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Too late to charge Bernie Fine, Syracuse District Attorney says

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On Wednesday, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said he believes Davis and Lang were abused by Fine. He said some records may call into question Tomaselli's account that he was abused by Fine.

Bernie FineFILE - This Nov. 14, 2011 file photo shows Syracuse basketball assistant coach Bernie Fine watching a college basketball game against Manhattan in the NIT Season Tip-Off in Syracuse, N.Y. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 a Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick became the first to say publicly he believed Davis was a victim and Fine had abused him. The statute of limitations expired five years after Davis and Lang say they were molested. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli, File)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Many of the key names in the sex abuse investigation of ex-Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine are well-known by now: Bobby Davis, Michael Lang, Zach Tomaselli.

All three say they were molested by Fine when they were boys. Two, Davis and Lang, were ballboys for the team.

On Wednesday, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said he believes Davis and Lang were abused by Fine. He said some records may call into question Tomaselli's account that he was abused by Fine.

The DA said the statute of limitations has expired on the Davis and Lang accusations. Tomaselli's claims are within the federal statute of limitations.

Fitzpatrick lashed out at Fine and added other names to the list of what he says are victims: Fine's longtime friend, Hall of Fame Coach Jim Boeheim, the university and the city.

"Hasn't Bernie Fine caused enough pain in this community?" Fitzpatrick said.

Davis went to the Syracuse Post-Standard newspaper in 2002 and ESPN in 2003; neither media outlet could corroborate his claims. He went to the police, too, in 2002, and a detective told him the statute of limitations had expired. Three years later, he went to the university; Syracuse had its lawyers do an internal investigation and says it, too, couldn't verify Davis' accusations.

Then, on Nov. 17, with the country still caught up in the child sex abuse scandal at Penn State, where a former assistant football coach is accused of molesting 10 boys, Davis came forward on ESPN. Then Lang came forward. Ten days later, Tomaselli spoke out. That day, Nov. 27, ESPN aired a tape in which a woman it identified as Fine's wife tells Davis she knew "everything" that was going on.

The university fired Fine that day.

Fitzpatrick called the tape "devastating."

Fitzpatrick expressed regret he couldn't bring charges against Fine on the Davis and Lang accusations because the statute of limitations has expired. While he said he couldn't say whether the coach would be found guilty of any charges, he said flatly that if the claims had been brought within the statute, and if law enforcement knew of the tape, it "would have resulted in the arrest of Bernie Fine for child molestation."

Fine, who was fired Nov. 27, has denied the charges.

"Bobby, I'm sorry it took so long," Fitzpatrick said. "I wish I had met you as a prosecutor in 2002. Even more importantly, I wish I had met you as a prosecutor back in the 1980s. We wouldn't be here today."

When he went public again last month, Davis was maligned by Boeheim as an opportunist and a liar, accusations the coach later apologized for, saying he was defending a friend out of loyalty without knowing all the information. Victim advocates called for him to quit or be fired. Fitzpatrick said Boeheim, one of the top college coaches in the nation whose team is currently ranked No. 3, was victimized by Fine, too.

"He let his friend go out and attack the victims, never once warning him they were telling the truth," Fitzpatrick said. "Then stood by and did nothing while that friend was vilified."

Fitzpatrick also said calls for the resignation of university Chancellor Nancy Cantor were baseless.

The statute of limitations expired five years after Davis and Lang say they were molested. But the federal statute of limitations in place in 2002, when Tomaselli says he was abused by Fine in a Pittsburgh hotel room, allowed a victim to bring charges until he was 25; Tomaselli is 23.

Fine's lawyers, Donald Martin and Karl Sleight, said in a statement that it appears the records Fitzpatrick mentioned show "that there is proof that Tomaselli fabricated this allegation."

Tomaselli's phone rang unanswered Wednesday.

Tomaselli also is charged in Maine with molesting a teenage boy and said this week that he'll plead guilty.

The 65-year-old Fine had been Boeheim's top assistant since 1976. The U.S. attorney's office is investigating and has seized computers, cameras, phones and records during searches of his office, home and locker.

Even with the support of the district attorney, whose words wouldn't be admissible in a civil lawsuit, neither Lang nor Davis can bring civil action against Fine.

The statute of limitations in New York on bringing a civil suit for child sexual abuse is five years after the victim turns 18. New York lawmakers are again considering a measure to lift it or open a one-year window for older incidents that, if approved, would open the way for a civil suit by Davis or Lang.

Repeated attempts by The Associated Press to contact Davis and Lang have been unsuccessful. Knocks on the doors of their two houses were unanswered Wednesday after Fitzpatrick's statement.

A woman hanging Christmas lights outside the Fines' house said the couple is in Florida.

Fitzpatrick said the case can't be compared to Penn State, where head football coach Joe Paterno and college administrators knew of the accusations against Jerry Sandusky, who maintains his innocence.

___

Associated Press writers Michael Virtanen, Chris Carola and George Walsh in Albany and Michael Hill and John Kekis in Syracuse contributed to this report.



Spotlight on: Steelers' QB Ben Roethlisberger

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Ben Roethlisberger hopes to improve upon his 22-8 record in prime-time games tonight. He has thrown for at least 300 yards three times in the past six games.

Steelers Ben RoethlisbergerBen Roethlisberger hopes to improve upon his 22-8 record in prime-time games tonight.

Eight seasons into his NFL career, it's probably too late to still wonder “what if” about Ben Roethlisberger.

What if the Ohio-born, Ohio-bred, Ohio-educated quarterback had been Ohio-drafted, too? What if?

Certainly, the Browns wouldn't be 1-13 against the Steelers in Roethlisberger's reign.

And the Steelers? Well, there are two Super Bowl titles on Roethlisberger's résumé. Not bad for a kid from Findlay who attended Miami of Ohio.

“What he's proven is he can make plays no matter how pretty it's supposed to look,” Browns coach Pat Shurmur said. “He finds a way with guys hanging all over him to get a ball out, and it may be a 5-yard pass that turns into a 20-yard gain.”

Roethlisberger hopes to improve upon his 22-8 record in prime-time games tonight. He has thrown for at least 300 yards three times in the past six games. This season, he has a 93.6 passer rating while completing 63.7 percent of his passes. He has thrown for 19 touchdowns and been intercepted 10 times.

The Browns' task in stopping him will come not only in containing his big arm, but also getting a piece of his big, 6-5, 241-pound frame.

“He is so big, not bigger than the defensive linemen, but he's certainly bigger than most quarterbacks we've seen,” Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said. “He's thick and very athletic. He's got great balance. He's just hard to get down, and he's got an uncanny knack of holding onto the ball somehow, even when you get it from the blind side occasionally. They're playing at a very, very high level and are another really talented football team. It'll be a stern test.”

A test that proves it's far beyond the time to wonder “what if?”


Browns vs. Steelers: Tony Grossi's Four Things

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Josh Cribbs’ return touchdown-less streak has reached 30 games. In past meetings in Pittsburgh, Cribbs always could be counted on to make something happen to help his anemic offense.

josh cribbs apIn past meetings in Pittsburgh, Josh Cribbs always could be counted on to make something happen to help his anemic offense.

1. No let up: How does a team rack up wins in 20 of 22 meetings against its arch-rival, including 14 of the last 15? Besides having superior talent, it’s the organization, too. The Steelers never lose sight of the fact that two wins over the Browns are currency to break division ties with Baltimore or Cincinnati. They also know that they have missed the playoffs every time the Browns have beaten them in their expansion era — four out of 25 meetings — in 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2009.

2. Watch Ben’s protection: You think the Browns’ line is bad? Watch Pittsburgh’s. Ben Roethlisberger gets hit (59 times) and sacked (34) as much as any quarterback in the league. And he still makes plays. The Steelers have had only one constant in front of Roethlisberger — center Maurkice Pouncey. In 12 games, they’ve lined up three left tackles, three left guards, two right guards and three right tackles. They’ve used five different starting combinations. Quarterbacks have to make plays regardless of their line.

3. One-man wrecking crew: James Harrison might be the meanest player in the NFL. In the game in Pittsburgh last year, Harrison took receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs out of the game with vicious hits. He was fined for the Massaquoi hit for making contact with his head. The Cribbs’ hit was simply a legal, if lethal, blow. Harrison lost four games this year due to a broken orbital bone. He’s trying to make up for lost time. He can dictate the game by himself.

4. Tick, tick, tick: Josh Cribbs’ return touchdown-less streak has reached 30 games. In past meetings in Pittsburgh, Cribbs always could be counted on to make something happen to help his anemic offense. The Cribbs’ Factor has gradually dissolved. It has to be restored for the Browns to have a chance in this game.

Steelers report: Linebacker LaMarr Woodley out for tonight's game

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OLB LaMarr Woodley has been ruled out of tonight's game against the Browns, just four days after he attempted a comeback from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the previous three games.

lamarr woodleyLaMarr Woodley tried to return from a hamstring injury last week, and it likely worsened the injury.

PITTSBURGH — OLB LaMarr Woodley has been ruled out of tonight's game against the Browns, just four days after he attempted a comeback from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the previous three games.

Woodley didn't last through the second series against the Bengals and took himself out when it became apparent he couldn't get any leverage or burst off his left leg. He will be replaced again by Jason Worilds, who has steadily improved after starting three other games for Woodley.

By missing the game, Woodley will get two extra weeks to heal before the next game Dec. 19 in San Francisco.

Steelers notes: The Steelers relied more on the run than the pass in their last outing—33 rushes versus 23 passes against the Bengals—and their success will likely lead to even more runs Thursday night against the Browns, who have one of the worst rush defenses in the league. Rashard Mendenhall has only one 100-yard rushing performance this season, and none in the past six games. He also has only one game with more than 20 carries. But the Steelers will probably lean on him against the Browns, who have allowed six 100-yard rushers in the past six games and gave up 290 yards rushing to the Ravens last week. ... Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau pulled an old trick from his playbook against the Bengals when he used four cornerbacks and only one safety in the team’s nickel package—replacing veteran safety Ryan Clark with rookie cornerback Cortez Allen. It’s something he does when the opposing team employs four or more wide receivers or uses three wide receivers with a good receiving tight end. The Steelers had not used that special nickel package since Super Bowl against the Packers, but they trotted it out against the Bengals and used it with great success. Rookie wide receiver A.J. Green had six catches for 87 yards, including a 43-yard catch and an 11-yard touchdown. But the Steelers held the Bengals other three receivers—Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and Andrew Hawkins—to just one catch for 8 yards. The idea, LeBeau said, is to use an extra cornerback—in this case, Allen, their fourth-round draft pick—instead of a safety because cornerbacks are faster and can match up better. Allen has progressed so quickly that LeBeau has no hesitation using him in any of their pass-defense packages.

Browns at Steelers preview: Pittsburgh on a roll heading into game tonight

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The surging Steelers look to win for the eighth time in nine games and continue their dominance over the sputtering Browns on Thursday night at Heinz Field. Watch video

mike_wallace.jpgMike Wallace leads the Steelers in receptions (58), receiving yards (977) and receiving TDs (8).

Pittsburgh -- Although the Pittsburgh Steelers are tied atop the AFC North, winning the division won't be easy.

Facing the Cleveland Browns in two of their final four games, however, should help their hopes.

The surging Steelers look to win for the eighth time in nine games and continue their dominance over the sputtering Browns on Thursday night at Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh's only blemish in its last eight games - a 23-20 loss to Baltimore on Nov. 6 - put a dent in its chances of winning a fourth division title in five years. The Steelers (9-3) are tied with the Ravens atop the North, but having been swept by their archrivals, Pittsburgh must finish with a better record to win the division.

Cleveland (4-8) could have helped the Steelers on Sunday with a home game against Baltimore, but not surprisingly came out with another sluggish performance and lost 24-10, dropping to 3-18 inside the division since 2008.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, put together one of its best performances of the season Sunday, beating Cincinnati 35-7 for its third straight victory. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 176 yards and two scores to Mike Wallace, Rashard Mendenhall had two touchdowns and James Harrison collected three sacks to lead a defense that held the Bengals to a season-low point total.

"These are the games that are going to put you in place to make your run," linebacker James Farrior said. "We're just trying to keep up in the division."

The Steelers appear to have a good chance to keep pace with Baltimore.

Pittsburgh, which finishes its season at Cleveland, also visits NFC West-champion San Francisco and hosts two-win St. Louis. The Ravens still have games at San Diego and Cincinnati and home contests against Cleveland and winless Indianapolis.

Neither team appears to have a difficult remaining schedule, but given the Steelers' history with the Browns, they may have an edge.

Pittsburgh has won 14 of 15 against Cleveland and seven in a row at Heinz Field since a 33-13 loss in 2003. It has won the last three in Pittsburgh by an average of 20.7 points.

In the two meetings last season, the Steelers outscored the Browns 69-19, with Roethlisberger passing for 537 yards with five touchdowns and an interception and Mendenhall scoring three TDs. The defense had 10 sacks and five interceptions.

Making matters worse for the Browns, the Steelers are playing well and are healthy - something Cleveland can't claim.

Pittsburgh has held its last two opponents to single digits and forced eight turnovers during its winning streak after only getting four in its first nine games.

Offensively, the Steelers are averaging 116.3 rushing yards in their last three games after averaging 86.3 in their previous three.

"It's getting closer to the playoffs and it's time for us to get better," said Wallace, who leads the Steelers in receptions (58), receiving yards (977) and receiving TDs (8).

Pittsburgh did play the final three quarters Sunday without LaMarr Woodley because of a tender left hamstring, but part of that decision had to do with the team up 28-7 at halftime. He is expected to play Thursday, and again could find himself on the sideline with his team up big.

The Browns had little luck moving the ball Sunday against Baltimore's vaunted defense, finishing with 233 yards, including 59 on the ground. Cleveland's defense also couldn't stop the run, allowing the Ravens to rack up 290 rushing yards.

"You have to have thick skin and a short memory, and you move on," coach Pat Shurmur said.

The Browns, 30th in total offense (290.7 yards per game) are preparing for a similar brand of football, however, from the Steelers, who are first in total defense (273.8), and running the ball with more consistency.

"It's going to be real tough," cornerback Sheldon Brown said. "Both are physical football teams and you know they're going to have a physical presence throughout the contest."

It will likely be even tougher with Colt McCoy playing with a right knee sprain.

McCoy was injured Sunday on a hit by Ravens defensive end Arthur Rhodes. Although he missed only one play, the injury was initially considered severe enough to keep him sideline for this game. He is now expected to start, but his mobility will likely be limited.

McCoy, 0-7 within the division, has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in three straight games, but hasn't received much help - Cleveland leads the league with 35 dropped passes.

He also might be without Peyton Hillis again after the running back strained his hip against Baltimore. Hillis rushed for 45 yards on 12 carries and caught a pass for 52 yards in his second game back after missing five straight with a hamstring injury.

By MATT BECKER
STATS Senior Writer

Oops: Craig Ehlo's dream job with Cavaliers just wishful thinking

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Craig Ehlo thought he was returning to Cleveland. The former Cavaliers player reportedly was so confident he had landed an assistant coach's job that he cleaned out his office at Eastern Washington University over the weekend.

craig ehlo"I thought for sure, because of [Byron Scott] saying it would be a good fit -- and because of my past association with Cleveland -- that the job was mine," Craig Ehlo said.

Craig Ehlo thought he was returning to Cleveland. The former Cavaliers player reportedly was so confident he had landed an assistant coach’s job that he cleaned out his office at Eastern Washington University over the weekend.

Instead, the franchise hired the Oklahoma City Thunder’s D-League coach Nate Tibbetts on Monday. It left Ehlo in the awkward position of essentially having to ask for his job back as an EWU assistant.

On Tuesday, he explained how he arrived at the premature conclusion after interviewing with Cavaliers coach Byron Scott.

“Just the way Byron called me on such short notice and told me, because of the lockout, they were going to fill the job pretty quickly,” Ehlo told the Spokane Spokesman-Review. “It led me to believe I was the top candidate. I thought for sure, because of him saying it would be a good fit – and because of my past association with Cleveland – that the job was mine.”

Ehlo, a first-year college assistant, played seven of his 14 NBA seasons with Cavaliers from 1986-93. His close relationship with EWU head coach Jim Hayford enabled him to retain his job.

“I’m disappointed in the fact that I didn’t get a job that would have been a dream for me – being back in Cleveland and everything,” Ehlo said.


Charismatic Jon 'Bones' Jones may ultimately lead UFC to top

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At 24, Jones is the youngest UFC champion in the organization's history.

jones.jpgJon Jones, right, of Endicott, N.Y., is congratulated by Rampage Jackson, of Irvine, Calif., after Jones knocked him out in the fourth round of their UFC Light Heavyweight title bout, Sept. 24 in Denver. Jones won the fight with a knockout in the fourth round.

UFC President Dana White has aspirations of surpassing the NFL as the top sport in this country by 2020. Lockouts and labor disputes in football make that a possibility.

Note: a possibility, not a probability.

The National Football League is too ingrained in the American psyche for the sport to falter, right? Why, that's almost as ludicrous as something replacing baseball as the national pastime.

Uh-oh.

But for UFC to experience that sort of success, mixed martial arts needs to go mainstream.

In the decade-plus since White and the Fertitta brothers – Frank III and Lorenzo – have owned the UFC, it's evolved from pure bloodsport to a brutally artistic ballet of boxing, wrestling, muy thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A lot of older Americans and “sweet science” purists still treat the sport with disdain, but it's arguably No. 2 behind the NFL with younger Americans. A record-setting 5.7 million people in this country watched the UFC's Fox free-TV debut on Nov. 12, when Junior dos Santos won Cain Velasquez's heavyweight belt.

What has been lacking is a Muhammad Ali, a Sugar Ray Leonard, a Tom Brady, a Peyton Manning.

Enter light-heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones, a fighter as charismatic as he is gifted, who takes on 33-year-old Lyoto Machida (17-2-0) in UFC 140 in Toronto on Saturday. At 24, Jones is the youngest UFC champion in the organization's history. He beat Maurice “Shogun” Rua in UFC 128 on March 19 to win the belt with a third-round knockout. Then he earned a fourth-round submission win over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in his first title defense in past September.

Should Jones beat Machida – and odds are he will – he will have beaten three former champions in one year.

But more than that, he will set himself up as the man White needs to lead the UFC into the mainstream.

“I think mainstream America has a lot of learning to do about us,” Jones told reporters in a conference call to preview Saturday's fight. “I just want America to know that we're solid guys, that we're class acts, capable of being mainstream individuals.”

In most ways, Jones, who has a UFC record of 14-1-0, is correct. He's one of the few stars of the UFC without a four-year degree. But it's because he became a father while becoming a national junior college wrestling champion and “needed the money.” So, like a lot of Americans, he went to work. As a fighter.

Now his job is selling the UFC and MMA.

“I totally embrace the role,” Jones told reporters. “One of my main goals in UFC is to try to change the sport for the better, and I can't do that by refusing to do interviews or refusing to show up here . . . or there.”

Brothers in arms: Twin brothers Minotauro and Rogerio Noguiera will be on the pay-per-view card. Minotauro (33-6-1-1 NC) goes up against Frank Mir in a heavyweight bout; and Rogerio (19-5-0) squares off against a resurgent Tito Ortiz (17-9-1) in a light-heavyweight battle.

Key injury: Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre suffered a blown-out anterior cruciate ligament and will be out of action for at least 10 months, White Tweeted Wednesday. “GSP” was to defend his title against Nick Diaz in UFC 143 on Feb. 4. Now, Diaz will take on Carlos Condit for the “interim” welterweight title, with the winner to challenge a healthy GSP.

Bad idea: A would-be thief and carjacker in Chicago picked the wrong victim.

Anthony Miranda ended up with a face as bruised as a peach that went 10 rounds with a clothes dryer – plus his own bullet in his ankle – after trying to rob an MMA fighter.

The fighter, who would only give his first name – Justin – goes 6-2, 250 pounds, and told the Chicago Sun-Times that he's from Romania and is former military with training in hostage situations. He wouldn't allow photographs.

Unfortunately for Miranda, a 24-year-old convicted felon, the local police didn't have any such misgivings about placing his battered mug all over the Internet. You can see the mug, and the story, at tinyurl.com/MMAfighter.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

cyarborough@plaind.com, 216-999-4534



Cleveland Browns: Which player has been the most disappointing this season? Poll

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Which Cleveland Browns' player has been the most disappointing this season?

Josh CribbsJosh Cribbs

The Cleveland Browns have had plenty of things to be disappointed about this season. The team is 4-8, and the record will not get any better as it ends the season with two games against the Steelers, one game with the Ravens, and one game against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Browns have also had several disappointing individual performances. Last year, Peyton Hillis was one of the better running backs in the league. He's been injured for most of this season and he hasn't rushed for more than 100 yards in a game this season. Josh Cribbs was once an elite kick returner. He hasn't returned a touchdown on special teams this season, nor has he progressed into a solid receiver.

Quarterback Colt McCoy certainly doesn't have the weapons, but he has made some questionable throws (i.e. interceptions), and his arm has not gotten any stronger.

Or has someone else been a bigger disappointment?

 


Albert Pujols to sign with Angels for 10 years, $250 million: Reports

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Angels also set to sign pitcher C.J. Wilson for $75-million over 5 years.

Albert Pujols World Series.JPGThe report, which has been confirmed by ESPN, says the Angels will pay the three-time NL MVP between $250 and $260 million for ten years. The contract includes a full no-trade clause.

Albert Pujols, baseball's biggest star, will sign with the Los Angeles Angels, according to multiple reports.

Yahoo! Sports, which first reported the news, says the Angels will pay the three-time NL MVP between $250 million and $260 million for 10 years. The contract includes a full no-trade clause.

Shortly after the Pujols news broke, word arrived that left-hander C.J. Wilson also agreed to a deal with the Angels. Wilson, the top starter in this year's free-agent market, reportedly leaves the Texas Rangers for a contract that will pay him $75 million over five years.

The stunning Pujols decision comes at the end of baseball's annual winter meetings, which were dominated by talk of Pujols and where he would end up. Early Wednesday, it looked like the Pujols sweepstakes would come down to the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals, both of whom had offered 10-year contracts to the nine-time NL All-Star.

But Miami dropped out of the bidding after signing free-agent lefthander Mark Buehrle to a four-year contract, and the Angels and an unidentified mystery team entered the picture late Wednesday.

"The AL West just got a lot better," Texas Rangers GM Thad Levine told the Los Angeles Times. "Pujols is a game-changer."

Pujols, who turns 32 next month, had spent his entire 11-season major league career with the Cardinals, who drafted him in the 13th round in 1999. He is a career .328 hitter and has amassed 445 homers and 1,329 RBIs. He reached three World Series with the franchise, winning championships in 2006 and 2011.

Cleveland Browns 33, Pittsburgh Steelers 13: Flashback to 2003, last win in Pittsburgh

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Browns Flashback: The Cleveland Browns last won in Pittsburgh in 2003. Read the game story from that victory.

TIM-COUCH-BROWNS-STEELERS.JPGBrowns quarterback Tim Couch passes during Cleveland 2003 victory over at Pittsburgh. In the background are Ryan Tucker of the Browns and Steelers defender Jason Gildon.
Courtney Brown and Tim Couch helped lead the Cleveland Browns to a 33-13 victory in Pittsburgh  in 2003, the last time the Browns have won in Pittsburgh.

In fact, the Browns have only won twice in Pittsburgh since 1989. The other victory, a 16-15 win, came in 1999.

Below is the game story from the last win, as it appeared in the Oct. 6, 2003.

Also: Search our database to find each Browns game story published in The Plain Dealer since the team first took the field in 1946.

Super in Steel City
Couch shreds Steelers as Browns roll to huge win
Browns 33, Pittsburgh Steelers 13

By Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter

Pittsburgh- With their season on the brink, the Browns produced one of their most resounding victories in recent times in Pittsburgh last night.

Tim Couch threw for two touchdowns and scored one, and Courtney Brown led a defensive assault on Tommy Maddox that produced two interceptions as the Browns crushed the Steelers, 33-13.

If it didn't entirely avenge last year's playoff meltdown here, it certainly left the Steelers dazed and worried about their future.

An ESPN national audience heard a cascade of boos throughout the evening as the Browns scored on their first possession and then pummeled Maddox into turnovers. Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher yanked Maddox with 9 1/2 minutes left.

In snapping a six-game losing streak to the Steelers, the Browns climbed back into the AFC North Division race. They are 2-3, tied with Pittsburgh. Idle Baltimore is in first place at 2-2.

2003-BROWNS-STEELERS.JPGThe Cleveland Browns defense swarms Amos Zereoue of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2003 game in Pittsburgh. From left, Gerard Warren (94), Kenard Lang (96), Orpheus Roye (99).

Beyond their overall record, the Browns needed to win to avoid an 0-3 mark in division games. They dug that hole with losses to Baltimore and Cincinnati.

"It would've been easy for the team to be down," said coach Butch Davis, who recorded his first victory over the Steelers. "But our leaders stepped up. It's a hell of a win for these guys."

The 20-point triumph was the largest in a road game since the Browns returned in 1999.

"It should be a huge shot of confidence for the team," Davis said.

"We've always believed we were capable of a game like this."

Couch's career performance may delay the return of Kelly Holcomb, who sat out as the No. 3 quarterback for the second game in a row.

Asked if Couch would remain the starter, Davis hedged.

"Guys, we just beat the Steelers. Tomorrow's another day. I don't know," he said.

The Browns followed the game plan they formulated for Holcomb in the playoff game and allowed Couch to throw out of multiple-receiver sets that spread the Pittsburgh defense across the field.

Couch responded with his finest game in a clutch situation. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 208 yards. The success enabled William Green to rush for 115 yards on a career-high 33 attempts.

"We had big plays all over," Couch said. "It was fun to be out there with those guys. I would say probably it's my most complete game."

The Browns built a 23-10 lead at halftime, evoking memories of their 24-7 advantage in the AFC wild-card game. Unlike the playoff game, however, the Browns would not let Pittsburgh seize the momentum.

The opportunity arose in the early minutes of the second half. Green ran for 13 yards on the Browns' first play. But on the next three plays, the Browns lost 21 yards and had to punt from their end zone.

2003-MADDOX-BROWNS-STEELERS.JPGBrant Boyer of the Cleveland Browns rushes Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox during Cleveland's 2003 win in Pittsburgh.

Chris Gardocki's punt bounced off the chest of Antwaan Randle El, but the Steelers recovered at the Browns' 41. On third-and-1, Maddox was hit by Brown as he threw. The pass was intercepted by Daylon McCutcheon, and he took it 75 yards for a touchdown.

It was the third interception of Maddox returned for a touchdown this season (another one was returned to the 1) and the Pittsburgh fans let him know about it. They booed loud and hard.

Maddox was a dismal 11-of-24 for 136 yards. He was sacked three times - twice by Brown - and intercepted twice.

The first half unfolded like a fantasy for the Browns. It was the kind of football you envisioned them playing by now, with their cornerstone draft picks leading the way.

Couch was sharp from the start. He completed his first six passes and 16 of 17 overall for 169 yards. His only incompletion was a throwaway out of the end zone.

Couch put the Browns ahead, 7-0, on a 6-yard touchdown to Andre Davis on his first series, and 16-3 on a 9-yard pass to Kevin Johnson on his third series.

But the killer to the Steelers was a 78-yard drive at the end of the first half, on which Couch made two good throws for gains of 17 yards by Steve Heiden and 18 by Quincy Morgan, and then scored the touchdown himself on a 9-yard run.

As the Browns sprinted to the locker room with a 23-10 lead, boos poured down on Heinz Field.

Steelers fans had watched Tennessee's Steve McNair complete 15 of 16 passes the week before. So in the last six quarters, the porous Pittsburgh secondary had allowed quarterbacks to complete 31 of 33 passes.

Defensively, Brown and Gerard Warren - the high draft picks taken in the years after Couch - made their presence felt early. Brown had two sacks and Warren one.

Brown, who has a history of good games against the Steelers, stripped Maddox of the ball on their third offensive snap and recovered at the Pittsburgh 20. That led to a Phil Dawson field goal.

Brown also had a sack of Maddox on third down to kill another Steelers' drive.

The Steelers got a break when Josh Miller's punt bounced wildly, and Dennis Northcutt flailed at the ball with his left hand. After a pileup, the Steelers had the ball at the Browns' 21, leading to a field goal.

But the Browns got all the other breaks.

On the ensuing kickoff, a Pittsburgh offside penalty forced a re-kick, and Davis returned it 69 yards to the Steelers' 23. That led to Couch's touchdown pass to Johnson. Dawson's extra-point kick was blocked.

Later, a Steelers' false start on a fourth-and-2 play forced a punt. Another mistake negated a 59-yard punt return by Randle El. An illegal block penalty on the return brought the ball back 60 yards.

And the Browns' last touchdown drive of the half was aided when Dewayne Washington grabbed Northcutt's face mask after a short completion.


Cleveland Browns, fans should be patient while core players grow into winners, says Hall of Famer Michael Irvin (SBTV)

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NFL Network analyst says that like Colt McCoy and the Browns, the Dallas Cowboys took plenty of beatings in his early years with team. Watch video



Cleveland, Ohio - Welcome to today's special expanded edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Bill Lubinger, who is standing in for Branson Wright.


Today's guest on SBTV is Michael Irvin, the Pro Football Hall of Famer with the Dallas Cowboys who is now an analyst for the NFL Network. Irvin will be in Pittsburgh tonight as the Browns take on the Steelers in an AFC North Division game.


Irvin talks about what the Browns can do about leading the league in dropped passes, and how he battled through a tough time catching the ball during his playing days.


Irvin also says he thinks Colt McCoy has what it takes to be the Browns' QB of the future; and he says that the Browns and their fans need to be patient while their young team develops. Irvin recalls how hard it was for the Cowboys to win during his first couple of years in the league. The 1988 Cowboys went 3-13 when Irvin was a rookie; and the 1989 Cowboys went 1-15.


SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi answering fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.




Cleveland Cavaliers expected to invite three non-roster players to camp

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Cavaliers training camp opens on Friday in Independence

cavaliers logo.jpg
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The Cavaliers are expected to invite three non-roster players to training camp, which opens Friday.

It appears former Miami University guard Kenny Hayes along with forwards Mychel Thompson (Pepperdine) and Willie Reed (Saint Louis University) will round out the Cavaliers training camp roster. Many clubs invite additional players to camps.

The Cavaliers have not confirmed the invitations.

Thompson, playing for the Erie Bayhawks of the D-League, is the son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson. Hayes is averaging 20.2 points per game for the Maine Red Claws of the D-League.     

Jerry Sandusky out of jail after posting bail

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Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky posted bail Thursday after spending a night in jail following a new round of sex-abuse charges filed against him.

Penn State AbuseThis Dec. 7, 2011 booking photo released by the Centre County Correctional Facility in Bellefonte, Penn. shows former Penn State football defensive coordinator Gerald "Jerry" Sandusky, who was arrested and arraigned Wednesday on new sex abuse charges brought by two new accusers. (AP Photo/Centre County Correctional Facility)

ELLEFONTE, Pa. — Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky posted bail Thursday after spending a night in jail following a new round of sex-abuse charges filed against him.

Sandusky secured his release using $200,000 in real estate holdings and a $50,000 certified check provided by his wife, Dorothy, according to online court records. Sandusky remained at the facility as of midmorning and the warden said he was quiet and cooperative during his overnight stay.

Sandusky was arrested Wednesday and charged with 12 new sex abuse counts involving two new alleged victims. He has maintained his innocence.

The latest accusers are the ninth and 10th alleged victims described in grand jury reports that claim Sandusky befriended and then molested boys he met through his Second Mile charity for troubled youth. A grand jury document released Wednesday echoed an earlier report, saying Sandusky gave the boys gifts while also making sexual advances toward them.

One of the new accusers said Sandusky kept him in a basement bedroom during overnight visits to Sandusky's home, forced him to perform sex acts and assaulted him.

"The victim testified that on at least one occasion he screamed for help, knowing that Sandusky's wife was upstairs, but no one ever came to help him," the grand jury report said.

Sandusky was charged last month with abusing eight boys, some on campus, over 15 years, allegations that were not immediately brought to the attention of authorities even though high-level people at Penn State apparently knew about them. In all, he faces more than 50 charges.

The scandal has resulted in the ousting of school President Graham Spanier and longtime coach Joe Paterno.


McCoy needs to make players around him better - Browns Comment of the Day

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"I think the bar is so low in Cleveland that fans actually think we have a keeper in Colt. In today's NFL, you need a guy who will make everyone around him better, not a guy who needs others around him to play well. Ben makes plays even when his O-line has issues. Drew Brees makes plays that seem impossible. Brady makes every WR look good." - flukemaster

colt-mccoy.jpgView full sizeColt McCoy.
In response to the story 'The deck is stacked' against Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy, says NFL Network's Mike Mayock, cleveland.com reader flukemaster doesn't think McCoy has what it takes to be elite. This reader writes,

"I think the bar is so low in Cleveland that fans actually think we have a keeper in Colt. In today's NFL, you need a guy who will make everyone around him better, not a guy who needs others around him to play well. Ben makes plays even when his O-line has issues. Drew Brees makes plays that seem impossible. Brady makes every WR look good."

To respond to flukemaster's comment, go here.

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

Carlos Santana should stay behind the plate - Indians Comment of the Day

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"A catcher with offensive numbers well above the norms is an asset, assuming he at least provides average defense. Santana has been a ML catcher for all of one season + two months. Give him a chance. he could still become a good backstop." - wahoorc

Cleveland Indians lose to Seattle Mariners, 9-2View full sizeCarlos Santana has played just one full season behind the plate in the Majors.
In response to the story Cleveland Indians keeping a close winter watch on Ubaldo Jimenez, cleveland.com reader wahoorc thinks keeping Carlos Santana behind the plate is the right call. This reader writes,

"A catcher with offensive numbers well above the norms is an asset, assuming he at least provides average defense. Santana has been a ML catcher for all of one season + two months. Give him a chance. he could still become a good backstop."

To respond to wahoorc's comment, go here.

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

Antawn Jamison still has value to Cavaliers - Comment of the Day

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"Hope for his sake they do trade him to a contender once he's done with his mentoring and the team is ready to move forward with youth. He can still play. The coach has to find a way to maximize his contribution." - briansiper

Cleveland Cavaliers fall to Chicago Bulls, 88-83View full sizeAntawn Jamison is trying to bounce back from a finger injury last season.
In response to the story Antawn Jamison expects to stick around entire season with Cleveland Cavaliers, cleveland.com reader briansiper thinks Jamison still has value. This reader writes,

"Hope for his sake they do trade him to a contender once he's done with his mentoring and the team is ready to move forward with youth. He can still play. The coach has to find a way to maximize his contribution."

To respond to briansiper's comment, go here.

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

The Browns Will Win If... Week 14: Pittsburgh Steelers

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WFNY looks at whether or not the Cleveland Browns have any chance to upset the Pittsburgh Steelers despite being fresh off of a loss to the Ravens just days ago.

ap-201112051619587718960.jpgWill Colt McCoy manage to stay upright against the Steelers?

Somewhere, Ray Rice just gained another five yards...

Every Friday leading into a Sunday contest for the Cleveland Football Browns, WFNY provides a roundtable-like discussion featuring each writer and his feelings on what the Dawgs need to do in order to leave the contest victorious.  On the flip side of the coin, we aim to feature at least one voice from the opposing team who in turn aims to provide a bit of a contrast; a devil's advocate if you will.

This season, we will share some of our thoughts with the loyal readers of cleveland.com while inviting you all to continue the conversation with your fellow fans. 

Without further ado, this season's Week 14 edition of The Browns Will Win If...

Craig: ...they can run the ball and they get creative. The Browns seemed to turn a small corner with their offense a few weeks ago when Pat Shurmur got creative. Yes, he ran the wildcat and put Seneca Wallace on the field, but I don't even need that level of gimmickry. The Browns pretty much held back Montario Hardesty in the Baltimore game. Josh Cribbs barely touched the ball either by chance or by design. The Browns don't have a great shot to win this game, but they will have to give some kind of new look to the Steelers on offense not only in the first half, but the second. Using Hillis, Cribbs, Hardesty, the tight ends and Jordan Norwood to their maximum is the only way. They need to have a creative gameplan to strike early and then they need another to hold on late. We could talk about the Browns' defense all day, but if the Browns never score when the defense is able to get off the field, it just doesn't matter.

Andrew: ...the Steelers overlook this game and play down to the Browns. I’d love to say that there’s some kind of gameplan the Browns could cook up to beat the Steelers at their best, but that’s just not true. I’ve seen enough of this year’s Browns to accept that they simply are not a very good football team. If the Steelers play anything that even loosely resembles good football on their part, they will win. However, if they play a bad game, there are things the Browns can do to win. Most importantly, the offensive line has to play out of their minds and control this game. If McCoy is scrambling for his life and there are no holes for the RBs, nothing is going to work. But if the OL can step up and push some bodies backwards, and if the Steelers play down to the Browns, I think the Browns will have a shot.

Click Here to Continue Reading "The Browns Will Win If..."

 

 

Browns at Steelers: Live in-game chat and post-game show

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Join cleveland.com's live chat during the Browns vs. Steelers game tonight at 8:20 p.m. Interact with cleveland.com producer Joey Morona and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff live as they describe the action on the field, post scoring updates and tackle your comments and questions.

peyton hillis vs. steelers apJoin cleveland.com's in-game chat during the Browns-Steelers game tonight.

Join cleveland.com's live chat during the Browns vs. Steelers game tonight at 8:20 p.m.  Interact with cleveland.com producer Joey Morona and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff live as they describe the action on the field, post scoring updates and tackle your comments and questions.

You can also get updates from The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter and in their in-game blog.

After the game, stay tuned to listen to Manoloff and Morona break down the game and take your chat room comments and questions.

Enter your name and log onto the chat room below. Java is required to participate in the chat. Download it here

Note: To turn off audio alerts, click on round button on bottom left of chat room and click on preferences.

audio Live audio: Click on play about 10 minutes after the end of the game to listen to our live post-game show with The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff.

High school players of the week for December 9, 2011

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

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

Jameel Moore, Brush
Sport: Basketball
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 170

What Jameel did last week: In a 66-65 victory against Benedictine, the guard scored 17 points, with five rebounds, five blocked shots and four assists. He had five 3-point baskets.

About Jameel: Enjoys video games and working out at the Bob Nance Basketball Academy. Favorites include the Miami Heat and LeBron James, "Remember the Titans" movie, "My Wife and Kids" TV show, music by Drake, Twitter.com, "Madden NFL 12" video game, Red Lobster restaurant, Polo clothes and language arts class.

Deana Lewis, Cuyahoga Heights
Sport: Basketball
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-10

What Deana did last week: In a 61-43 victory against Richmond Heights, the center had 27 points on 11-of-21 shooting and 18 rebounds.

About Deana: Member of the National Society of High School Scholars, orchestra, chamber strings and science club. Intends to major in pre-medicine. Favorites include Bulls guard Derrick Rose, "Sandlot" movie, Twitter.com, "Just Dance" video game, mom's shrimp alfredo, Melt restaurant and Forever 21 clothes. Wants to try scuba diving.

Greta Burry, St. Joseph Academy
Sport: Basketball
Class: Sophomore
Age: 16
Ht: 6-0

What Greta did last week: In a 58-45 win against Maple Heights, the forward had 18 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks. In a 45-31 win against Culver Academy, she had 14 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.

About Greta: Also plays volleyball. Enjoys baking and reading. Wants to be a doctor. Favorites include Ohio State men's basketball team and Aaron Craft, "The Blind Side" movie, "Bones" TV show, music by Blake Shelton, Facebook.com, "Harry Potter" books, sushi and U.S. history class. Wants to vacation in Australia.

Liam Geither, St. Ignatius
Sport: Hockey
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 5-9
Wt: 160

What Liam did last week: Forward had two goals and four assists in 7-2 win against Lake Catholic. During Indians Snow Days Invitational, had game-winning goal with five seconds left in 5-4 win against Bethel Park (Pa.). Had six goals and six assists in three other wins.

About Liam: Member of St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Society. Plans to play club hockey in college. Favorites include Buffalo Sabres, "Shawshank Redemption" movie, "NHL12" video game, "The Giver" book, Cozumel restaurant and physics class. Wants to try deep sea fishing.

Mike Labry, Twinsburg
Sport: Wrestling
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-4
Wt: 132

What Mike did last week: Became the second four-time champion in the 29-year history of the Solon Comet Classic, going 4-0 with one pin and three major decisions. Won championship match with a 9-1 major decision over a state-placer from St. Vincent-St. Mary.

About Mike: Enjoys wakeboarding and jumping on his trampoline. Plans to wrestle in college. Favorites include Ohio State teams, "Troy" movie, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" TV show and Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.

Brent Fickel, Padua
Sport: Wrestling
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 5-8
Wt: 132

What Brent did last week: Went 5-0 with three pins at Crestview's Cougar Classic Dual Tournament. Was voted the lightweight MVP. He has 153 career wins.

About Brent: Enjoys being with friends and going to sporting events. Will wrestle for Ashland University. Favorites include Missouri football, "Step Brothers movie, "SportsCenter" TV show, Pop-Tarts, Outback restaurant and physical education class. Wants to vacation in Hawaii and try surfing.

Craig Fishel, Cuyahoga Falls
Sport: Bowling
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 5-7
Wt: 160

What Craig did last week: At the Twin Star Kickoff Tournament in Kent, rolled a 300 game as part of a 277-191-768 series. It was the first 300 game in school history, with the 768 series also a school best by 50 pins. Also had a 276-224-500 series against Mayfield.

About Craig: President of Student Council. Plans to attend Kent State or Notre Dame College. Favorites include "Top Gear" TV show, Chipotle restaurant and principle of democracy class. Has been to Italy and Greece. Would like to try throws for track team.

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.

Brunswick sprinter Brianna Neitzel to run for Ohio State

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BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Brunswick senior sprinter Brianna Neitzel has made an oral commitment to Ohio State, which she said offered a full scholarship. Track scholarships often are partial grants. Neitzel will specialize in the 400-meter dash for the Buckeyes program, the event she won at the Division I state meet last spring in a career-best 54.70 seconds. She placed...

Brunswick senior sprinter Brianna Neitzel will specialize in the 400-meter dash for Ohio State.

BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Brunswick senior sprinter Brianna Neitzel has made an oral commitment to Ohio State, which she said offered a full scholarship. Track scholarships often are partial grants.

Neitzel will specialize in the 400-meter dash for the Buckeyes program, the event she won at the Division I state meet last spring in a career-best 54.70 seconds. She placed fourth in the 100. Her 400 time ranked 10th in the nation among juniors, according to milesplit.com.

She also visited North Carolina, Michigan and Cincinnati.

"I picked Ohio State because the whole school I absolutely fell in love with as soon as I walked on campus," Neitzel said. "Everything fit perfectly."

Neitzel, a Cleveland native, plans to study pre-veterinary medicine with the goal of earning a postgraduate degree in marine biology.

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