David Freese at one time was so sick of baseball that he quit. Luckily for himself and the Cardinals, the game kept its door open.

View full sizeLaurie Skrivan, St. Louis Post-DispatchWith his love for baseball refreshed, David Freese (23, with Matt Holliday) has been a postseason powerhouse for the Cardinals, here with a Game 6 homer against Milwaukee.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- David Freese didn't want to play baseball anymore. He wanted to be normal. He wanted to go to college, join a fraternity, party and have fun.

"I'd lost my love for the game," he said.

Freese figured he'd been playing baseball for 15 years -- practically year round, in his words.

"I kind of let the negativity of the game get to me a little too much," said Freese. "I was just a kid who didn't want to play baseball anymore. Before my senior year of high school, I knew I was going to quit."

He did exactly that as he enrolled at the University of Missouri.

"They offered me a scholarship to play baseball and my mom and dad ended up paying for me to go," said Freese. "I don't think they were too happy."

The summer after his freshman year, Freese was working in the maintenance department of his local school district. Just before starting his second year in college, he went back to Lafayette High School in Wildwood, Mo., to watch his old team practice.

"I was just soaking it up a little bit," said Freese. "I said to myself, 'What am I doing?' I told my mom, 'let's go.'"

Freese called the baseball coach at St. Louis Community College-Meramec and asked for a roster spot. Coach Tony Dattoli said OK. From there he went to South Alabama and was drafted by the Padres in the ninth round in 2006. On Dec. 17, 2007, the Padres traded him back home to St. Louis for Jim Edmonds.

Not exactly a great story so far, but it gets better. In the NLCS this year, Freese hit .595 (12-for-22) with three homers, nine RBI and was named MVP as the Cardinals beat Milwaukee to reach the World Series. Not bad for a local kid who took a break from the grand old game, but didn't stay away too long.

Freese, 27, believes taking the year off was a turning point. "I don't think I'd be here if I kept playing," he said. "I lost the love for the game. This is a sport, if you don't love it, it's very tough to succeed.

"Stepping away for a year. Going to Mizzou. Being a student. Lifting weights, being a kid, hanging out ... it brought me back to this game. I made me realize how much I missed it."

Freese played only 97 games during the regular season, missing 51 games after suffering a broken left hand when he was hit by a pitch on May 1. He hit .297 (99-for-333) with 16 doubles, 10 homers and 55 RBI.

Thursday night he took the field as the Cardinals' third baseman in Game 1 of the World Series.

"This is what you dream about," said Freese on Tuesday. "It doesn't matter if it's your hometown team or not. I'm trying to think about it right now and I don't know what to say."

Finally: Ron Washington wants his pitchers to bunt whenever possible when they come to the plate at Busch Stadium. "If there's nobody on base, I'll let them swing away." ... The Rangers' Nelson Cruz made the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated. ... Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said he put Jake Westbrook on the World Series roster in case he needs some length out of the bullpen.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

The Al Davis-led Oakland Raiders often made wild, unpredictable personnel decisions. In their first major move following Davis' passing, they kept the tradition alive and made life more precarious for the Browns in the AFC North.

View full sizeDean Coppola, Contra Costa TimesCarson Palmer and Raiders coach Hue Jackson may have been enjoying themselves after Palmer's arrival in Oakland, but surely they're not nearly as pleased as Bengals owner Mike Brown.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A battle of slogans: "Just win, baby" vs. "Just wait, you'll see."

The eternal flame in Oakland doesn't only burn in memory of Al Davis, the man. Apparently, it also burns for his wildly adventurous personnel moves.

(By the way, an eternal flame? Really? For running a football team? Davis was such a 1950s-60s throwback in the way he talked and dressed. I could see a continuous loop of Sha Na Na's Greatest Hits, but a flame?)

Not only did the Raiders go way rogue in their first major decision since Davis' passing, they might have made life for the Browns even more precarious in the AFC North.

No one thought Bengals' owner Mike Brown could come off looking smart in the Carson Palmer stalemate. Here came the Raiders offering Cincinnati a No. 1 pick in 2012 and, at worst, a No. 2 pick in 2013 for the services of a retired quarterback. Palmer is also a retired quarterback who hasn't been his old self since his elbow issues in 2008, but it's not as if the Bengals saw that and deserve credit for it.

Brown's obstinacy about trading Palmer could easily have backfired if not for the injury to Raiders' quarterback Jason Campbell against the Browns Sunday. The No. 2 pick could become a No. 1 if the Raiders make the conference championship game this season or next. Oakland's only hedge against that happening is purely unintended and stems from getting a quarterback who has never won a playoff game.

You can't find more disparate football models than those of the Raiders and Browns these days. Oakland doesn't own a pick in the first four rounds of the 2012 draft. They spent three shopping for quarterbacks. First, Campbell. Then Terrelle Pryor and now Palmer. The Browns are protecting their draft picks at all costs, even at the cost of Colt McCoy's development. They passed on wide receiver Julio Jones to get Atlanta's No. 1 pick next year, choosing defensive lineman Phil Taylor instead.

The Raiders' first-round draft day adventures (Jamarcus Russell, Darius Heyward-Bey, Robert Gallery, Napoleon Kaufman, Todd Marinovich) have assisted in convincing them waiting on prospects is overrated. Davis, remember, made kicker Sebastian Janikowski a No. 1 pick.

Nothing is more important to the Browns than draft selections in the hands of GM Tom Heckert.

There are different ways to consistently contend, though I'd say as a rule if you make good use of your picks you don't start thinking of them as overrated.

View full sizeAP photoHe's a star, but hasn't had a lot of hits lately.

As tempting as it is for Browns fans to hit the accelerator on this latest rebuilding plan the way the Raiders are gunning for a division title, a quick fix won't stand the test of time against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

The Raiders overpaid by a long shot in trading for Palmer. By doing so, they might have made the Bengals -- a supposed port in the storm for the Browns -- even more worrisome in the next few years than they already shown themselves to be early in this 2011 season.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

(The Baseball-Hollywood Edition)

Texas Rangers' Michael Young and Mel Gibson -- Mike P, Euclid

Eric Karros from MLB Network and actor Dean Winters, the Allstate Mayhem guy -- Larry Puskas

View full sizeMCT photoHe has 2,061 career hits, yet isn't close to being the biggest star among the Rangers.

HE SAID IT

"We haven't done a great job of complaining. That's what the NBA has done, they've done a great job of complaining." -- Dwyane Wade, complaining.

SPINOFFS

If Braylon Edwards said after a loss -- as Josh Cribbs did -- he felt "very insignificant" in the offense, people would call him selfish. Cribbs can get away with it in some quarters because he plays so hard and because he says he's willing to take on more special teams' grunt work.

But if Keyshawn Johnson didn't coin the phrase in a book title, what Cribbs would really be saying is, "Just Give Me The Damn Ball" ...

Bryant Gumbel on his HBO show Tuesday said NBA commissioner David Stern has always seemed "eager to be viewed as kind of a modern-day plantation overseer, treating NBA men as if they were his boys."

Oh no, he didn't? Yes, he did. Citing Stern's dress code edict from some years ago and the commissioner's heavy-handed dealing with NBA refs, Gumbel said Stern makes it perfectly clear "he's the one keeping hired hands in their place."

Gumbel allowed that "some will, of course, cringe" at his word choice. Some? You think?

Let's just say Hank Williams Jr. thinks that's out of line...

Stern says without a quick agreement, there will be no games on Christmas day. I can hear the players now: "No games on the biggest family holiday of the year? Anything but that. Where do we sign?"...

Red Sox starting pitchers admitted to drinking an occasional "rally beer" in the clubhouse late in games but over the past two days they adamantly denied ever drinking beer in the dugout. Check back tomorrow when they claim the beer helmets they modeled while batting in interleague games were empty and worn only to satisfy sponsor commitments...

St. Louis University head coach Rick Majerus complained to ESPN he was "LeBron-ed by the Cavaliers" who hired his top assistant, Alex Jensen, to coach the D-League Canton Charge. Yep. Who can't see that comparison? Same exact thing...

Welcome to the interactive segment of Spin: A British man was accused by his Thai opponent of hiding the letter "G" in his pants at the World Scrabble Championship. You take it from here...

Disgraced former Olympic star Marion Jones is representing the U.S. at diplomatic stops in Serbia and Croatia. Apparently Barry Bonds was unavailable...

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Mid-Week Edition)

"Bud:

"Losing managers and coaches sometimes say that they're proud of their teams because they 'left it all on the field.' What, exactly, is 'it?'" -- Bob K., Parma

It depends on the team. In the case of the Red Sox, for instance, it is a pint of Sam Adams Boston Lager.

"Bud:

"Every Sunday morning, since 1999, my alarm clock has awakened me with Sonny and Cher's 'I Got You Babe.' Any suggestions on how to make this stop?" -- Bob H., Medina

No. But now that you mention it, every Sunday between 1996-1999 mine played the country song, "I'm So Miserable Without You It's Like Having You Here."

"Bud:

"There are lots of thousand-yard rushers, but is Pat Shurmur the only coach ever to have a thousand-yard stare?" -- Michael Sarro

Think of that stare as 5.5 yards per pass attempt and maybe it won't seem so distant.

"Bud:

"While at Ohio State, Brian Robiskie was quoted saying he wouldn't play for the team that fired his father. Is this what he meant?" -- Mike Kelly, Mentor

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"Have you ever drank beer while writing Sports Spin? It may explain some things." -- Tom Hoffner, Broadview Heights

Repeat winners receiver a used Boston Red Sox huggie.

"Bud:

"After witnessing yet another awful performance Sunday, I did something really stupid. I hopped on my kid's tricycle, attained a high rate of speed, grazed the side of the garage and skidded several feet before landing in the neighbor's compost pile. I'm trying to recover from a broken spirit along with considerable 'loss rash.' How soon before Randy Lerner pays me for my suffering?" -- Jeff, Westlake

Repeat winners also receive the counseling they so deserve.

As federally-mediated labor negotiations appear to be intensifying in New York, a collection of 14 mayors representing NBA cities is sending a letter to the two sides urging them to end the impasse.

View full sizeAP photoNBA Commissioner David Stern arrives for Wednesday's mediation session between league owners and the players union in New York.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NBA and its locked-out union will continue to talk Thursday, while impatient players, mayors and taxpayers are preparing to take action.

As federally-mediated labor negotiations intensify in New York, a collection of 14 mayors representing NBA cities is sending a letter to the two sides urging them to end the impasse and Memphis councilmen are considering a lawsuit against the league to recoup losses created by the 112-day lockout.

Meanwhile, some of the game's biggest stars are planning a two-week exhibition tour with stops in England and Australia. Before LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and a legion of other top names head overseas, however, the owners and the players union are working to salvage a majority of the season.

They have agreed to meet for a third straight day -- a first since the labor dispute began July 1 -- and reportedly are closing a gap on the crucial basketball-related revenue split.

"Everyone is extremely focused on the core issues, the difficult issues that confront them," federal mediator George Cohen told reporters Wednesday in New York. The sides have met for a combined 24 hours over the past two days

On Wednesday, NBA Commissioner David Stern split his time between labor talks with the union and the league's Board of Governors, who discussed proposals for a new revenue-sharing plan among the league's 30 teams. Multiple media outlets reported the league and players union made incremental progress in narrowing the revenue split, but a source told Yahoo Sports it was not a "breakthrough" moment in the negotiations.

The sides also have major obstacles to bridge regarding luxury-tax proposals to penalize big-spending teams and dissuade them from overpaying players. There are other restrictions, all aimed at reducing payrolls, that must be negotiated before a deal can be struck.

Stern had intimated that if an agreement wasn't reached this week more games could be lost. The first two weeks of the regular season (Nov. 1-14) already have been cancelled.

Owners and players aren't the only ones at risk of forfeiting money. Businesses and cities where NBA team reside also are impacted. The potential financial hit prompted 14 mayors to write a letter, according the Deseret News in Utah, reminding the league and players union that others are affected by their inaction.

Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson was not among the cosigners.

"We know the issues being discussed between NBA owners and players are complex and need to be addressed to ensure the long-term well being of the league," the mayors wrote. "We are not interested in taking a side. ... Rather, we respectfully ask that you consider the consequences to our cities should the lockout continue."

Memphis is doing more than asking the two sides to pick up the pace. The city council approved a resolution Tuesday, according to myfoxmemphis.com, allowing its staff to explore litigation should Memphis be forced to pick up the tab for up to $18 million in bond payments usually covered by revenue generated at FedEx Forum by Grizzlies' home games.

Memphis is believed to be the first NBA city weighing such an option.

The NBA players and owners will try to end the lockout with another meeting today.

The NBA owners and players plan to meet for the third consecutive day today with hopes of ending the lockout.

The two sides have met for more than 24 hours in a 32-hour span. So when will the regular season begin? Are you optimistic that the players and owners are close to getting things done?

Mike Holmgren said plenty to a Seattle radio station on Wednesday.

PD FileIs Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren (in cart) ready to drive out of here?

Well it looks like Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren will not be in Cleveland forever. He talked about his love for the Pacific Northwest in a recent interview.

He's lived there for a number of years, so we get that.

But why did he call Cleveland and its fans "they" and "them" in his interview with a Seattle radio station?

Holmgren was interviewed on Wednesday on station KJR 950/AM, on the Mitch in the Morning Show.

“I’m pretty sure it’s not going to be 10 years. We still have our home in Seattle,” he said. “And, like I said, the kids are there, the grandkids are there. And I don’t think they are going to be moving anywhere too soon. So our vision is to kind of get back to that area at some point. Exactly when that is (I don’t know). I would like to see improvement here and lay the foundation here so they can feel good about their team again before I make any changes at all.”

Fox Sports reporter Pat McManamon writes how Holmgren has three years left on the five-year deal with the Browns, and he has never said a thing about wanting to leave, but Holmgren is 63 and his family remains, as he said, in Seattle.

Who gets the credit for the Seattle Seahawks' success?

Lynn Ischay / The Plain DealerCleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren.

Jerry Brewer of The Seattle Times writes how this is Mike Holmgren week for the Seahawks.

Holmgren is a former coach of the Seahawks and now he is the president of the Cleveland Browns. The Seattle Seahawks won't exactly face Holmgren, but three years ago, Holmgren coached his last game for Seattle.

Now, Holmgren is the Browns president and exercising the power he sought as he rebuilds that franchise. The Seahawks are doing just fine with Pete Carroll and John Schneider in charge.

Are the Seahawks better off without Holmgren? It's a question that many are asking this week, but it's a query that produces an unfair answer regardless of your opinion.

Brewer writes how the Holmgren era provided a detailed example of how a coach with a crystallized model of success enacts a plan and sees it through, even amid initial struggles.

The Seahawks will never be unquestionably better off without Holmgren until they return to another Super Bowl. But Carroll and Schneider are proving that other franchise-building models can work.

More Seahawks

It looks like Tarvaris Jackson is out and Charlie Whitehurst is in as quarterback against the Browns on Sunday.

The Browns must find ways to win, instead finding ways to lose.

Joshua Gunter | The Plain DealerCleveland Browns' Josh Cribbs jumps into the stands.

ESPN blogger Jamison Hensley writes how a preseason prediction that the Cleveland Browns would be 2-3, as they are now, fans would be content.

Despite a 2-3 record, the Browns could be better. Well, the angst from this season isn't about the losses. It's about how the Browns have lost, Hensley writes. 

The unsoundness of the Browns' play has been disturbing, especially when it's under someone who is in his first NFL head coaching position. It's hard to get a team to believe in a new direction when the Browns have only been able to beat two winless teams this year (the Dolphins and Colts). But the bigger problem is how the Browns have beaten themselves.

The Browns have not been prepared on the field. There was the quick snap by the Bengals that led to a 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and the Browns were burned on a fake field goal by the Raiders.

Will these Browns be like the 2007 team that started 2-3 and finished 10-6? Or will they be like the 2008 one that began 2-3 and ended at 4-12? There's no time to waste in getting this team back on track. The gap between the Browns and everyone else in the AFC North could quickly become as large as Lake Erie by the way the Ravens, Steelers and Bengals are playing these days.

More Browns

Here's some good news for fantasy football fans who have Browns wide receiver Greg Little.

Josh Cribbs has no regrets following comments after loss.

Coach Pat Shurmur must figure out ways to use Cribbs.

The Browns still haven't faced a team with an elite quarterback.

Dennis Manoloff and Bud Shaw along with Mary Kay Cabot in Berea preview Sunday's game against the Seahawks and talk about the Mike Holmgren interview on Seattle radio. Watch video

This week on "Browns Insider," Mary Kay Cabot, Bud Shaw and Dennis Manoloff talked about the Browns as they get ready for Seattle. All three Plain Dealer writers were very critical of Mike Holmgren for talking to a Seattle radio station. They also answered your video and chat room questions.

Click on play to watch the "Browns Insider" team discuss:

- Do we need to hear more from Holmgren?

- Is Holmgren referring to Cleveland fans as "they" and the Browns as "their team" a big deal?

- Josh Cribbs doesn't seem happy. Was he wrong in venting to the media? Is he not being a team player?

- Is Pat Shurmur letting the players dictate the action too much?

- How do the Browns measure up to the Seahawks?

- plus picks and a whole lot more.

Got a video question for next week's show? E-mail it to us here or Skype clevelanddotcom every Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.

Plain Dealer Cavaliers reporter weighs in on poll of experts naming The King as the league's best player. Watch video

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

The NBA lockout continues, despite involvement by a mediator. When do you think regular-season games will be played? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed, who says he is sticking with his original prediction that there will be games after the new year.

Tom also talks about what he would do if he were commissioner David Stern; what he thinks of this week's ESPN expert poll naming LeBron James the NBA's best player; and whether he thinks fans will return when the lockout is over.

SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi answering fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature. And remember to catch this week's Browns Insider show that streamed live today at 10 a.m. and is archived now.

Marvin Fong/The Plain DealerDeVier Posey Columbus Dispatch reporter Bill Rabinowitz writes how five-game NCAA suspension given to Ohio State receiver DeVier Posey has caused former Buckeye John Hicks to take a stand. Hicks is the most prominent of nine former Buckeyes who sent a letter dated Oct. 14 written by Cleveland attorney and 1968 national championship team member Jim Conroy to...

Marvin Fong/The Plain DealerDeVier Posey

Columbus Dispatch reporter Bill Rabinowitz writes how five-game NCAA suspension given to Ohio State receiver DeVier Posey has caused former Buckeye John Hicks to take a stand.

Hicks is the most prominent of nine former Buckeyes who sent a letter dated Oct. 14 written by Cleveland attorney and 1968 national championship team member Jim Conroy to NCAA president Mark Emmert asking to reconsider.

“I just think what they did to DeVier was just criminal,” said Hicks, the 1973 Heisman Trophy runner-up and Outland and Lombardi Trophy winner. “Ten games, that’s criminal. OK, redshirt him, put him out of school, but don’t make him sit there for 10 games and watch games.”

Hicks knows Posey but he can’t have the kind of mentoring relationship he’d like due to  NCAA rules.

“It’s hard to sit down and give that back to the kids,” he said. “The kids want it. They love it, and the kids know that we love them. When your time comes and you’ve moved on with your life, you have things to share with them.”

Around the Horseshoe

Twitter takes over, even the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes remain busy during off week.

Former Buckeye, A.J. Hawk, makes his point.

Browns running back Peyton Hillis will sit out practice again and run in the pool. He's day-to-day for Seattle on Sunday.

Plain Dealer file photoPeyton Hillis will sit out practice again today and run in the pool.

BEREA -- Browns running back Peyton Hillis will sit out practice again today, but is still day-to-day.

He'll run in the pool today, along with defensive back Ray Ventrone, who also suffered a pulled hamstring. Coach Pat Shurmur had hoped Hillis could do some light running on Wednesday, but he wasn't ready.

Shurmur said none of the injured players has been ruled out for Seattle yet, including cornerback Joe Haden (sprained knee),  linebacker Scott Fujita (concussion), and cornerback Buster Skrine (hip).

Fujita was sent home for the second straight day today with his concussion symptoms. Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said he thinks Fujita suffered the concussion early in the Raiders game when he had some helmet-to-helmet contact. He remained in the game until the fourth quarter.

Jauron acknowledged that the prospect of playing without Haden and Skrine "would not be the best scenario for us.'' He said that although Skrine is young "he's not in awe of anybody.''  Shurmur said the Browns would use more of James Dockery and that a safety such as Mike Adams could move to corner if need be.

Haden will do some jogging for the third straight day, and Shurmur said his feeling is that Haden and Skrine will be able to play.

Jauron also talked about preparing for the Seahawks' no-huddle offense and how "it stresses everybody.'' He said there will be chances to substitute and that communication is key.

Offensive lineman Artis Hicks sat out Wednesday with back spasms and will either rest or be limited today.

David Freese has been the postseason MVP for the Cardinals, so far.

Jeff Roberson, Associated PressDavid Freese

Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Paul Hoynes is covering the World Series and he writes following St. Louis' Game 1 victory, that David Freese didn't want to play baseball anymore.

He wanted to be normal. He wanted to go to college, join a fraternity, party and have fun, Hoynes writes. 

"I'd lost my love for the game," he said.

Freese figured he'd been playing baseball for 15 years -- practically year round, in his words.

"I kind of let the negativity of the game get to me a little too much," said Freese. "I was just a kid who didn't want to play baseball anymore. Before my senior year of high school, I knew I was going to quit."

Freese enrolled at the University of Missouri.

Years later, Freese is now in the World Series. Freese, who doubled in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the 2011 World Series, extended his hitting streak in the postseason to 11 games. He is batting .459 (17-for-37) with five doubles, four homers and 14 RBI.
 

More World Series news

Tony La Russa wins Game 1 chess match.

Ron Washington grilled on Game 1 decisions.

The Rangers need Garcia to come up big tonight vs. Garcia.

Notes on the World Series.

The Texas Rangers have plenty to prove in Game 2.

Read Twitter updates from Mary Kay Cabot in Berea as Browns President Mike Holmgren meets the local media.

Scott Shaw, The Plain DealerBrowns President Mike Holmgren.

Read Twitter updates from Mary Kay Cabot in Berea as Browns President Mike Holmgren meets the local media.

Holmgren is addressing the Cleveland media a day after receiving some criticism for appearing on a Seattle radio station and not making himself available to local reporters. In today's session, he talked about the Peyton Hillis contract situation, Colt McCoy's progress, how long he plans to stay in Cleveland and the possibility of hiring an offensive coordinator next season.

Browns President Mike Holmgren said the Browns are letting the dust settle on contract talks with Peyton Hillis and that they want him to have a great year to reach his goals.

Joshua Gunter/The Plain DealerThe Browns are lettng the dust settle in talks with Peyton Hillis.

BEREA -- Browns President Mike Holmgren said today that talks with running back Peyton Hillis are at a standstill right now.

"Things are kind of quiet right now,'' he said. "Let's let the dust settle and see what happens.''

He said "no one has called off contract negotiations'' but that the Browns tried to extend Hillis' contract and it didn't happen. "Now he needs a great year to reach his goals,'' said Holmgren.

He stressed that he wants to try to keep Hillis and told Hillis that on Wednesday. He characterized the negotiations as being in the "floating area.''

He emphasized that all of the drama surrounding Hillis this season, including the strep throat controversy, threw up "roadblocks'' that made negotiations more difficult.

He also said "there was no way I was going to trade Peyton Hillis. Why would I trade one of our best players?''

Hillis will be a free agent after this season if the extension doesn't get done. 

ESPN reports that former Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Harrison has a brain tumor.

Jim Prisching / Associated PressFormer Cleveland Browns' running back Jerome Harrison.

ESPN reports that the trade of Jerome Harrison from Detroit to the Philadelphia Eagles may have saved his life.

Why?

Because doctors discovered a brain tumor that nullified a trade with the Detroit Lions, according to two league sources.

Without the deal being made, Harrison would not have undergone a physical. The tumor is now being treated, according to sources.

Harrison is not expected to play again this season, but his long-term prognosis both for life and his football career appear to be good, sources said. He is visiting with more doctors Thursday.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

Vince Moeglin, Hudson
Sport: Cross country
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 6-0
Wt: 135

What Vince did last week: Won the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division title at Garfield Park in Mentor with a time of 17:02. Hudson finished in second place behind Solon.

About Vince: Enjoys snowboarding. Interested in studying medicine. Favorites include New Orleans Saints, youtube.com, "NBA Live 10" video game, sushi meal, science class, Steak 'n Shake restaurant. Would like to snowbaord in the Rocky Mountains.

Shakita Kabicek, Midpark
Sport: Cross country
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-8

What Shakita did last week: Won the Southwestern Conference title at Lorain County Community College with a time of 19:29, besting the runner-up by 25 seconds. She has a best time of 19: 16 this season.

About Shakita: Member of student council and ski club. Enjoys water polo, baking and playing the violin. Favorites include "Golden Girls" TV show, Applebee's restaurant and AP statistics class. Would like to plant a tree or vegetable garden.

Kylie Tritt, Mayfield
Sport: Soccer
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 5-5

What Kylie did last week: In victories against Euclid (6-0), Elyria (4-0) and Brush (4-1), the center/midfielder scored three goals and had four assists.

About Kylie: Enjoys reading, movies and basketball. Plans to major in physical therapy. Favorites include the Browns and Evan Moore, "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, "Twilight" book series and Olive Garden restaurant. Will always remember defeating Shaker Heights last year in the playoffs.

Abby Brinkman, Brecksville-Broadview Heights
Sport: Volleyball
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 6-0

What Abby did last week: In victories against Amherst, Avon Lake and Wadsworth, outside hitter had 56 kills, 27 digs, 24 service points, two aces and four solo blocks.

About Abby: Will play volleyball at New Hampshire and major in speech pathology. Favorites include the Indians, "Walk the Line" movie, music by Toby Keith, "Modern Family" TV show, "The Book Thief" book, mangoes, American Eagle clothes and English class.

Coaches' nominations for Players of the Week will be taken Mondays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The toll-free number for coaches to call for the seven-county coverage area is 1-800-388-4370.

Ohio State is paying its interim head coach $775,000 for guiding the football program through a season of suspensions, NCAA investigations and looming penalties

Terry Gilliam, Associated PressOSU football coach Luke Fickell

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four and a half months after taking the job, Luke Fickell finally has a contract.

Ohio State is paying its interim head coach $775,000 for guiding the football program through a season of suspensions, NCAA investigations and looming penalties.

The contract, released by the university on Thursday, makes it very clear that Fickell is not guaranteed a job after the agreement ends Jan. 31, 2012.

"This agreement is renewable solely upon an offer from Ohio State and an acceptance by coach," the contract stipulates in section 2.0 under Term. "This agreement in no way grants coach a claim to tenure in employment."

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, who did not immediately return a call requesting comment, has said that Fickell will be a candidate for the permanent job but that the school will do a nationwide search to find its next head coach. Rumors of potential candidates have been circulating ever since 10-year coach Jim Tressel was forced to resign.

Fickell is a former defensive assistant who was elevated to interim coach on May 30. That was the day that Tressel was pressured to resign in the wake of a cash-and-tattoos scandal that has dogged the program since last December.

Fickell's base salary is $400,000 and he is paid $200,000 for media obligations and $175,000 from Ohio State's agreement with Nike. Tressel made more than $3.5 million last year.

The Buckeyes (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten) are off this week before returning to action at home on Oct. 29 against fourth-ranked and unbeaten Wisconsin.

The contract includes language regarding bonuses and some supplemental compensation. Should the Buckeyes play in a bowl game, Fickell receives one month of base salary ($33,333). If Ohio State wins its conference division and plays in the inaugural Big Ten championship game on Dec. 3, he would get half of his monthly base salary -- and would get another half of a month ($16,667) if the Buckeyes were to win it. He would receive two months of base salary ($66,667) if Ohio State plays in a Bowl Championship Series bowl game.

Fickell also receives 12 tickets to each Ohio State home football game and two tickets to each home men's basketball game. Ohio State also picks up the tab for a family pool club membership and one leased car with insurance. He also can make additional money by working at Ohio State's summer football camps.

Under the terms of the contract, with wording similar to that in Tressel's agreements with the university, Fickell can be fired for not reporting potential NCAA violations.

Tressel became aware of several Buckeyes' involvement with a Columbus tattoo-parlor owner in April of 2010. But contrary to his contract and to NCAA bylaws, he did not disclose that information to his superiors or NCAA compliance officers. As a result, Ohio State played the 2010 season with players who were found to be ineligible.

More than a dozen players have been suspended for a series of NCAA violations, including accepting improper benefits from the tattoo-parlor owner, taking $200 in cash for attending a charity event or getting too much pay for summer jobs with a booster who has since been banned from contact with Buckeyes athletes.

Ohio State is awaiting word from the NCAA regarding its final sanctions. The university has offered to vacate its 12-1 record in 2010, to go on two years of NCAA probation and to return $339,000 in bowl money from last season.

The NCAA could accept those penalties and could also hit Ohio State with a bowl ban or recruiting restrictions. Ohio State went before the NCAA committee on infractions on Aug. 12 and could receive its final sanctions any time through the end of the calendar year.

Akron soccer coach Caleb Porter will coach the Under-23 men’s national team that will try to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

PDAkron soccer coach Caleb Porter.

CHICAGO - U.S. Soccer has picked Caleb Porter to coach the Under-23 men’s national team that will try to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

Porter currently is head coach at college powerhouse Akron, and will continue in that role while coaching the U.S. team.

The U.S. federation also chose former World Cup player Tab Ramos to coach the Under-20 men’s national team.

Porter led Akron to an NCAA championship in 2010 and compiled a 90-13-10 record in his first five seasons. Porter has recruited and developed 12 players at Akron who have been drafted into Major League Soccer in the last five years, including the 2009 No. 1 overall pick Steve Zakuani, No. 4 overall pick Teal Bunbury in 2010 and No. 2 overall pick Darlington Nagbe in 2011.

Porter has contributed to the U.S. Soccer youth national teams as an Under-18 assistant coach and as a scout.

"The Browns will never improve until Lerner sells the team to an owner that actually cares about football. Just look at how well the Parcells rental worked down in Miami. Holmgren will be back in Seattle a richer man and the Browns will be in no better shape than the day he took over." - durangodawg

View full sizeDavid I. Andersen | The Plain DealerRandy Lerner has stayed mostly out of the picture during his time as Browns owner.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren says talks with RB Peyton Hillis at a standstill right now, cleveland.com reader durangodawg thinks the problem in all of this is Randy Lerner. This reader writes,

"The Browns will never improve until Lerner sells the team to an owner that actually cares about football. Just look at how well the Parcells rental worked down in Miami. Holmgren will be back in Seattle a richer man and the Browns will be in no better shape than the day he took over."

"The best player is not always the best athlete or the one putting up the most points. Until LeBron wins a few championships, he is not the best. Heck, he is not even the best on his team. If I cannot depend on you to rise above when it really counts, to personally will your team to victory when it really matters, you cannot be the best player. And LeBron has shown he is a long ways away from being that player." - buckeyedaveinnc

View full sizeAP Photo | J Pat CarterLeBron James (right) was named the NBA's best player by ESPN. Some believe he may not even be the best player on his team.

In response to the story LeBron James really is the best player in the NBA right now, says Tom Reed (SBTV), cleveland.com reader buckeyedaveinnc does not think LeBron is the NBA's best player. This reader writes,

"The best player is not always the best athlete or the one putting up the most points. Until LeBron wins a few championships, he is not the best. Heck, he is not even the best on his team. If I cannot depend on you to rise above when it really counts, to personally will your team to victory when it really matters, you cannot be the best player. And LeBron has shown he is a long ways away from being that player."