Professor Colt McCoy is teaching Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense in the Browns' "Camp Colt" workouts during the lockout, says reporter Mary Kay Cabot. Watch video

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

Colt McCoy has been anointed the Browns quarterback, and Seneca Wallace has signed a deal to back him up. So how will the Browns deal with Jake Delhomme and his $5.4 million salary (assuming there is a 2011 season)? Go to today's Stating Blocks poll and cast your vote.

McCoy's father, Brad, is a longtime high school coach, and as they say in Texas, the patty doesn't fall too far from the cow. (Well, they don't really say that, but they SHOULD, 'cuz it's true).

That's why Browns writer Mary Kay Cabot says there's a lot more value in the "Camp Colt" workouts the young quarterback is leading during the NFL lockout. McCoy was able to get a copy of new coach Pat Shurmur's playbook, and he's teaching the young receivers on the team just how the West Coast offense runs, according to Shurmur.

If Eric Mangini were still coach of the Browns, there's no way that just-freed Plaxico Burress would be among McCoy's targets (although Chuck is intrigued by the irony of a guy who got in trouble by shooting himself in the leg with a handgun working with a QB named Colt). But it could happen now. It's not likely, but it could.

Two unsigned Browns in recent days have said they thought their time with the team is done. Mary Kay says that because the team drafted young Owen Marecic, the loss of fullback Lawrence Vickers will be less painful than that of linebacker Matt Roth.

Tune in to SBTV on Wednesday when Cavs writer Mary Schmitt Boyer will tackle the NBA playoffs and the NBA draft on June 23.

It's all clear now: The Indians' offensive woes are related to an 1885 rule change that allowed pitchers to throw overhand. Those meanies.

Cleveland, Ohio -- On this date in 1885, the American Association voted to allow pitchers to throw overhand. At least now we know who to blame for the Indians failure to score runs.

Truthfully, this is getting a little frustrating. Josh Tomlin, who's really  been the Indians best starter this year, continued his slide by letting the Twins get right back into last night's game after being gifted with a 2-0 lead. Tomlin does throw strikes, which is a plus. The problem is that this the big leagues. Using more than the outer two inches of any part of the strike zone -- across, up or down or diagonally, as they used to say in that game show -- is gonna get whacked.

Still, we can't figure out what's more frustrating, the Tribe pitching staff -- starters and pen -- not being able to shut down weak-hitting teams, or the Indians themselves becoming the embodiment of a weak-hitting team. Asdrubal Cabrera and Michael Brantley are emerging as a great one-two punch, but that's about it. The rest of the lineup has less sting than watered-down Hawaiian Punch.

Zac Wassink of yahoo.com was right on in calling out Indians catcher Carlos Santana, whom Wassink said managed to hit into TWO double-plays in one at-bat. With two men on and the game on the line.

Santana's at-bat in the eighth was one of the worst I've seen this season. Trailing 6-3 entering the bottom portion of the inning, Asdrubal Cabrera(notes) and Grady Sizemore(notes) both reached base. Santana, with a chance to kick off another late-inning rally at Progressive Field, worked the count to 2-0 before swinging at and missing an out-of-the-zone pitch. Still up in the count 2-1, Santana then swung at the same low and away pitch, hitting a double play ball to third. The home plate umpire, however, misread the ball and called it foul. Santana was given second life.

He took advantage of such fortune by hitting a double play ball up the middle. This time, the twin-killing was converted. Santana went 0-4 on the night with two double plays. Yuck, yuck, yuck.

All the Indians can do now gather the scattered parts of their game and snap them together as quickly as possible. Acta will help them do that. He'll do something else as well.

"You show up with the same face every day," he said. "You be supportive of everybody and continue to work. You can't show up with a different face and start yelling and stuff because all those guys in there got us to where we are today. ... and that's still first place."

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast. When will the Indians turn to the farm for help? What are the Cavaliers thinking with the No. 4 pick?

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerOrlando Cabrera's struggles are part of the reason fans - and Terry Pluto - are ready to see Cord Phelps.

When will the Indians turn to the farm for help? What are the Cavaliers thinking with the No. 4 pick? 

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• What do you think of the Indians taking 17-year-old shortstop Francisco Lindor in the draft?

• Is there any chance Derrick Williams could end up as the top pick for the Cavaliers?

• Do we have a solid idea of the Cavaliers' longterm plans or do we need to see how this draft and potential labor stoppage play out?

• Are you sensing any disgust from fans as the NFL lockout drags on or is it mostly business as usual for now?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to also like Terry Pluto on Facebook.

  Former college basketball coach Bob Knight said in This USA Today article the rule that Ohio State (his alma mater) football players broke is "idiotic" even though he acknowledges that "there was a rule that was violated." The violation got five players, including quarterback Terrelle Pryor, suspended for five games and led to the resignation of coach Jim Tressel. "I...

Jay LaPrete / Associated PressBobby Knight

Former college basketball coach Bob Knight said in This USA Today article the rule that Ohio State (his alma mater) football players broke is "idiotic" even though he acknowledges that "there was a rule that was violated."

The violation got five players, including quarterback Terrelle Pryor, suspended for five games and led to the resignation of coach Jim Tressel.

"I think this NCAA that we're currently involved with is so far out of touch with the integrity of the sport that it's just amazing," Knight told reporters before the Henry P. Iba Citizen Athletes Award ceremony in Tulsa, Okla.

Change

New coaches bring uncertainty to rivalry, writes Doug Lesmerises of The Plain Dealer.

Tressel hater

MLive.com reporter Bill Simonson writes this letter to former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.

Text messages

The Columbus Dispatch has this story on how former coach Jim Tressel had far more contact with his star quarterback's mentors than previously disclosed, records released yesterday show.

However, the university withheld records of about 5,000 phone calls and text messages made by Tressel and athletic director Gene Smith between April 2010 and March 2011. OSU said the calls and texts were personal and therefore not subject to disclosure.

NBC's winning bid of more than $4 billion means network will keep U.S. television rights through 2020.

View full sizeAP FileA successful bid of more than $4 billion means NBC will keep the U.S. television rights to the Olympics through 2020.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- NBC retained its hold on U.S. Olympic television rights Tuesday in a four-games deal through 2020 worth more than $4 billion, defeating rival bids from ESPN and Fox, officials with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.

Two officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the decision has not yet been officially announced by the International Olympic Committee.

NBC, now controlled by Comcast, won the bid less than a month after the resignation of longtime sports and Olympics chief Dick Ebersol in a dispute with the new owners. The victory extends NBC's reign as the Olympic network in the United States, a period stretching back 20 years.

NBC has broadcast every Summer Olympics since 1988 and every Winter Games since 2002.

NBC now will have exclusive rights to the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the 2018 Winter Games and 2020 Olympics, whose sites have not yet been chosen.

It was the first U.S. rights auction since 2003, when NBC secured the 2010 and 2012 Olympics in a deal worth $2.2 billion.

Executives from NBC, ESPN and Fox submitted sealed envelopes Tuesday into a see-through plexiglass box, then left the building to let IOC officials open them and consider the offers in private.

IOC President Jacques Rogge was to announce the winner Tuesday evening. The IOC wanted a deal in place before its general assembly starts July 4 in Durban, South Africa.

NBC was the last of three networks to make a formal presentation to the IOC.

Among the 17-member NBC delegation was Bob Costas, who has hosted the network's coverage of eight Olympics.

"I think we had a compelling presentation, and I hope they felt the same way," Costas said afterward. "I hope we retain the rights. My message was we've done it well, and we'd like to do it again."

Mark Lazarus, who replaced Ebersol as NBC Sports chairman, was asked about not having the former Olympic mastermind with the bid.

"I've never been here with him," Lazarus said. "We have a great team of people who put the best foot forward with our heritage and legacy.'"

NBC's contingent also included CEO Steve Burke and Brian Roberts, the chief executive of Comcast.

Comcast executives have made clear they're not interested in a repeat of the 2010 Vancouver Games, when NBC lost more than $200 million in a rough economy. NBC also stands to take a similar hit from next year's London Olympics.

Traditionally, the IOC awards the rights for two games at a time, but this time the networks expressed interest in going for a four-games package. They did so without knowing where the last two will be held. The IOC will select the 2018 host city on July 6 in Durban. The candidates are Annecy, France; Munich; and Pyeongchang, South Korea. The host of the 2020 Olympics will be chosen in 2013, and Rome is the only official contender so far.

NBC's main competition had been expected to come from ESPN/ABC.

ESPN president George Bodenheimer cited the "unrivaled" assets of parent company Disney, its appeal to young viewers and plans for live coverage of all events.

"I believe the assets of the Walt Disney Co. are unequaled," he said after his network's presentation.

ESPN brought the powerful Disney brand to the table, which raised the prospect of a possible tie-in with the games. GE threw in a $200 million global sponsorship as part of NBC's winning bid eight years ago.

Gee said "an accumulation of issues" regarding Tressel troubled Ohio State.

Terry Gilliam l Associated PressOhio State president Gordon Gee at the news conference announcing Jim Tressel's NCAA violations on March 8.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State president Gordon Gee said today that the "flurry of activity" around former coach Jim Tressel led to the coach's resignation eight days ago, painting a picture of a buildup that the university couldn't handle less than three months after Gee and athletic director Gene Smith had staunchly backed their coach in a news conference announcing Tressel's NCAA violations.

"We had the facts as we had them in our first news conference," Gee said in a hallway at the Ohio Statehouse after testifying before a committee regarding a constitutional commission bill. "Those were arrived at very shortly after I had gotten back from China. We'd done the things we had to do and I got off an airplane and was immediately confronted with the issue."

"But the decision made at the time was based on what we knew, number one, and number two, was based upon what was an incredible body of work as the football coach and as a university citizen."

"We have a process at the university in which we do not immediately make decisions. We try to be deliberate and that was the process. Two months later, I think there were a lot of additional facts, and I think there was also the reality that we were facing serious issues. And the coach realized that and made what I think is the best decision on behalf of the university, which was to resign."

Multiple sources have said that Tressel's resignation was not the coach's idea and came at Ohio State's suggestion less than two weeks after Smith had given Tressel another round of public support. It did follow continued negative coverage of the football program and a story in the OSU student newspaper, The Lantern, in which former wide receiver Ray Small alleged that more players received extra benefits from selling memorabilia. It also came just before the release of a Sports Illustrated story that broadened even further the range of potential activity that violated NCAA rules.

"I think there was an accumulation of issues which were very troubling to the university," Gee said when asked specifically about the Lantern and Sports Illustrated stories.

Tressel's separation from Ohio State could help the football program when it faces the NCAA Committee on Infractions on Aug. 12, but Gee claimed that possibility didn't factor into any decision about Tressel's future. And while Gee has said previously the university could have been "more aggressive" in handling Tressel's status, he defended their decisions today.

"We've been very aggressive from the very start. Our university is known as hyper-aggressive, immediately reporting, immediately looking at issues," Gee said, and the school has self-reported both major sets of violations known so far, regarding players selling in memorabilia in December and Tressel's coverup in March.

"We as an institution," Gee continued, "have to be appropriately humble and contrite about the mistakes we've made, and then move on from there."

But retaining Tressel through March, April and virtually all of May, while knowing he'd committed major NCAA violations that almost always cost a coach his job, was in part to allow Tressel to make his case to stay, according to Gee.

Asked how long he believed Tressel had a chance to keep his job, Gee said, "I think that it was important for us to give the coach an opportunity to make his case, and to also be able to engage in appropriate conversation regarding the mistakes he had made. I think snap judgments about issues are not in the best interest of the person. We don't do that with our students, we don't do that with our faculty, and we don't do it with our football coach."

And so the program stands now with Tressel gone and interim coach Luke Fickell, in place only through the 2011 season, still waiting to make his first appearance as the boss.

"This is a national black eye, there's no doubt about it," Gee said. "The university itself has not been damaged. Our fundraising is up, our student applications are up, but now we need to make our case on the national stage that it's a great university and when we stumble we take appropriate action to make sure we correct (those issues).

"But just remember, our university is doing very well. I live in the world of the university, which is a magnificent university doing very well. And I live in the world of football, in which we have problems we are addressing."

High school pitcher Dillon Howard is Indians' second-round pick.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians selected Dillon Howard, a right-hander from Searcy (Ark.) High School, in the second round (67th overall) on Tuesday.

The draft is in its second of three days.

Howard made it two prep players in a row for Cleveland to open the draft. Shortstop Francisco Lindor, from Montverde (Fla.) Academy, went eighth overall Monday.

Here is MLB.com's capsule look at Howard:

"In past Drafts, there would only be a small offering of high-ceiling, projectable high school pitchers with good velocity to choose from in the first round. In 2011, there's some depth in that category. Case in point is Howard, who doesn't rank up with the prep arms being mentioned near the top of the Draft, but isn't far off, either.

"The Arkansas product has a fastball that will be plus, touching 95 mph at times. It's not straight, either, with both sink and run to it. His hard curve, 78-80 mph, is a little slurvy now and is fringy average, but it's got some depth to it and will be more than fine. He's even got a good feel for a changeup, an offspeed pitch that should be a Major League average pitch as well. With a clean delivery, decent overall command -- not as much with the curve -- and the chance to have a solid three-pitch mix, Howard looks like he's settled firmly into the first round, unless signability (he's advised by Scott Boras) becomes an issue.''

In the third round, the Indians picked Jake Sisco, a right-hander from Merced (Calif.) College.

Sisco, 19, went 11-1 with a 1.66 ERA in 15 games (14GS, 108.1IP, 72H, 20ER, 33BB, 124K) this season. He led state junior college pitchers in wins, innings and strikeouts. He helped lead Merced College to the Central Valley Conference Title as a freshman.

Last year, Sisco was selected in the 37th round by the Giants after going 9-3 with a 1.00 ERA and 114 strikeouts at Grace Davis (Calif.) High School.

Other Tribe picks:

Fourth round: Jake Lowery, catcher, James Madison.

Fifth round: William Roberts, right-hander, Virginia.

Tiger Woods pulled out of the U.S. Open on Tuesday because of lingering issues with his left leg, leaving him uncertain how soon he can resume his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record for major titles.

Injuries to Tiger Woods' left knee and Achilles' are bad enough that Woods decided Tuesday, June 7, 2011, to skip the U.S. Open for the first time since 1994.  (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tiger Woods pulled out of the U.S. Open on Tuesday because of lingering issues with his left leg, leaving him uncertain how soon he can resume his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record for major titles.

It will be the first time Woods has missed the U.S. Open since 1994, when he had just graduated high school.

"I am extremely disappointed that I won't be playing in the U.S. Open, but it's time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future," Woods said on his website. "I was hopeful that I could play, but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed."

Woods said he hoped to be ready for the AT&T National, which starts June 30 at Aronomink, and the next two majors. Then again, he said two weeks ago he would do everything possible to be ready for the U.S. Open, which is far more significant.

"We're very disappointed that he won be playing in the National Open," USGA executive director Mike Davis said, whom Woods called Tuesday morning. "He certainly brings excitement to the event. He'll be missed, but the U.S. Open will go on. The event is bigger than one player, but he certainly will be missed."

The U.S. Open starts June 16 at Congressional, where Woods won the AT&T National two years ago and tied for 19th when the U.S. Open was last played there in 1997.

He hasn't won since the 2009 Australian Masters, a stretch of 22 tournaments. He not only lost his No. 1 ranking late last year, he has plunged to No. 15 in the world, his lowest spot in the ranking since the spring of 1997.

Woods announced his decision on Twitter: "Not playing in US Open. Very disappointed. Short-term frustration for long-term gain."

The Masters is now the only major Woods has played every year since turning pro. He was recovering from knee surgery in 2008 and did not play the British Open and PGA Championship.

"It's been a frustrating and difficult year, but I'm committed to my longterm health," Woods said. "I want to thank the fans for their encouragement and support. I am truly grateful and will be back playing when I can."

The question is when he returns.

Woods is recovering from injuries to his left knee ligaments and left Achilles', and his Achilles' is believed to be giving him more trouble.

"My man is hurting," Arjun Atwal, a close friend and frequent practice partner, said last week at the Memorial. "He's in a boot, he's on crutches. Not doing good."

The most recent of four surgeries on Woods' left knee came a week after the 2008 U.S. Open, which Woods won in a playoff for his 14th major. He had reconstructive surgery and was out for eight months, then returned and won seven times the following year before his personal life imploded on Thanksgiving night in 2009.

Woods was tied for the lead at the turn in the final round of the Masters this year and wound up in a tie for fourth. But he said he hurt his knee and Achilles' hitting from an awkward stance in the pine straw on the 17th hole of the third round at Augusta National, and he was limping toward the finish on Sunday. He described it as a "minor injury" in April.

Woods sat out the Wells Fargo Championship, then tried to play in The Players Championship, only to withdraw at 6-over par after nine holes because of what he called a chain reaction of pain in his knee, Achilles' and eventually his calf.

He later said he tried to come back too early.

The U.S. Open will be the 12th straight major without Woods winning, the longest drought of his career. He remains four majors short of the 18 professional majors that Nicklaus won, the ultimate benchmark in golf.

"I still have plenty of time, and I feel that going forward, I'm excited about playing major championships and playing golf again," Woods said two weeks ago while promoting the AT&T National. "I just want to be healthy and solid, and I feel like I can give it a go."

For more Cinesport video on cleveland.com, go here.

Thistledown, the thoroughbred horse racing track in North Randall, has been closed for the day because of a power outage, a spokesman said.

View full sizeMarvin Fong,
The Plain DealerA power outage has forced Thistledown Race Track to close its gates today. The North Randall track will reopen at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, with racing scheduled to begin at 1:50 p.m.

Cleveland, Ohio -- A power outage has forced officials to shut the gates to Thistledown Race Track.

An email from a spokesman for the thoroughbred horse racing track said that because there is no word as to how soon power would be restored, the track has been closed for the day.

Thistledown normally is open only for simulcasting on Tuesdays, said the spokesman, closing at midnight. Plans call for it to reopen at it's usual 11:30 a.m. time Wednesday, with live racing beginning at 1:50 p.m.

Announcer Matt Underwood is perplexed -- and maybe a bit peeved -- about all the whining in the wake of the FIRST-PLACE Indians' recent losses.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz,
The Plain DealerIndians broadcaster Matt Underwood has been around the Tribe a long time -- this particular shot is from Spring Training in 2000 -- and he can't understand why people are ready to dump this year's team after just a few losses.

I can't believe how much whining I've been hearing the past week.  Seriously, did anyone out there really believe this team was going to be in first place at the end of April?  On Memorial Day?  Every pre-season publication I read had the Tribe looking at a 90+ loss season and bringing up the rear in the AL Central this year.  So why not enjoy the ride?  Why are so many people who call themselves Indians fans simply standing on the sideline and waiting for the proverbial "other shoe to drop?"

Kobe Bryant is still refusing to comment on the hiring of former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown to run the Lakers. Bryant had endorsed Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw.

View full sizeAssociated PressLos Angeles' Kobe Bryant still is refusing to comment on the hiring of former Cavs coach Mike Brown to run the Lakers, over Bryant's personal choice of former assistant coach Brian Shaw. He refused to answer questions at an event aimed at bringing attention to homelessness on Tuesday.

Los Angeles -- Kobe Bryant had plenty to say about how he wants to help end homelessness among youth in Los Angeles. The NBA superstar had nothing to say about new Lakers coach Mike Brown.

Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, appeared together at a nonprofit in Hollywood on Tuesday to announce the formation of their new foundation focused on improving the lives of youth and families in need.

Bryant has remained publicly mum since Brown was hired last week over his choice of Brian Shaw, a longtime Lakers assistant under recently retired coach Phil Jackson.

In his first public appearance since then, Bryant refused to answer questions about Brown.

"Right now is not the time nor the place," he said in a stern tone. "We're here to focus on bigger issues, greater issues, and that's these kids that are here at the back. It's not fair to them. When the time comes, I will address that, but right now is not that time."

Asked when that time would be, Bryant cut off his questioner, saying, "Now is not the time."

The Bryants spent about 20 minutes talking privately with some of the young people who frequent the nonprofit A Friend's Place on Hollywood Boulevard. They told them how they ended up homeless.

"We want to help them kick butt," he said, drawing laughter.

Bryant and his wife, who live in wealthy Orange County about an hour's drive from Hollywood, are "kind of brand new" to the issue of homelessness, he said.

"We're still educating ourselves and will continue to do so," he said. "The important thing for us is that we're going to attack this."

Dressed in a navy polo shirt and navy slacks, Bryant towered over everyone in the youth center. Vanessa Bryant, sporting a coral mani-pedi and an off-the-shoulders creme top, didn't speak.

Bryant said he's seen homeless kids on the streets outside Staples Center, where the Lakers play.

"It shocked the hell out of me because I had no idea," he said. "After a game, driving home you kind of see the issue around you, but you don't see it. It's all around us. It's something that we can solve."

"As much as he took the wind out of the Browns' team last season, he's a great guy and mentor who should only see the field if both No. 1 and No. 2 go down." - 54chevyman

View full sizeJake Delhomme suffered through injuries and inconsistent play in 2010.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns fans: Should Jake Delhomme or Seneca Wallace back up Colt McCoy? Poll, cleveland.com reader 54chevyman thinks Delhomme has value as a mentor to McCoy. This reader writes,

"As much as he took the wind out of the Browns' team last season, he's a great guy and mentor who should only see the field if both No. 1 and No. 2 go down."

"Santana's days at cleanup have to be over. Acta cannot remain that stubborn. Move him down to the bottom three and keep him there. Choo should bat 6th." - clevelandtx

View full sizeCarlos Santana has struggled in the cleanup spot most of this season.

In response to the story Manny Acta's advice for struggling Tribe: 'Go out and win today' -- Indians Insider, cleveland.com reader clevelandtx thinks Carlos Santana needs to move to the bottom of the order. This reader writes,

"Santana's days at cleanup have to be over. Acta cannot remain that stubborn. Move him down to the bottom three and keep him there. Choo should bat 6th."

Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw hosts the weekly video, Ask the Pro, where area PGA professionals give tips to improve your golf game. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw hosts the weekly video, Ask the Pro, where area PGA professionals give tips to improve your golf game.

This week, PGA Master Professional Bob Bourne of StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights shows you how to prevent hitting fat on the ball.

The senior, under intense scrutiny since coach Jim Tressel's resignation, said he's leaving in the best interest of the Buckeyes.

View full sizeMarvin Fong / The Plain DealerTerrelle Pryor leaves the Buckeyes after three seasons as the team's starting quarterback, completing 60.7 percent of his passes for 6,177 yards, 57 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. He ran for 2,020 yards and 17 TDs.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- First, the Ohio State scandal claimed the Buckeyes' coach. Now it took down their quarterback.

As first reported by The Plain Dealer, Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor announced Tuesday night he was leaving the team before his senior season, eight days after the fallout from NCAA violations led to the resignation of coach Jim Tressel.

What started with the revelation in December that Pryor and five other players had traded memorabilia for money and discount tattoos in violations of NCAA rules, then worsened in March with the announcement that Tressel had covered up his previous knowledge of the potential violations, has carved a hole in the reigning six-time Big Ten champions.

"No one wins in this thing," Ray Reitz, Pryor's former coach at Jeannette High School in western Pennsylvania, said Tuesday. "That's the sad part. You've got a great coach that goes down, and now Terrelle, who I think is a great player. That's not the way he wanted to go out."

Since taking over as the starting quarterback in the fourth game of his freshman season in 2008, Pryor served as the face of the program through his throws, scrambles, victories and missteps. Ohio State was 31-4 in games Pryor started, winning three straight Big Ten titles and beating Michigan three times, with Pryor earning the MVP award in Ohio State's wins in the 2009 Rose Bowl and 2010 Sugar Bowl.

If Tressel was to act as the soul of the program, Pryor was its sizzle, and now the Buckeyes are without both.

"In the best interest of my teammates, I have decided to forego my senior year of football at the Ohio State University," Pryor said in a statement released by his lawyer, Larry James, on Tuesday evening.

Retained by Ohio State to represent Pryor and other OSU players questioned by the NCAA last week, James in recent days had been confident that Pryor would be cleared of any further violations related to the cars he has driven during his OSU career or any other memorabilia trading. But other issues remained, as did what had become a lingering resentment from some fans over Pryor's role in the program's problems.

"We've talked about the emotional roller coaster that he is going through," James told The Plain Dealer, "and even if he was cleared 100 percent it was going to be difficult."

Pryor's departure is the clean break that will allow interim head coach Luke Fickell to make a fresh start with a new quarterback, probably freshman Braxton Miller, rather than face a fall that would have included both Pryor's expected return after a five-game suspension and the increased scrutiny that would have accompanied the rest of his career. In addition, Pryor potentially could have been ruled ineligible for the entire season by either the NCAA or Ohio State if more violations had been proven.

"I was notified this evening that Terrelle has decided to pursue a professional career. I wish him the best in his pursuits," Fickell said in a terse statement issued by Ohio State on Tuesday night. No school officials made comments beyond statements by Fickell and athletic director Gene Smith.

"We understand Terrelle's decision and wish him well in this next phase of his life. We hope he returns to The Ohio State University one day to finish his degree," Smith said.

As Fickell indicated, Pryor's most likely step is to enter the NFL's supplemental draft, which should be held in July if players apply for it, though James left open the possibility that Pryor would remain at Ohio State as a student for his senior season. The supplemental draft would allow NFL teams to select Pryor in the first through seventh rounds, sacrificing their corresponding pick in next year's April draft.

Pryor is projected as a likely mid-round pick, though there is some question whether the 6-6, 235-pounder will even play quarterback in the NFL, or if he'll be moved to receiver.

The issues for Ohio State, which faces an Aug. 12 hearing before the NCAA Committee on Infractions for violations committed by Tressel, Pryor and other players, are more pressing. The football program could also face more severe sanctions as a whole. By giving up his eligibility, Pryor removes himself from NCAA authority and is no longer compelled to answer any questions about himself or the program.

The questions are for everyone else, to wonder how it all went so wrong. Ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2008, Pryor was pursued by nearly every program in the country. Smith and Tressel said at the time they were prepared to help Pryor handle the hype, but it's clear that neither the program nor the player found a way to navigate the potential pitfalls of big-time college sports.

"When you're the No. 1 athlete coming out, there's a lot of pressure on you," Reitz said. "You're in the fishbowl. Everything you do is under the microscope. I'll always defend the kid, because what I know, he's a great kid."

Pryor ends his career first in rushing yards among Ohio State quarterbacks, tied for first in touchdown passes, second in total yards and fifth in passing yards. He ends his career amid scandal.

"He'll take the next couple days to collect this thoughts," James said. "Right now, when you reach closure, it's very emotional."

The driver is the Tribe coach's favorite club when he hits the links.

View full sizeAP photoIndians third-base coach Steve Smith isn't particularly impressed with the golf talent inside the Tribe's clubhouse.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Nine questions with Indians third-base coach Steve Smith, who also coaches infielders. He's spent 34 years in pro baseball, the last 13 as a coach with the Mariners, Rangers and Phillies. This is his second year on manager Manny Acta's staff.

Fun fact: The Canton native was Sandy Alomar Jr.'s manager when the Tribe's first-base coach was in the minors in Beaumont, Wichita and Las Vegas from 1986. It'll be even funnier when you get to the last question.

Age: 58

Residence: Westlake and San Diego

Q: What course or courses do you have to play on road trips?

A: When I was with Texas (2002-06) we would play Firestone and I love the course. I haven't played it yet since I have been with Cleveland, however. I love playing Red Tail in Avon and the people out there are outstanding. Torrey Pines and Sawgrass TPC are two that I don't miss, although Sawgrass was a minor-league stop in Jacksonville.

Q: It seems pitchers -- Rick Rhoden, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, etc. -- make the best golfers. Why is that?

A: Pitching and hitting a golf ball are mechanical and about repeating swings and deliveries. Guys who can repeat a delivery well can repeat a good swing. They also get four days off in between starts, where position players do not have that luxury.

Q: Who is your dream baseball foursome?

A: Rob Picciolo, Mike Scott, Bill Mazeroski (never met him and would love to play golf with him, let alone meet him).

Q: Everybody has a favorite stick. Which is yours, and why?

A: Love my driver. Callaway 9 degree.

Q: Caddyshack (the original), Happy Gilmore or Tin Cup?

A: Tin Cup. My buddy Blaine McCallister is in it.

Q: Describe the best shot you ever hit.

A: It was 207 yards out, beautiful day in San Diego, a 3-iron, which I never use, let alone hit well, and hit a hole-in-one at Encinitas Ranch. [Former Rangers third baseman] Hank Blalock was there and he and his brother carried me all the way to the hole.

Q: You're a coach, and you teach professionals to play a game. Are you a self-taught golfer, or do you have a pro you see (or have seen) for lessons?

A: Self-taught who has never taken a lesson but should have and always asking advice from guys who can really play.

Q: Describe the difference between a baseball swing and a golf swing.

A: A golf swing is more rhythm where baseball is more reaction. [In a] golf swing, there is no stride. Baseball players who play golf use their hands more and this gets us in trouble since golf is more of an arm swing. I hit so many fungos, which is all hands, and during the season I am all hands in my golf swing and I don't rotate or turn, which isn't a good thing.

Q: Who's the best golfer in the Indians clubhouse?

A: Could be the worst golfing team I have ever been associated with and it's tough to get a game here. Most everywhere else guys play on the road, or even at home, and that doesn't happen much here. I hear Adam Everett, Michael Brantley and Jack Hannahan are decent, they are all about a 10. This team is dedicated to baseball.

Ken Griffey Jr. and Phil Nevin hit the ball the farthest, Orel Hershiser had the best short game, but the two guys who will take your money are Buck Showalter and John Hart. If you are looking to take someone's money, look no farther than Manny Acta and Sandy Alomar, I could retire taking money from them.

Turkish center Enes Kanter, a lottery pick who worked out for the Cavs on Tuesday, is eager to show off his skills to NBA teams.

View full sizeJames Crisp / AP file photoCenter Enes Kanter of Turkey has less playing experience than any other player in this month's NBA draft, but his flashes of talent have made him one of the most intriguing prospects.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Principal Maria Arnold has a signed picture of Enes Kanter in her office at Stoneridge Preparatory School in Simi Valley, Calif.

The 81-year-old administrator stands 5-feet tall, which brings her about to the waist of the 6-11, 259-pound center, who was photographed holding the tiny hand of his principal.

When asked what she remembered most about Kanter, she didn't hesitate.

"His smile," she said. "Every time I would see him standing or writing, when I would come into the room, he always had the nicest smile. That meant a lot to me.

"He was just adorable, a fantastic kid. He was polite, with a good sense of humor and very respectful. He got along great with his peers and the teachers and the administrators. The funniest thing about him was that he claimed after basketball he was going to be a [professional] wrestler."

Kanter's path to becoming the possible No. 4 pick by the Cavaliers in the NBA draft on June 23 has been a circuitous one.

He was born in Zurich, Switzerland, where his Turkish father was studying. As a 16-year-old in 2008-09, he played with grown men in the Turkish professional league. In 2009-10, he came to the United States to attend prep school, looking at Findlay Prep in Nevada and Mountain State Academy in West Virginia before settling on Stoneridge, where he averaged 30 points a game.

He made his biggest impact to date during the 2010 Nike Hoop Summit, where, in spite of a bad back, he had a tournament record 34 points and 13 rebounds for the world select team in a 101-97 loss to the U.S. junior national select team. That broke the record of 33 points scored by Dirk Nowitzki in 1998.He verbally committed to Washington before eventually signing with Kentucky. But the NCAA ruled him permanently ineligible because he was paid by his team in Turkey.

With all that moving around and not a lot of playing basketball, Kanter knows he is a bit of a mystery man. That's why he was eager to take part in the recent NBA combine in Chicago and in individual team workouts, like the one he had in Cleveland on Tuesday.

The Cavaliers did not make Kanter available and they did not want to discuss his workout. But in Chicago, Kanter talked about his desire to show what he could do.

"I'm so happy I'm here," Kanter said in Chicago on May 19. "Finally I can show myself to NBA guys. I'm so happy here, finally. That was my dream.

"I didn't play college, so I have to show myself to people. I don't have to hide anything. I'm here. I haven't played in a long time. I have to show myself because no one has seen me play yet."

Ryan Blake, NBA scouting co-director and son of longtime NBA director of scouting services Marty Blake, says Kanter has made an impression this spring with his skills and strength.

"You have jaws dropping a little bit," Blake said in a phone interview on Tuesday. "He's more focused on playing below the rim, but he can play above the rim, too. He's a very cerebral player.'"

Party time: The Cavaliers draft party on June 23 at The Q is open to the public with free tickets available at The Q box office. For a $1 donation per ticket to benefit the Children's Tumor Foundation -- 14-year-old Nick Gilbert is the 2011 National Children's Tumor Foundation Ambassador -- fans can also get tickets online at cavs.com. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Cavs are expected to make the No. 1 pick at 7:30 p.m. They also have the No. 4 pick in the first round and the Nos. 32 and 54 picks in the second round.

Those 16 and under attending the draft party must be accompanied by an adult. The Downtown Cleveland Alliance will host Party in the Park, with the summer series kickoff at Harry Buffalo on East 4th Street across from The Q from 4:30-7 p.m.

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Just as Jim Tressel had to go in order to ease some of the pressure from the NCAA, the same is true of Terrelle Pryor.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Suppose Terrelle Pryor had returned as Ohio State's quarterback.

He'd be a senior, suspended for the first five games and battling the NCAA to play at some point this season. Is this what new coach Luke Fickell needs? Or OSU, which is awaiting a ruling from the NCAA about the violations committed during the tenure of former coach Jim Tressel?

Just as Tressel had to go in order to ease some of the pressure from the NCAA, the same is true of Pryor.

This is about more than players selling Buckeye memorabilia for tattoos and a few bucks. That's not what cost Tressel his job, or made Pryor quit the team. Tressel's real problem was lying to the NCAA more than once about players breaking rules.

Pryor's trouble spots are all the cars that he's driven in his three years in Columbus. Yes, Pyror's lawyer can produce documents and insist that all the cars -- is it three, six, more? -- were legitimate, according to NCAA rules.

If so, why leave now?

Pryor has a very murky future in the National Football League. It's doubtful he's a quarterback, because his passing skills are erratic. He's an incredibly gifted athlete, and perhaps he can make it as a tight end, a receiver or special teams player. It won't be an easy adjustment.

Pryor is departing because of the cars, or something else that has yet to become public. There must have been a sense from his camp that a longer suspension could be in the future.

Or maybe Pryor sensed that OSU didn't want him back, so he made this decision.

The bottom line is this is what OSU needs to move forward, despite Pryor having a 31-4 record in three seasons, along with three Big Ten titles and three victories over Michigan. Those glory days are over, thanks to the Buckeyes' poor decisions and the NCAA's intense investigation.

Hearing of Pryor's departure, Fickell issued this statement: "I was notified this evening that Terrelle has decided to pursue a professional career. I wish him the best in his pursuits." He'd never say it, but you can be sure there is a sense of relief at OSU after Pryor's decision.

It's time to move on with Braxton Miller, considered perhaps the best freshman quarterback recruit in the country. The Huber Heights product enrolled in January and took part in spring practices. He is competing with Joe Bauserman for the job. But it makes sense to simply start over with a talented freshman than a fifth-year senior in Bauserman.

Not long after being the winning quarterback in the Sugar Bowl, Pryor said: "Hopefully, we get a good appeal back and maybe the NCAA will be nice."

Guess again.

Perhaps some other players will leave as the NCAA continues to examine the Buckeyes. But no matter what happens, Fickell must take the best of Tressel's program and people skills and combine it with his own dose of discipline.

The overblown sense of entitlement for some of the Buckeyes has to go, and Pryor was the symbol of that.

Manager Manny Acta suggests that Josh Tomlin replace quantity with quality strikes when pitching early in the count.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerJosh Tomlin needs to throw better quality strikes in order to fend off opposing hitters who are aggressive against him, says Manny Acta.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pitchers love to throw strikes. Their managers and pitching coaches love it when they do.

What happens when a pitcher throws too many strikes, especially early in the count? Josh Tomlin, who leads the Indians with seven wins, is going through something like that right now. In his last two starts, one win and one loss, he's allowed 12 earned runs on 17 hits in 12 innings. Tomlin said the opposition has adjusted against him.

"They're swinging earlier in the count because they know I throw a lot of strikes," he said after losing to the Twins on Monday.

How does he counter that? Manager Manny Acta said it's not by throwing fewer strikes.

"He has to throw quality strikes," said Acta. "That's what makes Josh good. He'll be able to make the adjustment and adjust back.

"In Monday's game, his percentage of fastballs and cutters were too close to each other. You don't want him to become predictable because that gets people in trouble."

Acta said about 33 percent of Tomlin's pitches were fastballs and 27 percent were cut fastballs.

"Regardless of velocity, his percentage of fastballs should have been higher than that," said Acta. "If guys are swinging early, a quality strike will help him. A pitch right down the middle or middle in is not a good idea."

Testing, testing: Acta said Travis Hafner will have to go on a rehab assignment before he's activated. He hasn't played in a game since May 17. Hafner, recovering from a strained right oblique muscle, could be ready to take batting practice in three or four days.

Defense: Matt LaPorta has been caught in some unusual situations at first base recently.

Monday night, the Twins put together a three-run fifth inning keyed by a squeeze bunt by Drew Butera with no outs and runners at first and third. LaPorta fielded the ball, looked home then looked at first, but couldn't get an out.

Perhaps he could have gotten an out if he'd been quicker to the plate. Or he may have been able to go to first, but Tomlin was still sprinting to the bag and Orlando Cabrera didn't come over from second base.

In Thursday's 7-4 loss to Texas, the Indians had Nelson Cruz hung up between third and home and Mitch Moreland between first and second in the sixth. The ball was in LaPorta's hands and the Indians didn't get an out. Texas went on to score three runs in the inning.

"I think Matt has done a good job," said Acta. "Some of those plays don't look pretty. The play on Monday is a very tough play to defend. It's first and third and no outs.

"The second baseman is playing at double-play depth. The first baseman is holding the runner at first so he can't leave early. Matt has held his own over there. ... I have no complaints about his defense."

Said LaPorta about Monday's play, "There's not much you can do about that. It's like a pitcher making a good pitch against you."

The Indians, however, probably should have gotten at least one out on each play. The fact that they didn't is just one more indication of how their good fortune has changed.

Easy does it: Acta wants his players to stop trying to hit "three, four and five-run homers."

"It's human nature to try to win the whole ballgame," said Acta, who wants to see hitters try to extend innings and use the opposite field instead of trying to pull every pitch out of the ballpark.

Votes in: In the second All-Star balloting update, released Tuesday, Asdrubal Cabrera is still running second to the Yankees' Derek Jeter at shortstop. Jeter has 1,454,795 votes to Cabrera's 1,162,728.

Hafner received the second-most votes by an Indian with 575,407, ranking fourth among DHs. Other vote getters were outfielders Grady Sizemore, ninth, 616,328 and Shin-Soo Choo, 12th, 524,758.

Finally: Nick Johnson joined Class AAA Columbus on Tuesday. Wes Hodges was released to make room. Hodges was the Indians' second-round pick in 2006. ... STO will not televise Wednesday's game, but it will be on the MLB Network in the Cleveland area at AT&T U-verse TV 634 (HD:1634); Direct TV 213, TWC 326 SD and HD 1326. For more information go to mlbnetwork.com.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Carrasco works into the ninth and allows just three hits in delivering a needed win.

View full sizeTony Dejak / Associated PressCarlos Carrasco was brilliant throughout Tuesday's game, shutting down the Twins on three hits over 8.1 innings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Carlos Carrasco, working fast and keeping the ball on the ground, pitched eight scoreless innings to lead the Indians to a 1-0 victory over the Twins on Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

The victory ended the Indians' longest losing streak of the season at five games. It also ended a seven-game losing streak at home.

Carrasco (5-3, 4.52) combined with Chris Perez on a three-hitter to end an eight-game losing streak against the Twins going back to Sept. 1. Carrasco allowed three hits, struck out six and walked one in 104 pitches.

He is 4-2 since coming off the disabled list on May 11. In Carrasco's last start before going on the disabled list, he allowed two runs on six hits in three innings against the Twins before leaving with a sore right elbow on April 24.

Carrasco started the ninth inning with 97 pitches. He retired the first batter he faced, but Ben Revere singled to bring Perez into the game. Perez retired the two men he faced to earn his 15th save in 16 chances.

Carlos Santana scored on a grounder by Shelley Duncan for the only run of the game
in the fourth. Santana doubled down the third-base line to open the inning against lefty Francisco Liriano (3-6, 5.20). When the ball kicked off the grandstand and bounced past Delmon Young for an error, Santana continued to third.

Carrasco took a no-hitter into the fifth for the Tribe. He struck out Justin Morneau to start the inning, but then gave up a booming double to center field by Young. Luke Hughes followed with an infield hit to put runners on the corners, but Carrasco retired Brian Dinkelman on a foul pop to catcher Lou Marson and struck out Rene Rivera.

The Tribe right-hander, who retired 13 straight to start the game, ended the game with 14 ground-ball outs.

Liriano, who threw a no-hitter against the White Sox on May 3, allowed three hits through the first five innings. He was activated from the disabled list to make this start.

The Twins removed Liriano, who went on the disabled list with a sore left shoulder, after five innings. He allowed three hits and one unearned run. Liriano struck out seven and walked three in 81 pitches, including 47 strikes.

The Indians' defense, shaky at best for the last two weeks, helped Carrasco in the seventh. After Morneau walked with one out, Young sent a grounder near second base. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera tracked the ball down, flipped it out of his glove to Orlando Cabrera who turned the inning-ending double play.

The last time the Indians won, 1-0, on an unearned run was Aug. 19, 1990 against the Yankees.