google Trends map, people in every state but Ohio are searching for "Cubs" more than "Indians."

Trevor Bauer, Ryan Merritt and Andrew Miller and the most searched Indians players. Wait, what about Corey Kluber? 

For the Cubs, the top three player searches are Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.

In terms of ticket searches, "Indians tickets" is the more popular search term in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. "Cubs tickets" is a more popular search term in the other 47 states.

Game 2 takes place tonight at 7:08 p.m. at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Who are you Googling?

Forget dollar dogs, 7-Eleven is selling 68-cent hot dogs during the World Series

0
0

Why 68 cents? Because the Indians last won the Fall Classic in 1948. And 2016 minus 1948 equals 68.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With the Indians three wins away from a World Series championship, 7-Eleven is getting into the let's offer Tribe fans free or discounted food game.

The convenience store is offering its Big Bite Hot Dogs for 68 cents at its nearly 100 Cleveland-area locations during the run of the World Series. Why 68 cents? Because the Indians last won the Fall Classic in 1948. And 2016 minus 1948 equals 68. Get it? Would selling the hot dogs, normally around $2, for 48 cents have made more sense? Perhaps, but hey, quarter-pound hot dogs don't grow on trees.

(7-Eleven is running a deal in Chicago as well: $1.08 for a Big Bite Hot Dog and Big Gulp in honor of the 108 years since the Cubs last won the Series.)

For fans in both cities staying up late to watch the games, 7-Eleven is also offering customers a free medium coffee the next morning from midnight to 11:59 a.m. at participating locations.

"Now that's what we call a home run," a clever press release said.

In other free World Series food news, Eat n' Park is offering diners wearing Indians gear free Smiley Cookies with their meals at its Northeast Ohio locations. And, remember, you can pick up a free Doritos Loco Taco at Taco Bell on Nov. 2 from 2-6 p.m. thanks to Francisco Lindor's stolen base in the first inning of Game 1.


Watch World Series game 1 in 24 seconds

0
0

Watch the Indians beat the Cubs in game 1 Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If you didn't stay up late last night, and you're running a little short of time today, you can watch this 24 second time lapse video of game 1 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field on Tuesday night.  The Indians won the game 6-0 and the two play again Wednesday night, with a 7:08pm start time.

Shot from the press box starting about 2 hours before the game until the tarp was laid over the field a little after midnight.  Just for good measure, the audio is from the end of the game.

Searching for the positives in Ohio State's passing offense: Inside J.T. Barrett's numbers

0
0

Ohio State's passing offense has problems. Is there anything positive to build off of moving forward?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- J.T. Barrett doesn't see the same glaring issues in Ohio State's passing game that you see.

He said this week that he's in a good place with the way the Buckeyes are throwing the ball.

Minor tweaks? Sure. Barrett also thinks there are always ways to improve, but he's not ready to scrap the plan and try something new.

"Could we have done things better? Yes," Barrett said. "Me personally, I think I'm seeing the field well. I think receivers are seeing coverages, but also too the defense is playing well. We have to understand what they're getting us in and taking it. You can't go broke taking a profit."

Ohio State is 80th in the country in passing offense, passing yards per game, but Urban Meyer doesn't get caught up in that stat. He likes efficiency. The Buckeyes are 20th in the country and second in the Big Ten (behind Michigan) in passing efficiency.

Hey, there's a positive.

Let's try to find more as we take a deeper dive into Barrett and Ohio State's passing numbers.

BARRETT vs. PENN STATE

Barrett said you can't go broke taking a profit, except he kind of did.

The theme of not being able to complete shots downfield continued against Penn State. Barrett finished 28-of-43 (65 percent) for 245 yards and a touchdown. But as you can see from his passing chart below, 11 of Barrett's 28 completions were behind the line of scrimmage.

Those 11 completions went for 41 yards. That's not much profit.

Sorry, positive. We're doing positive things here. Here's Barrett's passing chart from the loss to Penn State:

PennStateChart.jpg 

Here's a positive: I don't think Barrett played poorly, but I do think he wasn't as aggressive as he needed to be with his throws.

You can look at this as a knock or a positive, but Barrett will always be willing to take a checkdown, and he did it a ton against Penn State. Running back Mike Weber had eight receptions and almost all of them were checkdown swing passes.

Barrett had 14 third-down throws, but only six of those throws actually went past the sticks. You might have noticed Barrett hitching while going through progressions. Is that because he doesn't want to fit a ball into a tight spot?

"I think there are times for that, different situations: Two-minute, fourth down type of things. I feel we operate best when I get the ball out of my hands quickly ... There are times when I could put some touch on the ball, put it over defenders. We try to throw through windows and not over people. That was the thing, the linebackers were getting so much depth so with that I did take what they gave us."

Here's what it looked like when Barrett did try to put some touch on a pass, or fit a ball into a tight spot.

His touchdown pass to Marcus Baugh was perfect. It was a play-action pass meant to suck up the linebackers who kept dropping back into coverage. Barrett floated it over the linebacker and in front of the safety. Baugh did the rest.

On Ohio State's final drive, Barrett made some great plays with his legs to keep plays alive and deliver third-down throws to Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson. Here's the throw to Wilson, a quick slant with good coverage.

Barrett is hesitant to make throws like this at other points of the game. He's been a good two-minute drill quarterback in his career, and that's because he feels like it's OK to let it loose then. If he brought that mentality to every down, you'd see more risky throws but maybe a more explosive passing attack because he'd be keeping defenses honest.

Pass protection

Ohio State's pass protection was awful. How awful?

Barrett was sacked six times. The lack of protection threw off the passing game. Don't expect offensive line changes, but if the Buckeyes can find a way to get better protection -- and keep their best passing play from being Barrett scrambling to keep plays alive -- that can be an overall fix for the passing game.

Red zone passing

Barrett won the job from Cardale Jones midway through the 2015 season because Barrett was better in the red zone and on third down. In the red zone against Penn State, Barrett was 1-of-6 for four yards.

The only completion was a swing pass to Weber. There were two throw aways due to poor protection, a drop by Weber and two mix-ups by receivers. On one Barrett and Baugh weren't on the same page on a quick pass. The other, Parris Campbell didn't clear out quick enough to create space for Curtis Samuel.

Those red zone issues seem fixable, and if one of those throws leads to a touchdown, we're talking about a still-unbeaten Ohio State team.

BARRETT'S SEASON NUMBERS

On the season, Barrett is 124-of-195 (63.6 percent) for 1,452 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. Here's how that looks in his season-long passing chart:

SeasonChart.jpg 

You can see that 93 of Barrett's completions, or 75 percent, have been within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.

Here are Barrett's top five receiving targets through seven games:

1. Curtis Samuel: 43 targets, 36 receptions

2. Noah Brown: 28 targets, 19 receptions

3. Dontre Wilson: 24 targets, 18 receptions

4. Marcus Baugh: 24 targets, 12 receptions

5. Mike Weber: 16 targets, 14 receptions

Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets through the years (vintage photo gallery)

0
0

The Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets first played in 1970.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns are winless and are the underdogs on Sunday but history is on the Browns side when it comes to the New York Jets.

The Browns, who host the Jets on Sunday at First Energy Stadium, are 13-10 against the Jets.

But history also tells us that the Browns have lost three straight to the Jets and haven't beaten the Jets since 2007.

The Browns and Jets have played in four overtime games in their 23-game series. One of the most exciting victories for the Browns was a 23-20 victory in double overtime in 1987. It was a game when quarterback Bernie Kosar set an NFL playoff game record for passing with 64 attempts and 489 yards.

The first time the two teams met was also memorable as it was the debut game of Monday Night Football, on Sept. 21, 1970. That Jets team was just a year removed from winning Super Bowl III and was led by quarterback Joe Namath. With Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell and Don Meredith in the booth for ABC, the Browns put the game away when backup linebacker Billy Andrews intercepted a Namath pass and returned it for a touchdown, clinching the 31-21 victory at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

Click here for the series rundown between the Browns and the Jets.

Parma Polish bakery pays tribute to Cleveland Indians in World Series with 'Stadium Pierogi'

0
0

"The Stadium Pierogi" has a beer bratwurst filling, with a side of Stadium Mustard-infused sour cream.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - America's pastime is getting some Cleveland flavor at a local Polish bakery.

In honor of the Cleveland Indians World Series run, Rudy's Strudel Eastern European bakery is selling "The Stadium Pierogi" - pierogi with a beer bratwurst filling from Cleveland's Sausage Shoppe with a side of Stadium Mustard-infused sour cream, cooked in beer.

What's more All-Cleveland, and All-American, than that?

"We wanted to do something to celebrate our team in a way we only do in Cleveland, with a pierogi," says Rudy's owner Lidia Trempe. "My memories of going to tribe games at Cleveland muni-stadium with my dad and brother always involved stadium mustard and a brat."

The sports-themed pierogi follows Rudy's LeBron pierogi -a dumpling filled with chicken, broccoli and cheddar cheese - a big seller during the NBA Finals in June.

They are accepting both call-ahead orders and walk-ins, but are already sold-out for Wednesday, Oct. 26. They will have more pierogi tomorrow " and through the series and for our celebration parade!" says Trempe.

A dozen Stadium Pierogi is $8.99 and includes mustard sour cream.

Rudy's is at 5580 Ridge Road in Parma's Polish Village area. Call 440-886-4430. They are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays.

Cleveland Cavaliers' ring night special for DeAndre Liggins -- even without the gifts

0
0

He wasn't getting a ring on Tuesday night, one of four players not on last year's roster along with Kay Felder, Chris Andersen and Mike Dunleavy.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When DeAndre Liggins walked into the locker room on Tuesday night, his area wasn't filled with gifts.

There was no 3-liter customized glass bottle of Moet and Chandon, which featured each player's name embroidered on the back of the bottle. On the front was the Cavaliers' championship logo, the same one plastered on the banner, ring and special warm-up T-shirts the players wore against the New York Knicks. Liggins didn't have a fancy 10-inch by 10-inch wooden display case with his name etched into it and a replica sword running through the center, a gift intended to hold a 400-diamond championship ring.

He wasn't getting any jewelry on Tuesday night, one of four players not on last year's roster along with Kay Felder, Chris Andersen and Mike Dunleavy.

Liggins' only present was a symbolic one, being able to look up from his locker in between starting center Tristan Thompson and three-time NBA champion James Jones and see a wine-colored placard with his name and number (14) on it. After all, in the preseason, Liggins was a bubble guy, fighting for a roster spot and having to share a locker with Cory Jefferson.

This time, he had plenty of room to himself. So prior to the ceremony, Liggins huddled quietly on his seat, likely thinking about the possibility, a chance to play in an NBA opener for the first time. 

Ring night meant something different to everyone. It was a celebration of history, a party fans had craved for 52 years, the most memorable night in the city's history. Players cried, laughed, danced, reflected and stared in awe as the banner was lifted to the top of the arena.

"I was just watching and enjoying all the celebration," Liggins told cleveland.com after playing 12 minutes while scoring four points to go with three rebounds, three assists and one block. "It was a great experience, seeing something special going up. What these guys did last year was incredible. To come back down from 3-1, it was just incredible.

"As things were happening I was real tense. It was shocking. Just happy to be a part of it."

Liggins was on a title team last year -- albeit much different than the Cavs.

As a member of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, he earned his second All-Star nod in three years, was named Defensive Player of the Year for the second time and helped his team win the league championship, beating the Los Angeles D-Fenders, 2-1, in the Finals.

When the Cavs were reflecting on last year's season or thinking about family members or replaying Finals moments, Liggins had his own thoughts.

"It was a lot of things that took place in my mind," he said. "What I've been through to get back here. To be on a winning team that actually won last year and a great group of guys, just an awesome feeling."

It's been a winding journey to Cleveland. But Liggins finally made it. 

The new guys -- Liggs, Duns, Bird and rook, as James and others call them -- who have fit in so nicely since arriving were on the other side during the ceremony. That doesn't mean they were an afterthought. J.R. Smith pointed that out specifically when asked about his ring night memories.

"The moment we looked on the other side and seen the guys that didn't win a ring with us," Smith said. "The new guys, they want that moment and you can see it in their faces. Just determination that we have to try and get the feeling for them."

That's become a credo for the Cavs. Together.

During the title run, the team had a special puzzle, something Jones came up with as a motivational tool. There were 16 pieces, one for each win needed to win the championship. When put together, it would form the Larry O'Brien Trophy and depict each player as a significant piece. Everyone had a role. 

And this year, if the Cavaliers repeat -- Dan Gilbert's stated goal -- it will take the same. Even some contributions from the guy who beat out Dahntay Jones for the final roster spot.

"Dahntay is a great guy, great locker room presence -- a great guy all around. It was a battle," Liggins said. "But what I do, what I bring to this team, I can bring all the intangibles and be a tough-minded defensive player. That's what they see in me, that's what I see in myself. Happy to be around a great group of guys and great organization."

It remains unclear how long Liggins will be in Cleveland. Things change quickly in the NBA and the Cavs have been on the lookout for point guard help.

But for now, Liggins will try to assist in any way possible. He could be called on even more this weekend. Kay Felder and Iman Shumpert -- both players head coach Tyronn Lue wanted to use at backup point guard this year -- are in the NBA's concussion protocol. That could give Liggins another boost in playing time against Toronto and Orlando Friday and Saturday, a chance to prove he deserves to stay for a while. 

On ring night, in front of 20,562 euphoric fans, Liggins didn't hear his name announced as part of the celebration. Instead, he watched from the side. He didn't walk out of the locker room late Tuesday needing help carrying the gift boxes. All he had was his phone and a "see ya, Liggs" from James. 

But for a 28-year-old journeyman who wasn't on an NBA roster the last two years and hadn't played in an NBA game since the single minute he logged on March 3, 2014 as a member of the Heat, Liggins had something else to cherish on Oct. 25, 2016: another long-awaited NBA shot. 

Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images