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Police: Penn State assistant didn't tell us of abuse by Jerry Sandusky

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Penn State police and their counterparts in State College said they had no record of a former graduate assistant reporting a sexual assault by former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky on a 10-year-old boy in a campus shower, a detail that runs counter to claims made in an email to former teammates.

mike mcquearyMike McQueary says he reported to police the abuse of a boy by Jerry Sandusky.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State police and their counterparts in State College said they had no record of a former graduate assistant reporting a sexual assault by former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky on a 10-year-old boy in a campus shower, a detail that runs counter to claims made in an email to former teammates.

The police response to Mike McQueary's claim that he reported the alleged assault came shortly after a lawyer said Wednesday that he had a client who would testify that he was sexually abused by Sandusky, who is accused of abusing eight boys, some on campus, over 15 years.

"I am appalled by the fact that Mr. Sandusky has elected to re-victimize these young men at a time when they should be healing," Harrisburg attorney Ben Andreozzi said in a statement released by his office. "He fully intends to testify that he was severely sexually assaulted by Mr. Sandusky."

The client is not the same boy McQueary told a grand jury he saw being sexually assaulted by Sandusky in a shower on university property in 2002.

McQueary, who is now an assistant coach but has been placed on administrative leave, wrote in the email given to The Associated Press that he had "discussions with police and with the official at the university in charge of police" about what he saw. In the email, McQueary did not specify whether he spoke to campus or State College police.

State College borough police Chief Tom King said McQueary didn't make a report to his department. Penn State spokeswoman Annemarie Mountz said campus police also didn't have any record of a report filed in 2002 by McQueary.

Mountz noted that the 23-page grand jury report was the state attorney general's summary of testimony, so it's unclear what McQueary's full testimony was. McQueary and a law firm representing him did not return phone calls Wednesday.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are starting to plan for a special commission that will examine the legal issues raised by the child sex-abuse scandal, which has raised questions both ethical and criminal about why allegations of abuse went unreported for so long.

The scandal has resulted in the ousting of school President Graham Spanier and longtime coach Joe Paterno, and has brought shame to one of college football's legendary programs. Athletic Director Tim Curley has been placed on administrative leave, and Vice President Gary Schultz, who was in charge of the university's police department, has stepped down.

Schultz and Curley are charged with lying to the grand jury and failure to report to police, and Sandusky is charged with child sex abuse. All maintain their innocence.

The commission being set up by Pennsylvania lawmakers will consider changes to state law in the wake of the scandal. The plan was described as being in the planning stage, including meetings of leaders and their aides.

Topics are likely to include mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, and the legal definition of child abuse, said Senate Democratic spokeswoman Lisa Scullin.

Sandusky's lawyer, Joe Amendola, appeared with him on NBC's "Rock Center" on Monday night and cast doubt on the evidence in the case.

"We anticipate we're going to have at least several of those kids come forward and say, 'This never happened. This is me. This is the allegation. It never occurred,'" Amendola said.

Sandusky, 67, appeared on the show by phone and said he had showered with boys but never molested them.

It remains unclear how many accusers have surfaced more than a week after state police and the attorney general's office said at a news conference they were seeking additional potential victims and witnesses.

Andreozzi said he has his "finger on the pulse" of the case and knows of no accusers changing their stories or refusing to testify.

"To the contrary, others are actually coming forward, and I will have more information for you later this week," Andreozzi said.

State police spokeswoman Maria Finn said investigators have told her that published accounts reporting how many people have come forward are inaccurate and they are not disclosing their internal figures.

Some plaintiffs' lawyers are starting to advertise on their websites for potential Sandusky victims, vowing to get justice. Jeff Anderson, a St. Paul, Minn., attorney, has long represented clergy abuse victims and told The Associated Press that he has been retained by several people he described as Sandusky victims.

"There's a great deal of fury and confusion," particularly because Sandusky is free on bail, Anderson said. "Getting (them) help and cooperating with law enforcement is our first priority."

The "time for reckoning," in the form of civil lawsuits, will come later, Anderson said.

Anderson declined to say whether his clients are among the eight boys who were labeled as victims in the grand jury report.

A new judge has been assigned to handle the charges against Sandusky. The change removed a State College judge with ties to a charity founded by Sandusky for at-risk children, The Second Mile.

Sandusky is due in court on Dec. 7, and a Westmoreland County senior district judge will preside over his preliminary hearing. Robert E. Scott is taking over the hearing from Centre County District Judge Leslie Dutchcot.

Dutchcot has donated money to The Second Mile, where authorities say Sandusky met his victims. The office said Scott has no known ties to Penn State or The Second Mile.

In State College, Penn State announced that David M. Joyner, a physician and member of its board of trustees who played football and wrestled for the school, will serve as acting athletic director, replacing Curley on an interim basis.

New details have also emerged about how the case ended up in the hands of the state attorney general's office. Former Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira said that his wife's brother was Sandusky's adopted son.

"I reviewed it, and I made the decision it needed to be investigated further," Madeira said. "But the apparent conflict of interest created an impediment for me to make those kinds of decisions."

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Scolforo reported from Harrisburg and Dale from Philadelphia. Associated Press writer Kathy Matheson reported from Philadelphia.



Shaq softens comments on LeBron, Kobe

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Shaquille O’Neal, in an interview with Stephen A. Smith on “SportsCenter” Thursday morning, downplayed several statements he makes in his new book, including those about his fractious relationship with Kobe Bryant and what he said was special treatment LeBron James received in Cleveland.

SHAQ_LA.jpgShaquille O'Neal said his exit from Los Angeles came because of money. (AP Photo) 

Shaquille O’Neal, in an interview with Stephen A. Smith on “SportsCenter” Thursday morning, downplayed several statements he makes in his new book, including those about his fractious relationship with Kobe Bryant and what he said was special treatment LeBron James received in Cleveland.

While he makes some strong assertions in “Shaq Uncut: My Story,” he took on a playful tone with ESPN’s Smith.

In the book, O’Neal says that when Bryant, during an interview with Jim Gray, called him fat and out of shape, and mocked his toe injury as not being as serious as he claimed, he told his teammates, “I'm going to kill him.”

Pressed by Smith about that statement, Shaq replied, “Well, today, I feel he's one of the greatest Lakers to ever play the game. That happened back then. It's well documented. You know, it's like an ebonics statement. I wanted to kill you many times, Stephen A., but, you know, we're still cool.”

Smith probed, “But I want you to go back. I want to you talk about how you were feeling about Kobe Bryant back then, and what really started all the friction between you and him.”

Shaq: “Nothing really started it. You know, leadership styles vary when you're dealing with tasks or relationships. I was more task-oriented, so with me being the leader of a team ... everything had to go my way. Sometimes when you focus on the task, the relationship dwindles. But it was all a respect thing, and the task was completed. You know, we won three out of four (NBA titles). We're the most dominant, most controversial duo ever created. That's all that matters.”

He added of Bryant, “Even though we had media friction, if you look at another clip that you just showed, when I won my first championship, who jumped in my arms? The second championship, who was on stage laughing at me and Mark Madsen? In the third championship, who hung out and partied together? ... We haven't played together in 10 years, you guys are still talking about it. Twenty years from now, you guys are still going to be talking.”

He added that he left L.A. because of contract issues, not because of his relationship with Bryant.

“I left because I was traded. Being the businessman, they offered me money, and I thought I deserved more. Being the type of player I was, I knew there was always going to be other teams that wanted me. I made the business decision. I went to Miami, had a great time, and then, toward the end of my career, I went to two or three other teams. But it's all business, Stephen. Nothing personal.”

Smith also asked O’Neal about the story in the book in which former Cavs coach Mike Brown got down on Mo Williams for not getting back on defense, just after not speaking up about LeBron doing the same thing. Delonte West called Brown out for it, Shaq says in the book.

“You're basically implying that LeBron James, obviously, got away with more than a few things while he was in Cleveland, and that may have contributed to the lack of championships. Are you willing to elaborate on that, sir?”

“Well, that may be your unintelligent interpretation, but, basically I was just saying that Delonte was a no-nonsense type of guy,” O’Neal said. “He felt at that time that Mke Brown should be talking to everybody the same way, and everybody has different styles on what they do.”


Heidi Bowl anniversary: Oakland Raiders and New York Jets

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Where were you during the Heidi Bowl between the Jets and Raiders?

Today is the anniversary of one of the most memorable games in NFL history. Memorable because of what happened on the field, and memorable for what happened off the field.

It's also considered one of the biggest blunders in television history.

On Nov. 17, 1968, the New York Jets held a three-point lead over the Raiders with a minute and five seconds left.

In the middle of Oakland's go-ahead drive, NBC suddenly switched to the television adaptation of Heidi -- the story of a young, orphaned girl.

It had just turned 7 o'clock and NBC had prior arrangements to air the movie regardless of the score. The Raiders came back and won, but only the fans in the stands got to see it live. Following the game, NBC was flooded with phone calls from irate fans.

Not only did NBC scroll the score across the screen during Heidi, but NBC's made a live apology following Heidi.

 

Browns will need linebackers in next draft - Comment of the Day

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"With all this draft talk it must be the week before Thanksgiving. For my two cents, I think the LBs are in more need of an upgrade than anything else. Watch Green Bay or Pittsburgh and watch their LBs. Ours look like they're running with cement boots on." - beerode

fujita-pick-brees-jg.jpgView full sizeScott Fujita has helped stabilize the Browns' linebackers, but some fans want to see some more speed in the group.
In response to the story Browns Insider: Previewing the Jaguars game, cleveland.com reader beerode thinks the Browns need linebackers. This reader writes,

"With all this draft talk it must be the week before Thanksgiving. For my two cents, I think the LBs are in more need of an upgrade than anything else. Watch Green Bay or Pittsburgh and watch their LBs. Ours look like they're running with cement boots on."

To respond to beerode's comment, go here.

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

Time to get rid of the DH - Indians Comment of the Day

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"Why don't they get rid of the DH in the American League and return to real baseball, not this gimmicky DH stuff where pitchers stay in games until they get knocked out, and over the hill or 1-dimensional players get to stick around and DH. When managers have to decide to pinch hit for the pitcher or keep their pitchers in - that is real baseball." - Slimshady

travis-hafner.jpgView full sizeTravis Hafner has been a full-time DH for a few years now.
In response to the story Houston Astros to get new owner, move to American League in 2013, cleveland.com reader Slimshady wants to see the DH gone. This reader writes,

"Why don't they get rid of the DH in the American League and return to real baseball, not this gimmicky DH stuff where pitchers stay in games until they get knocked out, and over the hill or 1-dimensional players get to stick around and DH. When managers have to decide to pinch hit for the pitcher or keep their pitchers in - that is real baseball."

To respond to Slimshady's comment, go here.

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

Cleveland Browns: Josh Cribbs talks about Tim Tebow

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Josh Cribbs and Brandon Marshall talk about Tim Tebow.

tebowdz.jpgTim Tebow

The NFL Network talks to Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall about the Denver Broncos' offense under quarterback Tim Tebow.

The Broncos have a run-option type of offense directed by Tebow, and many wonder if that type of offense will work consistently in the NFL.

Cribbs' answer may surprise you.

 

St. Edward football player Kyle Kalis among 16 nominees for U.S. Army Player of the Year

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SAN ANTONIO - St. Edward offensive lineman Kyle Kalis, a Michigan recruit, is among 16 seniors nominated for the 2012 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award. Cincinnati Taft defensive lineman Adolphus Washington is the other Ohio nominee.

St. Edward offensive lineman Kyle Kalis is among 16 seniors nominated for the 2012 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

SAN ANTONIO - St. Edward offensive lineman Kyle Kalis, a Michigan recruit, is among 16 seniors nominated for the 2012 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award.

Cincinnati Taft defensive lineman Adolphus Washington is the other Ohio nominee.

Six finalists will be announced on Nov. 30.

The player of the year will be crowned during the U.S. Army Awards Dinner on Jan. 6 in San Antonio.

 

High School Football Insider for November 18, 2011

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - There's one thing about Mentor football coach Steve Trivisonno. What you see is what you get and if his team doesn't play up to snuff, he's as quick to point that out as he is to praise his team when it plays well.

Kirtland's Tim Blankenship, right, and the rest of the Hornets take on Columbiana Crestview on Friday in the Division V, Region 17 final in Warren. - (Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - There's one thing about Mentor football coach Steve Trivisonno.

What you see is what you get and if his team doesn't play up to snuff, he's as quick to point that out as he is to praise his team when it plays well.

He didn't hold back a day after his team squeezed out a 42-40 Division I, Region 1 semifinal victory over Solon on Saturday.

Seven turnovers, including five interceptions by junior quarterback Mitch Trubisky, all but wiped out a 35-7 lead and almost ended the Cardinals' season.

"We played an awesome first half," Trivisonno said. "We kind of fell apart in the second half but Solon had a lot to do with that because that's a good team."

Falling into two-quarter slumps isn't new to Mentor.

"We played well in the first and fourth quarters but stunk up the place in the second and third quarters against Twinsburg," said Trivisonno, referring to his team's lone blemish, a 38-35 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division defeat to Twinsburg in the final week of the regular season.

"We have some young guys on offense and the thing they need to learn is, when they make mistakes, put it out of their heads and move on."

Mentor faces St. Ignatius on Saturday in the regional title game. Trubisky has passed for 3,656 yards and rushed for 783 yards for 53 touchdowns. Four of his 17 interceptions came during the Cardinals' 38-24 Week 3 win over St. Ignatius.

"This will be another challenge for our secondary," said St. Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle, whose defensive backfield of Mike Svetina, Conor Hennessey, Dan Jones, Chad Aerni, Adam North and Tom Fanning has accounted for 10 interceptions, while the unit is allowing 127 passing yards a game.

"But the guys in the secondary are more experienced and I'm hoping wiser than they were than the last time we played [Mentor]."

Kyle is aware keeping the Cardinals off the board early is crucial.

"It's awfully hard to play catch-up with anyone but especially those guys because they can score and keep on scoring," Kyle said.

Disappointed but satisfied: Solon coach Jim McQuaide was obviously disappointed in his team's loss to Mentor but considering it lost to the Cardinals, 44-20, in Week 7, he wasn't complaining.

"Our goal was to give ourselves a chance to win it in the fourth quarter and we did that," said McQuaide, whose team trailed Mentor, 35-28, after three quarters. "We mixed up coverages on defense and on the lines so that could have attributed to all their turnovers.

"We just have to go back to the drawing board and figure out a way to beat them next year."

Lesson learned:Hudson thought it had a fairly strong team prior to Saturday's 42-21 loss to Wadsworth in a Division I, Region 2 semifinal.

However, the Explorers had a reality check when Grizzlies senior tailback Jack Snowball rushed for 254 yards and a touchdown on 40 carries.

"He's so powerful," said Hudson coach Ron Wright about the 6-0, 215-pound Snowball. "He's not shifty, he just moves forward and keeps coming at you."

Hudson's three 15-yard penalties in the second half didn't help its cause, but there was another reason.

"Wadsworth's secondary plays a lot of Cover 2 and our wideouts had a hard time," said Wright.

He then reverted back to the main reason his team's season is over.

"I don't understand why [Snowball] isn't getting more looks from bigger colleges," said Wright. "I know he was hurt most of last year but he's good, and we learned a lot about ourselves by playing against him.

"We need to get our butts into the weight room more and get bigger, stronger and faster."

Lucky seven? Wadsworth is one of three seventh-seeded teams still playing and the only one in Division I. The others are Tiffin Columbian (Avon's opponent in Division II, Region 6) and Hicksville (Division V, Region 18).

Great eight:St. Henry is the only school in Ohio to win a state championship after reaching the playoffs as an eighth seed.

St. Henry won the Division V state title in 2004 as the eighth seed, knocking off two top-seeded teams along the way (Marion Pleasant and Hamler Patrick Henry). Versailles was the only eighth-seeded team to reach the second round this year but it lost to Coldwater in a Division V regional semifinal last week. Five other eight-seeds have reached the title game but only St. Henry has won.

The mighty fell: In the first round, 23 of the 24 No. 1-seeded teams won. The percentage was not so great last week as seven top-seeded teams were beaten. They were Middletown (Division I by Cincinnati Moeller), Columbus DeSales (Division III by Elida), Steubenville (Division III by Youngstown Mooney), St. Clairsville (Division IV by Coshocton), Waynesville (Division IV by Dayton Chaminade-Julienne), Liberty Center (Division V by Hamler Patrick Henry) and Willow Wood Symmes Valley (Division VI by Beallsville).

Here we go again: For those keeping track, private schools own a 22-13 advantage in playoff games played against public schools. After losing nine of 16 games in the first round, public schools rallied and went 6-6 in the second round. There are seven such games this weekend: Mentor vs. St. Ignatius (Division I); Aurora vs. Walsh Jesuit (II); Chagrin Falls vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary (III); Dover vs. Youngstown Mooney (III); Kenton vs. Columbus Bishop Hartley (IV); Clinton-Massie vs. Dayton Chaminade-Julienne (IV); and Leipsic vs. Delphos St. John's (VI).

Ouch: The Patriot Athletic Conference did well by sending three teams to the playoffs in Black River, Firelands and Wellington. It was rough going once they got there as Firelands and Wellington lost in the first round and Black River fell in the second. The three were outscored, 215-99, in the four games.

Back to Warren: Tiger LaVerde doesn't believe in ghosts. Or, at least he'd rather not think about them.

Kirtland returns to Warren's Mollenkopf Stadium tonight for the third time in four years to play a regional final.

The memories are not good.

LaVerde said the Hornets are not haunted by their two regional finals there against Youngstown Ursuline, which had been a Division V powerhouse until missing the playoffs this year. Ursuline beat the Hornets in a dramatic, 18-17, final in 2008, and again last year in a forgettable game, 48-0. Ursuline won the state title both years (as well as 2009).

"We haven't even brought it up," LaVerde said.

The coach doesn't want to be a downer.

"These kids just want to play. They want to play [tonight], they are so excited," LaVerde said.

Kirtland (12-0) plays Columbiana Crestview (11-1) tonight at 7:30.

State semis set: The state semifinal round is the only round that is not pre-bracketed before the playoffs begin because the Ohio High School Athletic Association sets matchups depending on geography. It set those brackets in place Monday.

Here are the pairings in Northeast Ohio:

In Division I, the Regions 1 (Mentor-St. Ignatius) and 2 (Wadsworth-Toledo Whitmer) winners will play; Division II, Regions 5 (Walsh Jesuit-Aurora) and 6 (Avon-Columbian); Division III, Regions 9 (Chagrin Falls-SVSM) and 11 (Cardinal Mooney-Dover); Division IV, Regions 13 (Girard-Norwayne) and 15 (Coshocton-Johnstown); Division V, Regions 17 (Kirtland-Crestview) and 19 (Wynford-Lucasville Valley), and in Division VI, Regions 21 (Berlin Western Reserve-Shadyside) and 23 (Beallsville-Buckeye Central).

State semifinal sites will be announced Sunday.

CVC has three: The Chagrin Valley Conference has three teams in regional finals: Aurora (Region 5), Chagrin Falls (Region 9), and Kirtland (Region 17).

The trio is a combined 35-1. The lone loss was Aurora's 17-10 overtime defeat to Chagrin Falls on Sept. 19.

In overtime, the Tigers' Tommy Iammarino threw a touchdown pass and Aurora's Blake Calcei threw an interception. Today, the two quarterbacks' stats nearly are identical.

Calcei has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,357 yards and 16 touchdowns with three interceptions. Iammarino has completed 71 percent for 1,519 yards and 16 touchdowns with three interceptions. Calcei has seven rushing touchdowns. Iammarino has six.

The CVC also had three regional finalists in 2008: Aurora, Perry and Kirtland. Only Aurora won, and it went on to win the Division III state title. Chagrin Falls has been a state runner-up the past two years.

Sack attack: Aurora had eight sacks last week against Tallmadge, including four by end Matt Stepanek. Coach Bob Mihalik said most were coverage sacks, not blitzes. The Greenmen's front six (they play a 4-2 defense) has been outstanding all year. End Patrick Doughty and linebackers Zach Quinn and Zach Smierciak have combined for 30 tackles for loss. That has allowed standout lineman Troy Watson, an Ohio University recruit, to play exclusively on offense.

Player to watch: While Kirtland linebacker/running back Christian Hauber, an Air Force recruit, and standout junior defensive back/tailback Damon Washington receive plenty of attention, LaVerde said a player quickly on the rise is sophomore defensive lineman Cannon Schroeder, who will make his 26th start tonight. He started 13 games as a 160-pound freshman. Now listed at 6-0, 200, Schroeder plays nose tackle and some defensive end, and leads the line in tackles. LaVerde said he's having an All-Ohio season.

Up front warrior: Walsh Jesuit coach Gerry Rardin has been around long enough -- 32 seasons -- to know it is what's up front that counts, especially this time of year. His club takes a nine-game winning streak into tonight's Division II, Region 5 title game against Aurora and credits the play of his offensive and defensive lines.

Two-way senior lineman Trent Donald has played a big part in that.

"We've been blocking better in the playoffs and our defensive line has stepped up," said the 6-4, 230-pound Donald, who does not get much of a breather at defensive end/offensive tackle. "I think when we have a good offensive drive on offense, the defense feeds off that. It's about jelling, really. They both have their moments. We just stay really poised."

In their past six wins, the Warriors have allowed only 65 points, while scoring 233.

"We haven't accomplished anything, yet," said Donald, undecided on college. "We want to be in the [championship] game two weeks from now."

Good to be back: Walsh Jesuit is in its 16th playoff appearance, the first coming in 1985. The Warriors were the Division III runner-up in 1998 and won the Division II title in 1999 for their lone state championship.

"Each week this team has gotten a little bit better, not by leaps and bounds," said Rardin, whose team missed out on the postseason the past two years. "It's just been better blocking, better running, better throwing. I'm amazed."

Rardin said tonight's game will be about "power football" as both clubs have some size up front.

When the teams met at this level of the playoffs in 2008, they were in Division III. Aurora won, 28-7, and went on to win the state title.

Two timers: Avon and Tiffin Columbian squared off two years ago in a Division III regional semifinal, with Avon coming away with a 13-6 victory. However, the Eagles were sidelined in the regional final by Sunbury Big Walnut, 24-15.

Like Walsh Jesuit and Aurora, they have moved up to Division II.

Better get going: Avon spotted Toledo Central Catholic 14 points before getting under way for its 49-28 victory a week ago. A 28-point third quarter, with senior quarterback Justin O'Rourke throwing for three of his six touchdown passes, did the trick.

The Eagles return to Fremont and Don Paul Stadium for the second straight week.

"We have to start better," said coach Mike Elder, who stands 45-11 in five seasons. "We can't dig ourselves a hole."

One big reason is Columbian relies on its running game, with senior Jack Jacoby the workhorse at either running back or quarterback. The Tornadoes will use up the clock on the ground.

"He's kind of the wildcat for them," said Elder, whose club's lone loss was to Division III Lake Catholic in Week 10. "They've got a big offensive line, so it's all about stopping the run."


Off The Ice with ... Monsters goalie Cedrick Desjardins

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A quick chat with the Lake Erie goalie, on what is his motivation and the best part of being between the pipes.

desjardins-mug-lem.jpgView full sizeCedric Desjardins brings a dedicated work ethic to Cleveland as the Monsters goalie.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A quick chat with the Lake Erie goalie, who was 3-2-0 entering Thursday night's home game against Peoria.

Born: Sept. 30, 1985, Edmundston, New Brunswick.

Ht/Wt: 6-0, 192

Catches: Left

Acquired: Free agent, July 2011

Q: Favorite sport(s) growing up?

A: Hockey and baseball.

Q: Did you always want to be a goalie?

A: When I was about 10, my team needed a goalie, so I decided to give it a shot. I ended up being the best in the league that year, so I thought it might be a good situation for me going forward.

Q: Favorite part of playing the position?

A: I like having the responsibility of preventing goals by the other team. You make a big difference in whether your team wins or loses.

Q: Toughest part about playing the position?

A: Sometimes, a lot of stuff happens on the ice that you can't control. You can be doing your job exactly right and still give up goals. And, it's a mental grind. You need to maintain your focus all the time.

Q: Best hockey advice ever received?

A: When I was junior, my coach told me that I needed to be the guy who works harder than anybody. He told me that skill is not enough to get to the highest level; you need more than that.

Q: Preferred activities away from ice?

A: I like to go to the theater and watch movies. In the summer, I golf a little bit. Usual stuff. Nothing too crazy.

Q: Favorite TV show/movie?

A: TV show: "Prison Break." Movie: That's a tough one, because there are so many.

Q: Best hockey city?

A: Montreal, by far.

Q: Worst hockey injury suffered?

A: Shoulder, last year. I had surgery. It's getting better.

Q: Which shoulder?

A: I can't tell you. It's a secret. I don't want the guys to know which side to shoot at.

Q: Pregame rituals?

A: Yes. Game days, I try to do the same things at the same times. Two examples: I use a bouncing ball for reflex stuff, then I treat my stick.

Q: Describe Monsters coach David Quinn.

A: Intense. Very intense. A smart hockey guy. He's a coach you want to play for.

Q: Have you ever been knocked silly by a puck?

A: Not really. Once in a while, you catch one in the jaw, and it staggers you a bit. You definitely feel it, but you get over it.

Under the shadow of scandal, an emotional whirlwind continues at Penn State

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The people of this quaint college town nestled in the valley of the rolling Alleghenies bear the weight of the world.

psu-frat-sign-to.jpgView full sizeThe sentiments of some Penn State students are clear as they're expressed on a bed sheet hanging from the Sigma Pi fraternity house in State College, Pa.

STATE COLLEGE, PA. -- The sculpture of a turtle with a large sphere mounted on its shell stands on the terrace of Penn State's historic "Old Main" administration building, near splotches of wax from last week's candlelight vigil for victims of sexual abuse by one of its own.

Greek mythology has it that when Atlas grew tired of lugging the world on his shoulders, he would rest it on a turtle's back. The piece was a gift from the Penn State Class of 1966 -- the year Joe Paterno took over the football program and began building one of the most respected programs in the country.

Now, amid accusations that Jerry Sandusky, his former top assistant coach and once a pillar in the community, sexually assaulted young boys, the people of this quaint college town nestled in the valley of the rolling Alleghenies bear the weight of the world -- with no turtle to rest it on.

The scandal has already taken down the 84-year-old Paterno, icon, philanthropist and communal grandfather, and university President Graham Spanier. The school's athletic director and vice president of finance resigned. An assistant coach who testified he saw Sandusky in the act in the university's football complex is on leave while authorities scramble to sort out truth and responsibility.

Investigations have been launched. Lawsuits that could take years to resolve will follow. Moody's Investors Service is reviewing Penn State's credit rating over the possible decline in student enrollment and donations, and the expense of potential lawsuits. Several corporate sponsors, including Cleveland's Sherwin-Williams, have already yanked their support.

"This," said Matt Herb, a lifelong Penn State fan, alum and editor of Blue White Illustrated magazine, "is something this [football] program might never recover from."

Nudged aside in all of this is that Penn State also happens to play Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus. Win, and it sets up the Nittany Lions for a possible trip to the first Big Ten championship game in the league's new two-division format.

"It's still Ohio State-Penn State. It's still football," interim head coach Tom Bradley reminded a media throng twice the norm at the team's weekly press conference.

Bradley, a defensive coach thrust in charge when Paterno was abruptly fired by phone call, was like a sea captain fighting to keep his ship upright in a wicked, swirling storm. In an awkward volley, questions ranged from play-calling and starting quarterbacks to whether any of his staff had reservations about using the coaches' locker room shower, where Sandusky was allegedly seen raping a young boy in 2002.

For Penn State players, practice has been a welcome escape. They have not been made available to the media.

"I'm trying," the coach said, "to keep things as close to normal as I can for them."

A full range of emotions

Normally, the reward for a successful football season is a bowl bid to a place more tropical than central Pennsylvania in winter. Even that's uncertain now, given the baggage.

Those who make up this tight, insulated community -- Penn State faculty and staff, students, residents and Paterno fans since birth from nearby towns -- say the scandal has raked them through a color wheel of emotion -- confusion and rage, pain, guilt and shock, embarrassment, horror, hurt and betrayal.

Almost two weeks since the Sandusky allegations blew up into a fluid national story, the place affectionately branded "Happy Valley," wasn't.

"I don't even like football, but this is all we're talking about," said a graduate student who didn't want her name published because her parents work for the university. "It's just sad. I think everyone is sad."

"It's definitely not back to normal," said Ernie Lehman, a Penn State junior from Navarre, Ohio, just south of Massillon. "I don't know how long it will take to get back to normal."

Then looks are deceiving. A week before Thanksgiving break, students in dark blue and white Penn State ball caps, T-shirts and sweat shirts -- some with "Joe knows football" across the front -- walked the campus plugged into headphones and talking or texting on cell phones.

At the "HUB," the bustling student center, a folk duo entertained upstairs as scholars were buried in books and laptops.

At the campus-run Berkey Creamery, customers were buried in Alumni Swirl and Rum Raisin. His name may have been stripped from the Big Ten Trophy this week, but Peachy Paterno, peach ice cream with peach slices, was still being served. A banana-flavored concoction called Sandusky Blitz had been quietly pulled from the menu.

Perky students with umbrellas backpedaled as they led parents and their high school sons and daughters on campus tours in a steady rain.

Not back to normal? The line of television trucks and satellite dishes and news crews under tents set up along the sidewalk of College Street with Old Main as the backdrop won't allow normal.

"Go home!" a coed screamed at them from a passing car. Another, buried in headphones, just shook her head in disgust as she walked by.

The Penn State football yearbook boasts that more media members follow the team on the road than any other Big Ten school. But that's attention on their terms.

Long-timers describe a community with a deep sense of place, pride and priorities. Under Paterno, "success with honor" not only became the football program's mantra, but was backed up by high graduation rates and few NCAA violations.

Off the field, Penn State is known for one of the largest student-run philanthropic organizations in the world. "Thon," short for the dance marathon that began the effort nearly 40 years ago, counts more than 15,000 volunteers and nearly $80 million raised to fight childhood cancer.

A campus philosophy betrayed

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Campus-wide, the ideals are everywhere. "The Penn State Principles" are posted on a wall in the HUB: "I will ... respect the dignity of others ... practice academic integrity ... demonstrate social and personal responsibility..."

Some students are distressed that the university's tarnished reputation might devalue their diplomas. They say employers are asking their opinion of the mess during interviews for internships and jobs.

Scandal and scrutiny have pierced the institution's value system to the core.

"A great university has lost respect and the press and the public have painted a broad brush," said biochemistry professor James Ferry, interrupted while reading a newspaper in front of the Osmond Laboratory.

He described the mood as "somber." While not as raw as the week before, when the mercurial reaction went from TV truck-flipping riot over Paterno's firing to refocused vigil for Sandusky's alleged victims, the cloud of collateral damage hangs like the morning fog over the foothills along the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

"Every minute in the back of my mind," Ferry said. "I feel a sadness for the victims and the students, like I'm being dragged down."

Locals talk of a State College that's very insular. People come to get educated, fall for its beauty and wholesome embrace, and stay. Acting AD David Joyner earned bachelor's and medical degrees from Penn State, wrestled and played football and, until his emergency appointment, served on the board. Interim President Rodney Erickson has been with the university since joining the faculty in 1977.

Many on the Penn State coaching staff have been involved in the football program for decades, including Bradley, who played for Paterno and has served on his coaching staff for 33 years. Sandusky, who has denied the charges against him, retired from coaching in 1999 after 32 years on Paterno's staff.

The result is the comfort of continuity and tradition, down to the simple blue and white uniforms with no names on the back and no logos on the white helmets.

For home games, the football team always arrives at Beaver Stadium in three buses -- the offense first, the defense second and special teams third. The starting quarterback sits in the first seat on the driver's side; the head coach in the first seat on the passenger's side. Until last week against Nebraska, that seat was occupied for 46 years by Paterno, the winningest coach in Division I college football and the most reliable constant of all.

Many here believe Paterno was used as a scapegoat, and that the media has misdirected its focus on him rather than Sandusky. One student in communications professor Michael Poorman's "Joe Paterno, Communications & The Media" course called the blitz a "media lynching."

It's not unusual, students say, to see Paterno on campus, around town or doing yard work. They refer to his wife simply as "Sue."

At his modest brick ranch-style home, signs reading "We love you Joe Pa" and "Penn State forever" were stuck in the front lawn. A woman standing in front of the open garage door turned away a reporter with a firm, "The family will have no comment."

Some here refer to living in a "bubble," one that's partly dictated by geographic isolation. The town, technically a borough, is mid-state, three hours from Pittsburgh and a little further from Philadelphia, with none of their big-city problems. Psychology Today rates it the lowest stress city in the country. Places Rated Almanac ranks it the seventh safest. Princeton Review has annually ranked Penn State among the nation's top party schools.

By any definition, the university, with 42,000 students and more employees than any other enterprise in Centre County, is State College. Drive five miles in any direction and you're into silos and red-sided barns.

The bubble's downside, said one university employee: "Everything's kept in the family."

Paterno hasn't been charged with anything, but amid questions about who knew what, when and whether there was an institutional cover up, trustees chose not to wait until he retired after the season as he had announced as the story heated up.

The decision to fire Paterno triggered a knee-jerk student riot downtown, but even he lamented before hiring a lawyer, "I wish I had done more."

The financial implications are immense.

Robert Egan, a 2002 Penn State grad who works at the Peoples Nation custom T-shirt shop, predicted the fallout will affect donations and research grants, "especially for the next year or two because nobody wants to be associated with this."

University spokeswoman Lisa Powers said in an email that applications are up about five percent from last year, families are keeping appointments to tour the campus and acceptance letters for next year are already being sent.

"We, of course, can't speculate on what effect the Grand Jury presentment and ensuing fallout will have in the coming months or years," she wrote, "but we are concerned."

Outside Beaver Stadium, random visits -- pilgrimages really -- are paid to a bronze statue of Paterno, his right arm raised and index finger pointed skyward.

"Are they takin' this down? I heard they were takin' this down," said Barbara Mitchell, who drove 20 minutes from Snowshoe, Pa., to take pictures of her four kids with the statue just in case.

"I can't believe it, I can't believe they got rid of him," she said. "I think he did what he was supposed to do."

Football, which first put State College on the map and now under a microscope, has been a source of healing. Students and others in the Penn State family say the Nebraska game last week, despite a 17-14 loss, was cathartic and unifying. As fans swayed and sang the alma mater, many choked up over one line in particular: "May no act of ours bring shame."

Truth is murky. Perception is no clearer. Time heals, but some scars run deep.

"They ask me what I'd like written about me when I'm gone," reads Paterno's words immortalized on the wall behind his statue. "I hope they write I made Penn State a better place, not just that I was a good football coach."

Cleveland State looks for 3-0 start to season against St. Bonaventure Friday

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For a team split between senior veterans and a lot of freshmen, getting the youth up to speed for what is to come is a point of emphasis.

csu-monty-pogue-practice-vert-to.jpgView full sizeCleveland State's Jeremy Montgomery (5) and Aaron Pogue were part of a spirited practice for the Vikings Thursday afternoon in preparation for Friday's home game against St. Bonaventure.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The euphoria of the Cleveland State men's basketball team's season-opening upset of Vanderbilt has passed, as has the home-opening romp over Rio Grande College.

Friday at 7 p.m., the Vikings (2-0) try to get back down to business. They host St. Bonaventure (1-0), a team with aspirations of winning the Atlantic-10 Conference. For a team split between senior veterans and a lot of freshmen, getting the youth up to speed for what is to come is a point of emphasis.

"We've talked a lot about adversity, and being able to handle difficult times," senior forward Tim Kamczyc said before Thursday's practice. "But just this past week, we've talked about being able to handle success the same way: be humble, stick to your goals within the season, along with the long-range goals."

Just preparing for the aches and pains of the season will be a learning experience for the younger Vikings, along with the travel and game-day preparation.

"Obviously, during the season, practices change," said the 6-7 Kamczyc, a product of Strongsville High School. "During the preseason it's easy. But once your body is sore from the game, it's a different mindset going into each practice.

"Our coaching staff does a great job preparing us. And the veterans obviously understand what it takes to play on the road, and band together as a team. The young guys we do have are very fast learners, so the combination of them being fast learners along with how we're prepared, we'll be ready."

It should show against the Bonnies, who feature 6-9 senior Andrew Nicholson, a smooth power forward with perimeter shooting skills. The native of Canada had nine games of 25 or more points last season, but only 14 in a 69-51 setback to the Vikings.

Sad news: The programs at Cleveland State and Akron both received sad news. Former Viking Lionel King died last week in Rochester, N.Y.; and this week, Phil McKnight, father of former Zips Brett and Chris McKnight, also died.

Cleveland Browns hoping Phil Taylor's effort against Rams will become a trend

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The Browns' rookie defensive tackle had perhaps his best game of the season against St. Louis, but it took some prodding from coaches who hope he's hurdled over the rookie wall.

taylor-hits-bradford-rams-vert-jk.jpgView full sizeSt. Louis QB Sam Bradford felt the impact of Browns rookie tackle Phil Taylor on this pass attempt Sunday. "In my opinion, I think he had his best game," said defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. "Every week he learns a little more."

BEREA, Ohio -- A week ago, Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron was lamenting the uneven play of his rookie defensive tackle, Phil Taylor. The first-round draft choice had "leveled off." If he hadn't hit the Rookie Wall, he'd certainly hopped aboard the Rookie Roller Coaster that leads to a season of inconsistent performances.

But against the Rams on Sunday, Taylor was atop his highest peak this season in what might have been the best performance of his young career. He had five tackles and a sack, to raise his team-high total to four this season.

The 6-foot-3, 335-pound lineman had one particularly energetic burst of power that led to him chasing down Rams running back Steven Jackson deep downfield, where he wrapped up Jackson and tossed him to the ground.

"He made some big plays for us and was a force inside at critical times," Jauron said. "In my opinion, I think he had his best game. ... Every week he learns a little more."

Taylor modestly shrugged off any suggestions Thursday that he might have arisen from a rookie valley with one performance.

"I think it was my best game," he said, pausing with a smile. "Yet we've got seven games to go."

Taylor's unsatisfied attitude is what his coaches and veteran teammates have urged him to adopt. They want the Baylor product to understand that the marathon NFL season is only midway through its schedule, at a time when college teams are winding down their seasons. They remind Taylor and the rest of the rookies how important it is to get enough sleep and eat well, how taking care of his body is his career.

taylor-mug-browns-2011-ap.jpgView full size"I think it was my best game," Phil Taylor said of his effort against the Rams. "Yet we've got seven games to go."

"It's just a longer season than they've ever experienced, so their body clock sometimes might tell them that football season is over," Jauron said. "But it's halfway over in this league."

According to Taylor, his dominant appearance against St. Louis came from hard work during the week paired with letting go during the game.

"Just not thinking so much," he said. "Just letting the game come to me."

Taylor will be counted on to sustain that level of performance this week against Jacksonville on a defensive line that suddenly is limping. Right end Jayme Mitchell didn't play against St. Louis as he was hampered by chest and ankle injuries. He missed Thursday's practice with personal issues. Left end Jabaal Sheard, another rookie, has been limited this week with a thigh injury.

But just over Taylor's shoulder is quiet veteran tackle Ahtyba Rubin, whose solid play has set the line's foundation and been an inspiration for Taylor. The two often work out after practice, and Taylor said he relies on Rubin's advice on and off the field.

"Watching Rube play has to affect him," Jauron said. "It has to rub off on him. That's how the game should be played. If you find yourself not doing that all the time, there's a strong reminder right there."

If merely watching his fellow defensive tackle isn't enough of a reminder, Taylor has other teammates who will remind him of how he can burst through the wall and stay off the roller coaster.

"He's just got to understand one game doesn't mean you've arrived," linebacker D'Qwell Jackson said. "We stay on him a bit so he won't lose focus. But he's been a great addition, he's playing well and he's made major strides within the past few weeks. He just has to build off of last week. We want him to dominate up front. That's what he's capable of doing."

Cleveland State's Norris Cole biding his time before he can finally join the Miami Heat

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Friday should have been a special night at the Q for former Cleveland State standout Norris Cole, but the lockout intervened.

heat-riley-cole-draft-mct.jpgView full sizeShortly after the NBA draft, Heat president Pat Riley presented former Cleveland State star Norris Cole with his Heat jersey. Now Cole is patiently waiting for a chance to wear it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It should have been a special night at The Q: A packed house to see the Miami Heat and its Ohio-born, Cleveland-bred player.

And, as an added bonus -- LeBron James.

Instead, Friday is just another day in the NBA lockout life of former Cleveland State standout Norris Cole. Another day of conditioning and preparing for a training camp that might start in two weeks, two months or next October.

"It's tough, but all you can do is stay ready," said Cole, who became the eighth CSU player drafted into the NBA in June. "I'm a guy who likes to get my gym time in anyway. When I was [at CSU], if I wasn't in class or eating or sleeping, I was in the gym shooting the ball."

In some ways, things have changed very little for the 2010-11 Horizon League Player of the Year. Cole spends ample time in the area working out and occasionally practicing with the Vikings, serving as the most polished scout team member in school history.

He and his family traveled to Nashville on Sunday to watch CSU beat Vanderbilt. Cole also splits time between Dayton and Indianapolis, where he plays pick-up games with former Butler star Shelvin Mack, selected in the second round by the Washington Wizards.

While NBA players missed their first paychecks on Tuesday, Cole is not in jeopardy of falling behind on payments for a Bentley or yacht. He's made no major purchases since being drafted.

"I knew the lockout was a real possibility," the 23-year-old said. "I'm pretty conservative with my money anyway. I'm not wasteful with it."

He is anxious for the lockout to end so he can compete for an NBA title with another player owning strong ties to the community.



Cole said his feelings about James weren't altered when the former Cavaliers star left for Miami in July, 2010. He held his ground, Cole said, in the face of James bashers trying to covert him.

"I just ignored them," he said. "LeBron made his decision and since I didn't know him I couldn't make a judgment on him."

James surprised Cole with a text message in September, welcoming him to the Heat and extending an invitation to work out together for a few days. The two-time NBA MVP gave the rookie a rudimentary tutorial on team philosophies and strategies. It was a valuable lesson, Cole said, especially since contact between players and teams is prohibited during the lockout.

The Heat is a veteran club laden with star power, but team president Pat Riley thought enough of Cole to trade for his rights after the Chicago Bulls drafted him No. 28 overall. His rights actually passed from Chicago to Minnesota to Miami in the same dizzying draft night.

The defending Eastern Conference champions like his quickness, tenacity and ability to defend. Riley told reporters in June that no player in many years had taken a pre-draft workout more seriously.

He's the only true point guard on the Heat roster, although free agent Mario Chalmers is expected to re-sign with the club. Cole averaged 21.7 points in his senior season, but with a lineup that includes James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the Heat won't be running many isolation plays for him.

If a settlement is reached to salvage the season, training camps and practice time will be condensed. That means fewer opportunities for coaching staffs to correct rookie mistakes.

"I know what will be expected," Cole said. "I'm going to a team that has a chance to win a championship right away. That's all I can ask for."

That, and a chance for Vikings fans to see him play at least once in Cleveland this season.

Akron wins opening soccer playoff game, 3-1, over Northwestern

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Scott Caldwell, Aodhan Quinn and Darren Mattocks scored for the Zips (14-3-4).

Brad Bournival

Special to The Plain Dealer

akron zips logo

AKRON, Ohio -- Maybe it was a wardrobe malfunction all along.

Virtually unbeatable at home, Akron's men's soccer team came into Thursday's NCAA Division I Tournament opener against Northwestern in a bit of a huff. With a record of 44-1-5 at FirstEnergy Stadium over the last 50 games, Akron was winless in its last three tries at Cub Cadet Field.

Then the defending national champions changed out of their usual white uniforms with blue trim to blue jerseys with gold trim and it equated to a 3-1 win over the Wildcats.

"We decided to throw that little wrinkle in," Zips coach Caleb Porter said. "We're undefeated in blue this year. We've been in a little funk in the white at home, so we decided to mix it up. Who knows? Sometimes it's all psychological."

Akron (14-3-4) handed Northwestern (11-5-5) its first loss since Sept. 28 with some incredible defense and point-blank accuracy.

Scott Caldwell put the Zips on the board first, taking a pass from Luke Holmes, beating keeper Tyler Miller to his right from 19 yards out. Aodhan Quinn made it a two-goal advantage from 19 yards out again with 35:51 left in the second half.

After a penalty kick from Peter O'Neill made it 2-1, Darren Mattocks put Akron back up by two again with 13:32 remaining on Holmes' second assist of the evening.

"It was a big relief," said Holmes of the final goal. "We never doubted ourselves. We knew we could hang in there and get the result we wanted. That's what the third goal did."

What stood out more than Akron's first-round win was the play of David Meves in net and the backline of Chad Barson, DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Dagilis and Michael Balogun. Oliver Kupe looked well on his way to equaling things up at 1-1 for Northwestern 11 minutes before the half, sending a shot on net. But Meves dove to his left and deflected it away.

With the net empty two minutes later, the Wildcats looked like they were about to strike, but Dagilis headed the ball out of harm's way. Just two incidents on a night where Akron's defense dominated.

"I thought they were very good," Porter said. "We've been tinkering with our lineup all year long. It takes time to find the right mix.

"I've not normally done that with teams, but we had to this year. We have a bunch of new pieces. I really feel like we got the pieces right to where the puzzle finally fit tonight."

With the win, Akron turns its attention to a game at sixth-seeded Southern Methodist (13-6-1) in the round of 32 on Sunday. The Mustangs beat Alabama-Birmingham, 2-0, to win their first Conference USA title since 2006.

"They've got some talent," Porter said. "They're a team that likes the ball, like us. They want to attack. We'll go into the game like we do every game, trying to dictate the game. We have to do what they want to do better than them."

Brad Bournival is a freelance writer based in North Royalton.

Red Sox scrambling for next manager after Dale Sveum chooses Cubs: MLB GM/Owners Meetings Chatter

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Wednesday night, Red Sox GM Ben Cherington said Sandy Alomar Jr. was still a candidate. Later he said they were going to start talking to more candidates.

sveum-cubs-hire-mug-ap.jpgView full sizeAfter choosing to take the Cubs' managerial opening after meeting with the Red Sox earlier on Thursday, Dale Sveum's announcement had the Red Sox scrambling for another candidate.

MILWAUKEE -- News and rumors from MLB's GM/owners meetings at the Pfister Hotel:

When the combined meetings of MLB's general managers and owners ended Thursday, the Chicago Cubs had a manager and the Boston Red Sox were still looking for one. Milwaukee hitting coach Dale Sveum, a candidate for both jobs, went to lunch with the Red Sox on Wednesday and accepted the Cubs offer to be their manager Wednesday night.

Theo Epstein, Boston's former GM and new executive director of baseball operations for the Cubs, beat his old team to the man they both wanted. Sveum may have become more desirable to the Cubs after Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux, supposedly their top choice, withdrew from consideration.

Sveum will reportedly get a three-year deal with a club option for a fourth.

Where does that leave Sandy Alomar Jr.? Like Sveum, the Indians' bench coach interviewed for both jobs. Wednesday night, Red Sox GM Ben Cherington said Alomar was still a candidate. Later he said they were going to start talking to more candidates.

In other words, they're scrambling.

One story out of Boston said Red Sox owners want someone with more big-league managerial experience. Alomar and Torey Lovullo, Toronto's first-base coach, have never managed in the big leagues. Detroit third-base coach Gene Lamont managed eight years, four years each with the White Sox and the Pirates.

Phillies third-base coach Pete Mackanin, another candidate, has been told he's no longer being considered for the job. One new candidate is ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine, who has managed parts of 15 seasons in the bigs.

In the wake of Wake: Agent Barry Meister is trying to find a home for 46-year-old knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, who spent his last 17 seasons pitching for the Red Sox. He's a free agent and the Red Sox seem to be looking in a different direction.

"I still feel strongly that he can pitch, and pitch effectively, as a starter or in that hybrid role," said Meister. "I just think if he didn't pitch for the Boston Red Sox it would be a shame."

Wakefield won his 200th game last season. He was 7-8 with a 5.12 ERA.

"He feels he has unfinished business in Boston," said Meister. "He wants to win. He wants to put another ring on his finger. He wants a parade."

Meister said the majority of knuckleball pitchers -- granted there haven't been a lot -- over the last 40 years who have gone from the AL to the NL have lowered their ERA by a "run and a quarter or more."

Perhaps that's where Wakefield will land.

Rehab time: It's unlikely free agent Grady Sizemore would be able to work out for prospective teams until late December or early January. Sizemore is still completing his rehab from right knee surgery on Oct. 3.

One small market GM said his team has done its due diligence on Sizemore's medical reports, but ideally would like to see him go through baseball activities before making an offer. He said a big-market team could take a gamble on Sizemore's health and sign him sight unseen because of what he's capable of doing when healthy.

Wedge update: Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik wasn't happy with the Mariners' last-place finish in the AL West, but he did like the work of former Indians manager Eric Wedge.

"When we were looking for a manager, we wanted someone with experience," said Zduriencik. "Someone who has been there, done that. Someone who is a pretty tough guy and Wedgie ended up filling that bill.

"He did not disappoint. I liked his whole staff, all the guys he brought over [from Cleveland]. Seattle is a good place for him right now. He'll be with this group as it grows. As these kids grow up, it will be good for Eric."

Finally: Teams who have seen outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, 26, in the Dominican Republic think he may be better suited for a corner outfield spot than center, where he played in Cuba before defecting. As a hitter, some feel Cespedes' stay in the minors would not be long.

On Twitter: @hoynsie


Lake Erie Monsters fall in shootout to Peoria, 4-3

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The Monsters went 0-for-5 in the shootout, repeatedly firing the puck into parts of Peoria goalie Ben Bishop.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- At 6-7, 210 pounds, Peoria goalie Ben Bishop can make a cage seem rather small.

In a shootout against the Monsters on Thursday night, Bishop made the cage disappear. The Monsters went 0-for-5 in the shootout, repeatedly firing the puck into parts of Bishop, in a 4-3 loss at The Q.

Peoria's shootout tally came from its first shooter, Derek Nesbitt. After starting wide left, Nesbitt cut to the middle and slipped the puck past goalie Cedrick Desjardins, who was a tough-luck loser, given that plenty of his 34 saves were at least four-star quality.

The Rivermen (9-6-1-1) have won four in a row. They are 3-0 on a nine-game trip that will cover 21 days.

Bishop has won eight of his last nine games, as part of his best start to a season. He entered 7-4 with a 1.99 goals-against average and .938 save percentage. He made 29 saves in regulation and four in the five-minute overtime.

He amounted to an eclipse in the shootout.

"I don't think we created a chance for ourselves, either," Monsters coach David Quinn said of the 0-for-5.

Lake Erie (6-9-1-1) had won two straight. It went to a shootout for the first time.

"To me, the game was lost in the second period and the first five minutes of the third," Quinn said. "We took five penalties, and you can't take five penalties in 25 minutes against a team like that."

The Monsters opened as if their skates were on fire, much as they did in back-to-back victories over San Antonio last week. At 4:04 of the first period, Greg Mauldin beat Bishop on the power play. Credit Tyson Barrie and David van der Gulik with the assists.

The Monsters made it 2-0 less than two minutes later. Strong forechecking by Eric Hunter and Justin Mercier set up Hugh Jessiman for his fourth. The 6-6, 231-pound Jessiman, nicknamed "Huge Specimen," was immovable down low and converted an on-target pass from Mercier.

Peoria appeared to be in danger of being routed until 7:09, when Brett Sterling notched his 10th on a counter. Nesbitt and former Monster T.J. Hensick earned the assists. Hensick ranks as Lake Erie's all-time leader in assists (92) and is tied for second in goals (39). Last week, Ryan Stoa passed Hensick and Matt Ford for the outright lead in goals.

The Rivermen used their speed to control play for the remainder of the first and much of the second. Anthony Nigro's unassisted goal at 16:43 of the second tied the score, 2-2. Nigro did a nice job with the backhand, but Desjardins no doubt would have liked to have the play back.

Monsters center Mike Carman committed a high-sticking penalty at 19:46. With the Rivermen on the power play in the first two minutes of the third, Desjardins made several splendid saves. But he could only fend off the Rivermen for so long.

With seconds left on the power play, Peoria won a faceoff and Adam Cracknell knocked an airborne puck out of the air and into the net at 1:45 of the third.

Desjardins was whistled for a delay of game at 2:27. It meant both goalies had been assessed minors; Bishop was guilty of roughing in the first.

An opportunistic van der Gulik made it 3-3 at 9:09. He threw the puck in front of the net, and it bounced off a skate and shot past Bishop. Van der Gulik leads Lake Erie with 15 points and 10 assists.

Desjardins stood on his head to rob Nesbitt midway through the third. Desjardins repeatedly bailed out his skaters when they struggled to clear.

Americans lead Presidents Cup without getting a point from Tiger Woods: Video

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The Americans had a 7-5 lead without getting a single point from Tiger Woods. In two matches with two partners, Woods' team won just one of the 30 holes it has played.

Tiger WoodsTiger Woods of the U.S. team reacts after hitting an approach shot on the 10th hole during the second round of the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Royal Melbourne Golf Course, in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011.( AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)

MELBOURNE, Australia — Greg Norman and Fred Couples kept asking questions long after they tried to give answers, both of them curious about the carnage inflicted by Royal Melbourne at the Presidents Cup.

"How many birdies? There couldn't have been that many," Norman said.

In six better-balls matches, 24 of the best players in golf managed only 42 birdies and one eagle out of 408 chances Friday. Thirteen holes were won with pars. Two holes were halved with bogeys.

And perhaps the most amazing statistic of all?

The Americans had a 7-5 lead without getting a single point from Tiger Woods. In two matches with two partners, Woods' team won just one of the 30 holes it has played.

"Not many times where he doesn't win a point through a couple of rounds," Couples said. "But you know what? We're up by two points, and that's really all I care about at the moment. And I would say Tiger does the same."

Woods is 0-2 for the first time in seven trips to the Presidents Cup, and it was the first time since the 2004 Ryder Cup, when he was paired with Phil Mickelson, that he was shut out in his opening two matches in any team competition. He was the only American who had failed to record a point going into the weekend.

Yet he has looked fine, about the way he did last week when he finished third at the Australian Open.

For Woods — and every other player who endured the vicious northerly wind at Royal Melbourne — it was difficult to tell how anyone was doing. They all were simply trying to survive conditions so difficult that it took some six hours to finish a match.

"Just trying to hit the greens, that was a heck of an accomplishment," Woods said. "Wedges weren't holding, balls were oscillating on the greens, you've got to play the wind on putts. It was a tough day."

It was evident with every shot that bounded over the green, with putts that ran off the green and back into the fairway, chip shots from just off the green that rarely got inside 6 feet, and putts in which the players paid more attention to the wind than the slope.

Leave it to Norman to illustrate the degree of difficulty.

Not long after Geoff Ogilvy holed a 6-foot putt that gave the International team one last point, Norman pulled out a water bottle and poured it onto the 18th green. The water raced down the slope, none of it absorbed by the baked, brick-like greens.

"There's probably no where else in the world where that would happen," Norman said. "It just gives you an idea what these players were up against today."

The most welcome sight were storm clouds that gathered late Friday, dousing Royal Melbourne with rain. What also pleased the players was not having to put scores next to their names. This was match play. Stroke play could have been ugly.

"I've played the course many, many times," said Ernie Els, who once shot 60 around the composite course at Royal Melbourne. "And this is probably the fastest."

Norman saw it coming before Els and Ryo Ishikawa went out against Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson in the first of six fourballs. On a scale of 1 to 10, he gave Royal Melbourne an 11. Those are strong words coming from Norman, who knows this course as well as anyone.

Watson and Simpson won the leadoff match for the second straight day, again beating Els and Ishikawa, 3 and 1. Even though Watson putted off the green and into the fairway on No. 4, he muscled his way around Royal Melbourne when he could.

Mickelson and Jim Furyk also are 2-0, this time getting past Adam Scott and K.T. Kim. Scott has emerged as an emotional leader on this International team, yet even in defeat, he kept it in perspective.

"It's carnage on a golf course like this today," he said. "Today is a day where it's hard to feel like you're playing well."

Ogilvy grew up playing across the street at Victoria Golf Club and has played Royal Melbourne many times.

"It's just really, really hard, which is why it's fun, which is why people praise this course," Ogilvy said. "Anyone breaking par, it's an astonishing score. But it's there if you play great shots."

There were some great shots, just not as many as one typically sees in this format.

Bill Haas drove the 11th green to 8 feet, an eagle that was conceded, although it wasn't enough for him and Nick Watney to catch up to Ogilvy and K.J. Choi. Matt Kuchar hit a putt from off the green that skirted the edge of a bunker. It caught the slope and the wind blew it back on line as it tumbled into the cup for birdie.

Woods almost had a few of them himself.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

He holed a 25-foot birdie putt on the toughest green at No. 4, accompanied by a fist pump rarely seen these days. It was his first birdie of the Presidents Cup, and the first — and only hole — that he won. He and Dustin Johnson were 1 down with over the last five holes. Woods had a 60-foot eagle putt on the 15th hole that grazed the lip. And on the last hole, his birdie chip from behind the 18th just ran by the cup as Woods sank to his knees.

For Baddeley and Day, it was a small measure of redemption.

In the opening session, they were headed for a win when Baddeley made blunders on the last two holes — a poor approach and a missed 10-footer for par on the 17th, and a poor 3-wood off the 18th tee into the rough that forced his team to settle for a halve.

Under pressure again, Baddeley delivered with a 25-foot birdie on the 13th to take the lead, a big drive on the 18th and a two-putt par from 45 feet on the 18th, making the par from 3½ feet when it looked to him to be twice that long.

"We are extremely proud of the way Aaron Baddeley bounced back from yesterday," Norman said. "I know he was kind of gut wrenched a little bit by what happened on the 18th, but to see what he did — holing that 3½-footer for a win on the last hole — did him a world of good. Did the team a world of good."


Usama Young pleases coaches with start vs. Rams: Browns Insider

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Young tied for second on the team with five tackles, including one for a loss.

browns-usama-young-camp2011-ss.jpgView full size"It went pretty well," Usama Young said of his start at strong safety Sunday for the Browns. "But to be honest, the only thing that matters is we lost. Winning is the overall goal. I know I've got a lot of improvement to do."

BEREA, Ohio -- Usama Young, who's had his ups and downs this season, responded well in his first start at strong safety in place of an injured T.J. Ward on Sunday against St. Louis. It came against Rams running back Steven Jackson, who is a load at 6-2, 240.

"He had a really good game," said defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. "I think it was his best game for us. It was a strong game against a big back. That was a very difficult back to get to the ground. He had a size mismatch on most players on the field. Usama came to the ball hard."

Young tied for second on the team with five tackles, including one for a loss. On the opening drive of the second half, he dropped Jackson for a four-yard loss to put the Rams in second and long. The drive ended four plays later when Chris Gocong forced and recovered a fumble.

"It went pretty well," said Young. "But to be honest, the only thing that matters is we lost. Winning is the overall goal. I know I've got a lot of improvement to do. I appreciate Coach saying that, but I know I've got to come back and play better the next game."

Young will start again this week in place of Ward, who is out with a foot injury and could miss a few more weeks.

Playing time possible: Pat Shurmur said Montario Hardesty has a shot at playing on Sunday despite still not practicing with his torn calf muscle. Hardesty ran for the second straight day, going full speed at times on Thursday.

"We'll know more based on how he progresses [the rest of the week]," said the Browns head coach. "I know he's anxious to get back out there, and I think he's looking forward to getting back out there."

He said if Hardesty does play, "I don't think he'll have the same number of carries he had in some games."

The waiting game: Shurmur said Peyton Hillis (hamstring) might return to practice sometime in the next couple of weeks.

"I can't tell you exactly," Shurmur said. "We just have to see how this thing progresses. I know he's working extremely hard to get back. He's really attacking the rehab and keeping his strength up."

Hillis has been inactive for five of the nine games this season, and missed most of the Oakland game.

Blinders on: Shurmur said he may have fibbed a little early on when he said he didn't read or listen to what the critics were saying. "But now I'm not," he said. "I don't read it. I just stay away from it.

"I think what's important is you keep your focus moving forward. I understand when people get upset. But on the other side, we're all competitive. So if you don't like hearing it, try not to listen. I think that's how you push through it."

Heads or tails: Shurmur was surprised to discover that the Browns are 0-9 in the coin toss. The team that wins the toss wins the game roughly 52 percent of the time.

"Really? Wow, I didn't think of that," said Shurmur in a joking mood. "I probably should know that. 0-9. Well, we better win the coin toss. We'll have a meeting about the coin toss."

Solid debut: Jauron was pleased by the performance of defensive end Emmanuel Stephens, who started his first NFL game in place of an injured Jayme Mitchell (chest, ankle), making four tackles.

"He had a really good game," said Jauron. "He plays really hard. I really like this young man a lot. He kind of fits in with [Ahtyba Rubin] for sure. They don't say a whole lot, but they both play awfully hard. That's a refreshing thing."

A game of adjustments: Cornerback Joe Haden gave up three receptions in the first half to Rams' receiver Brandon Lloyd, including a touchdown, but Lloyd had only one catch for 10 yards in the second half.

"I do believe early in the game, Joe wasn't challenging like he normally does," Jauron said. "Early they had a couple of catches on him. Joe can force the issue. He's good enough to force the issue all the time. We have to remind him at times. Over the course of the game, he did a nice job."

Haden broke up three passes and is third in the NFL with 13.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Another high school playoff, another bid for a title from Aurora's Greenmen: Terry Pluto

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When it comes down right to it, Aurora's second home is the football playoffs.

aurora-melchiori-reax-td-jk.jpgView full size"We don't play dirty," said all-around Aurora standout Anthony Melchiori. "But we can play smash-mouth football. Most teams have not been ready for that."

AURORA, Ohio -- Seven years?

Aurora has qualified for the football playoffs for the last seven years?

I knew the Greenmen won the 2008 Division III title, and even covered the game. I knew Bob Mihalik is a terrific coach, and Aurora product Adam Bellamy starts as a defensive tackle for Ohio State.

I also knew Bellamy was the first Aurora player to receive a Division I football scholarship since 1984. I knew many Aurora players have had outstanding small college careers. Dee Brizzolara was a star on that 2008 title team, and he's now a superb player at the University of Chicago.

But until I stopped by Aurora this week, I didn't know this is the team's seventh consecutive trip to the playoffs as the third-seeded Greenmen (11-1) face No. 1 Walsh Jesuit (10-1) Friday night at 7:30 at Solon in the Division II, Region 5 final.

That's right, seven playoff trips in a row -- four in Division III, three in Division II.

"This is a very special place to play," said quarterback Blake Calcei. "I've been around the team for 11 years. I started as a water boy. Most of us grew up in Aurora and couldn't wait until we could play here. And people are surprised by how we play."

Meaning what?

"We are supposed to be just a suburban team, kind of soft," he said. "But we are a power team. We want to hit you, and hit you hard."

This is the quarterback talking, not the middle linebacker. He's a quarterback with a 4.3 grade-point average who scored 30 on the ACT test. He is strongly considering playing football at Case Western Reserve. Of 55 varsity players, 46 have at least a 3.0 grade-point average, according to Mihalik, who teaches English at the school.

"For years, most of our players have been good students," said Mihalik. "It makes [the coaches] jobs easier. Most of our kids are very driven to succeed and we rarely have big discipline problems. It comes from their families."

Aurora is a demanding academic school where 90 percent of the graduates attend four-year schools, according to guidance counselor and assistant football coach John Calcei, Blake's father. He estimates about 10 percent of the school's graduates attend Ivy League or top academic institutions such as Case.

Rugged defense

aurora-mihalik-coach-horiz-jk.jpgView full size"Most of our kids are very driven to succeed and we rarely have big discipline problems," said Aurora coach Bob Mihalik. "(The drive) comes from their families."

In six of Aurora's games, the Greenmen have held opponents to seven or fewer points. They are allowing only 2.9 yards per rush. In seven of the games, Mihalik said he has had nearly all of his starters out by the fourth quarter.

"Our starting defense is allowing only six points a game," said Mihalik.

Senior Matt Stepanek leads the Greenmen with six sacks and 14 tackles for loss as a 250-pound lineman. He plays offense and defense, and Blake Calcei calls him "perhaps the most underrated player on the team."

Junior Patrick Dougherty has five sacks, and the 245-pounder also plays offense and defense.

"We don't play dirty," said Anthony Melchiori. "But we can play smash-mouth football. Most teams have not been ready for that."

Mihalik calls Melchiori "the best all-around athlete I've ever coached." The 6-foot, 190-pounder has orally committed to Kent State as a kicker and a punter. But he also plays defensive back, where he covers the opponent's top receiver.

And he plays receiver, where he leads the team with 32 catches.

And he runs back kickoffs for a 35.3 average, including three touchdowns.

And he runs back punts, including one for a touchdown.

"And he's had four different kicks/punts that he returned for touchdowns called back because of penalties," said Mihalik.

Junior Zach Quinn leads the team with 994 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. But 225-pound fullback Anthony Opet has nine touchdowns on only 60 carries. The center is Jonathan Opet, Anthony's twin, who plays the position at 180 pounds.

"He beat out a 300-pounder to start," said Mihalik. "He's a very tough kid."

A big recruit

aurora-qb-calcei-sacked-jk.jpgView full size"This is a very special place to play," said Aurora quarterback Blake Calcei, temporarily slowed by Chagrin Falls' Mike Tozzi in a September game. "Most of us grew up in Aurora and couldn't wait until we could play here. And people are surprised by how we play."

Aurora has Ohio recruit Troy Watson, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound lineman who looks as if he can easily add another 30 pounds on his long frame. He has a 3.4 GPA and plans to major in communications and theology.

"If we have to, we can play power football all day," he said. "We want to play physical. But we want to play with humility -- knock you down hard, then pick you up."

Watson's brother, Ty, a quarterback at Gannon University, played on the 2008 state title team. He has been watching Aurora football since the third grade.

There are seven Aurora players with brothers who were members of that 2008 title team. Troy Watson said that team and Bellamy are why Division I college recruiters have paid more attention to Aurora.

He also believes it's because football has become important in Aurora. Mihalik estimates the Greenmen average close to 6,000 for most home games.

"Friday nights when we play at home are electric," said Watson. "If anyone wanted to rob someone in Aurora, do it on game night because the entire town is at our games."

"The 2008 team changed what people consider a successful season," said Mihalik. "It used to be that just making the playoffs was great, now they want more -- and we do, too."

The coach said the team losing in the first round the previous two seasons was viewed as "a failure by some," but he thought that was "a bit unfair." But he seems relieved to have won two playoff games this season, especially after losing to Chagrin Falls (17-10 in overtime) in the fourth game of the season.

"It was like every game after that was a playoff game for us because we couldn't afford to lose again," he said.

Mihalik was hired in 2001 and had an 18-22 record in his first four years. So no one saw the streak coming when they grabbed a 2005 playoff spot. Since then, his record is 71-15.

"I have a great coaching staff," said Mihalik. "But the credit goes to the players. They were the ones who embraced the style we wanted to play. They have built the tradition here."

For better or worse (and sometimes both), Christian Bryant makes an impact on Ohio State defense

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Back healthy after a scare last year, sophomore safety Christian Bryant is making both big plays and mistakes while looking toward a bright future at Ohio State.

bryant-nichol-osu-msu-mf.jpgView full size"I just thank God every day for letting me be an athlete at Ohio State," says OSU defensive back Christian Bryant (2), who overcame an infection last season to be a sophomore starter this year. "It's a great feeling to be back healthy and 100 percent every game."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Christian Bryant is making more plays than he was a year ago at this time.

Last November, the Ohio State safety was sidelined while rehabbing from a serious case of cellulitis, an infection in his foot. He spent a October week at the school's medical center while doctors searched for the right way to treat him.

"There were definitely moments when I weighed the possibility that there was a chance he might not be able to play football anymore," said Bryant's father, Ronnie.

"At first it was not real serious and then it got real serious," position coach Paul Haynes said. "It started at his foot and kept rising up his leg. ... It's a real scary thing when a kid might not be able to play."

The greatest fear, according to Ronnie Bryant, was that the bacteria, which started on a cut or scrape on his right foot, would eat away at healthy tissue on the inside and outside of his son's foot. Doctors did find the answer, though, with surgery part of the solution. Bryant, a Glenville High grad, missed the last five games of the regular season before returning for the Sugar Bowl.

Now, he's one of Ohio State's starting safeties as a sophomore, having forced his way into the lineup in the fourth game of the season.

"I just thank God every day for letting me be an athlete at Ohio State," Bryant said. "It's a great feeling to be back healthy and 100 percent every game."

Now he wants to make more plays.

Bryant is the Buckeyes' second-leading tackler with 55, despite not starting for three games, and will be the player with the most tackles on the field against Penn State on Saturday. Senior linebacker Andrew Sweat (68 tackles) almost certainly will miss the game, though coach Luke Fickell left the door open for Sweat, who suffered a concussion against Purdue.

In a defense searching for playmakers, Bryant has stood out, for both his plays and his just-misses. From a missed tackle at Nebraska to a near interception at Wisconsin to a miscommunication in the overtime against Purdue, Bryant has made some mistakes he can't hide from. But his speed, instincts and nose for the ball are also what the coaching staff wants to see more from some other Buckeyes.

"I'm young. I have the playmaking ability, there's no doubt in my mind about that," Bryant said. "It's just certain experiences you really have to overcome. This is my first year really playing a lot and I'm just trying to get more experience."

The defensive coaches have talked all season about swarming to the ball, and how missed tackles stand out when there aren't three teammates right there to clean up the mistake. But coaches have also talked about making plays. Bryant has at times been caught in between -- not wanting to limit his aggressiveness while trying to stay fundamentally sound.

Ronnie Bryant thinks he has seen his son second-guess himself on the field, and as a father he tells him after games, "Have fun, play the game you've loved your entire life, just make plays and let the game come to you."

"Sometimes that's difficult for him," he said.

For instance, Bryant nearly had an interception against Wisconsin, only to see Badgers' running back Montee Ball reach back, grab the pass and run into the end zone.

Wisconsin's Montee Ball beats Christian Bryant for TD



"I was upset as he came off the sideline thinking, 'Oh my God, just tackle the guy,'" Fickell said. "When you go back and look at it, he's an aggressive guy. That ball was thrown, I could see what he was seeing, like if that guy doesn't make a heck of a play he might take that the other way for six."

Fickell said you could remind a player to be safe and make the tackle. But taking that risk is "sometimes what makes people great in the long run, too."

Unfortunately for Ohio State, this isn't the long run. This is now. For instance, a pre-snap miscommunication involving sophomore safeties Bryant and C.J. Barnett helped Purdue convert the third-and-12 pass in overtime that set up the game-winning touchdown.

"Those guys are talented enough to get it done, they're smart enough to get it done right now," Haynes said. "Will they be very, very good down the road? Yes, they will. ... The problem is they don't have time to make those mistakes right now. They've got to make sure they're confident."

Bryant doesn't appear to have his confidence shaken. He can't. Though he's young, Bryant is surrounded by players without much more experience. If Sweat is out Saturday, Tyler Moeller, at the star position, will be the only senior on the OSU defense. Freshman Ryan Shazier, a playmaker in the Bryant mold, will start for Sweat.

The defense will make some plays. It will make some mistakes. Bryant will do the same. Maybe it will be good enough to beat Penn State, maybe it won't. That's what matters now. But looking at his past, and his future, Bryant should have reason to smile.

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