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Johnny Brewer, 1937-2011, was a tight end on Cleveland Browns' 1964 championship team

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Brewer was the Browns' starting tight end 1961-65 and finished with 89 catches for 1,256 yards and six touchdowns.

brewer-mug-nfl.jpgView full sizeJohnny Brewer caught 25 passes for the 1964 NFL champion Cleveland Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Johnny Brewer, 74, the starting tight end on the Browns' championship team in 1964, passed away Friday in Madison, Miss.

Brewer was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round -- 41st overall -- of the 1960 draft after playing on two national championship teams at Ole Miss, where he was an All-American.

Brewer was the Browns' starting tight end 1961-65 and finished with 89 catches for 1,256 yards and six touchdowns. His most productive season was 1964, when he caught 25 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns in helping lead the Browns to the championship game, where they defeated the Baltimore Colts, 27-0.

In 1966, Brewer was moved to right outside linebacker and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl after the 1967 season. He finished his career as a linebacker with the New Orleans Saints, retiring after the 1970 season.

Brewer was inducted into the Ole Miss Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. After football, he had a long career in the insurance industry.

Brewer is survived by his wife of 46 years, Anita Wood Brewer, daughter Jonnita Barrett, and sons John Brewer Jr. and Sean Brewer. Memorial services will be Saturday in Vicksburg, Miss.


Cleveland Indians' laboring offense could get a spark from Columbus' Cord Phelps: Terry Pluto

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It's time for the Tribe to look for help from a minor-league roster that has some offensive punch.

phelps-spring11-vert-cc.jpgView full sizeCord Phelps has spent enough time in Class AAA competition to suggest he's ready to help the Indians' struggling offense, says Terry Pluto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Reality is dawning for the Indians.

Reality is not the sloppy baseball of late. They are a better team than that.

Reality is Jack Hannahan batting .178 with three RBI in May. It's Orlando Cabrera struggling at second base and batting .229 (.538 OPS).

Reality is with Travis Hafner hurt, they have no designated hitter. It's Grady Sizemore batting .111 (5-of-45) in May as he comes back from knee injury. It's Shelly Duncan at .190 in May.

Reality is a real challenge for manager Manny Acta and the front office as they try to stay on top of the Central Division.

Which is why they should promote Cord Phelps from Columbus. He is hitting .319 with seven homers and a .936 OPS. He's on a 14-game hitting streak, is second in the Class AAA International League with 38 RBI, and third with a .408 on-base percentage.

Phelps finished last season at Columbus, and is a .318 hitter (.917 OPS) in 415 Class AAA at bats. At 24, there's not much for him left do to -- at least not as a hitter.

The Indians have been developing Phelps as a multi-position player, although he has played 11 games at second (no errors), 25 at short (five errors). Yes, third base would be a natural spot to supply immediate help to the Tribe, but he's played just one game there as a pro. He's never played the outfield as a pro.

Top prospect Lonnie Chisenhall is at third for Columbus, but he's been just so-so: .269, five homers, 26 RBI and a .793 OPS. In his last 10 games, he's 10-of-40 (.250). He has seven errors at third and still needs work in the field. So the reality is there's no reason to rush the 22-year-old lefty hitter, who is only batting .197 vs. left-handers.

Jason Kipnis (.293, .853 OPS) is a real prospect at second, but the converted outfielder has eight errors.

The Columbus non-pitcher most big league ready is Phelps, who also is a switch-hitter. He has been a DH for 10 games. Why can't he do that in the next few weeks with the Tribe until Hafner's rib cage injury heals? He also can spell Orlando Cabrera at second base, and even give Asdrubal Cabrera (who has played every game) a day off at short?

No matter what the front office and Acta may say, the general assumption at the start of the season was that the team may be able to win more games than they lose, but playoff contention was more likely in 2012. They'd open with Orlando Cabrera at second base, with Phelps or Kipnis taking the job at some point in the summer. Hannahan would buy time for Chisenhall to develop.

But a playoff race means it's time to keep playing to win, as the Indians did when they promoted Alex White ahead of schedule early this season.

Phelps did play 13 games in the Arizona Fall League at 3B, and had six errors. It would be a major challenge to bring him to Cleveland and ask him to play a new and uncomfortable position in the middle of a playoff race.

In case you are wondering, Orlando Cabrera has never played third in the majors.

If the Indians want help from Columbus, Phelps is the guy. Given how the team is playing lately, with a little imagination, they can find spots for him in the lineup.

Kyrie Irving wants to remain normal, but Cleveland Cavaliers' potential No. 1 pick is anything but, say coaches, teammates

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For the most part, Kyrie Irving still thinks of himself as a normal kid. If he becomes the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, he'd still like to keep it that way.

irving-drive-ncaa-vert-ap.jpgView full size"Ky is so down to earth," says one of his high school coaches, Tony Jones. "Sometimes kids who have the kind of success he's had at his age have this kind of prima donna attitude. He has none of that. He's about as down to earth as you can be."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the most part, Kyrie Irving still thinks of himself as a normal kid.

In spite of the fact that the Cavaliers could make the former Duke point guard the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on June 23 -- with the publicity and paycheck that go with it -- he'd like to keep it that way.

"I was living a normal lifestyle until I got to Duke," said Irving, 19, who played just 11 games as a freshman last year because of toe injury. "I was a normal kid, and I still feel I am a normal kid. I'm not going to change my lifestyle."

What exactly does he consider normal? He loves to play basketball, obviously. Away from the court, he likes to hang with his close circle of friends, most of whom don't play basketball. He likes to sing, and dance. He plays the baritone sax. He was in his high school play.

He likes to read, too, and just finished Allen Iverson's autobiography.

"Knowledge is power," he said during the recent NBA combine in Chicago. "I try to get a broader view of different guys' journeys; do my homework."

He values education. Although he left Duke after just one season, he made a pact with his father, Drederick Irving, that he would earn his degree in five years.

"I don't want to be considered a dropout," he said.

He has a humble way, as if uncertain why everyone is making this fuss. Asked during one of the daily press sessions what made him a No. 1 pick, he smiled and said, "I'm not sure. I guess some people see different things in me that I don't even see in myself sometimes."

In fact, to most questions of that sort, he replied that his main concern was just working hard every day to get better. "Hungry and humble" is his mantra.

In addition to not taking himself too seriously, he also displayed a good sense of humor.

Asked what his vertical leap was during the combine's athletic testing, Irving said, "I think it was zero. ... I didn't do it."

Tony Jones, his first high school coach at Montclair (N.J.) Kimberley Academy, calls him authentic.

"What you see is what you get," Jones said.

But what you get is something special -- a good shooter, a good passer with great court vision and knowledge of the game, a good rebounder and defender for his size with speed and quickness and a great first step.

Making a good first impression

"Ky can play," Jones said. "I'm so happy for him. Not all the time do you get really, really good people who have an opportunity to achieve their dreams. Ky is so down to earth. Sometimes kids who have the kind of success he's had at his age have this kind of prima donna attitude. He has none of that. He's about as down to earth as you can be."

Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia, where his father was playing basketball. His mother died when he was four, leaving Drederick with Kyrie and an older sister, Asia. Back in the U.S., young Kyrie rose through the basketball ranks, making a name for himself.

Jones first saw him as a skinny little eighth grader in an AAU game at Hoop Heaven in Whippany, N.J.

"The thing I noticed more than anything, I'll never forget, he got the ball in transition, he was ahead of the pack, and this guy was racing to catch him and he suddenly cut in front of the player and finished a really tough layup," Jones recalled. "As an eighth grader, he didn't circle and try and make a layup with his strong hand. He just cut, held the guy off and finished with a layup. I just said, 'Wow. That kid can play. He understands what's going on.'

"I worked hard to get him here. I thought he could change our program."

Irving started as a freshman and averaged about 16 points as his team finished a few games above .500. His sophomore year he averaged 27 points and 13 rebounds and the Montclair Kimberley Academy basketball team won its first state prep title.

What Irving -- and Jones -- realized was that he needed a bigger challenge.

"Kyrie's probably the best player to ever walk through these doors," Jones said. "Obviously, I wanted him to play for me forever if he could. We knew his sophomore year there was a chance he wasn't going to come back, he had outgrown what we have here."

So Irving transferred to powerhouse St. Patrick in Elizabeth, N.J., joining a nationally ranked team that included players such as Dexter Strickland, now at North Carolina.

"When he first arrived, he took the conservative approach to some of the older guys we had," said coach Kevin Boyle, who recently left St. Pat's after 23 years to move to Montverde (Fla.) Academy. "People heard more about them than they heard about him up to then. Sometimes he was too respectful. But it was pretty clear for me to see he was the best kid on the team. He's a very complete player. There's very few things he doesn't do well."

irving-shoot-ncaa-squ-ap.jpgView full size"He's a very intelligent basketball player," Duke teammate Kyle Singler says of Kyrie Irving. "He does stuff with the ball not very many people can do."

Briefly a Blue Devil

Irving led St. Pat's to a state prep title, too, and in the process watched his stock rise from maybe No. 90 among top prep players to No. 10 and then the top five. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski came calling, and Irving signed on with the Blue Devils.

Kyle Singler was not part of the recruiting process, but it didn't take long for Irving to impress him.

"The first time I remember him was in our first week of practice," said Singler, a senior who also took part in the recent NBA combine. "I really thought the kid was special, and he is. He's a very intelligent basketball player. He does stuff with the ball not very many people can do.

"He has a great personality and his talents speak for themselves. He's going to have to prove himself, but he's got the talent, he has the skills to be effective."

Of course, Irving got hurt just eight games into the season, twisting ligaments in his right big toe. He wore a cast for three months and still wears an orthotic in his shoe. He surprised many -- including Singler -- by coming back to play in three NCAA tournament games, but he thought he needed to prove he was healthy enough to play in the NBA.

He clearly did that, as virtually every mock draft has him listed as the top player available. For a city still struggling to get over The Chosen One, Boyle thinks Irving can be a great replacement if he's chosen No. 1.

"I think it's a great 'get' for them," Boyle said. "After losing LeBron, fans need something to hold on to. He's an exciting player. He makes other guys around him better. Guys enjoy playing with him and enjoy running because they know they'll get the ball.

"I'm excited to see him at that level."

Cavs workouts: Although the team has not released any information about workouts of potential draft picks, Florida State's Chris Singleton told reporters at his workout with Golden State on Tuesday that his first workout was with the Cavs.

The Cavs would not confirm reports that Turkey's Enes Kanter is due in on June 7. The agent for Providence's Marshon Brooks said Brooks will work out on June 10. ... The Web site thehoopsreport.com reported the Cavs held a workout on Monday that included Singleton, Tobias Harris, Marcus Morris, Jordan Williams, Cory Joseph and Diante Garrett. Harris was matched up against Williams, Morris went up against Singleton, and Joseph matched up with Garrett.

According to the Web site, Morris was the most impressive player and Singleton didn't look good at all. The site also reported that Garrett got the best of Joseph, while the Harris-Williams matchup wasn't an ideal pairing, as Harris is more of a combo forward and Williams is a true post player.

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

As temperatures rise, so does action on local courses: Northeast Ohio Golf Insider

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Nothing like a drastic change in the weather to tickle the dimples on golf course owners and operators.

morrow-mug-golf-ac.jpgView full sizeFormer Kent Roosevelt standout Mandi Morrow earned a spot in the upcoming U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links tournament to be played in Oregon.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Nothing like a drastic change in the weather to tickle the dimples on golf course owners and operators.

The dry and hot weather was refreshing, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Not only did it help owners at the cash register, but also in the maintenance department. Many courses were able to get tractors out to mow for the first time in weeks. Still, many wisely stuck to "cart path only" rules for players.

"The cart path only rule really hurt us," said Aurora Golf Club assistant pro Mike Jenoir. "Still, we were happy to see our customers. We had between 140 and 150 rounds on Sunday and more than that on Saturday."

Dante D'Andrea, general manager at Good Park Golf Course in Akron, said 201 players were on the course on Monday and called it a better Memorial Day than in recent years.

"We were booked solid from 6:25 a.m. until 11 a.m.," said D'Andrea, who stuck to the cart path only policy. "It slowed in the afternoon because people have things to do, but we still got some 9-holers."

Mike Mucciarone, general manager at Fowler's Mill in Chesterland, said his course hosted about 650 rounds for the three days but less humidity and some wind would help ease the pain of the past three months.

"That's about where we expect to be," he said of the surge in weekend play. "But, it is taking some time for the course to dry out."

Lost revenues cannot be made up in one beautiful weekend.

"What's lost is lost and there is no getting it back," said Joe Flogge, who owns Barberton Brookside. "We did very well over the weekend, though. We were probably busier than a normal holiday. Our customers have been very patient. Our rough is very high and it's hard to play under those conditions."

Going Public, Part I: Kent State juniors Mandi Morrow and Shamira Marshall have qualified for the 35th U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship, to be held June 27-July 2 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore.

Morrow, daughter of KSU coach Mike Morrow, was the medalist at the qualifying tournament at Grey Hawk last month with a 1-under 71. Marshall, from Nordonia, joined her teammate with a 73.

Going Public, Part II: A field of 20 will compete for one spot on the men's side of the Public Links Championship during a 36-hole qualifier at Pine Hills on Monday. Defending champion John Hahn, who recently graduated from Kent State, will not return, but runner-up Justin Lower, from Canal Fulton, has entered. The field size is the lowest in years and tournament officials feel the dip can be attributed to the weather.

"Guys have told us that because of the poor weather we've had they have not been able to get their games in shape in order to compete, so they declined to enter," said tournament director Marty Ginley, who estimated a 25 percent decrease in entries. "Plus, the dates for the championship have been moved up about two weeks. So, players in the Midwest, where they weather has been the worst, have been hurt the most."

Former Public Links champions include Tim Clark, Brandt Snedeker, Ryan Moore and Jodie Mudd.

Signing in: Organizers of the Cleveland Junior Open (Red Tail Golf Club in Avon, June 21-23) are calling the 96-player field -- 69 boys, 27 girls -- the strongest in the event's four years. It includes 14 Ohioans currently in the national Polo Golf Rankings, including locals Beau Titsworth (78), Matt Gerard (137), John Chaney (282), Nicki Henry (323), Alex Andrews (603), Andrew Bieber (694) and Ian Holt (840). Also entered is Hally Leadbetter, daughter of renowned instructor David Leadbetter.

Search is on: The University of Akron is conducting initial interviews for its men's coaching position following the recent retirement of Nick Goetz. In his four seasons, the Zips won three tournaments, including a 10-stroke victory at the Illini Spring Classic in April. The victory over such programs as Illinois and Ohio State boosted the team into national rankings for the first time since 2006-07. Firestone Country Club is the Zips' home course.

Terrelle Pryor's future at Ohio State is the next big topic in Columbus

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After Monday's resignation by OSU coach Jim Tressel, whether his former quarterback would be forced out as well became the next question for the 2011 Buckeyes.

pryor-530mtg-squ-osu-ap.jpgView full sizeDespite reportedly having a suspended driver's license, Terrelle Pryor drove a 2007 Nissan 350Z to Monday's players-only meeting on the OSU campus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor's Ohio State career is over -- the opinion of former Heisman Trophy winner and OSU legend Eddie George -- and George isn't the only one who believes the quarterback won't take the field as a senior.

Pryor is currently under investigation by both Ohio State and the NCAA for potential violations beyond the five-game suspension he's facing for trading memorabilia for money and discounted tattoos, as reported by the Columbus Dispatch. The university has confirmed that it continues to investigate new allegations as they are made known, including the cars driven by several players.

If more violations are found related to Pryor having access to cars or trading more memorabilia than previously reported, he could face an increased suspension from the school or the NCAA. After Monday's resignation by OSU coach Jim Tressel, whether his former quarterback would be forced out as well became the next question for the 2011 Buckeyes.

Former Buckeye Chris Spielman told ESPN that he believes Pryor won't play again for Ohio State. George, for one, believes that might be a good thing.

"I think Terrelle is a good kid. I think he means well," George said. "I think he got some pretty bad advice and he got himself involved with the wrong people.

"Now that Tressel is gone and Luke Fickell takes over, you've got to ask yourself the questions, do you really want [Pryor] to come back with all the baggage with him when you're trying to move on from that? So I don't think he'll be back with the Buckeyes this season, and I don't think he'll be remembered by the Buckeye faithful the same way."

No Ohio State officials spoke Tuesday, as the school started to recover from Tressel's departure and a Sports Illustrated report that alleged that many more players than originally reported by Ohio State were involved in swapping memorabilia for tattoos and cash. Players were seen working out in the heat outside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, trying to prepare for a season just over three months away without knowing exactly who will be around for it.

Pryor, the nation's top recruit while in high school in western Pennsylania, took over as Ohio State's starting quarterback in the fourth game of his freshman season in 2008, becoming the first freshman to start at quarterback for the Buckeyes since Art Schlichter in 1978. Pryor has helped lead the Buckeyes to three Big Ten titles and victories in the Rose and Sugar bowls the last two seasons.

Already facing a perception problem, the program wasn't done any favors when Pryor arrived for a team meeting Monday night in a black 2007 Nissan 350Z. Channel 4 in Columbus also reported that, according to Bureau of Motor Vehicle records, Pryor is currently driving on a suspended license.

Ohio State did release to the Associated Press affidavits from three car dealers that said none of them gave deals to Ohio State players that were any different than what was offered to other customers.

Currently scheduled to return to game action, along with four other suspended teammates, in the sixth game of the season at Nebraska on Oct. 8, Pryor could have another playing option. Rumors had swirled weeks ago that Pryor might consider entering the NFL's supplemental draft, and a league spokesperson reaffirmed that players were eligible to apply for the draft only if their college status had changed after the league's regular draft in April.

At that point, Pryor's world remained basically the same as it had since December, when his five-game suspension was handed down. Now it has changed.

His coach is gone. There's a feeling that Pryor could be next.

Orlando Cabrera admits frustration led to Monday's misplay against Toronto: Indians Insider

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Orlando Cabrera says he fell prey to frustration and a loss of composure in the fourth inning Monday after making an error.

acab-defense-horiz-ap.jpgView full sizeAsdrubal Cabrera can't quite reach this single by the Blue Jays' Yunel Escobar during the third inning of Tuesday night's game at Toronto's Rogers Centre.

TORONTO -- Frustration got the best of Orlando Cabrera. Now he knows what lurks in the heart of every Indians fan.

In Monday's 11-1 loss to Toronto, the Indians' second baseman botched an easy play and opened the door for a seven-run fourth inning against Fausto Carmona. To make it worse, after he dropped Corey Patterson's bouncer with the bases loaded, his bent over the ball, with his back to the plate while trying to pick it up, while Rajai Davis scored from second.

"It was such an easy play at second base," said Cabrera before Tuesday's game. "Fausto made a great pitch. I totally lost my cool and focus. I know Davis is really fast. I've got to turn around and stop him from scoring."

Cabrera left the clubhouse quickly after Monday's loss and did not talk to reporters.

"I work on keeping my composure, but I was frustrated and totally lost my focus," he said Tuesday.

Cabrera, 36, has been having trouble defensively in recent games. It's been magnified on the artificial turf at Tropicana Field and Rogers Centre on this six-game trip.

"I've talked to Manny Acta and [infield coach] Steve Smith a lot about it," he said. "I'm getting to balls. I don't feel like the ball is always out of reach, but when I'm getting to the ball they're going under me."

Cabrera said he needs to work on his slide to the ball. "When we get home from this trip, we're going to work on it early at the stadium," he said. "It's good to have something like this right now early in the season so we can work on it."

The AL Central-leading Indians entered Tuesday night's game having lost five of their last six games and 12 of their last 23. They've been misfiring in all phases of the game.

"You're going to go through some rough spots," said Cabrera. "It's just something you can't avoid. It happens to almost every team. Sometimes it happens early, sometimes late.

"It's happening to us right now, but we still have a good lead. We can sit back and think things through with a cool head and make great decisions."

Solution: The offense needs a booster shot. Through Monday's loss, the Tribe has been outscored, 44-12, in its last six games.

"Yes, we need Travis Hafner back," said GM Chris Antonetti. "But we also need Shin-Soo Choo and Carlos Santana to start hitting, Grady Sizemore to get his timing back and for our other players to contribute."

Hafner (right oblique) went on the disabled list on May 18. He's expected to miss three to six weeks.

Inconsistent? Carmona is being called a lot of things by fans these days. Inconsistent is among the mildest terms being used, but not by Acta.

"He's had more good starts than bad ones," said Acta. "So I can't call him inconsistent. When he's struggled, he has struggled badly."

Carmona allowed nine runs on nine hits in four innings. Seven runs were earned as the Indians lost for the fifth time in the last six games.

"In his previous start before Monday, Fausto threw eight innings against a very good Boston team and only gave up four runs," said Acta. "Monday he couldn't make pitches and his breaking balls were non-existent. That's what hurt him.

"But we didn't play good defense and that's what hurt him. As long as he's around the zone, I think he's going to be OK."

Carmona is 3-6 with a 5.31 ERA in 12 starts. He's struck out 50, walked 22 and allowed 74 hits in 76 1/3 innings.

Finally: Class AA Akron's first baseman Matt McBride has been named the Indians' minor league player of the week. He hit .370 (10-27) with four runs, two doubles, two homers and seven RBI in seven games last week.

Mitch Talbot shines as Cleveland Indians beat Blue Jays, 6-3, behind 12-hit attack

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Michael Brantley and Carlos Santana had three hits each as the Indians finished with 12 hits, including seven for extra bases.

talbot-jays-horiz-531-ap.jpgView full sizeMitch Talbot scattered six hits and three walks while allowing just one run in 6.2 innings of work in Tuesday's victory over the Blue Jays.

TORONTO -- Mitch Talbot was a lot better in his second start Tuesday night than he was in his first since coming off the disabled list. It was just what the Indians needed.

Talbot allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings as the Indians beat Toronto, 6-3, at Rogers Centre. It was just their second win in the last seven games. The victory ended Toronto's four-game winning streak.

After scoring 11 runs in their previous six games, the Indians looked like the team that caught MLB napping as it sprinted to the lead in the AL Central. Talbot turned in a quality start, an energized offense gave him the lead and the bullpen and defense protected it.

Michael Brantley and Carlos Santana had three hits each as the Indians finished with 12 hits, including seven for extra bases.

"These are the things that got us here," said manager Manny Acta. "Now we can try to win the series and finish .500 on the road."

The Indians pushed a 3-0 lead to 6-0 with three two-out runs in the fifth against hard-throwing Brandon Morrow (2-3, 5.11). Travis Buck drew a two-out walk and Santana doubled him home for his second RBI. Grady Sizemore delivered Santana with a double to the fence in center -- his second RBI double of the game. Orlando Cabrera singled home Sizemore.

"It was good to see us get some extra bases hit against a very tough pitcher," said Acta.

Santana and Sizemore started the Indians' scoring in the second with consecutive doubles for a 1-0 lead. Sizemore's double was his first hit since going 0-for-12 over the weekend against the Rays following his activation from the disabled list Friday.

The Indians made it 3-0 in the third. Brantley's leadoff triple was followed by Asdrubal Cabrera's single. Cabrera was in a 3-for-16 slump before the single. After Shin-Soo Choo singled, both men advanced on a wild pitch. Morrow struck out Buck, but Santana scored Cabrera on a sacrifice fly.

Talbot (2-1, 4.50) bounced back in a big way from the battering he took from Boston on May 25. He gave up eight runs, including seven in the first inning, fresh off the disabled list.

"I threw strikes and threw the ball where I wanted it to go," said Talbot after Tuesday's game. "It's good to get back on the winning side of things and help get our team there. They played great. They scored a few runs and those guys on corners, Jack Hannahan and Matt LaPorta, saved me a few runs."

It was Talbot's first win since April 11.

Hannahan saved Talbot in the third. He made a leaping catch of Jayson Nix's liner to to third start the inning. With two out and a runner on first, Bautista, baseball's home-run leader, hit a hard grounder to Hannahan's left. He scooped the ball and threw to second for the inning-ending force.

"They call it the hot corner for a reason," said Hannahan.

The Tribe flashed more leather in the fourth. After consecutive singles by J.P. Arencibia and Aaron Hill put runners on first and second with one out, Eric Thames sent a hard grounder down the first-base line. LaPorta made a diving stop and raced to the bag for the second out. Fleet Rajai Davis hit a grounder over the mound that Asdrubal Cabrera charged from shortstop, grabbed and made a strong throw to first to end the inning.

"Hannahan and LaPorta made great plays," said Acta. "LaPorta's play was especially big."

Talbot pitched out of potential trouble in the fifth after Yunel Escobar walked and Corey Patterson reached on a bunt single. Talbot struck out Bautista on 1-2 sinker. Then he retired Juan Rivera.

Morrow allowed six runs on nine hits in five innings. He struck out nine and walked two.

Orlando Cabrera's problems in the field continued. Joe Smith relieved Talbot with one on and two out in the seventh with the Indians leading, 6-0. After Smith wild-pitched Patterson to second, Bautista sent a grounder between first and second. Cabrera, playing deep, fielded the ball, but made a wild throw to first as Patterson scored and Bautista went to second.

It was Cabrera's second error in two games and his fifth of the year. Rivera blooped a single to right that Choo pulled up on for fear of the ball bouncing over his head. Bautista scored to make it 6-2.

After Vinnie Pestano struck out the side in order in the eighth, Tony Sipp started the ninth. He got two out, but gave up a homer to Escobar. Chris Perez relieved and gave up a single to Bautista before inducing Rivera to hit into a force play.

Will Jim Tressel eventually have a lasting place in Columbus? Doug Lesmerises analysis

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Jim Tressel's legacy may eventually include the type of permanent reminders of his tenure that Woody Hayes received.

tresselsign-horiz-columbus-ap.jpgView full sizeWhile some Buckeyes fans didn't hesitate to express their support for their ousted football coach, assessing the long-term legacy of Jim Tressel is unlikely to be determined quickly.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Police directed traffic as construction closed down part of the road Tuesday at what may one day be the intersection of Woody Hayes Drive and Jim Tressel Place.

Several years after Hayes was fired as the Buckeyes' coach in 1978 for punching a Clemson player during the Gator Bowl, his name went up on the street in front of the stadium where he walked the sidelines for 28 seasons. Just two days after Tressel's resignation in the midst of NCAA violations, it may be hard to imagine similar treatment for this Ohio State coach, but after a cooling-off period and evaluation of his decade leading the Buckeyes, his legacy very well may include permanent remembrances on campus.

"I think a street is a strong possibility," OSU football historian and author Jack Park said Tuesday. "I think we'll see a sign in the stadium. They've got Paul Brown and Woody Hayes, and I think we'll see Jim Tressel."

Tressel's Ohio State career ended Monday after a national championship, seven Big Ten titles, a 9-1 record against Michigan, a 5-3 record in eight BCS bowl appearances, and a 106-22 record with the Buckeyes that gave him the second-highest winning percentage in Big Ten history among conference coaches with at least a decade of experience. That's plenty to fill a sign like those that honor Hayes and Brown at corners of Ohio Stadium.

But Ohio State has to want to put it up.

The rest of the college football universe chimed in Tuesday. Some offered support, like Alabama coach Nick Saban, who told reporters at the SEC meetings, "I guess if you were in the military, we would say we lost a fine comrade in this whole thing. ... There were mistakes, and there are going to be consequences for it. But I still think this is one of the finest people in our profession and certainly hate to see what's happening happen."

New Michigan coach Brady Hoke released a statement that read, "I have great respect for Jim Tressel and what he has accomplished during his coaching career. We enjoy competing in 'The Game' and have great respect for our rivals in Ohio. Our program looks forward to the last weekend of November."

Tressel probably still had more detractors than backers, but Park said initially it was the same way with Hayes in 1978. Though the punch isn't forgotten, for many OSU fans who still buy Hayes T-shirts, caps, bobbleheads and photos, it's not what they remember first or most often.

"After a few months or a year or so, people forgave him," Park said, "and I really believe Woody Hayes' best service to this community and this university was the nine years after he was no longer coaching."

Park's point is to praise what Hayes did by badgering former players into returning to earn their degrees and otherwise investing himself in the community, as well as advising Earle Bruce during his first year leading the Buckeyes.

"If Jim Tressel wanted to do that and serve in this community in some way, I think he would be extremely successful doing that," Park said.

It seems more likely that Tressel will step back for a while and assess his future. His last contract had included a provision that set up a faculty job upon his retirement, and though that point is moot now, it was clear he was thinking about staying around Ohio State forever.

It's impossible to fully assess Tressel's legacy now, without knowing how severe NCAA sanctions will be and how often the Buckeyes will win under their future coaches. Hayes hurt himself with his final act, but didn't leave the program with further problems, as the Buckeyes could face now from this NCAA investigation.

The ultimate question for Tressel is whether the majority of fans will see the end of his career as a widespread indictment of his entire tenure, or more of a mistake that doesn't taint all he accomplished on and off the field.

At Conrads College Gifts, an OSU store blocks from Ohio Stadium, manager Bennett Cohen said Tuesday the immediate reaction was actually a run on Tressel memorabilia, as fans looked to scoop up potential collector's items. A decrease in program spirit among his customers will cause Cohen to be cautious when ordering merchandise for the fall, but "I think when it all dies down, we'll still sell the Tressel cards, we'll sell the sweater vests," he said.

"He got us a national championship," said Cohen, whose father started the store 41 years ago. "Maybe 10 years from now, I still think he'll be one of the great ones."

This week, Cohen does have to get around to ordering more Tressel bobbleheads. They sold out around Christmas, and his plan prior to Monday was to wait for football season to order more. But people are asking for them now.


Miami Heat dominates fourth quarter, wins Game 1 of NBA Finals, 92-84, over Dallas

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The Heat trailed by eight points early in the third quarter before pulling away.

wade-layin-game1-vert-mct.jpgView full sizeDwyane Wade lays in two of his 22 points in Miami's Game 1 victory over Dallas Tuesday night. Wade added 10 rebounds while LeBron James scored 24 points and Chris Bosh added 19 for the Heat.

MIAMI -- Dwyane Wade's night began with a hug for his mom. It ended with an embrace from LeBron James.

And the Miami Heat have struck first in the NBA finals.

James scored 24 points for his first win in five finals-game appearances, Wade added 22 points and 10 rebounds and the Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks, 92-84, in Game 1 of the title series on Tuesday night.

The Heat trailed by eight points early in the third quarter before pulling away, remaining unbeaten at home in these playoffs and snapping Dallas' five-game road winning streak.

Chris Bosh scored 19 points -- holding up three fingers when it was over, a clear nod to the three wins Miami needs for a title -- and Mario Chalmers added 12 for the Heat, who host Game 2 on Thursday night.

Wade's 3-pointer with 3:06 left put the Heat up, 82-73, then the largest lead of the game for either team. The Mavs shaved two points off it on the next possession when Nowitzki hit two free throws, but James gave the Heat their first double-digit lead of the finals a few seconds later.

He dribbled upcourt against Shawn Marion, crossed his dribble over and got clear for a dunk while being fouled. The free throw made it 85-75, and most in the sellout, white-clad crowd began standing in anticipation.

Even then, it wasn't over. Nowitzki made two more free throws -- he was 12 for 12 from the line for the game -- with 1:36 left, cutting the Miami lead to six.

A momentary blip.

Wade grabbed a key defensive rebound, dribbled away from three Dallas pursuers and found Bosh for a dunk with 1:08 left that restored the 10-point lead. Another dunk by James came with 38.6 seconds left, sealing it.

Game over, and the Heat fans knew it, breaking into their now-traditional tossing of their white seat covers.

"I just was aggressive," Wade said. "We understand that this is the kind of game we wanted to play. We had them where we wanted them in the sense of points. You know they wasn't scoring a lot on us and offensively we just executed and guys made plays."

Mario Chalmers scored 12 for Miami, which outrebounded Dallas 46-36.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Dallas, which got 16 from Marion and 12 from Jason Terry. It was Dallas' fifth straight loss to Miami in finals games, dating to the Heat rally for the 2006 crown.

Dallas had 51 points after 26 minutes. The Mavericks scored 18 points in the next 18 minutes, 33 over the remainder of the game, as Miami's defense found another gear.

"That's kind of the way we've been winning games, of late," Wade said. "You've got stay with it. You can't get frustrated because the ball's not going in. There's other ways you can dominate the game and we was able to do that tonight. I thought we did a great job in the second half of rebounding the ball, limiting them to one shot as much as possible."

So, like was the case so many times this season, the Heat took the difficult route.

Miami coach Eric Spoelstra misspoke before the game, saying it had been "425 days" since the Heat opened training camp. He meant 245, but some would say this season may have seemed 180 days longer after all that's happened along the way.

There was James' "The Decision" where he left Cleveland for Miami, of course, something that still has him considered to be a villain in plenty of NBA cities. There was the 9-8 start, capped by a loss and long players-only meeting in Dallas. The Heat were swept by Chicago in the regular season, lost three of four to Boston, then fittingly vanquished both in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Mavs have an uncanny run of dominance over the Heat -- which, for whatever reason, only seems to apply in regular-season games.

Take away the 2006 NBA finals, and Dallas came into Game 1 having beaten Miami 14 straight times. The only team that has lost to any team more times consecutively is Minnesota, which finished with the NBA's worst record this season. The Timberwolves have lost 16 straight to San Antonio and Portland, and 15 straight to the Los Angeles Lakers.

None of that seemed relevant Tuesday, nor did the Miami win over Dallas for the title five years ago, either.

Wade -- the hero of that 2006 championship -- found himself with a couple extra minutes before tipoff because of an unusually long delay after the starters were introduced. So he went looking for inspiration. He screamed at his teammates, "Don't say, 'I wish I woulda,'" in the huddle before they took the court, his way of telling them not to leave anything in the proverbial tank during this series.

And then he slowly trotted to the other end of the court, pointed to his mother Jolinda in a baseline seat and gave her a hug as many in the crowd roared.

After that, if those fans like offense, there wasn't much for them to get excited about for a while.

Both teams expect to ride defense in this series, and that was made perfectly evident in the opening 12 minutes. The teams combined to take 35 shots in the first quarter -- and made 10.

Dallas led 17-16 after the first quarter, which was the lowest two-team output in the first quarter of Game 1 of a finals in the shot clock era, according to STATS LLC. It tied the fourth-lowest total for any finals quarter since 1955, bettering only the 30 points by the Magic and Lakers in Game 2 in 2009, and the 31 posted by the Jazz and Bulls in 1998's Game 3 along with the Lakers and Celtics in 1969's Game 4.

Everyone was struggling, maybe a little because of nerves, and mostly to do with the defensive intensity on both ends. James was 3 for 6 in the first quarter, while the rest of the Heat were 3 for 15. Half of Dallas' four first-quarter baskets were 3-pointers by Kidd, the team's 38-year-old point guard searching for his first NBA title.

Nowitzki made his first shot, a jumper 1:21 into the game. He missed his next four, not making another field goal until 3:59 remained in the first half. And the Mavericks had exactly one -- that's right, one -- 2-point basket in the game's first 15:49, with 10 of their first 18 field goal attempts coming from 3-point range.

Neither team led by more than six points in the first half, after which Dallas led 44-43 behind 13 from Nowitzki and 12 from Terry. Chalmers had 10 in the first half for Miami, all three of his field goals coming from 3-point range.

Dallas opened the third quarter by scoring seven quick points, all on jumpers, the burst ending with DeShawn Stevenson's 3-pointer with 10:03 remaining in the period -- pushing the Mavericks' lead to 51-43 and silencing a building that was still re-filling after halftime.

The rest of the third was largely all Miami.

The Heat outscored Dallas 22-10 in the remainder of the quarter. Wade started the rally -- just as he did in a series-saving effort for Miami in Game 3 of the '06 finals, giving the memorable "Nah, I ain't going out like this" quote afterward -- with two layups. And James beat the clock at the end of the period with an off-balance 3-pointer from near the Dallas bench for a 65-61 Miami lead, the largest for the Heat since the opening minutes.

They would not trail again, remaining perfect at home, and knowing they need only stay that way to win a title.

Ohio State 5th, Kent State 21st at NCAA Golf Championship

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Buckeyes, Flashes compete in NCAA Golf Championship at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Okla., plus CSU hires former player as assistant on women's basketball team.

ohio-state-logo.jpg

Senior Bo Hoag shot a 1-under 71, and the Ohio State men’s golf team was tied for fifth after the first day of stroke play at the NCAA championship Tuesday at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Okla.

The Buckeyes shot 3-over 291 and were eight shots behind leader Georgia Tech (283), which got a 5-under 67 from James White. UCLA (286) was in second, followed by Alabama (288), Texas A&M (289), Illinois (291), Georgia (291) and Ohio State.

Texas A&M’s Cameron Peck was one behind White after a 68, with Augusta State’s Patrick Reed and San Diego State’s J.J. Spaun each shooting a 69.

Tournament host Oklahoma State, ranked No. 1 all season, was in eighth place after a 4-over 292, followed by Augusta State (294), Kennesaw State (295) and San Diego State (295).

Kent State, which started on the 10th hole, shot a 16-over 304 and was ninth among the 15 teams in the morning wave but finished the day tied for 21st out of 30 teams.

Senior John Hahn (Hudson) led the Golden Flashes with a 2-over 74.

“This course is a challenge for everyone,” said Kent State coach Herb Page of the par-72, 7,416-yard layout. “We hit some really good shots on the back nine and were in a nice position at the turn, but we made a few bogeys coming down the stretch, and it started getting away from us a little bit.

“The greens are quick and undulating, so it’s important to put yourself in position to make putts. We had some good-looking irons into the green but didn’t putt nearly as well as we are capable.”

Vikings hire former player: Cleveland State announced that Brittany Korth, a former guard at CSU who helped the Vikings to their first NCAA Tournament in 2008, is returning to the school as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team.

Korth, a Clinton, Wis., native, earned four letters with CSU and graduated in 2008.


New Lakers coach Mike Brown says it's still Kobe Bryant's team

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Mike Brown made it clear Tuesday during his introduction as Jackson's successor that Bryant's role won't change under his regime. He said his first meeting with the superstar who owns five NBA championships "went very well."

Mike BrownNew Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown speaks during a news conference in El Segundo, Calif., Tuesday, May 31, 2011. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Phil Jackson is retired, the triangle offense is out, and Mike Brown is in. And the Los Angeles Lakers are still Kobe Bryant's team.

Brown made it clear Tuesday during his introduction as Jackson's successor that Bryant's role won't change under his regime. He said his first meeting with the superstar who owns five NBA championships "went very well."

"This is still his team. We'll make sure that he'll have the ball in the sweet spots that he likes," Brown said. "He has a great understanding of my vision and he's onboard."

Bryant, Derek Fisher and Andrew Bynum had publicly supported longtime Lakers assistant Brian Shaw in his bid to replace Jackson, who retired after Dallas swept the two-time defending champions out of the second round.

Besides meeting with Bryant and talking on the phone with his wife, Vanessa, Brown said he's talked to Fisher and his wife, Pau Gasol, Bynum and Ron Artest.

Public reaction to Brown's hiring has been mixed.

"Everybody is entitled to their opinion, I respect that," he said. "Winning will cure all of that."

General manager Mitch Kupchak said he, owner Jerry Buss and Jim Buss, the owner's son and an executive with the team, interviewed three people for the unenviable job of following Jackson, who owns the most titles in NBA history.

Besides Shaw and Brown, Rick Adelman also was in the running.

The elder Buss said that initially he didn't think Brown "would be the man."

"Then when he started talking to us, he said how he would handle this team. He was very prepared," Buss said. "I liked his X's and O's, his visions for our future. Very few people understand that our job is to try and remain on top forever. He likes that philosophy. I like that."

Shortly before his introduction, Brown signed a four-year deal worth roughly $18 million. He has yet to hire a coaching staff.

Matt Barnes was the only player on hand for Brown's introduction at the Lakers' practice facility, stopping after a rehab session nearby.

"Coming here is tough. He's coming to LA, one of the biggest markets, one of the best teams in sports history," Barnes said. "To carry himself the way he did, and answered all the questions and didn't really shy away from anything just showed a lot that he's ready and hope he's got his thick skin."

Barnes told reporters he will exercise his $1.91 million option to return to the team next season. He was limited this season after undergoing right knee surgery.

Brown and Kupchak have yet to discuss the team's aging roster, although the new coach doesn't expect a major overhaul.

"I still believe this core group of guys can go get it done," Brown said.

The 41-year-old Brown led Cleveland to the 2007 NBA finals and went 272-138 with the Cavaliers, becoming the most successful coach in franchise history while compiling the league's best regular-season record in each of his last two seasons.

He got fired last year before LeBron James packed his bags for Miami. Brown had been working as an ESPN analyst.

Brown knows there will be endless comparisons and references to Jackson, and he's ready for it.

"I'm not sure what size shoe he wears, but I'm not here to fill his shoes," he said. "I'm here to help this team and organization carve our own path to success."

That includes dumping the famed triangle offense that Jackson employed to such success in both Los Angeles and Chicago. Unlike Jackson, Brown may call more timeouts, too.

"We're not going to run the triangle offense, but we will have bits and pieces of it that will be incorporated," said Brown, adding that his offense will be tailored to 7-footers Bynum and Gasol, similar to what was run for big men Tim Duncan and David Robinson during his time as an assistant in San Antonio.

Brown was on the Spurs' staff when they won the 2003 NBA title.

Brown ticked off his top three essentials on both offense and defense.

"If they don't buy in right away, they will," he said. "If they don't, there's going to be a problem because I'm going to hold people accountable."

Brown said he wants to foster a culture that includes trust, communication, defense, a no-excuses mentality, a family environment, and a determined work ethic.

"As long as the group is willing, which it sounds like it is, we'll get it done," he said. "We want to be at the top forever."


Ohio State fans: Will you ever see Terrelle Pryor in a Buckeye uniform again? Poll

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Should Ohio State or the NCAA act to ensure that Terrelle Pryor has played his last game as a Buckeye?

terrelle-pryor-ap.JPGView full sizeOhio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor arrives on campus for a players-only meeting on Monday, the day coach Jim Tressel announced his resignation. Pryor, whose license reportedly is suspended, arrived in a 2007 Nissan 350Z.


What's come to light in the scandal that cost Ohio State coach Jim Tressel his job and his legacy could -- and maybe should -- prove expensive to one of the central characters in this tragedy: quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

During his career at Ohio State, Pryor apparently had enough cars to don a loud sports coat and start hawking 'em on late-night TV. "Come on down to Friendly T's Used Car Lot and Tattoo Emporium! Every car comes with a genuine fake 'Gold Pants' key chain!"

The senior from Jeanette, Pa., has already been suspended for the first five games of the upcoming season. Now, with the new allegations, the possibility of even more sanctions exists. Certainly the school will be hit with more penalties.

Jim Tressel fell on (or was pushed onto) his sword, but will that be enough for the NCAA? Should the organization or the school act to make sure that Terrelle Pryor has in fact played his last game for the Buckeyes?


No less than former Buckeye stars Chris Spielman and Eddie George think so, according to a report from The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises.

What do you think?




LeBron James, Chris Bosh teaming with Dwyane Wade wasn't 'colluding,' says NBA's David Stern (poll)

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NBA Commissioner David Stern doesn't consider the way LeBron James and Chris Bosh ended up in Miami with Dwayne Wade to be "colluding." Do you?

bosh-wade-james-hector-gabino-elnuevoherald.JPGView full sizeMiami stars, from left, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James introduce themselves to the Heat faithful after all agreed to take their talents to South Beach in an act NBA Commissioner David Stern doesn't consider "colluding."
During his annual news conference before the start of Tuesday night's NBA Finals, Commissioner David Stern said he didn't see the way Dywane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James ended up together in Miami as "colluding."

The quick-hits column from the Orlando Sun-Sentinel posted after the Heat's thorough 92-84 drubbing of the Dallas Mavericks in Miami had these two items:

• NBA Commissioner David Stern said there still has been no formal tampering complaint from Cavaliers over loss of LeBron.

• Of LeBron, Bosh and Wade possibly talking before July 1, 2010 about joining forces, David Stern said, “I don’t consider it colluding.”
Missing from that report -- and all others -- was Stern's equally astute observation that the sky is, in fact, fuschia. At least in his world.

As per Merriam-Webster's online arm: "Collusion - noun noun \kə-ˈlü-zhən\ : A secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose."

So, was it collusion it or not?





Talk Indians with Paul Hoynes Wednesday at noon

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Is it time to start looking at some of the kids in Columbus? Is this team just going through a tough stretch or should we be concerned? Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Indians baseball.

hoynes-headshot.jpgPaul Hoynes answers your Indians questions on Wednesdays at noon.

Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Indians baseball.

Is it time to start looking at some of the kids in Columbus? Is this team just going through a tough stretch or should we be concerned?

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Hoynsie's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.



Babe Didrikson Zaharias, 'Wonder Girl' of the sports world was controversial and decades ahead of her time

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Golf is a gentleman's game, but Mildred Ella Didrikson Zaharias shattered the grass ceiling like an East Texas tornado. Don Van Atta Jr.'s new book, "Wonder Girl," describes how she set the sporting world ablaze, often outdriving men on the golf course.

babe-didrikson.jpgView full size"Babe" Didrikson Zaharias was ahead of her time in many ways, including her attitude on the course. She'd fit right in with the chest-thumping, self-aggrandizing modern athlete.

Golf is a gentleman's game, but Mildred Ella Didrikson Zaharias shattered the grass ceiling like an East Texas tornado.

In the late 1980s, two-sport star Bo Jackson was considered an athletic marvel for belting homers and flattening linebackers. But 50 years earlier, a woman set the sporting world ablaze by excelling in baseball, basketball, tennis and track and field, and competing with -- and often outdriving -- men on the golf course.

The question is, why another pass at a story that's been told? Much has already been written, including the autobiography "This Life I've Led," which Don Van Natta Jr., author of "Wonder Girl," cites repeatedly in his extensive bibliography.

"Wonder Girl," too, pays respects to the almost mythical tale of "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias. The sixth of seven children of Norwegian immigrants, she grew up in a shotgun house between the stinky oil fields and railroad tracks of Beaumont, Texas, to become the greatest all-around female athlete ever. But Van Natta also relies on his expertise as a multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter to chip away at the pedestal.

Zaharias was ahead of her time in so many ways, not the least of which was a massive ego. She'd fit right in with the chest-thumping, self-aggrandizing modern athlete. Van Natta reveals that Zaharias was a braggart who would predict an opponent's demise with an unveiled, direct putdown.

Then she would back up the trash talk.

Not surprisingly, Zaharias was not well liked by teammates or competitors. But the press loved her. She was brash, talented, homespun and had no filter. What an interview.

"Before I was in my teens," she once said, "I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. My goal was to be the greatest athlete that ever lived."

In reality, winning -- pushing herself to outperform anyone at every sport she tried -- was a defense mechanism for her insecurity. She wasn't attractive, wasn't book smart or fashionable. She was a tomboy from a poor family who loved sports and fighting, and, according to Van Natta, especially enjoyed beating up the black kids in town.

When men defy physical expectations in sport, the accusation is doping. When boyish-looking women outperform limitations artificially placed on them, their sexuality is questioned.

Predictably, the whispers about Zaharias (still just Babe Didrikson then) amplified after she won gold medals in the javelin and 80-meter hurdles and a silver medal in the high jump while setting world records in the 1932 Olympics.

When a reporter clumsily broached the subject, she said, "Are you trying to ask me if I wear girdles, brassieres and the rest of that junk? The answer is no. What do you think I am, a sissy?"

With help, she eventually managed to soften her rough edges for the approval of the country club set -- all orchestrated to further her golf career. You learn she -- with her pro wrestler husband, George Zaharias -- was also ahead of her time in sports as big business. She became the Tiger Woods of women's golf, drawing huge galleries that followed her vaudevillian act from hole to hole.

Her legacy, in part, is the LPGA, which she helped found in 1950. Last year's top money winner took home nearly $2 million.

When the LPGA winners cash in those oversize cardboard checks, a salute to Babe would be appropriate.

So would a nod from those who have benefited from strides in rectal cancer research. As inner-directed as Zaharias lived most of her life, her later years were spent fighting the horrific disease. She courageously raised money and awareness in a very public battle for her life, which she eventually lost at age 45.

Unlike Zaharias attacking the hurdles, "Wonder Girl" is slow from the starting blocks and is, at times, rambling and predictable -- perhaps unavoidable because her life and accomplishments have been well documented. The result is a story void of the drama that makes sporting events the ultimate reality show. Instead, Van Natta pulls the reader through with details and honest reporting.


Indians will be fine despite recent struggles - Comment of the Day

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"Last time I looked - about 30 seconds ago - the Tribe had the best record in the AL and are second only to the Phillies by a 1/2 game in the majors. Perhaps some of this bad stretch has to do with injuries? Carrasco and Talbot both pitched poorly in their first start back from the DL and both pitched much better and won in their next start. Grady is back and started hitting last night. If Santana's night was any indication, perhaps he will pick things up until Pronk can get back. No reason to get all negative." - sadsamjones

indians-celebrate.JPGView full sizeThe Indians picked up a much-needed win in Toronto on Tuesday night.

In response to the story Mitch Talbot shines as Cleveland Indians beat Blue Jays, 6-3, behind 12-hit attack, cleveland.com reader sadsamjones thinks there are good reasons for the Indians' recent struggles - and they're easily fixed. This reader writes,

"Last time I looked - about 30 seconds ago - the Tribe had the best record in the AL and are second only to the Phillies by a 1/2 game in the majors. Perhaps some of this bad stretch has to do with injuries? Carrasco and Talbot both pitched poorly in their first start back from the DL and both pitched much better and won in their next start. Grady is back and started hitting last night. If Santana's night was any indication, perhaps he will pick things up until Pronk can get back. No reason to get all negative."

To respond to sadsamjones' comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

The Hillis-for-Quinn trade was a steal - Browns Comment of the Day

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"The Quinn-for-Hillis trade has to be the most lopsided trade in recent Browns history. And to think, Denver had to throw in a future draft pick before the deal could get done." - floridog09

Brady QuinnView full sizeBrowns fans would do the Brady Quinn for Peyton Hillis deal over again for sure.

In response to the story Browns' Peyton Hillis on the cover of Madden '12, cleveland.com reader floridog09 still can't believe the Browns got Peyton Hillis for Brady Quinn. This reader writes,

"The Quinn-for-Hillis trade has to be the most lopsided trade in recent Browns history. And to think, Denver had to throw in a future draft pick before the deal could get done."

To respond to floridog09's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Terrelle Pryor is done as an Ohio State Buckeye football player, predicts Eddie George (SBTV)

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OSU great also recommends a candidate for the Buckeyes as head coach in 2012 if they decide not to keep Luke Fickell. Watch video

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright.


Jim Tressel has resigned as Ohio State's football coach, and the possibility exists that quarterback Terrelle Pryor might be leaving Ohio State University, as well. Do you think Pryor will play another game for the Buckeyes? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.


Today's special guest is College Football Hall of Fame Inductee and 1995 Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George. The Buckeye great says he thinks Pryor is done at OSU, and wonders if interim coach Luke Fickell will even want him back on the team if Pryor does want to stay.


Eddie also discusses a potential candidate he would like to see considered for the Ohio State head coaching job in 2012 if the school decides not to keep Fickell.


SBTV will return Thursday.




No quick fix in this year's NBA Draft - Cavaliers Comment of the Day

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"The hardest thing for Cavs fans to realize is that there is no quick fix available in this draft, no matter how many picks they can gather. If they did get another lottery pick, like No. 8 from Detroit, they could end up with two and maybe three very good players. I don't think anyone sees any of these guys as becoming the cornerstone player on a championship team, however. That player will only come to Cleveland via the draft. If they get just good enough to make the playoffs too fast, they will have little chance of ever getting that dominant player.

irving-shoot-ncaa-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeKyrie Irving may be the clear-cut No. 1 in this year's NBA Draft, but the game-changing star the Cavaliers need may still be lacking.

In response to the story Kyrie Irving wants to remain normal, but Cleveland Cavaliers' potential No. 1 pick is anything but, say coaches, teammates, cleveland.com reader rwbbowg thinks the Cavs need at least one more bad year. This reader writes,

"The hardest thing for Cavs fans to realize is that there is no quick fix available in this draft, no matter how many picks they can gather. If they did get another lottery pick, like No. 8 from Detroit, they could end up with two and maybe three very good players. I don't think anyone sees any of these guys as becoming the cornerstone player on a championship team, however. That player will only come to Cleveland via the draft. If they get just good enough to make the playoffs too fast, they will have little chance of ever getting that dominant player."

To respond to rwbbowg's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Signee Cardale Jones of Glenville says he will play for OSU regardless of who is coaching team

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Ohio State signee Cardale Jones of Glenville says he's not going to let Jim Tressel's resignation change his mind on which school he wants to play for.

 

jones.jpgOhio State signee Cardale Jones from Glenville says he is committed to playing for the Buckeyes despite Jim Tressel's resignation.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio State signee Cardale Jones of Glenville is not going to let the resignation of Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel change his mind on which school he wants to play for.

"I saw the news Monday morning on ESPN," said Jones, a quarterback who will grayshirt. "I was disappointed and still am. It bothers me but it doesn't affect my decision."

Jones feels he belongs at OSU.

"I'm still going to Ohio State because I'm an Ohio kid," he said. "To me, OSU means they get the best players from the state so that means I'm one of them. Who coaches there doesn't affect my decision but I'm sure [Tressel] did what's best for the program."

Grayshirting is applied to a player who signs a letter of intent in February, but doesn't report to the school in the fall. He delays entry until midyear and the NCAA five-year clock doesn't start until the player enrolls as a full-time student.

Jones will attend a prep school before enrolling at OSU in January.

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