The Oakland Raiders should be amply motivated on Sunday, when they play their first game at home since losing their maverick leader Al Davis.

View full sizeGerald Herbert, Associated PressThe decal worn on the helmet of Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski reflected the motivation that helped Oakland win at Houston Sunday, one day after the passing of owner Al Davis. Sunday's home game against the Browns figures to be considerably more emotional.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's never a good time for a team to visit the Black Hole, aka O.co Coliseum (formerly Oakland Coliseum), to play the Oakland Raiders.

Without question, it is one of the most intimidating venues in the NFL, regardless of the quality of the Raiders team.

This year already had the makings of a turning point for the Raiders, who shed seven consecutive seasons of double-digit losses with an 8-8 record in 2010. But now the team is playing with a powerful purpose -- to honor the memory of fallen maverick owner Al Davis, the legendary, rebellious identity of the proud franchise.

Sunday marks the first home game for the Raiders since Davis died Saturday at the age of 82. How much emotion do you think will be resonating in that stadium when a tribute to Davis is shown on the video screen? After the Raiders improved to 3-2 with an emotional win in Houston the day after Davis died, approximately 500 fans greeted the team on their return to their Oakland headquarters.

Because Davis' failing health kept him away from his team this year, most of the new players, including rookies and some veteran newcomers, never met him. He wasn't seen at a single training camp practice.

Davis was omnipresent for most of his 48 years as coach and then managing general partner of the Raiders. He wasn't just the franchise's face. He was its heart, soul and conscience. Thus, it's understandable that the Raiders would ride their emotional wave as far it will take them.

The Browns did it in 2002 when owner Al Lerner lost his battle with cancer in October. They won their first game after Lerner's death to even their record to 4-4 and then five of their last eight to eke out their only playoff appearance since their rebirth in 1999.

"I really think it was [a rallying point]," remembered Todd Stewart, the team's public relations director at the time. "We put the [memorial] patch on the uniform and it was like a daily reminder. I really believe there were times during that season that the players sucked it up and got it done out of respect for Mr. Lerner.

"There was just a general feeling of 'we can't let him down.' We barely made it [to the playoffs], but I think in most other years we probably wouldn't have gotten that far."

On Monday after his emotions had settled some, Raiders coach Hue Jackson tried to dismiss the notion of using Davis' death to stir his team.

"That's not what he was about," Jackson said. "Don't use a rallying cry over him. Do your job. Do your job and perform because that's what he pays you to do. Be the best you can be. It was never about one person just as if it was me. I would never want it to be about me.

"I want it to be about this organization and this football team being the best it can be because it should be great and we expect to be great. We are committed to excellence and that's how we're going to go about doing it."

But in the team's locker room following Sunday's win, Jackson's post-game speech was almost entirely about honoring Davis. The video is posted on the team's Web site. Jackson exhorts, "Just win, baby. It's all about Al." He informs his team it has three straight games at home, starting with Cleveland. "And we've got to get ready," he says.

At the end, Jackson kneels with his players and addresses Davis in prayer.

"We love you," Jackson says. "We know you're watching over this team. We're gonna keep playing like Raiders for you. We're gonna keep honoring this man all year for what he's done for us. Because he's touched each and every one of us."

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

View full sizeGeorge Bridges, MCTDarren McFadden (20) has blossomed so far this season into one of the NFL's most productive running backs.

Tony Grossi's Scouting Report

Browns vs. Oakland Raiders

Sunday 4:05 p.m. in O.co Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.

Record: 3-2.

Last game: Defeated Houston, 25-20, Oct. 9, in Houston.

Coach: Hue Jackson, 3-2, first year.

Series record: Raiders lead, 11-8 (counting postseason).

Last meeting: Browns won, 23-9, Dec. 27, 2009, in Cleveland.

League rankings: Offense is ninth overall (second rushing, 22nd passing), defense is 31st (22nd rushing, 29th passing) and turnover differential is plus-2.

Offensive overview: The addition of coordinator Al Saunders has completed a transition begun last season by Hue Jackson. They've changed the blocking schemes to fit Darren McFadden's running style and the back has blossomed into elite status. He is at the center of everything they want to do on offense. When McFadden is ripping off five- and six-yard runs, quarterback Jason Campbell executes the play-action passing game. They are extremely deep at the receiver position and they love to throw deep a couple times per quarter. Most of the receivers have rare speed and the ability to come down with jump balls. One exception is Darrius Heyward-Bey, who has emerged as a big-play guy taking shorter passes and making big gains. Jackson uses a variety of multi-receiver formations but is not shy about lining up power sets using Khalif Barnes as a tackle-eligible.

View full sizeAP fileOakland defensive end Richard Seymour is the veteran of a line that is big and fast. It must produce pressure on opposing QBs to help a secondary that has struggled this season.

Defensive overview: Big and fast. That's how they load up the defense (and offense, really). The foundation is a defensive line that is seven-deep. The tackles are all 6-5 and taller and they're storming in with arms raised, deflecting passes on the way to the quarterback. Al Davis disliked blitzing, so it will be interesting to see if coordinator Chuck Bresnahan tries to sneak in a few more now. Tackle Richard Seymour has been a beast up front. The unit does give up a bunch of yards when the pass pressure is contained because the corners aren't that great at the man-to-man press coverage Davis has long favored. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley puts his hand down and joins the rush in some situations.

Special teams overview: There aren't a better of pair of kickers than Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. Janikowski is the NFL's Thunderfoot -- he's 5-of-6 on field goals of 50 yards or more, including a record-tying 63-yarder. He also kicks two out of every three kickoffs out of the end zone. His 18 touchbacks rank third in the league. Lechler leads the NFL in gross average (53.9 yards) and is seventh in net (40.9). The return game is dangerous. Kickoff returner Jacoby Ford had three return TDs last year and punt returner Denarius Moore is starting to warm to his role as a rookie.

Players to watch:

• Running back Darren McFadden: After rushing for 1,157 yards last season, he has risen to a higher level in his fourth year. He leads the NFL with 519 yards rushing and has a 5.7-yard average.

• Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey: Derided for two seasons as a first-round bust, this big, fast pass catcher has shown signs of breaking out. He's averaging 16.4 yards on 16 catches, getting most of his big gains after the catch.

• Defensive tackle Richard Seymour: The former Patriot co-leads the AFC and is tied for fourth in the NFL with five sacks.

Injury report: DE Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder) has missed the past three games and should be out. CB Chris Johnson (hamstring) and C Samson Satele (ribs) may be limited this week.

Small world: Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley was the Browns' first draft pick in 2006 and played with them through 2009. ... Rookie quarterback Terrelle Pryor played at Ohio State. ... Cornerback Joe Porter spent a week on Browns' practice squad in 2009. ... Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan was an assistant coach with the Browns 1994-95. ... Tight ends coach Adam Henry was a training camp coaching intern with Browns in 2003.

While owners and players try to divide billions, the person who makes tens or twenties from working games will feel a pinch.

Associated PressA security guard walks by a folded-up NBA basket stored in the lower level of Boston's TD Garden, home of the Celtics.

NEW YORK, New York -- NBA owners will lose $1 million on average for every game canceled because of the lockout, and players will lose an estimated $350 million a month. The pain, though, may be more acute for thousands of people with no seat at the bargaining table.

Bars, restaurants and hotels will go quiet. Parking spots will go unfilled. And the workers who help make basketball a big event in 30 cities will wonder how long they can get by without it.

"I'm worried that my money situation is going to change — a lot," said waitress Zuly Molina, who works at a Hooters at the Bayside complex next to the Miami Heat's home arena. "It was a lot better last year. We had business before every game, during every game with people who couldn't get tickets watching in here, then after every game. Now it's gone, except for when they have a concert or something like that."

Molina said she never believed the NBA would cancel games until Monday, when the league announced it was scrapping the first two weeks of the season — 100 games — because owners and players couldn't agree on a new contract.

She said, "I thought it would be like football," where the NFL lost preseason games but no regular-season games while it hammered out a deal with players. "They were locked out. They got it situated. I thought the NBA would get it situated."

There's no telling when that will happen. Commissioner David Stern indicated that the entire November calendar could be wiped away without a deal by the end of this month, but players and owners had no immediate plans to sit down with each other again.

The cancellations mean that Mark Cuban and his Dallas Mavericks won't be able to collect their NBA championship rings in the Nov. 1 season opener, and that James Dolan won't be able to show off his renovated Madison Square Garden to a sold-out crowd when New York hosts the Heat's Big Three the next night.

But owners might be the lucky ones. They can still recoup some of their losses, and that's what Stern said they could attempt by toughening their future proposals for a new collective bargaining agreement.

"Well, what we have to do is we have to account for the losses that we're suffering, so those losses will be factored in as we move forward," he said Monday night.

Players and owners have each made some concessions but remain far apart on several issues. Each side has sought a 53 percent cut of revenue for itself, though a 50-50 split has been floated informally. Owners also want a higher luxury tax, making it more expensive for teams to spend over the salary cap, but players say that would do too much to discourage teams from offering big contracts.

Players and fans quickly took to Twitter and talk shows, disgusted that the sides couldn't work out an agreement and were willing to cause so much damage following such a successful season.

"All I can think about, and I'm not trying to sound like I'm on my soapbox here, but all I can think about are the thousands and thousands of arena, team and hospitality employees that are now going to be out of work," said Andrew Feinstein, a bar owner and season ticket holder in Denver. "I thought the owners and players had an obligation to work this thing out while continuing to play the game, given the dire economic circumstances that are taking place in our country right now."

A lengthy lockout will be felt strongest in the NBA's small-market cities. In Salt Lake City, a Marriott hotel was taking cancellations Tuesday for about 40 rooms previously booked by the Memphis Grizzlies the night of Nov. 2. Tyson Lybbert, director of sales and marketing for the Salt Lake Marriott City Center, said each game brings between $5,000 and $10,000 to the chain.

Without a lockout, basketball already would have been back by now. The exhibition schedule was to have opened Sunday, and even preseason games can bring big crowds to restaurants and bars near NBA arenas.

Jim Couch, city manager of Oklahoma City, was concerned for restaurants, hotels and volunteer groups in his city. The Thunder are coming off their most successful season since relocating from Seattle, reaching the Western Conference finals last year behind NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant, and have developed one of the league's most passionate fan bases.

"What I'm more concerned about than anything else is the momentum that the city has gotten, disrupting the momentum with the Thunder. It was a special year last year with the Thunder, and I think everybody was looking forward to continue that," Couch said. "I think it's almost a love affair between the community and the team, and you hate to disrupt that."

Business went on for the league's partners. ESPN was scheduled to show seven games during the opening two weeks and plans to replace them mostly with college football and basketball games. TNT will rely on its regular prime-time lineup to fill the six games it would have televised.

Adidas, the league's official outfitter, and fellow sneaker giant Nike said they remained committed to basketball and could seek additional exposure at the collegiate or international levels.

Stern and union president Derek Fisher of the Lakers expressed disappointment for fans. Players and owners had the luxury of knowing just how complex the issues were and had two years to prepare themselves financially for a moment that Fisher said was "what we anticipated would probably happen."

"This is a big blow obviously to our fans, most importantly," he said. "They don't have a voice in this fight so far, but we hear them loud and clearly. They want basketball, we want to play basketball, and we're going to do the responsible thing and try our best to bring them basketball as soon as we possibly can."

The 27-9 campaign and NIT appearance from last season was plagued from beginning to end by a CSU bench that struggled to deliver even 10 points per game.

View full sizeLisa DeJong, The Plain DealerThe return of D'Aundray Brown (left) and the arrival of some promising freshmen will be the focus of Cleveland State's preparations for the 2011-12 season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- While the graduation of Norris Cole to the NBA will be felt by the Cleveland State men's basketball team, the focus this season will be not be on the four returning starters, or the return of 6-4 senior D'Aundray Brown from season-ending injury.

Instead, attention will center on the arriving firepower for coach Gary Waters' bench.

The 27-9 campaign and NIT appearance from last season was plagued from beginning to end by a CSU bench that struggled to deliver even 10 points per game. This drew the ire of Waters on several occasions. Now, with 2011-12 practice set to begin Friday, the Vikings hope to address that shortcoming with five freshmen.

Taking part in their first official workout will be 6-8 Anton Grady, a product of Cleveland Central Catholic High, 6-6 Marlin Mason from Detroit, 6-4 Sebastian Douglas from Houston, 6-3 Ike Nwamu from North Carolina and 5-9 Charles Lee from Milwaukee.

"We will be a much more mobile team than we have been in the past," Waters said Tuesday as he previewed the season. "The youth are bringing energy to the veterans. They have made a commitment to be basketball players."

Waters repeated what he has said several times in the past: "I think this is the best recruiting class we've ever had."

CSU's returning starters include 6-9 senior center Aaron Pogue, 6-6 junior forward Tim Kamczyc (Strongsville), 6-2 senior guard Tre Harmon and 6-1 senior guard Jeremy Montgomery. Add in the return of Brown, and the Vikings arguably have the most experienced first five in the Horizon League.

The key will be bolstering the bench. Holdovers are 6-9, 230-pound sophomore Ludovic Ndaye and 6-7, 260-pound sophomore Devin Long. But production from the newcomers will be key.

The Vikings open the season Nov. 13 at Vanderbilt on ESPNU as part of the Ticket City Legends Classic. The Commodores, from the SEC, are a preseason top-10 team in some previews.

While the local TV package is yet to be announced, CSU, which advanced to the second round of the NIT last season, will play as many as six games on national TV this year. Other than Vanderbilt, the TV games will be at Butler (Jan. 13), against Green Bay (Feb. 21) and at Loyola (Feb. 3) on ESPNU. The Vikings also will host Loyola (Jan. 7) in the Horizon League Game of the Week; and will host Butler on Feb. 11 on ESPN or ESPN2.

The move is a step forward in his recovery after he suffered serious brain injuries in the attack that had left him barely clinging to life.

Associated PressDr. Geoff Manley at a news conference on Tuesday at San Francisco General Hospital. Doctors say Bryan Stow, the Giants fan who was severely beaten outside Dodgers Stadium, has been released from the hospital and transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- The San Francisco Giants fan who was severely beaten outside Dodgers Stadium was transferred to a rehabilitation facility Tuesday after nearly seven months in hospitals, doctors said.

Bryan Stow's move into rehab is a step forward in his recovery after he suffered serious brain injuries in the March attack that had left him barely clinging to life. Doctors at San Francisco General Hospital, where he had been treated since May, predicted a long and rocky road ahead for the 42-year-old Santa Cruz paramedic.

"Bryan has been an extremely challenging patient," said Dr. Geoff Manley, who is the hospital's chief of neurosurgery and has been overseeing Stow's care. "It has been a roller coaster, but he is young and strong and has made tremendous advances."

Stow's family recently reported on its website that he is speaking and moving his limbs again.

Manley said Tuesday that Stow is "starting to get up but not quite walking."

The family requested that the name of Stow's rehab facility not be released, according to Manley. The family released a statement saying, "We feel immense relief today, knowing that Bryan is ready to start the next chapter of his story."

Louie Sanchez, 29, and Marvin Norwood, 30, have been charged in the attack, which police describe as the culmination of a string of confrontations they had with randomly selected Giants fans at the stadium during the Los Angeles Dodgers' March 31 home opener.

Sanchez and Norwood both have pleaded not guilty to mayhem, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, and battery with serious bodily injury in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Cavaliers' players brace for a possible long lockout while searching for positives in the labor unrest.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain Dealer"You have to remember this is a lockout and not a strike," Cavaliers player representative Anthony Parker said Tuesday. "The players are not demanding more money. We have offered concessions and the owners have essentially said, 'It isn't enough.'"

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Anthony Parker can play small forward, shooting guard, and, in a pinch, point guard.

These days, the Cavaliers' veteran finds himself in an unfamiliar position – stay-at-home dad. At a time of year when Parker and other NBA players are usually preparing for the regular season, they are locked out of arenas and practice facilities due to the labor dispute with league owners.

It gives Parker, the Cavaliers union representative, more time to spend with his two young boys. He sees it as one of the few positive developments in an uncertain time for the league.

On Monday, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced the cancellation of the regular season's first two weeks. With no meetings scheduled and little common ground on key financial issues, many are bracing for a protracted fight.

"I'm not optimistic right now," Parker said. "I just don't see any quick solutions. It's about differing philosophies ...

"You have to remember this is lockout and not a strike. The players are not demanding more money. We have offered concessions and the owners have essentially said, 'It isn't enough.' They have a right to do what they are doing, but sometimes there is fallout by trying to get the best deal possible."

Cavaliers ownership and management are not commenting on a lockout that the NBA estimates will cost $200 million in lost revenue for organizations and players in the first two weeks of the regular season.

"We think that we made very fair proposals," Stern told reporters in New York on Monday. "I'm sure the players think the same thing. But the gap is so significant that we just can't bridge it at this time."

At issue is how to divide the nearly $4 billion in basketball-related revenues (BRI) and what kind of luxury taxes, player contracts and salary caps make sense to both sides. Neither is getting much sympathy from a public that sees two sets of millionaires squabbling in an economic environment rife with job losses and foreclosures.

"These are not good financial times," Parker said. "There are a lot of families hurting and there are lot of families that depend on the industry of the NBA: ushers, parking garage attendants, people who work in restaurants near the arenas. This is not lost on us."

It's believed the Cavaliers have not laid off or furloughed any of their employees during a lockout that began on July 1.

Cavaliers guard Baron Davis apologized to fans Tuesday for the work stoppage. Parker and Davis are two team members who have attended union meetings. Davis also was involved in a negotiating session two weeks ago with the league in New York.

"The issues are complex, everyone wants a deal that is fair for them," Davis told The Plain Dealer via email. "We as players are united in our belief that we have to do what is best for the long term, not just for the short term of the league and its players."

Some players have taken to social media to voice their opinions. On Twitter, many are including hashtags such as #standunited and catchphrases like Let Us Play, borrowed from the NFL lockout. Cavaliers swingman Omri Casspi, reacting to the league's decision to cancel games on Monday, wrote: "Had big expectation for today's meeting. Really disappointed ... Time to make some important decisions."

Parker said he anticipated regular-season games would be lost. Like many players, he's against a hard salary cap or punitive taxes on big-spending teams that act as one. He said well run small- and middle-market clubs like Oklahoma City and San Antonio are examples of organizations that can challenge the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. He also points to 18 different World Series champions in baseball since 1980 as evidence that a hard cap isn't needed to produce parity.

"I think that just shoots down the [hard-cap] theory," Parker said.

The eighth-year pro serves as the Cavaliers union rep despite being an unrestricted free agent. Parker said he answers as many questions as possible, some of the most common concerning playing overseas during the lockout.

He has spent the past two seasons with the Cavaliers, and welcomed the opportunity to possibly negotiate a new deal.

"Basketball-wise the fans have been great," Parker said. "It's easy to support a team when it's winning, but I think the world saw how great our fans were last season when things weren't so good."

The league will have a free-agent signing window once the lockout ends. Until then, Parker will answer more teammates' questions and wait for his kids get home from school.

Braxton Miller practiced Tuesday, while another Ohio State quarterback is getting a little more of a look.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerWould red-shirt sophomore Kenny Guiton be an option at QB if Braxton Miller can't play the entire game Saturday against Illinois? "I know if he ever had to go in, given the opportunity I'm sure he would do fine," said center Mike Brewster.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State quarterback hierarchy shouldn't be too difficult to decipher.

Braxton Miller is the Buckeyes' No. 1 quarterback. Then there's everyone else.

The freshman quarterback practiced Tuesday, three days after spraining his ankle against Nebraska, a injury that started the Buckeyes' slide to their 34-27 loss. From his coaches and his teammates, every indication is that Miller will be ready when the Buckeyes play at No. 16 Illinois on Saturday.

"He actually didn't move too bad," tight end Jake Stoneburner said after Tuesday afternoon's practice. "A couple times when he scrambled he took three or four really quick steps and then slowed down a little bit. He wasn't pushing it too hard in scramble mode, but everything else he looked pretty fine."

If Miller goes down against the Illini on Saturday, it's fair to assume that the Buckeyes will be in trouble, just like they were against the Cornhuskers. The offense, led by backup Joe Bauserman, couldn't have done less than it did, as the senior went 1-of-10 for 13 yards. So, if the worst does happen, would Bauserman get the call again?

Coach Luke Fickell said No. 3 quarterback Kenny Guiton will get more snaps in practice, but didn't go as far as saying Guiton had passed Bauserman on the depth chart.

"Kenny will get some more reps and that's a part of it," Fickell said, noting again that Guiton also has been practicing on special teams. "Kenny has stayed involved a lot and showed the team and everybody how important it is to him, and he'll get probably more and more opportunities in the weeks to come."

A red-shirt sophomore, Guiton is seen as an option between the freshman Miller and the senior Bauserman.

"He's kind of a mix, a little runner, little passer," center Mike Brewster said. "I know if he ever had to go in, given the opportunity I'm sure he would do fine."

But he's not a game changer with his arms or legs. Guiton was a late, desperate add to Ohio State's 2009 recruiting class when the Buckeyes were grasping for a quarterback. But, the prevailing theory goes, he must be able to give Ohio State a little more than Bauserman has shown.

It would much better for the Buckeyes if they didn't have to find out if Guiton could handle it or if Bauserman could play any better than he did Saturday. They need Miller to stay on the field against the Illini.

Return from suspensions: Running back Dan Herron and offensive lineman Marcus Hall will be back against the Illini after sitting out with suspensions. Herron hasn't played all season, missing six games with two separate suspensions, while Hall served a one-game suspension last week.

Fickell said he didn't expect either to earn their starting jobs back right away. He said Mike Adams started at left tackle last week after a five-game suspension only because Hall's absence forced the Buckeyes to shuffle the offensive line.

Fickell said Herron could play on kick coverage, but also expect that he will be involved in the run game along with running backs Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall.

With the first two weeks of the NBA season already canceled, is LeBron James seriously thinking about turning to the NFL as the lockout drags on? Hey, the Browns need a receiver, right? So, would you?

Rich Pingeton, State Farm InsuranceCould LeBron James' State Farm commercial become a reality?

With the first two weeks of the NBA season already canceled, is LeBron James seriously thinking about turning to the NFL as the lockout drags on?

James, a former all-state wide receiver at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, posted this tweet earlier today addressed to John Clayton, ESPN's NFL reporter.

"@ClaytonESPN When is the deadline for a team to sign a free agent?"

As with almost anything he says, James' tweet immediately became a hot topic on seemingly every ESPN broadcast that followed, as well as on local sports talk radio and, naturally, Twitter.

So, could LeBron James play in the NFL? Didn't he just practice in full pads at his old high school last week? The Browns need a wide receiver, would Cleveland fans accept him back? Why are we even talking about this?

Here's a roundup of some of reaction around the web.

Yahoo! Sports: "Let's make this real easy. First off, it's not happening... LeBron would never jeopardize his NBA career by doing something as dangerous as playing football. Second, even if he did, LeBron wouldn't be any good on the field."

SB Nation: "If he ever gives it a real shot, I bet he could do it. And it'd be the coolest sports story of the year, and we'd all have to rethink LeBron James, because hey, 2011 Finals or not, he's the only NBA player who joked about playing in the NFL and was then good enough to go out and do it."

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel: "He can't, at least not without a significant insurance policy. Unlike the six charity exhibitions James has participated in, which are covered by a "love of the game" clause in his NBA contract, his NBA salary would not be protected by an attempt at football at any level."

USA Today: "Of course, James is probably goofing around. He'd have to be nuts to risk his career by getting injured on an NFL football field (See Bo Jackson). Wouldn't he?"

Brian Windhorst, ESPN NBA reporter and St. Vincent-St. Mary grad: "Always felt bad for those poor 5-10, 160-pound CBs who had to line up against the 6-6, 230-pound freak athlete. Try defending that on fade."

Now it's your turn: what do you think? The Browns need a receiver, right? (And, in case you were wondering, there is no deadline for an NFL team to sign a free agent.)

The Tigers, starving for runs, fed well Tuesday night at the expense of Texas right-hander Colby Lewis.

View full sizeMark Duncan, Associated PressVictor Martinez appears to wince as he leaves the batter's box to trot around the bases following his solo homer in the fourth inning Tuesday night in Detroit.

DETROIT -- The Tigers are back in the American League Championship Series and two of the players who put them there got their start in Cleveland.

Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta hit two of the Tigers' three homers Tuesday night in a 5-2 victory over Texas in Game 3 of the ALCS at Comerica Park. The Tigers still trail Texas, 2-1, in the best-of-seven series. Detroit sends Rick Porcello against the Rangers Matt Harrison in today's Game 4 at 4 p.m.

The Tigers, 6-3 against the Rangers during the regular season, scored five runs in losing the first two games of the series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. They equaled that output Tuesday night as the series moved to the Motor City.

The Indians signed Martinez and Peralta as teenage free agents. They found Martinez in Venezuela in 1997 and Peralta in Dominican Republic in 1999. They developed them, brought them to the big leagues and made trades when they couldn't afford them. Martinez was sent to Boston in 2009 and Peralta to the Tigers in 2010.

Martinez, with Texas nursing a 1-0 lead through three innings, brought the sellout crowd of 41,905 to full roar with a leadoff homer against Colby Lewis in the fourth. He suffered a rib cage injury on the swing, but stayed in the game.

Martinez' status for the rest of the series was not clear, but the Tigers cannot afford to lose another player after losing Magglio Ordonez (broken right ankle) and Delmon Young (left oblique), who was scratched from Tuesday's lineup.

"The only way I don't play (Wednesday) is if I wake up and I'm dead," said Martinez.

Peralta added another leadoff homer, this time in the sixth, off Lewis to make it 3-1. It was his second hit of the night and first homer of the postseason. He hit 21 during the regular season.

Miguel Cabrera finished the streak of leadoff homers with one in the seventh off Koji Uehara.

"We finally woke up," said Cabrera.

Right-hander Doug Fister, Detroit's great trade-deadline acquisition, made sure the lead stood. He gave up a run in the first and wasn't charged with another until the seventh. The 6-8 Fister is 2-1 this postseason with a 4.76 ERA. He allowed two runs on seven hits in 7 1/3 innings, striking out three without a walk. Fister, including his two postseason victories, is 10-2 since the trade.

Texas manager Ron Washington brushed aside the Tigers' offense and said, "It was Fister that did the job tonight."

Tigers manager Jim Leyland added, "Fister put on a clinic out there."

Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his third save of the postseason. He's 52-for-52 in save situations this year. Cabrera made a diving stab of Adrian Beltre's grounder down the first-base line with a man on and one out to defuse the Rangers' last comeback bid.

Cabrera, with two out in the fifth, hit a 0-2 pitch from Lewis down the right-field line for a run-scoring double for the lead. Austin Jackson and Ramon Santiago set the inning in motion with two-out singles.

Asked if he thought about pitching around Cabrera to face the injured Martinez, who was waiting on deck, Washington said, "The winning (go-ahead) run is already on third base. I'm not going to take another runner and put him on second base. We tried to make a pitch. Colby didn't get it there."

Said Leyland, "That's what (the postseason) is about -- the big boys. That's why they're the big boys."

Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre fouled a ball off his left knee in the fourth inning. He took several minutes to recover, but stayed in the game. He had x-rays on the knee after the game and they were negative.

Lewis is no stranger to the homer. He allowed 35 during the regular season, the second most in the big leagues. The homers by Peralta and Martinez were the first he allowed this postseason.

Andy Dirks knocked Lewis out of the game with a two-out single in the sixth. He stole second and scored on Jackson's third hit of the game for a 4-1 lead. Lewis allowed four runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. The loss was the first for Lewis in the postseason. He went 3-0 last year as the Rangers reached the World Series before losing to San Francisco. He was 1-0 this year, beating Tampa Bay in Game 3 of the ALDS, before running into the Tigers on Tuesday.

The Rangers took a 1-0 lead in the first when Josh Hamilton bounced a single into center field to score Ian Kinsler, who had started the game with a single between short and third. Elvis Andrus bounced a single between first and second to send Kinsler to third.

Fister kept the inning from getting any hotter by inducing Michael Young to hit into a 6-4-3 double play and striking out Beltre.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

The Cleveland Indians and Cleveland State University announced Tuesday that an 18-foot-wide helix turbine will be mounted on top of the southeast corner of the ballpark, near East 9th Street and Carnegie Avenue.

View full sizeCleveland State UniversityA drawing of the prototype "helix" wind turbine developed by a Cleveland State professor.

The Cleveland Indians and Cleveland State University announced Tuesday that an 18-foot-wide helix turbine developed by a CSU engineering professor will be mounted atop the ballpark's southeast corner, near East Ninth Street and Carnegie Avenue.

The turbine, which will be translucent white and lit within by colored LED lights, is the latest version of a "wind amplification turbine system," developed by Majid Rashidi, chairman of the university's department of engineering technology.

Selecting the site for the turbine, which will be installed by March, is the culmination of discussions that began almost three years ago between the Tribe and CSU, said Brad Mohr, assistant director of ballpark operations.

Mohr said he was approached by CSU officials after speaking at a meeting about the team's commitment to sustainability, including how it had installed solar panels and hoped to move into geothermal and wind projects.

"They said, 'We have an idea for you,' and we have been talking ever since," he said.

CSU had received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2008 to design and install two structures based on Rashidi's patented system of a wind-deflecting structure with small-scale turbines that can generate power at low wind speeds.

In May 2009, CSU hoisted its first system, which weighed 10 tons, to the roof of its Plant Services Building on East 25th Street. Four turbines, 7 feet in diameter, are affixed to the side of what looks like an old water tower. The cylinder sits on a base that automatically rotates to face the wind. The system's design channels the wind to be more efficient.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, Plain Dealer fileThe 10-ton experimental wind turbine system on top of Cleveland State University's Plant Services Building.

Since then Rashidi continued to revise his concept, including reconfiguring the cylinder to look like an ice cream cone with a twist and seeking a second location.

Mohr said the size of the turbine fits the ballpark, which did not have enough space to put up a traditional three-blade turbine, such as the one at the Great Lakes Science Center.

Rashidi's is designed to pivot with the wind. "What better place than downtown Cleveland to capture the turbulent wind?" he said.

Grants will cover the construction cost and installation. It will generate about 40,000 kilowatt hours per year, about the same energy used to power four homes, Mohr said. The ballpark uses about 17 million kilowatt hours a year, Mohr said.

He hopes the turbine's visibility sparks interest in renewable energy so that one day the device can be put into production.

"We want to show that this experiment born here in Cleveland works in Cleveland," Mohr said. "The goal is not just to have the turbine in the ballpark. It is to get them into urban areas where traditional wind power won't work."

Though just an 11-game winner for the St. Louis Cardinals, the 36-year-old Chris Carpenter has been in dominating mode since midseason. Apparently in the Milwaukee Brewers' heads, too, heading into a matchup of aces in Game 3 of the NL championship series on Wednesday night against 17-game winner Yovani Gallardo.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter, center, throws as pitching coach Dave Duncan, left, and bullpen coach Derek Lilliquist, right, watch during baseball practice, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ST. LOUIS  — On the day he pitches, Chris Carpenter can be an ornery cuss. He prowls the mound, barks at hitters, and on at least one occasion has been known to invite a basepath collision.

Though just an 11-game winner for the St. Louis Cardinals, the 36-year-old right-hander has been in dominating mode since midseason. Apparently in the Milwaukee Brewers' heads, too, heading into a matchup of aces in Game 3 of the NL championship series on Wednesday night against 17-game winner Yovani Gallardo.

"Yo has been our best guy, he loves being in these situations," Brewers leadoff man Corey Hart said. "It's our guy against their guy. Both are best guys."

Carpenter mixed it up with volatile Nyjer Morgan in September and was labeled a "phony" by Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke prior to the series.

Nothing phony about the results.

Carpenter shut down Milwaukee twice in September, allowing only two runs in 17 innings to fuel an improbable drive for the NL wild-card berth. He's coming off a career signature moment, a three-hit shutout against Roy Halladay that eliminated the favored Phillies in the NL division series.

Carpenter has been clutch throughout his career in the postseason, too, going 6-2 with a 2.94 ERA. He pushed aside his friendship with Halladay for a 1-0 win in Game 5 of the NL division series, and will do his best to not allow Brewers animosity to affect him.

So, sorry, no feud. Just getting ready for a big start.

You can probably forget about the rally squirrel, too. The Cardinals are capitalizing on the craze, giving 40,000 rally towels featuring a squirrel, but by Tuesday afternoon team officials had caught four of the critters.

"Are we still talking about that?" St. Louis utilityman Allen Craig said. "People are laughing at us. We're talking about squirrels."

Carpenter dismisses Greinke's assessment, too.

"He doesn't know me, he's never been a teammate of mine, he can say what he wants," Carpenter said.

"Every year, and every round of the playoffs, there's distractions all around," he said. "It can go from family stuff, clubhouse stuff, opponents, friendships, whatever it is. If you can't eliminate that on your day, you're going to have extra trouble."

The Brewers were on their best behavior Tuesday, skirting the issue of bad blood.

Making a reference to Greinke's battle with social anxiety disorder, manager Ron Roenicke said the pitcher's comments were "no big deal" and told reporters, "You guys know Zack, and you know what he's going to say when you ask questions."

Morgan, who flung a wad of chewing tobacco at Carpenter in a shouting match in early September and ridiculed the Cardinals on Twitter, had nothing to say. He politely declined interview requests before and after the Brewers' workout, saying only "Nope."

"There's so much at stake, I don't think either team wants to get caught up in the drama," Milwaukee star Ryan Braun said. "It makes a good story, it's good for you guys.

"Both teams are three games away from the World Series, that's what they're going to focus on."

Gallardo needs to ignore a different sort of clutter — his utter lack of success against the Cardinals.

The 25-year-old right-hander has been the Brewers' only consistent starter in the postseason, with an impressive 0.86 ERA in 21 innings, and is coming off a strong finishing stretch. He just can't beat the Cardinals, saddled with a 1-7 career record and 5.66 ERA after losing to them in consecutive starts in early September.

"Well, I can't explain it," Gallardo said. "I'm 1-7 against these guys but I try to forget about those things. I mean, even if goes the other way around, 7-1."

Dueling Carpenter is plenty for him now.

"We all know what kind of pitcher he is. He has great stuff and obviously he's had great success," Gallardo said. "It should be a pretty exciting game.

"I'm definitely going to have to bring my 'A' game."

But lest anyone think the Cardinals own Gallardo, there's this nugget: In his lone victory in May in St. Louis, he took a no-hit bid into the eighth.

The Cardinals knocked out Shaun Marcum in the fifth inning of a 12-3 blowout on Monday that evened the series at a game apiece. It's anticipated that Game 3 will be a much lower scoring affair with oddsmakers placing the over-under at seven runs.

Roenicke is considering starting Carlos Gomez, a better defensive player in center field than Morgan but not as dangerous at the plate. Morgan is 3 for 20 in the postseason.

"We may make a change or two," Roenicke said. "I think we'll probably stay the same, but we'll see."

The biggest bat for Carpenter to avoid might be Rickie Weeks, and not the Brewers' big two of Braun and Prince Fielder. Weeks is 6 for 10 with three homers and six RBIs.

Albert Pujols has the Brewers' full attention after a breakout Game 2 in which he homered with three doubles and five RBIs.

"We have to make good pitches," Roenicke said. "We have to make better pitches to him. We hope we get it to a better spot and we hope he misses."

For more Cinesport video, go here.

Braxton Miller will start on Saturday and for the rest of the season.

Adam Rittenberg of ESPN's Big Ten blog writes how despite how disappointing it was for Ohio State to fall apart against Nebraska, it at least found its starting quarterback in Braxton Miller.

Braxton Miller was a catalyst for Ohio State's offense against Nebraska, making plays with his arm and his legs.Miller would have been the big story Saturday night had the final 23 minutes played out like the first 37. He sparked an Ohio State offense that one week earlier had come 10 seconds away from its first scoreless performance at home since 1982.

 Coach Luke Fickell said Miller played with a lot more confidence.

"He can throw the football, he understands the game of football, he's getting better each and every week. He's a competitor. You saw him as he gets he hurt, he wants to get back in there. Those are the things you've got to continue to build on."

Ohio State certainly could have used Miller as Bauserman struggled, completing just 1 of 10 pass attempts for a flat-lining offense.

Miller is listed as Ohio State's starter for Saturday's game at No. 16 Illinois.

 Around the Horse Shoe

Coach Luke Fickell says his players remain strong despite losses and on field issues.

Here's a history lesson on the Buckeyes and Illinois.

More players in, more players out. Coach Fickell still has moves to make.

Will collapse at Nebraska mean personnel changes for Ohio State?

Kenny Guiton could move past Joe Bauserman for the No. 2 spot.

Cleveland.com reporter Doug Lesmerises writes about Nathan Williams who is lost for the season.

Who is the most disappointing starting quarterback over the past 20 years for the Buckeyes?

PD FileFormer Ohio State quarterback Steve Bellisari.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a handful of solid quarterbacks in recent history. Those quarterbacks include Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, Craig Krenzel (won a national title), and Terrelle Pryor, who set numerous records.

Despite the good quarterbacks, there have been several starters that were less than desired. Presently, Joe Bauserman, who was the starter at the beginning of the season, has had enough opportunities to prove himself but he's come up short time after time.

How about Justin Zwick? He left high school as one of the top prep passers in the nation, but he didn't have much success as a starter. Zwick lost his starting spot to Smith.

There was also Todd Boeckman, who lost his job to Pryor. And Steve Bellisari was one of the toughest players to ever play for the Buckeyes from 1998-2001, but he couldn't get past his habit of throwing interceptions.

LeBron James talked to The Plain Dealer back in 2005 about the possibility of playing in the NFL.

APLeBron James

In the story below written by Branson Wright and published by The Plain Dealer in 2005, LeBron James talked about the possibility of playing in the NFL if he didn't play in the NBA. Now that the NBA players are locked out, and because of his recent request on Twitter, maybe those possibilities are getting closer to reality.

 
CLEVELAND ----- It was a cold, brisk night in the fall of 2000, and St. Vincent-St. Mary High held a commanding first-half lead over host Villa Angela-St. Joseph.

But sophomore wide receiver LeBron James wanted more.

The breath could be seen steaming out of James’ helmet as he broke down the sideline. He easily made separation from the much smaller defensive back, got in front of the safety and was wide open in the end zone, but his quarterback underthrew the ball, which was headed right into the waiting arms of the defender.

Somehow, James took flight and reached over the head of the unsuspecting defender , snatching the ball away for the touchdown.

“When the defensive back jumped, I just knew he had it,” said Ohio State defensive tackle Sian Cotton, a teammate of James that season. “The next thing I know, LeBron came out of nowhere, jumped into the air and he kept going and going and going. I couldn’t believe what happened.”

The next great NBA player was on the verge of becoming a great NFL player – displaying unbelievable moves, catches and uncanny speed for a 6-7, 225-pound high school wide receiver. James often has wondered what it would have been like to play for his favorite teams, Florida State and the Dallas Cowboys.

“If I wasn’t playing basketball, I’d be playing football,” James said. “I’m a football player playing basketball.”

James played three years of high school football. He did not play his senior year because he did not want to risk injury for his budding NBA career. That decision eats at James from time to time.

“The only thing I regret in my life is not playing football my senior year,” James said. “I miss the competing and scoring touchdowns. When you go to the line, get around the cornerback and score, it’s a wonderful feeling. Scoring touchdowns is the most rewarding thing [in sports] because you’ve worked so hard to get into the end zone. I miss that a lot.”

James was so good in high school that he was a two-time All-Ohio receiver. He is St. Vincent-St. Mary’s leader in receptions in a season (57), receptions in a career (99), yards in a season (1,160) and yards in a career (1,912). His 27 touchdowns rank third on the school’s all-time list.

But James was more than just numbers. He was a nightmare to every high school secondary his team faced. He was taller than most players on the field, as quick as a running back and as strong as a linebacker.

“The way he explodes on the court is the way he exploded on the field,” said Jay Brophy, who coached James in football during his junior year. “He had unbelievable hops and he could catch the ball in traffic. We had an old saying, ‘When in doubt, throw the fade.’ We’d throw the ball out there and LeBron would go get it.”

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was the head coach at Youngstown State when he became familiar with James on the recruiting trail.

“He was very good and he could’ve played Division I football, without any question,“ Tressel said. “I remember that he ran a heck of a fade route, and with those hands and his size, he would’ve been a great receiver.”

Greatness was all former University of Akron coach Lee Owens saw when he watched James. When James was a freshman, Owens was told about a tall lanky kid with tremendous football ability. It wasn’t the first time that Owens, now the head coach at Ashland University, had heard about some freshman phenom, only to see the kid falter by the time he reached his senior season. But James’ coach during his freshman year, Jim Meyer, insisted that Owens take a look.

“Just after one game during his freshman year, I offered him a scholarship on the spot,” Owens said. “He was one of the best athletes I’d ever seen on a football field. He had the ability to break to the ball. He had great hands and extraordinary leaping ability. Not too many corners could cover him.”

James decided on basketball, a decision that might have changed the NFL.

At 6-8 and 245 pounds, James is not a typical NFL wide receiver. The addition of James in the NFL would draw comparisons to a handful of pass catchers like Randy Moss, Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates – players who have changed the dynamics of the league.

Moss set the record for most touchdown catches by a rookie; Gonzalez set the record for most receptions in a season by a tight end; and Gates set the single-season touchdown record by a tight end.

Former NFL defensive back Solomon Wilcots said James would have been in that class.

“ LeBron would be a guy that no one could stop,” said Wilcots, an analyst for CBS and the NFL Network. “The league is always looking for guys that will provide mismatches, and LeBron, at 6-8, is too fast for a linebacker and too strong and too tall for a defensive back. And once he got past the cornerback, all the safety would do is hang onto LeBron, and he would still make the catch. When he jumps up for the ball, he’s gone once he hits the ground.”

Browns rookie Braylon Edwards is among the tallest receivers in the league at 6-3, but even Edwards said that James in the NFL would be an impressive sight.

“ LeBron would give defenses a lot of trouble,” Edwards said. “At 6-8, there would be a lot of mismatches, and it would be hard to defend him. Just think if you put LeBron in motion and spread him out wide – that would cause a lot of chaos.”

For now, what could have been is mere fantasy.

NBA training camp began Tuesday, and James will begin his third NBA season this fall. The closest James gets to playing football is XBox, PlayStation 2 and flag football games on his property. But he continues to dream.

“If I wasn’t playing basketball, I believe I could try out for an NFL team and make it as a receiver,” James said. “What I’m doing right now will keep my mind off of playing football, but if something ever turned sour in the NBA, I think I’d take a shot at the NFL.”

Plain Dealer OSU reporter says Buckeyes did enough well in loss to Nebraska that they can pull the upset Saturday. Watch video

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

The Ohio State Buckeyes are trying to regroup after they blew a lead at Nebraska on Saturday and came away with a defeat. This week, OSU is at No. 16 Illinois. Which team will win, and by how many points? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises, who says he's not ready to make his pick yet, but he says the Buckeyes did enough good things against Nebraska that they are capable of pulling an upset Saturday.

Doug also talks about what the Buckeyes are playing for the rest of the season; the season-ending surgery for Nathan Williams; and why receiver DeVier Posey would want to come back and play the last two games after serving his 10 games of suspension.

SBTV will return Thursday.

And remember to watch the Browns Insider show that streams live Thursday at 10 a.m. If you miss the show live, you can find it archived at cleveland.com/browns.

Browns defensive end Marcus Benard is out for the season after breaking his hand in a motorcycle accident.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerLinebacker Marcus Benard will miss the rest of the season after breaking his hand in a motorcycle accident.

BEREA  -- Browns defensive end Marcus Benard has been placed on the reserve/nonfootball injury list and is out for the season after breaking his hand in a motorcycle accident. 

Defensive end Auston English has been signed off the Browns practice squad.

Benard suffered the broken hand Monday when he was thrown from his motorcycle after hitting a guardrail on I-71.

He's still in the Cleveland Clinic, the Browns said.

Coach Pat Shurmur said he wasn't aware Benard was riding a motorcycle, but that he still has a future with the Browns.

He said he talked to the team about avoiding risky behaviors, but that he trusts his players to do the right thing.

He stressed that "I'm just glad Marcus is okay'' and likened it receiving a phone call about one of your own children.

Shurmur said he has ways of disciplining players who break team rules. Benard faces two charges stemming from the accident: reckless operation and driving under suspension.

In other Browns news:

* Cornerback Joe Haden (knee) will sit out practice again today. Dimitri Patterson will replace him in practice and Buster Skrine will be the third corner. Shurmur hasn't yet ruled Haden out of the Oakland game.

* Center Alex Mack (appendectomy) will also watch from the sidelines again today. He acknowledged that Mack, who needed I.V. fluids before the Titans game, was throwing up the morning of the game. He underwent the appendectomy the day after the game.

* Shurmur has made his players aware of the emotion the Raiders will be playing with after the passing of owner Al Davis.

* Raiders coach Hue Jackson said Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson "is playing as well as any middle linebacker in football.''

 * Hue Jackson said of Peyton Hillis: "This guy is one of the better big running backs in this football league. He's a beast.''

* The Browns signed defensive tackle Kiante Tripp to their practice squad. He was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in July, and played in two preseason games before being waived.

Tom Widenbauer, who joined the Indians last year as minor league field coordinator, spent the previous 35 years working for the Houston Astros.

Chuck Crow, Plain Dealer fileTom Wiedenbauer, center, talks to Indians players about base running during spring training this year in Goodyear, Ariz..

DETROIT -- The Indians are close to hiring Tom Wiedenbauer as their first base coach. He would replace Sandy Alomar Jr., who was promoted to bench coach.

Wiedenbauer, 52, was hired as the Indians minor league field coordinator last year to replace Dave Hudgens, who left to become the Mets hitting coach.

The Indians are still looking for a pitching coach to replace Tim Belcher, who resigned at the end of this season to spend more time with his family. Belcher and Tim Tolman, who also resigned as bench coach at the end of the season, will stay in the organization.

Manager Manny Acta this week was interviewing candidates for the pitching coach job. Bullpen coach Scott Radinsky and Ruben Niebla, the pitching coach at Class AAA Columbus are believed to be candidates.

Wiedenbauer spent 35 years with the Houston Astros as a player, coach, manager, instructor, field coordinator and scout. The former outfielder/pitcher was a seventh round pick of the Astros in 1976. He made it to the big leagues briefly in 1979, playing four games and collecting four hits in six at-bats.

This past season Wiedenbauer replaced Alomar as first base coach on at least two occasions when Alomar missed games for personal reasons.

Acta said he was looking for a first base coach, who would double as an outfield and baserunning instructor.

If Wiedenbauer is hired, it means the Indians bypassed Mike Sarbaugh. Sarbaugh, who has led Class AAA Columbus to national titles in the last two years, did not fit the job requirement because he's a former infielder, but he's won wherever he's managed in the Indians system.

Can the Cleveland Browns find some help in the free agent market?

APAdalius Thomas, seen here celebrating with No. 58 Pierre Woods.

The Cleveland Browns are clearly a team that could use some help at many positions. The Browns could use some speed at wide receiver, depth at defensive back, help on the offensive line, and now since Marcus Benard is lost for the season, the Browns could use another pass rusher.

The trade deadline is a week away, and unless the Browns give up something to get something, the free agent market remains open.

There are several players the Browns could take a look at, including wide receivers Chris Chambers and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. There's also offensive lineman Nick Kaczur and.

Could the Browns find a replacement for Benard in (although he went to  Michigan) LB/DE Pierre Woods? Or how about defensive back help in free agent Darren Sharper?

The Cavs are one of five NBA franchises to own and operate a D-League team

Saint Louis Univ.Cavaliers D-League coach Alex Jensen.

She had been hospitalized for about five months

Plain Dealer filePat and Art Modell at a Cleveland charity event in 1992.

BALTIMORE -- Patricia Modell, the wife of former Browns and Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell and a longtime television actress, has died. She was 80.

Mrs. Modell was pronounced dead around 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens announced after being contacted by Modell's son. She had been hospitalized for around five months.

During a 22-year acting career, Patricia Breslin Modell performed on the New York stage, in motion pictures and on television. She starred in the "People's Choice" television series with actor Jackie Cooper and played the role of Meg Baldwin in the soap opera "General Hospital." She also played Laura Brooks on the prime time soap opera "Peyton Place."

Among her many television other roles, she was a regular on "Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Perry Mason," and "Maverick."

At one point in her career, Mrs. Modell had appeared on more television shows than any other woman in U.S. history. Her record was eventually broken by one of her best friends, Lucille Ball.

She married Art Modell, former owner and president of the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, in 1969. She retired from acting at that time and immersed herself in her family and community improvement.

In Cleveland, Mrs. Modell served on the board at Ursuline College and was active in the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Cleveland Musical Arts Association, the Cleveland Ballet, the Playhouse Square Foundation, and the Cerebral Palsy Association. She actively supported the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and she started and funded, along with her husband, the Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland.

After Art Modell moved his football team to Baltimore in 1996, his wife served on several boards, including: House of Ruth, Gilchrist Hospice, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and The Walters Art Museum. In addition, the Modells contributed money to the St. Vincent's Center and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

The Modells also gave $3.5 million to the Lyric Opera House, which was recently renamed the Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric.

The Modells pledged $5 million to help start a public boarding school for disadvantaged students. The SEED School, which opened in the Fall of 2008, recruits middle and high school students from around the state. The gift is believed to have been one of the largest private contributions to a single public school in Maryland.

Born in New York, Patricia Modell was the daughter of Edward and Marjorie Breslin. Her father was a Special Sessions Judge in New York City. Monsignor Patrick Breslin, for whom she was named, was Judge Breslin's eldest brother.

Mrs. Modell graduated from the Academy of Mt. St. Ursuline and the College of New Rochelle.

She is survived by her husband, two sons, John and David, and six grandchildren.

Pryor said he prays for the success of the Buckeyes and hopes they turn their season around.

APTerrelle Pryor