Tuesday's official premiere of "The Wall" attracted 6.8 million viewers, helping NBC win the night. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Go ahead and add "executive producer of hit game show" to LeBron James' list of accomplishments.

Tuesday's official premiere of "The Wall" attracted 6.8 million viewers, helping NBC win the night.

The show performed well across several demographics, ranking as the top show among men and women ages 18-34 and kids 2-11. James himself was one of those viewers.

"It's truly special when a team of people come together to make a dream come true," the Cavaliers star posted on social media.

A Perfect Night. NBA Hoops and @NBCTheWall with the family!!

A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Jan 3, 2017 at 5:06pm PST

The episode, in which a Colorado couple wins over $529,000, improved upon the game show's two preview outings by nearly 50 percent, gaining more than two million viewers as it settled into its regular timeslot. SpringHill Entertainment, the production company run by James and Maverick Carter, says it was the most-watched debut of a reality show on broadcast TV since "Little Big Shots" last year. 

The centerpiece of a "The Wall," hosted by Chris Hardwick of Nerdist fame, is a high-tech, giant game board similar to Plinko from "The Price Is Right." Couples answer trivia questions for a chance to win as much as $12 million.

The show airs locally on WKYC Channel 3 on Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Longtime ESPN fixture Chris Berman is giving up his regular on-air NFL and baseball roles for a new job at the network.

Longtime ESPN fixture Chris Berman is giving up his regular on-air NFL and baseball roles for a new job at the network.

Berman, who joined ESPN one month after it launched in 1979, will make occasional appearances on-air and will also serve as a spokesman for the network at some of its events. He will continue to host ESPN's "NFL PrimeTime" highlights show from the field after the Super Bowl this year, as well as after the conference championship games, before stepping aside from his usual duties.

But he won't disappear. Berman will also offer opinions and perspective on NFL events, and will continue appearing weekly on "Monday Night Countdown." He will handle play-by-play duties for ESPN Radio during the baseball divisional playoffs, and participate in the annual ESPY Awards.

Best known for his work on ESPN's anchor show "SportsCenter," as well as hosting the NFL draft, his descriptions of game highlights, and for making game predictions as the "Swami," Berman has won six national sportscaster of the year awards.

By BARRY WILNER, AP Sports Writer

LeBron James is the latest to say the Cavs need a backup point guard, but who's it going to be?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James said the Cavs don't have a real backup point guard.

It's not a revelation. James wasn't breaking any ground.

It's been the case since they let Matthew Dellavedova get away and Mo Williams chose not to show up for training camp. Coach Tyronn Lue has said the same on more than one occasion.

But James' voice always carries weight, and he lent it to what's been an underlying theme all season after the Cavs lost to the Bulls, 106-94, Wednesday at The Q.

"That was obvious from day one, first day of training camp," James said. "We don't have a reliable, veteran backup point guard."

Why would James say this? For one, he was asked. More to the point, though, he looked to his left and right Wednesday and saw either Jordan McRae or Kay Felder. That's because Kyrie Irving didn't play, and the Cavs have so many other injuries and illnesses that Iman Shumpert (who isn't really a point guard but has been filling the role) was needed off the ball.

So it was either McRae, who is definitely not a point guard, or Felder, who is (he's 5-9) but is a rookie.

LeBron feeling wear and tear of thinning roster

"Kay's in the process of learning on the fly," James said. "He's a rookie and is going to have his mistakes and things of that nature. It's tough on him because we're a franchise trying to win a championship. He has to have a fast-track mind. But we don't have a backup point guard."

And?

"Us having 13 assists tonight is not who we are," James continued (he's almost done). "I had half the team's assists and that's not good for our team because we've got guys who need the ball in their hands and put the ball in the right position and the right spots for them to be successful. It's tough for us."

Yes, yes it is. About as tough as tough can be for a team that's now 26-8.

The question still remains -- what are the Cavs going to do about it?

Cavs making do without J.R.

Seated on the Bulls' bench for the third consecutive game was Rajon Rondo, a former All-Star who signed a two-year, $27 million deal in the offseason to come to Chicago. If the Bulls aren't going to play him, he'd like to be traded or bought out of his contract so he can choose his next team.

The Cavs are watching this development.

Mario Chalmers is a free agent now. He's recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last season. He hasn't worked out for any teams, but he remains on Cleveland's radar.

That the Cavs would be interested in either may indicate what the team will ultimately do in the trade market.

As of now, Cleveland has no roster spots to sign a free agent. It has what amounts to two dead roster spots -- one occupied by Williams and his $2.1 million contract; the other by Chris Andersen, his torn ACL, and $1.55 million contract.

The Cavs don't want to cut either of them, so they must trade them to avoid paying their full salaries and luxury tax penalties for each player.

They, meaning the Cavs, may also be without J.R. Smith until the end of March. Who knows how long it will take for him to get in shape? The playoffs begin in mid-April.

The Cavs may use the trade assets they have (including a $9.4 million trade exception), to trade for another shooter or wing player. They're not counting on Mike Dunleavy as of now to fill that role.

Making a trade for a shooter, and dealing Williams and Andersen in the process, would enable the Cavs to sign a free-agent backup to Irving. They'd like to see the free-agent and trade markets mature.

Chalmers' injury and Rondo's problems with various coaching staffs over his career make them questionable fits for Cleveland, though if either were available when the Cavs clear roster spots.

Also, Rondo is a career 29-percent shooter from 3-point range. The Cavs value players who can shoot 3s (better than that).

Look for Edwin Encarnacion's invisible parrot to be joining him in Cleveland with the Indians. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Edwin Encarnacion made it to Cleveland from Toronto, but what about the parrot?

You know the invisible parrot that rides on Encarnacion's right arm as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run? Did Encarnacion's feathered friend make the trip as well?

"We've got to ask at Immigration," said Encarnacion with a laugh. "But yes, yes, yes."

The story behind Edwin Encarnacion's parrot

All right, now that the big news is out of the way, here are five other things you need to know following Thursday's announcement that Encarnacion's three-year $60 million with the Indians is official.

No. 1: Encarnacion's deal includes attendance clauses.

Encarnacion can earn a bonus depending on the Tribe's attendance for each year of the contract. The Indians finished 28^th in attendance last season and have not drawn 2 million or more fans since 2008.

Safe to say, EE's drawining power will be put to the test.

No. 2: No World Baseball Classic for Encarnacion?

Encarnacion indicated that he will not play for the Dominican Republic in the WBC because he wants to get to know his new team and teammates during spring training. The WBC runs from March 6 through March 22.

No. 3: Encarnacion will leave the managing to Terry Francona.

He said loves to hit cleanup, but he quickly added that where he hits in the lineup is up to Francona. He had the same answer for whether he prefers to play first or DH.

No. 4: Chris Antonetti says thank you.

Antonetti, Indians president of baseball operations, thanked Indians ownership for making the signing of Encarnacion possible.

"Their extraordinary and continued support of our team made this happen," said Antonetti. "Quite frankly at the start of the offseason we did not think this would be possible becomes of the economic commitment it would take to sign Edwin. But they made a leap of faith."

No. 5: How did Encarnacion end up with Yan Gomes' number?

Encarnacion will wear No. 10, the number he wore in Toronto. Gomes, a former teammate of Encarnacion in Toronto, wore No. 10 with the Indians.

"One of the first texts I received after I agreed with the Indians was from Yan Gomes," said Encarnacion. "He said, 'No. 10 is on the table. So what have you got for me?' I said, 'Don't worry. I'll see you in spring training and see what gift you're going to get.'"

No. 6: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

When the Indians beat Toronto in the ALCS in five games in October to reach the World Series, Encarnacion was watching. In fact, it was one of the reasons he decided to sign with the Tribe.

"It was one of the things that went into the decision to come here," said Encarnacion. "I know they have great young talent and players. I know they're going to be good for a long time.

"That's why I came here. I believe in this team and I know we can win the World Series with the talent we have."

The signing of former Toronto slugger Edwin Encarnacion is big for the Indians. It could be just as big as a referendum on baseball in this town. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Edwin Encarnacion turns 34 Saturday. He'll play his final season of a guaranteed $60 million deal at age 36.

That's not why Indians GM Chris Antonetti repeatedly referred to the Encarnacion signing Thursday as a "leap of faith." Not even close.

Encarnacion, one of baseball's most consistent power hitters, is more than the Indians' new cleanup man. His signing amounts to a referendum on Cleveland as a baseball town.

The Indians are betting on themselves to warrant season-long attention and chase another pennant. But even more they're betting on you.

They're betting - maybe hoping is more accurate -- that acquiring baseball's top free-agent hitter will make a significant difference at the box office, where a year ago they ranked 28^th in MLB attendance.

It's been a long time since the Indians put together this kind of lineup, even longer since they went hunting for a fish as big as Encarnacion.

It's also been a long time (2011) since they ranked anywhere except 28^th or 29^th in attendance. In case you didn't know, there are 30 MLB teams.

The '90s aren't coming back, not at the turnstile or in the luxury suite sales office. No sense pining for the Dick Jacobs years. He was no more inclined - even less so, actually -- to outspend his means than the Dolans have been.

Indians make a big move in signing Edwin Encarnacion.

This is about a team and a town reminded of each other's best traits last October needing to keep the fire burning.

Antonetti called Encarnacion's signing ownership's "bet on our organization that we can drive the revenue (sufficiently) for this to make sense."

The Indians don't want to let the passion subside. Encarnacion is that surprise Lexus in the driveway with the oversized bow.

Antonetti admitted the offer to Encarnacion took "quite a bit of deliberation" by the Dolans.

He didn't have to say why. The money is not just significant by small- or mid-market standards. It's telling that Encarnacion can reach additional bonuses based on attendance.

"It's not a huge percentage," Antonetti said Thursday while Encarnacion posed for pictures and conducted interviews in the Indians' clubhouse. "He'll earn most of his money in base salary."

Antonetti said the initial surge in the ticket office following all that October drama wasn't enough by itself to make a deal this size. Market forces made Encarnacion more affordable, but doing the deal for the Indians was a projection on future earnings from ticket sales.

Encarnacion's "perfect fit," as Antonetti called it, made that projection more palatable. They didn't just sign a great hitter. They put a consistently great hitter in the middle of a productive and versatile lineup, whether Michael Brantley returns to his best form or not.

The Indians should be good, damn good. Will it be enough to drive crowds to Progressive Field all summer long?

The last time the Indians averaged over 20,000 fans in consecutive seasons was 2009. The last time they ranked in the Top 15 was 2002 (12^th) when they averaged 32,307.

You can lay all that on the Dolans if you insist. It's hardly fair.

But now it doesn't matter.

The World Series changed the landscape for the Indians. They embraced that with a big swing (and hit) in free agency.

Now we see if baseball in Cleveland can be a continuation of October's group hug.  

When free agency commenced, the Indians thought they stood no chance to sign Encarnacion. He would be too expensive. The projected payroll would make ownership too uncomfortable. This wasn't going to work. Then, they landed perhaps the biggest fish in the free-agent sea. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- About halfway through the second act of "The Little Mermaid," Chris Antonetti's phone battery tapped out.

Thankfully for the Indians, Antonetti had wrapped up much of the final negotiating with Edwin Encarnacion's agent, Paul Kinzer. The two had texted throughout the play and Antonetti even stepped out twice to take a phone call. Then, shortly after a rendition of "Under The Sea," Antonetti's phone took its last gasp.

"I was done," Antonetti said. "That was it. At that point, all that I had left was the performance."

It was just one, final hurdle for what proved to be an ever-evolving month of negotiations and persuasions. When free agency commenced, the Indians thought they stood no chance to sign Encarnacion. He would be too expensive. The projected payroll would make ownership too uncomfortable. This wasn't going to work.

But by the start of "Part of Your World," Antonetti had landed perhaps the biggest fish in the free-agent sea. The Indians have guaranteed Encarnacion at least $60 million. That number could escalate if the team reaches certain attendance heights or if the club exercises his option for the 2020 campaign.

These are uncharted waters for the franchise, a stranger to such financial territory. The Indians went 19 years between World Series appearances, so it makes sense. The ultimate decision emerged once the organization considered the potential for ticket sales and fan interest in addition to the extra muscle in the middle of the batting order. It took some convincing.

Edwindians: Tribe signs slugger

This doesn't change the Indians' modus operandi, though. Paul Dolan might have loosened the monetary shackles a bit, but this isn't going to trigger some new, free-spending spirit. If Encarnacion didn't come to Cleveland, the Indians' payroll probably wouldn't have jumped like it did on Thursday morning. And Antonetti admitted that the marquee signing will likely prevent the club from dishing out much more cash this winter.

Encarnacion even said he was somewhat surprised by the Indians' initial involvement.

"But I know that they want to win and I know that I'm the perfect fit," he said.

Antonetti and general manager Mike Chernoff have discovered a way to operate aggressively at junctures like these, while still abiding by ownership's strict financial limits. They dealt for Ubaldo Jimenez and Andrew Miller. They nearly acquired Jonathan Lucroy.

Now, they added a soft-spoken guy with a giant gold watch and a powerful swing to a talent-rich roster a couple of months removed from a World Series appearance.

They couldn't do that -- especially with a meager payroll -- without years of assembling and developing talent. The Indians have capitalized on past trades and player progress (think Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco) and improved drafting (think Francisco Lindor and Cody Allen). They locked up many of those young players to long-term, below-market-value contracts. They still have a few guys -- Lindor and Jose Ramirez -- earning the league minimum.

Everything set the stage for that late December evening, when Antonetti ventured to the Lakewood theater, Chernoff spent time with family in New Jersey and Kinzer enjoyed some rides at Six Flags. This was the Indians' one chance to strike, to get out of their element.

The signing gives some credibility to ownership's past statements about stepping up financially when most sensible. Perhaps one timely addition won't wipe away past missed opportunities, but this certainly inches the Indians closer to a World Series triumph, and such a feat would place all history forever in the rearview.

Six things to know about Encarnacion's signing

If anything, Encarnacion's arrival is refreshing. That's the term Chernoff used to describe such a momentous day for the franchise. Two hours before the Indians announced plans for a Billy Joel summer concert at Progressive Field, Encarnacion brought his herd -- his brothers, his parents and his son -- to the ballpark as he met with reporters and posed in his new uniform.

Antonetti could finally leave his phone on silent.

"As we headed into the offseason, we didn't expect to have these types of resources," Chernoff said. "We've always had faith that ownership would be willing to support us in the right moment. This is one of those moments."

Corey Coleman denies involvement in alleged assault, his lawyer says.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman is named in a police report in connection with an alleged felonious assault at his apartment building over the weekend, but Coleman insists he wasn't involved, his lawyer says.

"My client denies participating in this incident,'' said lawyer Kevin Spellacy. "He will fully cooperate with the appropriate authorities and looks forward to clearing his name from what has been alleged."

The Cleveland Police are in possession of a 30-second video which shows that Coleman is not involved, Spellacy maintains.

The incident occurred at Coleman's apartment building, The Pinnacle, at E. 9th and St. Clair.

A Browns spokesman said, "the team is aware of what has been alleged.''

Coleman's agent, David Mulugheta also issued a statement.

"Unfortunately Corey Coleman's name has surfaced in a police report concerning an incident that occurred in the lobby of the apartment complex in which he lives," Mulugheta said. "Corey, while aware of the incident, denies the allegations that have been made and looks forward to clearing his name."

Coleman is not named as a suspect in the police report, and has not been charged.

Details of the police report Corey Coleman is named in

According to the police report, at about 2:55 a.m. on Dec. 31st in the lobby of The Pinnacle, Coleman's building, Adam Sapp of Mayfield Heights and Nina Holman, listed as a witness, were walking toward the elevator when four men got off.

Sapp stated he got into a verbal altercation with the men, but is unclear what happened next. He was woken up by Holman in the stairwell with multiple injuries, including a concussion, a ruptured left eardrum and multiple bruises and scratches. He was taken to Lutheran Hospital, where he remained overnight.

Sapp states he didn't recognize any of the attackers and didn't know who Coleman was, but Holman kept yelling "That was him! That was Corey Coleman. I can't believe he did that you! I know that's him.''

Sapp stated in the report that he has poor hearing in his left ear.

Holman later entered the hotel room where she was staying with Chimadika Okoye and was distraught. She told him, "Corey Coleman beat up Sapp!''

Later that afternoon, Coleman traveled to Pittsburgh by bus for the Browns game on New Year's Day. The Browns lost 27-24 in overtime, and Coleman had five catches for 40 yards.

The No. 15 overall pick in the draft, Coleman finished the season with 33 catches for 413 yards and three TDs. He missed six games with a broken hand, from weeks three through eight.

Now that slugger Edwin Encarnacion is in the fold, how many #Edwings will Tribe fans get to see in 2017?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians have signed slugger Edwin Encarnacion to fill a hole in the middle of their lineup, and now the question is: how many #Edwings will fans be treated to in 2017?

The #Edwing is Encarnacion's signature home run trot celebration, and in the last five seasons he's No. 2 in Major League Baseball in crushing round-trippers.

Encarnacion's power numbers are among the best and most consistent in the big leagues since 2012. He has home run totals of 42, 36, 34, 39 and 42. Last year, he tied Khris Davis for fourth in the American League behind Mark Trumbo (47), Brian Dozier (43) and Nelson Cruz (43).

He'll be slotted into the middle of the Tribe's batting oder, replacing fan favorite Mike Napoli, who hit 34 homers in 2016.

In 11 seasons, Encarnacion has 310 home runs, including just two at Progressive Field.

6 things we know about Edwin Encarnacion

Encarnacion hit a two-run homer off Tribe pitcher Aaaron Laffey in June of 2008, and connected off Josh Tomlin in August of last season for a solo shot to left.

Obviously the Indians are banking that Encarnacion's home run total at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario will increase dramatically in the next three or four seasons.

But just how high will that number climb? Take our poll below and back up your vote in the comments section. How many home runs will Tribe fans see from their new $60 million slugger in 2017?

James, a 12-time NBA All-Star, is the top overall vote-getter, receiving 595,288 votes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two members of the Cleveland Cavaliers' Big Three -- LeBron James and Kyrie Irving -- are leading the way in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game voting, the league announced on Thursday afternoon. 

James, a 12-time NBA All-Star, is the top overall vote-getter, receiving 595,288 votes. He leads Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo in the frontcourt. Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love is currently third in frontcourt voting, getting 250,347 votes in the first returns. 

Irving, a three-time All-Star who missed the showcase last year following off-season knee surgery, leads the way for backcourt players.

The Cavaliers point guard has received 543,030 votes, which is second-most in the league. Chicago Bulls swingman Dwyane Wade is second among backcourt players in the East. Wade has received 278,052 votes. Toronto's DeMar DeRozan and Boston's Isaiah Thomas follow.

Fans will account for 50 percent of the vote this year. NBA players and select media members will split up the other 50 percent evenly.

Player and media voting will begin next week, with each participant completing one full ballot featuring two guards and three frontcourt players from both conferences.

In the Western Conference, Golden State's Stephen Curry leads the backcourt voting (523,597) while Warriors teammate Kevin Durant tops the list of frontcourt players (541,209). 

The five players (two guards and three frontcourt players) with the best score in each conference will be named NBA All-Star Game starters.

Fan voting will serve as the tiebreaker for players in a position group with the same score.

According to an NBA release, the first week of fan voting for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 19 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, generated 138 percent more votes cast (11,174,153) than during the same time period last year (4,693,433).

Voting concludes on Jan. 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The second round of returns will be revealed on Jan. 12, with starters announced on Jan. 19. 

Here is a full breakdown of the first returns:

LeBron/Kyrie and KD/Curry lead first returns of #NBAAllStar Voting presented by @Verizon!

Vote: https://t.co/7SYpaqHa1f & NBA App. pic.twitter.com/ofvgaJERkT

-- 2017 NBA All-Star (@NBAAllStar) January 5, 2017

Lewis was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2016.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State defensive end Tyquan Lewis will return to the Buckeyes for a fifth season, ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reported on Thursday. 

Lewis was the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 after leading the Buckeyes in sacks for the second straight season. 

In his first year as a full-time starter, Lewis finished with 29 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. 

This comes as a bit of surprise given that Lewis is a graduate and was potentially a Day 2 selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. Now he'll come back to the Buckeyes along with fellow defensive ends Sam Hubbard and Jalyn Holmes, who have already announced their intent to return next season. 

That means Ohio State should have all four defensive line starters back for next year, in addition to players like Holmes and Nick Bosa who played pivotal roles at defensive end. 

Doug, Ari and Bill talk about Ohio State's offensive coaching changes and the return of Buckeyes QB J.T. Barrett.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- So, a lot's been happening with Ohio State football this week: Coaching changes, players leaving for the NFL, players returning. 

We thought it was time to chime in with another edition of our Buckeye Talk Podcast. We cover Tim Beck's departure to Texas, the additions of Ryan Day and Kevin Wilson and what it means that J.T. Barrett is coming back for a fifth season.

You can listen to the podcast below: 

Our Buckeyes Talk Podcast is available for listen on iTunes, Stitcher and Soundcloud.

Could the attendance clauses in Edwin Encarnacion's contract be a win-win situation for the Indians and him? Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Agent Paul Kinzer said the attendance clauses in Edwin Encarnacion's three-year $60 million deal with the Indians helped push negotiations across the finish line.

"That was a way to bridge the gap," said Kinzer.

Progressive Field is beautiful. No argument there.

Over the last two years or so it's been reworked to a smaller, hipper ballpark. But if a free agent is looking to cash in on attendance clauses, he might want to call Fenway Park or AT&T Park home instead unpacking at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.

The Indians have had four straight winning seasons. Last year they went to Game 7 of the World Series, but when it comes to putting fannies in the seats, they're still regarded as a rumor in Cleveland. They haven't drawn two million or more fans since 2008. The last time they topped three million was 2001.

Tribe betting on fans with signing of Encarnacion

Kinzer can read attendance figures as well as the next guy, but he saw the fans come back to the Blue Jays in Toronto, where Encarnacion spent the last 7 1/2 seasons. Could it happen in Cleveland as well?

"When Edwin went on his run five years ago, of course he had help, Toronto was drawing 1.9 million." said Kinzer. "Now they're drawing 3.4 million.

"It wasn't one guy in Toronto, but he was a big part of it. Team chemistry had a lot to do with it as well. And they have that kind of team chemistry here. I think it (attendance) can be re-energized from the World Series and with what Edwin brings.

Tribe, Encarnacion deal is official

"He's not a flashy guy, that's not him. But the fans in Toronto loved him. He just goes out and grinds every day. I think the people in Cleveland will love him. This is a blue collar town and he's a blue collar guy."

The run Kinzer is talking about featured Encarnacion averaging 39 homers and 110 RBI per season over the last five years.

Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports reported that Encarnacion can earn close to $1 million a year in attendance clauses. Chris Antonetti, Indians president of baseball operations, confirmed that there are attendance clauses in the contract, but it's clear the bulk of Encarnacion's paycheck is coming from his base pay and signing bonus.

Encarnacion is guaranteed $55 million over the first three years of the deal. That includes a $5 million signing bonus and an estimated annual salary of $16.7 million. The deal includes a $25 million club option for 2020. If the option isn't exercised, Encarnacion gets a $5 million buyout.

Kinzer said the idea of an attendance clause came up during numerous conversations with Antonetti.

"Like I said when Edwin went on that run with Toronto, they were at 1.9 million in attendance and now they're at 3.4 million," said Kinzer. "Well, if Edwin contributes to that, he should be rewarded for it.

"To tell you the truth, we didn't even know if we could do it. I threw it out there and Chris had to call (the commissioner's office). He called back and said we can do it."

The Indians and Texas were the teams that never let Encarnacion out of their sights this offseason. But when Oakland jumped in at the last minute on Dec. 22, the A's almost wooed him.

Little Mermaid, Santa can't stop Tribe from getting Encarnacion

"Billy Beane offered $25 million a year, two years guaranteed" said Kinzer. "They offered Edwin an opt after the first year and a club option for a third year. That opened Edwin's eyes.

"A big part of it was that Billy told us it wasn't going to be a sign and trade. Billy said I want to sign him to help us get to the next level quicker. So at that point everything with the Indians and Rangers started cranking up. They had to come up some and we had to go down some."

The Indians increased their offer. Perhaps that's when the attendance clauses came into play. Not only did Encarnacion like the talent on the Indians, but geography played a part as well. It's a long flight between Cleveland and the Dominican Republic, but it's even longer flight between Oakland and the Dominican.

Several of Encarnacion's family attended Thursday's press conference.

"You can see how close his family is," said Kinzer. "His son is in the Dominican and it's a four-hour time difference between there and Oakland. His son wouldn't be able to watch him on TV.

"The flights are closer between the Dominican and Cleveland as well. So that was a big consideration."

Bates-Diop missed his sixth game of the season on Thursday night vs. Purdue

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State basketball will be shorthanded when it tries to beat No. 20 Purdue on Thursday night in Value City Arena. 

Junior forward Keita Bates-Diop will miss the game with leg soreness, the team announced just before the game. It will be the sixth game Bates-Diop has missed this year. He missed five games in November and December with a high ankle sprain. 

Bates-Diop was still on the mend from a stress fracture in his shin when he suffered the ankle injury against Providence on Nov. 17.

Ohio State went 4-1 in the five games Bates-Diop missed earlier this year, with the lone loss coming at then-No. 6 Virginia. 

Before the ankle injury, Bates-Diop was averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game. He had 14 points and 14 rebounds in the season opener against Navy on Nov. 11. Bates-Diop has played in Ohio State's last six games, averaging 9.3 points in 21.3 minutes per game.

Ohio State (10-4) and Purdue (12-3) were set for a 7 p.m. tip-off at Value City Arena. 

Coleman was named in the report about the incident, which occurred at Coleman's apartment building, The Pinnacle, at E. 9th and St. Clair. His lawyer says his name will be cleared.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns rookie receiver Corey Coleman denies involvement in an alleged felonious assault that took place in the lobby of his condominium building on Dec. 31st.

Both Coleman's lawyer, Kevin Spellacy, and his agent, David Mulugheta, state their client denies the allegations and looks forward to clearing his name.

One source told cleveland.com that members of Coleman's party may have been involved in the fight, possibly a friend and a brother, but not him.

The alleged victim, Adam Sapp of Mayfield Heights, stated in the police report that he suffered a concussion, a ruptured left eardrum, as well as multiple bruises and scratches in connection with the alleged assault.

Coleman denies involvement in alleged felonious assault

A source told cleveland.com that Cleveland Police are in possession of a 30-45 second video that shows Coleman was not involved in the fight.

At this time, Coleman is not listed as a suspect, but police must still interview witnesses and study the tape, according to police spokesperson Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia.

Here are the details from the police report, obtained by cleveland.com:

At about 2:55 a.m. on Dec. 31st in the lobby of The Pinnacle, Coleman's building on West Lakeside, Adam Sapp of Mayfield Heights and Nina Holman, listed as a witness, were walking toward the elevator when four men got off.

Sapp stated that a verbal altercation ensued, but that he's unclear what happened next. He was woken up by Holman in the stairwell and taken by EMS to Lutheran Hospital with multiple injuries.

Sapp states he didn't recognize any of the attackers and didn't know who Coleman was, but Holman kept yelling "That was him! That was Corey Coleman! I can't believe he did that you! I know that's him.''

Holman entered a hotel room where she was staying with Chimadika Okoye was distraught, Okoye stated in the report. He said Holman told him, "Corey Coleman beat up Sapp!''

Sapp was confined to Lutheran Hospital overnight and stated that he has poor hearing in his left ear.

Holman, reached by cleveland.com, declined to comment.

Coleman has not been charged and is confident he won't be.

"My client denies participating in this incident,'' said Spellacy. "He will fully cooperate with the appropriate authorities and looks forward to clearing his name from what has been alleged."

His agent said, "Corey, while aware of the incident, denies the allegations that have been made and looks forward to clearing his name."

A Browns spokesman said they are aware of the incident.

Later that day, Coleman left for Pittsburgh, where the Browns lost 27-24 to the Steelers in overtime on New Year's Day to fall to 1-15. Coleman caught five passes for 40 yards in the game.

The No. 15 overall pick in the draft, finished the season with 33 catches for 413 yards and three TDs. He missed six games with a broken hand, from weeks three through eight.

The Cavs are nearing a trade for Atlanta's Kyle Korver as part of potentially several moves to upgrade the roster.

NEW YORK -- The Cavs are nearing a trade for Atlanta shooting guard Kyle Korver, potentially for Mike Dunleavy and a 2019 first-round pick, multiple sources confirmed.

The Vertical first reported the pending deal, which is not yet completed. Cavs sources told cleveland.com Wednesday night that they were more likely to trade for a shooter. Korver would be it -- he's one of the greatest 3-point shooters in NBA history.  

A Korver-Dunleavy swap could be the first of multiple deals for the Cavs -- who have a few needs and some dead weight on their roster.

One source said the Cavs and Hawks had been talking trade for weeks, and the potential deal included Korver for Dunleavy. But another said the teams were still negotiating which player(s) the Hawks might take in return. A third team could become involved.

Kyle Korver to press postgame: "It's hard to leave [Atlanta] behind, [But] obviously it's a great opportunity for me to go to Cleveland."

-- Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 6, 2017

The money is close. Korver makes $5.2 million in the final year of his deal; Dunleavy earns $4.8 million this season with another year left on his contract. ESPN and the Vertical are reporting the Hawks would also get a 2019 first-round draft choice from Cleveland, which is heavily protected. 

The Cavs and Blazers are also nearing a deal to trade first-round picks, according to a source, with Cleveland sending its 2017 pick to Portland for the 2018 first rounder the Cavs sent the Blazers last season as incentive to take Anderson Varejao's contract off their hands. ESPN first reported the potential pick swap.

Korver, 35, is averaging 9.5 points this season and shooting 41 percent from 3-point range for the Hawks. His .429 career shooting percentage from deep is the third-highest among active NBAers and the 8th best in league history. His 1,952 3-pointers are fifth most among active players and 8th all time.

Dunleavy, 36, is averaging a career-low 4.6 points and shooting a career-worst 40 percent from the field.

The Cavs have a need for a shooter because of the thumb injury to J.R. Smith, who could be out three months, and because Dunleavy hasn't worked out. He came to Cleveland in a trade last summer.

Dunleavy was the lone player who dressed for Cleveland Wednesday night not to play. Korver was seated on the bench for the Hawks's game Thursday in New Orleans, and remained there even after reports of the possible trade began to surface.

The Cavs play the Brooklyn Nets in New York Friday to start a season-long six-game road trip.

Cleveland also needs to move Chris Andersen's $1.55 million contract and Mo Williams' $2.1 million contract to free up roster space so they can acquire a veteran backup point guard, potentially from a list of free agents that may grow over the coming days and weeks.

It was two years ago this week when Cleveland general manager David Griffin dramatically changed the roster, jettisoning Dion Waiters and getting back Timofey Mozgov, Smith, and Iman Shumpert in separate trades.

Korver, whom the Cavs know well from the last two playoff battles between with the Hawks, has been coming off the bench for Atlanta the past five games. Though the Hawks are in fifth in the East, they are said to be considering trades for several veterans, including All-Star Paul Millsap.

Korver averaged 7.5 points and shot 42.9 percent from 3-point range in Cleveland's four-game sweep of the Hawks in the conference semifinals last year, and only played in two games out of four in the Cavs' 2015 Eastern finals sweep. 

The Buckeyes lost back-to-back games for the first time this season with a loss to Purdue on Thursday night.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State looked like it was going to get a break.

Marc Loving drove baseline late in Thursday's game against No. 20 Purdue, and lost the ball. It ended up in the hands of Trevor Thompson, who made a layup to tie the game while getting fouled with 15.1 seconds left. Thompson missed the ensuing free throw, then was called for his fifth foul on Caleb Swanigan on the other end.

Swanigan made the first free throw, then missed the second. Ohio State rebounded with five seconds left, and JaQuan Lyle got a decent look at what would've been a long game-winning jumper. He missed.

Purdue 76, Ohio State 75 -- another devastating close loss for the Buckeyes.  

Jae'Sean Tate lead four Buckeyes in double-figures with 17 points. Swanigan had 16 for Purdue. The Buckeyes (10-5, 0-2 Big Ten) had a shot in the end, and that will be frustrating. They can look to a slow start to the second half for a reasons why they were in that situation in the first place. 

Ohio State had to claw back after a slow start to the second half. The Boilermakers opened the second half with a quick 10-4 spurt before the first media timeout and took a 10-point lead. 

The Buckeyes got it ties up at 55 on a pull-up jumper from Kam Williams, but then went missed layup, turnover, turnover on its next three possessions and couldn't quite get all the momentum back.

Ohio State cut Purdue's lead to one at 72-71 with 1:45 left on a Loving drive. But the Boilermakers found an answer in a 3-pointer from P.J. Thompson to go back up four. A bucket inside by Tate, followed by some good defense on Swanigan by Thompson gave the Buckeyes the ball with 30 seconds left and a chance to tie or take the lead.

That led to the sequence where Thompson tied the game, but Ohio State -- which had the game within a bucket multiple times in the second half -- could never take the lead. 

What it means

Ohio State is off to an 0-2 start in Big Ten and hasn't beat a ranked team since beating Iowa in Columbus last February. Near-wins are piling up for Ohio State. Near-wins won't get them to the NCAA Tournament. 

Buckeyes start strong, falter late in first half

For a long stretch of the first half, Ohio State was lights out on the offensive end and forcing the issue by creating points in transition. The Buckeyes never had a sizable lead, but forced a Purdue timeout with a quick spurt that gave them a 29-24 lead with just under nine minutes to play. 

Purdue closed strong as Ohio State got sloppy. 

The Buckeyes made one field goal in the final 4:27 of the first half -- a halftime buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Loving -- and Purdue closed on an 11-4 run to lead 43-39 at the break.

Offensive rebounds killed Ohio State in the first half. Purdue had seven of them, and turned that into nine points. 

Bates-Diop out again

Buckeyes junior forward Keita Bates-Diop missed his sixth game of the season on Thursday night. Ohio State reported his issue as leg soreness, and he's officially day-to-day. 

What's next?

Ohio State is back on the road on Sunday against Minnesota. Tip-off from Minneapolis is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on Big Ten Network. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets fell one game short of tying the NHL record for consecutive wins, falling to the Washington Capitals on Thursday, ending their streak at 16.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Columbus Blue Jackets saw their 16-game winning streak come to an end Thursday, falling to the Washington Capitals, 5-0, in an NHL game at the Verizon Center in Washington.

The Blue Jackets were attempting to tie the NHL record of 17 consecutive wins, set by Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1992-93 season.

The loss also ended the Blue Jackets 18-game point streak and they were shut out for just the second time this season.

The last time Columbus lost was a 2-1 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers on Nov. 26.

The Blue Jackets are 27-6-4 with an NHL-best 58 points. They are 21-2-2 since Nov. 12. That includes two victories against the Capitals: a 2-1 overtime win at Nationwide Arena on Nov. 15 and a 3-2 win at Verizon Center on Nov. 20. Columbus trailed in the third period of each game.

Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 18 of 23 shots before being replaced by Curtis McElhinney at 5:26 of the third period. Bobrovsky's record fell to 25-6-0. He won 14 games during the streak. Washington's Braden Holtby stopped 29 shots.

Washington jumped ahead on first-period goals by Daniel Winnik and John Carlson. Columbus had an 11-6 advantage in shots for the period.

The Capitals stretched the lead to 4-0 on goals by Nate Schmidt and Andre Burakovsky in the second period and got another by Justin Williams in the third.

• Game summary
• NHL standings

C'mon in: In anticipation of a capacity crowd, the Blue Jackets announced Thursday that they will open the doors at Nationwide Arena at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, 30 minutes earlier than normal for a 7 p.m. game. ... The Blue Jackets complete back-to-back home games when they take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Monster honors: The Blue Jackets top affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, announced Thursday that Oliver Bjorkstrand and Ryan Craig have been selected to represent the AHL's Western Conference at the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic, January 29-30 at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pa., home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Bates-Diop will have surgery to repair a stress fracture suffered before the season. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State basketball needs a turnaround after dropping to 0-2 in Big Ten play with a loss to Purdue on Thursday night. 

The Buckeyes will have to do it without arguably their most versatile player. 

Junior forward Keita Bates-Diop will have surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left leg suffered before the season and miss the rest of the year, Buckeyes coach Thad Matta said after Thursday's game. 

Matta said the hope is to redshirt Bates-Diop this year, which means he'd have two more years of eligibility left after this season. 

"That's a punch in the gut to us," Matta said. "It is what it is, and we gotta keep moving forward. In a game like that, he can help us. But injuries are gonna happen. It looks like we're gonna be able to redshirt him. I feel awful for Keita and I'm thankful for what he gave us in terms of playing with a lot of pain. I told him, 'I don't need that in my career now. I'm not gonna play a guy who's injured.' He's done."

Bates-Diop missed Thursday's game with what Ohio State originally called "leg soreness."

He had missed five games earlier in the season due to a high ankle sprain to his right leg suffered during a game against Providence on Nov. 11. He returned to the lineup on Dec. 6 against Florida Atlantic, and averaged 21.3 minutes per game over six games leading up to Thursday night.

Matta said Bates-Diop had been playing through considerable pain.

He suffered the stress fracture during the summer, and missed two months leading into the season. Matta said the original plan was to bring Bates-Diop along slowly and have him healthy right around the time he suffered the ankle injury to his opposite leg against Providence.

The stress fracture never healed the way they were hoping, and Bates-Diop will have surgery next week.

"The other night, he hasn't been the same," Matta said. "We'll do the right thing by him, get him taken care of and get him back next year."  

In nine games this season, the 6-foot-7 junior wing was averaging 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the floor. 

His combination of length, athleticism and ability to stretch the floor to the 3-point line made him arguably Ohio State's most versatile player. Matta said earlier this week that Bates-Diop had been playing the best basketball of his career before the stress fracture, and the thought was he'd be poised for a breakout year in his second season as a full-time starter. 

Instead this is another setback for a player who missed the last two games of last season due to mono, and missed two games during a freshman season in which he was seldom used. 

"Accountability is one of the greatest attributes an individual can have in life," Matta said. "Coaches have to be accountable, players have to be accountable. We're down -- I remember when David Lighty broke his foot and I thought , 'Anybody but him' -- and Keita is kind of that glue guy. He's our best defender."

Ohio State lost to No. 20 Purdue 76-75 on Thursday night in Columbus. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Marc Loving sat glassy-eyed and seemingly on the verge of tears for the entire six-minute postgame press conference after Ohio State's 76-75 loss to Purdue on Thursday night. 

It was a rare sign of emotion from Ohio State's lone senior. These losses look like they're starting to take a toll.

In a vacuum, a one-point loss to the No. 20 team in the country can be both frustrating and encouraging. But these aren't happening in a vacuum. Losses like Thursday night's are almost becoming the norm for Ohio State. 

The Buckeyes (10-5, 0-2 Big Ten) have a problem of playing down to the level of their competition to the point where they lose an inexcusable game to a team like Florida Atlantic. They play up to their opponent to the point where there are stretches where they hang with UCLA, and look better than Virginia or Purdue -- but the end result is still a loss. 

"When you feel like you worked as hard as you possibly can, left it out on the floor, guys are gonna be emotional because of love for the game," Loving said. "You want to win. They edged it out."

This appeared to be the most dejected a group of players has looked after a loss in the last three seasons. Embarrassing blowouts last year didn't even elicit this kind of response. 

If there's one positive thing to take away from Thursday night, it's that this group of players cares. That probably sounds cheesy, but that hasn't always been evident over the last two-plus seasons. 

"For all the years I've been here, this team I feel like we really want it," junior forward Jae'Sean Tate said. "This team I feel like everyone is trying hard." 

Wanting it is step No. 1. Actually pulling off this kind of win is another thing. 

Ohio State has five losses this season, three of them by two or fewer points, another a five-point loss at Illinois. A two-point loss at Virginia, a one-point loss on Thursday night -- those are the kind of games Ohio State needs to start winning if this thing is ever going to get turned around.

It's fair to ask if that can happen at all when there's been so much evidence to the contrary lately.  

"I thought our guys fought," Buckeyes coach Thad Matta said. "With the exception of the first few minutes of the second half I thought they competed. That's how you want to feel in a game like that and it doesn't come out your way."

The Big Ten is in a place right now where there isn't a clear-cut favorite. They're all in a group, which could be a good thing for Ohio State if you consider Purdue one of the best teams in the conference. The Buckeyes were a few plays away from winning it. 

But will they always be just a few plays away? Can they find a way to get a game within bucket, have multiple chances to tie or take the lead, and actually get it done?

With a large chunk of the teams in the Big Ten seemingly on the same level, this won't be the last time this season Ohio State finds itself in a game like this. It could very well happen agains on Sunday night on the road against Minnesota.

Here are the kind of things Ohio state needs to avoid:

* At one point in Thursday's second half the Buckeyes had the game tied at 55, then went miss, turnover, turnover and never took a lead. There was a more than five-minute stretch without an Ohio State field goal where Purdue never pulled away because it was also cold, but the Buckeyes also never took advantage. 

* Ohio State needed a strong start to the second half, and had some momentum after Loving his a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the first half, but instead allowed a quick 10-4 run at the beginning of the second half that turned into a 10-point Purdue lead that made a world of difference late when Ohio State could never get over the hump.

* Trevor Thompson had to make a free throw with 15 seconds left in a tie game, and clanked it off the back of the rim. Then Thompson fouled on the other end, Caleb Swanigan split a pair of free throws and it was over. 

"It comes down to we gotta play smart and hard all 40 minutes," Tate said. "The game wasn't lost in the last couple seconds."

Bates-Diop to have season-ending surgery

Multiple chances to take the game, and multiple failures. That's been a theme that stretches back to last season when the inability to get big wins coupled with some bad non-conference losses kept Ohio State out of the NCAA Tournament. 

The Buckeyes avoided that kind of non-conference spiral this year, with the loss to Florida Atlantic as the only major blemish. That was bad, but also not a death sentence. But that was only if you thought this season would be different and that the Buckeyes could contend with the top half of the Big Ten this year. 

They contended on Thursday, but didn't win. 

After an 0-2 start to Big Ten play and back-to-back road games against Minnesota and Wisconsin coming up, that needs to change in a hurry. 

"We have to find a way to bring that emotion and energy every night," Tate said. "Eventually we're gonna hit our stride. I know it. I can feel it." 

Jimmy Walker, winner of the 2016 PGA Championship, led three players by two shots through one round of SBS Tournament of Champions 2017 in Hawaii.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jimmy Walker led by two shots entering the second round of the PGA Tour's SBS Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.

Walker, who won the 2016 PGA Championship, went 8-under 65. Jim Herman, Justin Thomas and Ryan Moore were tied for second at 6-under.

The PGA Tour season began with the "fall series'' in October, but in the eyes of many, the Tournament of Champions is the lid-lifter. The T of C unfolds at Plantation Course at Kapalua in Maui.

Defending champion Jordan Spieth is tied for 22nd at 1-under. Spieth, ranked No. 5 in the world, shot 30-under 262 last year. Spieth owns three top-10s in his past four worldwide starts.

SBS tee times

SBS TV times

• Friday: Golf Channel -- 6-10 p.m.
• Saturday: NBC Sports -- 4-6 p.m.; Golf Channel -- 6-8 p.m.
• Sunday: NBC Sports -- 3-5 p.m.; Golf Channel -- 5-7 p.m.

Spieth obviously is one of the favorites this week, but he is not the most dialed-in player in the field. Nobody is performing better than Hideki Matsuyama, world No. 6.

Matsuyama has won four worldwide starts since October, including one in two starts on this season's PGA Tour. He finished second in the other PGA Tour event and ranks No. 1 with 850 FedExCup points.

Matsuyama shot 4-under Thursday and was tied for seventh.

World No. 1 Jason Day returned after having been sidelined several months because of back issues. He was tied for 12th at 3-under.

Friday's live leaderboard:

PGA TOUR

SBS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

Site: Kapalua, Hawaii.

Course: Plantation Course at Kapalua. Yardage: 7,452. Par: 73.

Purse: $6 million (First prize: $1.08 million).

Defending champion: Jordan Spieth.

Previous tournament: Mackenzie Hughes won the RSM Classic at Sea Island.

Notes: The field is only for PGA Tour winners from 2016. ... The six players who chose not to start at Kapalua are British Open champion Henrik Stenson, Masters champion Danny Willett, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel and Adam Scott. ... Spieth won last year by eight shots and finished at 30-under, joining Ernie Els (Kapalua 2003) as the only players in PGA Tour history to complete 72 holes at 30-under or lower. ... Jason Day is playing for the first time since he withdrew after one round at the Tour Championship. ... Among the nine players at Kapalua for the first time is Greg Chalmers, who won his first PGA Tour event (Barracuda Championship) at age 42. ... Just 11 players are back at Kapalua from last year's Tournament of Champions. ... Seven players at Kapalua are not yet eligible for the Masters. ... Spieth last year became only the second player to win as No. 1 in the world. The other was Tiger Woods in 2000.

Next week: Sony Open.

Online: www.pgatour.com

(The Associated Press contributed)