Harrison said Monday he hasn't heard from the NFL and doesn't expect to. The 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year insists he did nothing wrong on the play.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerSteelers linebacker James Harrison doesn't think he should be fined by the NFL for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison doesn't think the NFL should fine him for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy in last week's victory over the Browns.

Harrison said Monday he hasn't heard from the NFL and doesn't expect to. The 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year insists he did nothing wrong on the play.

McCoy was scrambling late in the fourth quarter when he tucked the ball and tried to run. Harrison raced in for the tackle, but McCoy pulled up at the last second and flipped a pass to running back Montario Hardesty.

Harrison knocked McCoy to the ground after the pass was away and was called for roughing the passer. Harrison, who was born in Akron, graduated from Coventry High School and played at Kent State, says he would have liked to avoid the penalty but doesn't think he should be penalized by the league.

Browns receiver Josh Cribbs didn't let his friendship with Steelers linebacker James Harrison prevent him from criticizing him for his hit on Colt McCoy.

Tracy Boulian | The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs feels that James Harrison was out of line with his helmet smash on Colt McCoy.

BEREA -- Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs is close friends with Steelers linebacker James Harrison and played with him at Kent State. He's also been knocked out by him twice, once in college and once last season.

But his strong relationship with Harrison didn't stop him from criticizing Harrison for drilling Colt McCoy in the facemask with his helmet Thursday night and giving McCoy a concussion.

"I’m biased because Colt is my quarterback, I want him to be healthy,'' said Cribbs, who suffered a concussion after his helmet-to-helmet hit by Harrison last season. "I feel like he didn’t have to make that hit. I feel like he’s trying to make a play, but on that one there’s no play to be made on the quarterback,''

Cribbs said, "at the same time, I’m not commissioner or I don’t have to make that call. We’ve got to heed to the rules of the game. I’m sure they’ll find some type of way to penalize him.''

Cribbs differentiated between Harrison's hits on him and McCoy. The one on Cribbs, who was running with the ball at the time, was legal. The one on McCoy after the throw was illegal even though he was out of the pocket.

"For one, he’s a quarterback. For two, he’s throwing the ball and being defenseless,'' said Cribbs. "I wasn’t defenseless. I  was running the ball and he came and put a hit on me, which a linebacker should. It was two different hits. The hit on me, even though it was a hard hit, he didn’t do anything wrong, that’s why he didn’t get fined. The game of football is a tough sport. Sometimes you don’t know when to let off. You’re trying to make a play when there’s no play to be made and that’s when guys get fined and people get hurt.

"I understand how they would talk in their locker room, an athlete trying to make a play, I can see trying to be unbiased if that was one of my guys. I went to college with James, I know what type of player he is, that linebacker mentality, that trying to kill the other team mentality. That’s what a linebacker is supposed to have. But there’s rules in this sport and they’re put in place to protect certain people, protect our quarterback, and he was a defenseless player.''

Cribbs re-iterated what he said last year: that Harrison has the mindset of knocking people out of the game.

"I feel like he wanted to make a play,'' Cribbs said. "I feel like he’s trying to put people out of the game. As a linebacker, that’s what his job is. That’s how he’s been in college, he tried to put me out of the game when I was on his team, with a red jersey on. He doesn’t remember that, he keeps moving. That’s why he’s been so successful in this league. That’s also why he’s been highly fined in this league as well, but also successfu.''

Harrison is facing a possible one- or two-game suspension for the McCoy hit. He was the third Browns player to leave a game concussed after a helmet-to-helmet blow by Harrison since last season. In 2010, he was fined $75,000 for his collission with Mohamed Massaquoi. It was later reduced to $50,000.

Perhaps the NFL should've doubled it instead of reducing it. Harrison told the NFL he doesn't think he did anything wrong on the hit and that he shouldn't be penalized.

The Cleveland Cavaliers No. 1 overall draft pick, Kyrie Irving, went through his first Media Day at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence. Along with the usual photo sessions and interviews, he got advice from Austin Carr and some rookie joking from center Ryan Hollins. Watch video

Most of the questions were about how the Browns and their medical staff responded to Colt McCoy's condition after the quarterback was illegally hit by the Steelers' James Harrison.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns coach Pat Shurmur is having to field numerous questions about the team's response to Colt McCoy's condition after the quarterback took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

BEREA, Ohio

Browns coach Pat Shurmur's Monday press conference

Opening statement:

"Got the guys going today, got a good practice, got a chance to run around after couple days off their feet. As we get ready for Arizona, it's a little bit of a longer preparation week so it was good for them. They'll be off tomorrow - typical off day - and back to work on Wednesday, against an Arizona team that's playing well. So we've got some work to do to get ready for them."

(Questions are paraphrased)

Question: Did everybody made it back?

Shurmur: "Everybody was in and some of the guys that didn't compete today were in for treatment. Yeah, everybody's back."

Question: What do you think about ESPN reporting that Colt McCoy was not given a concussion test on Thursday night?

Shurmur: "We followed all the proper medical procedures. I don't know what got reported other than what you're telling me now, but we followed all the proper medical procedures and that's where it's at."

Question: Are you saying that the ESPN report is incorrect?

Shurmur: "I don't know. I don't know what the report is so I'll go back and find out."

Question: Has the medical staff told you that they wish they had done anything different?

Shurmur: "Nope, not at all."

Question: Has the medical staff indicated that McCoy was tested for concussion-like symptoms?

Shurmur: "He was deemed ready to play and he went back in the game."

Question: What is the first test administered to someone who is suspected of having a concussion?

Shurmur: "There's a process that you go through when he has concussion-like symptoms. The specifics of that are probably better asked to our medical people."

Question: Would the media be able to speak with someone from the medical staff?

Shurmur: "At some point, I don't know how that works. Maybe so."

Question: Who told you that McCoy was deemed ready to play?

Shurmur: "By our trainer after, being evaluated."

Question: Are you in favor of the NFL having an independent neurologist on the sideline?

Shurmur: "I think there are going to be procedures and changes. Things change all the time. I think it's important that we keep player safety in mind and I'm for whatever is best for the players."

Question: Will McCoy be able to practice this week?

Shurmur: "We're hopeful that he'll be back practicing."

Question: Will McCoy be back to practicing by Wednesday?

Shurmur: "I don't know. We'll have to see. Again, we're following the procedures as you go through this."

Question: Have you talked with McCoy?

Shurmur: "I have talked to him, a couple of times. I've talked to him and we've had good conversations."

Question: Is McCoy in the building today?

Shurmur: "He was in the building this morning, yes."

Question: Has McCoy said whether he would have changed anything from Thursday night in their conversations?

Shurmur: "No, our conversations were good. We talked about the game and I asked how he was feeling. Just general conversation that you have with a player after a game."

Question: What's McCoy's current status?

Shurmur: "He wasn't at practice today. He came in and we're treating him for concussion-like symptoms."

Question: Do you send all players home when they have a concussion?

Shurmur: "It depends on who they are."

Question: Is McCoy in the facility at this time?

Shurmur: "He is not here right now, no."

Question: About T.J. Ward returning to practice today, and if he will play on Sunday?

Shurmur: "We're going to progress like he may be available Sunday."

Question: What do you expect to see from Seneca Wallace if McCoy can't play on Sunday?

Shurmur: "Until Colt comes back Seneca will take the snaps. I expect him to go in there and execute efficiently and hopefully lead us to a victory."

Question: Will Shawn Lauvao will be participating in practice this week?

Shurmur: "Yeah, he practiced today."

Question: Was McCoy tested for a concussion by the medical staff after the James Harrison hit, and before he re-entered the game?

Shurmur: "He came off the field and our medical staff worked with him and I was told that he was able to play. That's where it's at. He was treated like any player that has an episode on the field."

Question: Was his hand the only thing treated on the sideline?

Shurmur: "He was treated. His hand was treated and he was communicated with about how he was feeling. In the midst of that communication, it was determined that his hand was fine. Our doctors and our training staff have communication with the players and he was deemed ready to play. That's where it's at."

Question: Were there three members of the medical staff evaluating McCoy on the sidelines?

Shurmur: "I'd have to get you the specifics on that."

Question: Were you shocked that McCoy was ready to go back into the game?

Shurmur: "No, nothing shocks me. Colt's a tough man."

Question: How much of a concern is it for Benjamin Watson to get his third concussion of the season?

Shurmur: "Each situation, each injury is different. We just have to treat Ben like we would any other player, be very proactive with doing what we can to get him back."

Question: Have you re-thought sending McCoy back into the game?

Shurmur: "No. If a player is able to play then I think it's important that he plays. I do not want to put a player at risk. If he's not able to play, I don't want him out there."

Question: Do you feel James Harrison should be suspended?

Shurmur: "That's a league issue. I'm not going to comment on that."

Question: Do you still feel the team followed protocol?

Shurmur: "Yeah, I said it today. I feel like we followed the normal medical procedures necessary. I said it today, I said it then. I feel like we followed the procedures to determine whether he was eligible to play."

Question: If McCoy didn't reveal that there was an issue, would the medical staff possibly not have checked to see if he had a concussion?

Shurmur: "Again, we're speculating right now. We followed the procedures and that's how I'm going to answer it. We followed the procedures necessary to determine whether he could play. That's what we did."

Question: Are you angry over the distractions that have been perpetrated by James Harrison in the light and in the context that Harrison is a repeat offender?

Shurmur: "I'm not angry about holding the bag. As the head coach of this team I'm trying to get our players ready to play that game and then the next game. My concern for their safety is very high. I have, obviously, strong feelings and thoughts on a lot of issues that I don't share for obvious reasons."

Question: Have you spoken to the league office about the situation?

Shurmur: "League business, I don't want to comment on that."

Question: Is it feasible for a player to be tested for a concussion in a three or four-minute increment?

Shurmur: "The specifics and the details of that, we'll probably touch on at a different time. When a player has concussion-like symptoms then it goes through that process."

Question: Were the procedures and protocol followed to determine if McCoy was ready to play for concussion-testing or something different?

Shurmur: "Sideline procedures to determine whether the man can play. We followed them and I think that is what's important. Hopefully that clarifies it. Our medical staff works with the player and they determine whether he can play or not. That's what they do. They work with them. There's communication. They look at him. They talk to him and that's what they do."

Defending Pat Shurmur in his handling of Colt McCoy's injury Thursday night is not popular, but it is proper. Watch video

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerPat Shurmur may well have been better served by keeping Colt McCoy on the sidelines after McCoy's helmet-to-helmet confrontation with James Harrison, but Bill Livingston says critics of McCoy's return to the field miss the point if Shurmur was given incomplete or incorrect information by the team's medical personnel.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- They used to say a player "had his bell rung" when he got a concussion. It had a sleigh-ride feel to it, almost jingly. The Liberty Bell cracked when it was rung, of course, but that's for the history books.

"They didn't talk about it much when I came into the league," said Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, who is in his fifth season. "It's good that they're talking about these things now."

The fallout continues from the hit of Pittsburgh's James Harrison on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy Thursday night. The concussion that resulted apparently was a late bloomer, like Tom Brady. It was undetectable on a sideline check whose thoroughness is unclear.

According to McCoy's father, Brad, the effect of the helmet-to-helmet blow was, eventually, his son's inability to recall the intentional grounding and end zone interception that followed his return to action. The Browns, trailing, 7-3, at the time and having moved into the red zone, lost 14-3.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on Sunday that the Browns didn't give McCoy the SCAT2 concussion test until Friday morning. So the focus now is about the efficacy of the Browns' medical staff, the lack of awareness and compassion of Shurmur, and the decision to expose an at-risk player to further trauma.

Shurmur had several opportunities to give a yes or no answer Monday to the question of whether McCoy was given a concussion test on the sideline. He repeatedly said "sideline medical procedures were followed" and that the "medical staff cleared McCoy to play," which is a bit vaguer than the direct answer that was requested. He also asserted that he did not know of Mortensen's report until asked about it Monday. And the coach rolls his eyes during Q-and-A sessions?

McCoy also bruised his left, non-throwing hand on the play. The medical staff appeared to be spending much of the three minutes, 50 seconds that followed McCoy's leveling by Harrison looking at the hand.

Defending Shurmur, who has not exactly been Riverboat Sam with the Kardiac Kids in appeal this season, is not popular. But it is also proper.

An NFL coach is a multi-tasker. Shurmur's major concern was the next play. It will always be argued here that, from a football standpoint, it was counterproductive to put McCoy back in. But the discussion quit being about football long ago.

Right tackle Tony Pashos pointed out that the trainers and doctors were "flooded" by injuries at the moment McCoy went down. Owen Marecic and Ben Watson were in the locker room, being tended for concussions. Josh Cribbs had left the game with a groin pull. Triage, (a procedure that assesses the severity of injuries and determines medical priorities) was a problem, as Pashos noted.

McCoy also said he told Shurmur he was "ready to roll." Players are always going to try to talk their way back into games, however, possibly by pointing to their left hand to hide something worse.

Asked if McCoy seemed in possession of his faculties in the huddle, Thomas said, "To be honest, I was just trying to get through it."

Thomas admitted he suffered from stomach flu from Wednesday through Saturday night. He was finally able to hold food down Sunday morning. He played Thursday on nothing but IVs, losing "10-to-15 pounds" in all.

Former Browns tackle Doug Dieken thinks one sensible precaution would be for the NFL to mandate mouthpieces. College players must wear them. "It stands to reason that it would help cushion a shot to the head," Dieken said.

Former Browns QB Bernie Kosar, however, refused a mouthpiece because it would have interfered with his ability to call audibles. Kosar said, "I lived on audibles." But the arithmetic of too many head blows takes it toll eventually.

It would be appropriate for Browns president Mike Holmgren to address the issues raised Thursday night. Mark Shapiro has always been ready to talk when brush fires break out around the Indians. But so far, there has been nothing from Holmgren. Sightings of Mount Rainer in Berea equal those of Holmgren.

From here, it seems that Shurmur can be found guilty of many things in his direction of the Browns' sputtering offense. Shurmur's best chance to win the game was Wallace, given McCoy's injury. But dereliction in his handling of McCoy is not among them. Shurmur didn't heed the alarm, because no one rang it.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Crosby recently returned to action after missing more than 10 months as a result of taking hits to the head in successive games in January.

Associated PressSidney Crosby was the NHL's MVP for the 2006-07 season, and he led the Pittsburgh Penguins to the 2008-09 season league championship.

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania -- The tests indicate Sidney Crosby doesn’t have a concussion. Crosby’s body isn’t quite so sure.

The Pittsburgh Penguins superstar said Monday he’s dealing with a recurrence of concussion-like symptoms and is out indefinitely.

Crosby, who missed more than 10 months after taking shots to the head in successive games in January, hasn’t played since developing a headache following a 3-1 loss to Boston last week.

“I ended up skating the following day after with a little bit exertion and it just didn’t feel right,” Crosby said. “After kind of talking with everyone it was better to be cautious here and not take any chances.”

The 24-year-old former MVP passed an ImPACT test — designed to diagnose concussions — last Wednesday but didn’t travel with the team on a road trip through Philadelphia and New York over the weekend.

Instead he remained in Pittsburgh hoping to play when the Penguins host Detroit on Tuesday, but those plans were scuttled when symptoms popped up over the weekend during what he called “light exertion.”

Crosby stressed it wasn’t back to square one but acknowledged it could be awhile before he plays. Though he is encouraged by the ImPACT results he allowed “the ImPACT isn’t everything. You’ve got to listen to your body on these things too.”

It’s unclear if one specific hit caused the symptoms to resurface, though Crosby pointed to a first-period collision with Boston’s David Krejci as significant.

Krejci was digging for the puck in front of the Pittsburgh bench when Crosby closed in. The Boston forward spun just before Crosby arrived, with Krejci’s left elbow appearing to knock Crosby off-balance as play continued.

Crosby didn’t miss a shift, playing more than 21 minutes as the Penguins fell to the defending Stanley Cup champions.

“I know I got hit in the head there,” Crosby said. “But I felt like I was pretty good after that. I didn’t feel like it was anything too major but if you look at one hit ... that was a good one.”

Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma refused to place the blame on Krejci but on the cumulative wear-and-tear that comes over the course of a game.

“Right afterwards there was a little jostling between the two,” Bylsma said. “Krejci gave him a little shove away. I didn’t see that hit or that situation until after the game ... (but) he had some other hits as well.”

Crosby has 12 points in eight games but hasn’t scored since finding the net twice in his electrifying debut against the New York Islanders on Nov. 21. The Penguins are 5-2-1 this season when their captain plays but have grown accustomed to going without him over the last year.

“It’s disappointing but you know, you want him to be 100 percent,” forward Pascal Dupuis said.

Despite the setback, Crosby insisted he didn’t feel “bad,” just a little off. He went through a painstakingly slow rehabilitation after being diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms in January. He doesn’t believe he’s anywhere close to that situation.

He will, however, have to follow similar protocols. Crosby joined the Penguins at the start of training camp but spent more than two months practicing before getting cleared to play.

“It’s kind of that whole routine again, but hopefully not as long,” he said. “That’s something where when I wasn’t doing something for 6-7 months, that process is a little longer. Hopefully that’s not the case here.”

Crosby is the fourth Pittsburgh player to be diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms this season. Forward Tyler Kennedy and defensemen Zybnek Michalek and Kris Letang have also struggled with concussion problems.

Then again, the Penguins are hardly the only team affected by concussions. Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux, the league’s leading scorer, will miss Tuesday’s game with Washington while he overcomes a head injury. Crosby’s situation has raised awareness about the nature of concussions, leaving teams more cautious than ever on how to treat the problem before clearing players to return to the ice.

“I get the feeling, I think if it was up to (Giroux), he’d play tomorrow,” Flyers forward Jaromir Jagr said. “The doctors have to make sure. You don’t want anything like what happened to Crosby. You have to be very careful.”

The Penguins, who are tied for second with the New York Rangers in the Atlantic Division, will also be without forward Richard Park for the next 4-6 weeks while he recovers from a fractured right foot. Center Jordan Staal remains day-to-day with a lower body injury.

Will Crosby be back before Park returns? He’s not sure. Yet he’d rather take his time than rush back too soon.

“I don’t think frustrating, that even describes it,” he said. “It’s not fun but I look at my ImPACT, I look at some of that stuff and I’m way better off than I was dealing with this stuff 10 months ago or whenever it was.”

Greater Cleveland and Akron brought home a total of six team state championships and nine runners-up this fall.

View full sizePD fileIt was quite a weekend for Selena Pasadyn.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's a lot to celebrate these days.

Selena Pasadyn returned to Brunswick High on Monday after winning the female High School Heisman, emblematic of the best high school student-athlete in the country, with the emphasis on student.

Tuesday, three busloads of Kirtland football players, cheerleaders and marching band members will be at the Statehouse in Columbus. The state football champs are honored by both the state senate and house of representatives.

This week, a billboard on I-90 celebrates St. Ignatius' reign, which recently expanded to include its 11th football and fifth soccer state championships. Both squads have received similar invitations to Columbus.

Greater Cleveland and Akron brought home a total of six team state championships and nine runners-up this fall. Strongsville won its fourth girls soccer championship. St. Vincent-St. Mary won its third straight girls cross country title in Division II. Pasadyn's Brunswick cross country team beat Beavercreek by five points for the Division I crown.

The fall awards season concluded with Friday's stunning announcement in New York City that Pasadyn won the High School Heisman. That she won as a senior who just turned 16 borders on incredible. She's the youngest winner in the award's 18 years. Several judges told her family they were blown away by both her accomplishments and her youth.

Pasadyn, who skipped to the second grade as a 5-year-old and entered high school at age 12, is ranked No. 1 in her class with a 4.74 grade-point average. She holds school records in cross country, swimming and track. She's heavily involved in numerous other church and community activities. The fact she still was 15 when she was among 48,000 initial applicants wasn't widely known until her brief biography was played during the awards ceremony at Best Buy Theater in Times Square.

"There were a lot of 'oohs' and 'aahs' when they said that," said her mother, Jeannine Pasadyn.

In a whirlwind weekend, Selena dined with two-time collegiate Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin and posed for photos with the latest Heisman winner, Robert Griffin III, who insisted she call him "RGIII." She toured Rockefeller Plaza, the 9/11 Memorial and the Statue of Liberty, and made some television appearances.

What she likely will remember best were quiet moments with the other 11 finalists, who quickly bonded and formed a unique peer group. At one point, they shared a two-hour breakfast during which they compared notes on the challenges of being super-achievers.

"They share the same values as [male winner] Garrett Gosse and I, and I know they're just as deserving," she said. "To be able to stand out amongst them is truly amazing. They have all strived to be at their best in academics, athletics and in their communities, and that was something I could identify with."

The buzz remained, but the glamour was gone late Sunday night as she settled in to catch up on homework, sans Heisman, at her Hinkley Township home. The heavy crystal trophy still was in New York and will be shipped later. Pasadyn was dealing with a lab report on the range of tolerance regarding the germination of radish seeds. It was hardly a heroic moment, but was totally necessary for a successful student-athlete.

A lot to celebrate? Yes.

Work still to be done? Always.

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

The Cavaliers will start this season with Varejao in the pivot, even though Byron Scott concedes the converted power forward would ideally be best coming off the bench. Watch video

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Two seasons ago, the Cavaliers had a future Hall of Famer as their starting center and a two-time All-Star as his backup. Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas were both past their primes, but each was a legitimate center, a large presence for whom defenses had to account.

The Cavaliers will start this season with Anderson Varejao in the pivot, even though his coach concedes the converted power forward would ideally be best coming off the bench.

"I think that would make our rotation a lot better and make us a better basketball team," Byron Scott said. "But at this particular point until I can find a center that's better than Andy he's going to be our starting center."

Anthony Parker rejoins team, Casspi sits out: Insider

It's a humbling admission, but in the NBA dominant big men are on a short list. Dwight Howard. Brook Lopez. Maybe Andrew Bogut. Even centers who aren't All Stars can get paid like them -- Tyson Chandler signed with the New York Knicks for $58 million over four years -- because of their rare combination of size and talent.

It's certainly not a position of strength for the Cavaliers, who finished 22nd last season in points scored in the paint, averaging 40.4 per game. With the departure of J.J. Hickson, who occasionally played center, that total could decline. Varejao, Ryan Hollins, and Semih Erden, once his broken right thumb heals, figure to see the most time in the pivot.

At 6-11 and 260 pounds, Varejao won't lack for effort or hustle in returning from a torn tendon in his left ankle that limited him to 31 games last season. But in a Central Division that includes Indiana's Roy Hibbert, Milwaukee's Bogut and Chicago's Joakim Noah, there won't be many easy nights for a low-post player built like a palm tree.

"I'll do whatever coach wants me to do," said Varejao, who's averaging 7.1 points in seven seasons. "It's hard when we play with bigger and strong guys and you have to bang on them the whole game. I'll take the challenge."

Varejao's appreciation for his good friend Ilgauskas has only grown. While he lacks the shooting touch and offensive skills of the long-limbed Lithuanian, Varejao believes there's at least one intangible he shares.

"He didn't care anything about stats, he just played the game wanting to win," Varejao said. "That's my thing, too. It's important to play hard and try to win."

The Cavaliers' most intriguing candidate after Varejao will start the season in street clothes. Erden broke his thumb  near the end of the lockout while playing overseas and probably won't make his season debut until early January. It's the latest in a series of injuries for 25-year-old Turk, who appeared in just four games last season for the Cavaliers after being acquired from Boston at the trade deadline.

Scott likes Erden's offensive potential, particularly his passing skills and his willingness to post up on the low block. Oh, yes, he's also 7-foot tall.

"That makes me say, 'Hey, I'm hoping he can do some things.'" Scott said. "I saw enough at [practice] last season."

Sasha Kaun (6-11, 250) remains on the Cavaliers' radar, but continues to play for CSKA Moscow.

Talent-laden clubs like the Miami Heat can make deep playoff runs without a true center, but the Cavs eventually will have to upgrade the position as they rebuild. Sunday night, they had forward Samardo Samuels playing center in a scrimmage. While he averaged 7.8 points in his rookie season, the Jamaican stands just 6-9.

"As long as I'm on the court, I don't care what position I'm playing," Samuels said. "I'm going to make it work."

It's an encouraging attitude, but when Samuels tries posting up amid the tangle of long arms and lanky frames, true centers such as Chandler, Howard and Lopez might not share his opinion.

Seven Indians eligible for salary arbitration receive contract offers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians offered contracts to all unsigned players on the 40-man roster before Monday's midnight deadline.

Among the players offered contracts were the seven Indians eligible for arbitration: Justin Masterson, Rafael Perez, Chris Perez, Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo, Jack Hannahan and Joe Smith.

Any player who isn't offered a contract is eligible for free agency.

Some American League players not offered contracts include Kansas City's Aaron Laffey, Twins' Jose Mijares, Baltimore's Luke Scott and Detroit's Will Rhymes.

Beard is one of three finalists for the women's Bowerman Award, collegiate track's version of the Heisman Trophy

View full sizePD file"I feel really good about [The Bowerman], especially after the on-line voting," says U.S. track star Jessica Beard.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- December is not normally a big month in the life of a world-class sprinter. But this is different for Euclid's Jessica Beard.

Beard is one of three finalists for the women's Bowerman Award. Track's version of the Heisman Trophy will be awarded Wednesday in San Antonio, Texas. On Saturday, Beard becomes the first member of her immediate family to earn a bachelor's degree when she graduates from Texas A&M with a degree in psychology.

Her mother, Theresa Beard, and close friends Claude and Tenise Holland will accompany her to both ceremonies. Claude Holland is the retired Cleveland Heights and John Adams track coach, and has been a longtime mentor of Beard's.

"I'm really excited," said Beard, who has purchased a light pink cocktail dress for the ceremony. "I feel really good about [The Bowerman], especially after the on-line voting."

Fan voting that concluded in August figures into the selection for the award conducted by a panel of media, statisticians and collegiate administrators. Beard won the women's online vote with 20,301 votes (49 percent), followed by Louisiana State sophomore sprinter Kimberlyn Duncan (42 percent) and Arkansas junior pole vaulter Tina Sutej (9 percent).

As a senior in 2010-11, Beard became the third female in NCAA Division I history, and first since 1999, to win both 400 indoor and outdoor national titles in the same year, and run on both winning 4 400 relays. She recorded the world's fastest indoor 400 time (50.79) at the NCAA meet. Outdoors, Beard won in 51.10. In the 4x400, she anchored with a meet-record 49.13 split, and the win clinched the Aggies' third straight team championship. Beard was a 16-time All-American.

At the USATF Championships, which are not considered part of the collegiate season, Beard placed fourth in the 400 (51.06). She won her second career world gold medal as part of the winning 4x400 relay at the World Championships in South Korea.

Duncan swept the NCAA indoor and outdoor 200. She also was the 100 runner-up and anchored the winning 4 100. Sutej set collegiate records in winning the indoor and outdoor pole vault.

Beard, 22, has signed an endorsement contract with Adidas and has turned pro. She will remain in College Station, Texas, to train for the U.S. Olympic Trials in June. The London Olympics begin July 27.

"I'll need to be top three [in the 400]," she said. "Seeing times from last year, it was a reality check. People are not playing out here. If you want to run with the big girls, you have to work hard.

"These will be the most crucial months for me to make sure I'm doing the right thing with training and diet and taking care of myself."

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has advanced sports in Cleveland through personal or career dedication and achievements.

View full sizeAP photoAustin Carr will receive the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission's lifetime achievement award during ceremonies on Feb. 2.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavaliers great Austin Carr has been selected as the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

Carr will be recognized Feb. 2 during the group's annual Greater Cleveland Sports Awards at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.

Carr played nine seasons with the Cavaliers, from 1971-80, and ranks second in team history in field goals made (4,272) and attempted (9,480). He is fourth in scoring (10,265), fifth in games played (635) and sixth in minutes played (19,003). He is in his 14th season as a Cavs analyst for Fox Sports Ohio.

Carr participates in charitable activities with the United Black Fund, the March of Dimes and the Center for Prevention of Domestic Violence. He also is the spokesman for the Cavaliers "Read to Achieve" program.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has advanced sports in Cleveland through personal or career dedication and achievements.

"Austin Carr is a prime example of a life that has tremendously advanced and influenced sports in Cleveland," David Gilbert, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, said in a news release. "Along with his stellar accomplishments on the basketball court, his passion and involvement in the Cleveland community has inspired and touched so many lives."

The Greater Cleveland Sports Awards will be hosted by ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt. Individual tickets start at $250. Group tables also are available.

The commission is also holding a Golden Ticket raffle for one pair of season tickets to each of the 2012 Browns, Cavaliers and Indians home games. Only 300 tickets will be sold. Call 216-621-0600 or visit cleveland.com/sportsawards for more information.

Browns move up to No. 6 on the draft board, for now, thanks to Jacksonville's win over Tampa Bay. Links to more Browns stories.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerSteelers receiver Jerricho Cotchery scores on a touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger during Pittsburgh's 14-3 win last Thursday night over Cleveland -- one of nine losses that puts the Browns at No. 6, for now, on the NFL draft board.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns were off on Sunday, following their 14-3 loss to the Steelers on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.

That doesn't mean all was lost for the Browns over the weekend.

Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com notes that the Browns are making strides in at least one area:

The bad news is that the Cleveland Browns (4-9) clinched last place in the AFC North as well as their 10th losing season in 12 years since rejoining the NFL.

The good news is that the Browns moved up one spot on the draft board to No. 6, inching past Jacksonville after the Jaguars won Sunday.

Actually, the "expansion-era Browns" have clinched their 11th losing season in 13 years. But who's to nit-pick, with optimism surging just four months prior to April's draft!

Hey, even the Atlanta Falcons lost on Sunday. The Browns own Atlanta's 2012 first-round pick. Unfortunately, the Falcons are one of four teams with an 8-5 record, better than 21 of the league's 32 teams.  

Cleveland, which has lost eight of its last 10 games, visits the Arizona Cardinals (6-7) on Sunday. Arizona began the season 1-6, but is 5-1 since.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Mary Kay Cabot's story that Browns coach Pat Shurmur defends how the team handled Colt McCoy's injury -- which proved to be a concussion -- in the moments after McCoy took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison, though Shurmur wasn't specific about sideline testing of McCoy; Bill Livingston's column that the Browns deserve criticism for how they handled McCoy's injury, but Shurmur's response appears to have been proper; a transcript of Shurmur's Monday press conference; a report that Harrison doesn't think the NFL should fine him for his hit on McCoy; video by David I. Andersen of Shurmur talking with the media following Monday's practice; Tony Grossi's weekly chat about the Browns; Mary Kay Cabot, on Starting Blocks TV, saying that the NFL is investigating the Browns' handling of McCoy's concussion; and much more.

Post patterns

Cleveland.com's Browns history database includes Plain Dealer stories on every regular season and playoff game in Browns history through the 2010 season. It was 47 years ago today, Dec. 12, 1964, that the Browns clinched the Eastern Division title with a 52-20 rout of the Giants in New York. That paved the way for the Browns' last NFL championship, when they stunned the Baltimore Colts, 27-0, at Cleveland Stadium that Dec. 27. The Plain Dealer's Chuck Heaton wrote about the convincing win over the Giants and the title-game victory over the Colts.

Safety T.J. Ward and wide receiver/returner Josh Cribbs are working through injuries and hoping to play against Arizona, Matt Florjancic writes for clevelandbrowns.com.

Whose stock is rising and falling for the Browns after the loss at Pittsburgh, by Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Weekly.

James Harrison talks about his illegal hit on Colt McCoy. By Gerry Dulac for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Looking at the final three weeks of the Browns season. A Bleacher Report slideshow.

Browns notes by Scott Petrak for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.

The concussion controversy continues. By Fred Greetham for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report.

The Browns don't look good in the controversy over Colt McCoy's concussion, Daniel Wolf writes for the National Football Authority.

The Cardinals -- the Browns' opponent on Sunday -- are making a remarkable turnaround, Paola Boivin writes for the Arizona Republic.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver, Josh Cribbs, 28, was joined by 15 other Browns teammates, including Mohamed Massaquoi and Mike Adams, for Cribbs' second annual "Shop with a Jock" day at Wal-Mart in Strongsville Monday night.

Lynn Ischay, The Plain DealerCleveland Browns wide receiver, Josh Cribbs, helps Jovani, 10, try on a Browns winter hat during Cribbs' "Shop with a Jock" day at Wal-Mart in Strongsville Monday night. Cribbs and 15 fellow teammates took 50 youth from the Cleveland Christian Home on a $100 shopping spree for Christmas. This is the second year that Cribbs has hosted the event.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio --- Josh Cribbs proved to be not only a star on the field but also a star among 50 children, making them feel like the luckiest kids in the world Monday evening.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver, 28, was joined by 15 other Browns teammates, including fellow receiver Mohamed Massaquoi and safety Mike Adams, for Cribbs' second annual "Shop with a Jock" day at the Walmart in Strongsville.

Through the Cleveland Christian Home, an organization aimed at helping neglected and abused children and families, the kids were treated to a $100 shopping spree sponsored by Walmart and to food and drinks donated by Subway restaurants.

Cribbs said that even though the limit is $100, there have been times when the children have gone over and teammates have pulled out their own credit cards to make sure the kids got what they wanted.

"No kid should be without on Christmas," Cribbs said. "We are duty-bound to gave back, and not just at Christmas."

Even though this event was meant for the kids to receive gifts, many wanted to shop for their families.

Shirley, 14, wanted a can-opener for her mother. Jordon, 16, was looking for anything that would catch her eye for her father, little brothers and nephew.

Miranda, 14, also decided to take care of the family first, and was touched by the generosity of the Browns players.

"It's amazing that they are taking time out of their lives. That they care more about just sports," she said.

Joseph, 16, echoed the sentiment.

"It's really cool that they would take time to meet kids like us," he said. "We're not troubled, just misunderstood, in a way."

Organizers asked that the children not be identified by their full names.

Cribbs said it was typical for the children to use their gift cards for their families instead of themselves.

Maria Liver, development coordinator for the Cleveland Christian Home, said the outing gave the children an opportunity to meet people that they regard as heroes and for them to learn that they are regular people that worked hard to get to where they are.

"This is a real self-esteem booster, that someone so well-known cares enough to spend time with them, let alone help them with Christmas gifts," Liver said. "It's more of an emotional boost than material."

Cribbs was able to recruit his teammates for the event by putting memos in their lockers inviting them to participate. He said many broke their previous plans to be there.

"These children have been through enough," he said. "Let's bring them some joy."

Speas, a Stow native who graduated from Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, had spent two years with the Zips before deciding to transfer to UNC.

View full sizeDave Martin, Associated PressNorth Carolina's Ben Speas (center) was stopped by Charlotte goalie Klay Davis on this foray on Sunday, but the former CVCA standout scored the only goal of the game to lead the Tar Heels to an NCAA championship on Sunday, one year after being a part of Akron's championship team.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two teams, two seasons, two championships.

North Carolina soccer forward Ben Speas has had an interesting last 12 months. In the fall of 2010, he was part of an NCAA championship team as a member of the Akron Zips. After transferring to North Carolina, he found himself on Sunday scoring the winning goal on the Tar Heels' only shot in a 1-0 championship game victory over Charlotte.

"I think it definitely played a role," Speas said of his 2010 championship experience with the Zips. "But it wasn't just me. The majority of the team had been [to the final four] for the fourth year in a row. Everyone on the team was pretty experienced. We just came together and got it done."

Speas, a Stow native who graduated from Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, had spent two years with the Zips before deciding to transfer. He was a reserve for Akron, scoring two goals with three assists during the 2010 season.

He, along with Akron coach Caleb Porter, decided a transfer was best, so Speas jumped at the chance to play for North Carolina.

"No hard feelings," he said, and the transition was smooth and easy.

"It's a lot different [than] back home," he said of North Carolina. "But ever since I got here my teammates have been welcoming. I only knew one person on the team before I got here. But after the first week everybody felt like my best friend."

He still keeps in touch with his old mates, including roommates Chad Barson, David Meves and Scott Caldwell.

"I was following them a lot," Speas said of the Zips season that ended with a 1-0 upset loss to Charlotte in the third round of the playoffs. "I'm still very close friends with several of the players, great friends actually. We've been texting. They wished me best of luck in all my games, and I did the same. It was tough for them when they lost, for sure."

Speas' game-winner was his seventh goal of the season to go along with 10 assists.

"I was just trying to get a shot off," said the 5-8, 155-pound forward. "They played great defense the whole game. I had to get a shot off. I hit it with my left foot and it went just over the keeper."

Speas said he did not stick the needle to his former teammates after getting another title.

"No, no. I didn't want to do that," he said. "I didn't need to do any trash talking. They wished me the best and I wished them the best."

Shurmur disputed a report that the Browns failed to conduct a proper sideline exam, as reps from the NFL and NFLPA arrive Tuesday to investigate. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns coach Pat Shurmur on Monday disputed a report that the Browns failed to conduct the proper concussion exam before sending quarterback Colt McCoy back into the Steelers game last Thursday. Meanwhile, representatives from the league and the NFL Players Association arrived in town for a meeting with the Browns Tuesday morning.

"We followed all the proper medical procedures," Shurmur said. "[There are] sideline procedures to determine whether the man can play. We followed them and I think that's what's important."

Shurmur didn't specifically answer whether the standard SCAT2 test was administered. McCoy was examined this past Friday morning and found to have a concussion, which kept him from practicing Monday. McCoy was sent home to rest after visiting the facility in the morning. If McCoy can't play, Seneca Wallace will get the start in Arizona.

"Our medical staff works with the player and they determine whether he can play or not," said Shurmur. "There's communication. They look at him, they talk to him."

Shurmur said McCoy was treated on the sidelines for an injury to his left hand. Then, "he was communicated with about how he was feeling. He was deemed ready to play."

But that's not what the initial review by the NFL found, according to a report Sunday by ESPN's Chris Mortensen. A union source told Mortensen there was "blatant system failure" because proper testing wasn't conducted until the next morning.

McCoy was drilled in the face mask by Steelers linebacker James Harrison's helmet and reeled backward. Last season, Harrison sent Browns receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi out of a game with concussions, earning a $75,000 fine for the Massaquoi hit.

On Thursday, McCoy needed assistance to leave the field and spent two plays on the sidelines, which totaled about 80 seconds. Actual time from when McCoy was hit until he returned to the game was about 3:50.

"I saw him laying down and obviously he was out for a while and he had to get helped up," said left tackle Joe Thomas. "But I didn't know that it was head to head, so when he came back in I thought he kinda just been shaken up a bit and came back in."

Mortensen reported that the NFL and NFL Players Association's chief physicians, Dr. Elliot Pellman and Dr. Thom Mayer, conducted the initial review, and that both sides will continue their investigation.

NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said Monday, "We're going to continue to gather information about this incident. Until we have a full set of data, we will pursue this with full confidentiality."

Representatives from the NFL and the NFLPA will meet with the members of the Browns' medical staff Tuesday to determine if the proper protocol was followed. Representatives from the NFLPA also plan to interview McCoy, a league source said. McCoy told reporters after the game that he didn't remember Harrison's hit and didn't know if he was okay.

McCoy's father, Brad, said Colt didn't remember anything after the hit, including how the game ended as a 14-3 Steelers victory.

If the NFLPA determines a proper exam wasn't conducted, it could file a grievance. The investigation could also prompt a change in the collective bargaining agreement, one that requires an independent neurologist to be on hand at each NFL game.

It's a move that Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, a member of the NFLPA's executive council, supports. Fujita suffered one of the nine concussions by Browns this season. Tight end Ben Watson has had three, including one in the Pittsburgh game, fullback Owen Marecic has had two, including one in the Pittsburgh game, and Massaquoi, Evan Moore and McCoy have had one.

"There are league-wide problems in procedure, and that's what needs to be addressed," said Fujita in an email response. "You can't point your finger at any one thing. It's the process. We need to continue to strive to find better ways to take care of our players, and I think an independent neurologist on game-days is something that should be seriously considered.

"Implementation and details obviously need to be thoroughly discussed, but I think this shouldn't be outside the realm of possibility."

Fujita said that he and other players such as Watson -- who has suffered at least four concussions in his career -- are happy with the care they've received from head trainer Joe Sheehan and the rest of the Browns medical staff. It was Sheehan who informed Shurmur that McCoy could re-enter the game. The Browns declined requests Monday to talk to a member of the medical staff.

"I believe our training staff has been ahead of the curve on this issue," said Fujita.

Shurmur stressed that he had no second thoughts about McCoy going back in the game. He was sacked on the last play of the game.

"If the player is able to play, then I think it's important he plays," Shurmur said. "But I do not want to put a player at risk. If he is not able to play I don't want him out there."

Opinion varied in the locker room Monday as to whether or not an independent neurologist should be on hand on gameday.

"I support where Scott Fujita stands on it -- in having an independent neurologist overseeing things and someone that specializes in that area, because we've got to protect players, no question about it," said Moore, who was also concussed last season. "That should be paramount in health and safety -- protecting the players."

Moore said McCoy seemed coherent when he came back into the game.

"All he had to do was step in the huddle and call the play," said Moore. "It's not hard to seem normal that way. I stepped in the huddle, heard the call and went and ran the play and nothing seemed off to me."

He declined to comment what McCoy was like when he drove him home after the team returned to Cleveland early Friday morning.

Cornerback Sheldon Brown said he wouldn't welcome an independent neurologist on the sidelines, saying it would be a "waste of time."

"As a competitor and as an athlete, if I can go and a trainer tells me I can't go, that trainer has a problem with me after the game," Brown said. "If somebody's holding me out and I know I can play and help the team and at the end of the day some jerk trying to save his butt, knows protocol but doesn't know me as an individual or my pain tolerance or my threshold, it's not fair to for him to hold me out."

Right tackle Tony Pashos said the Browns' staff did a great job considering all of the injuries that were occurring simultaneously.

"On that same play, I don't think anybody noticed it, but Alex Smith also got injured," he said. "There was like bodies everywhere, and I think for having so many injuries going on at the same time and trying to get guys taken care of, that was a product of that night. I think our staff did the best they could with that."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Kenmore's girls basketball team stomped Akron Garfield, 101-37, in Akron City Series play Monday. Kenmore (5-1, 5-1), ranked No. 8 in The Plain Dealer coverage area, dominated behind double-digit scoring from three players. Charnae Coleman had 14 points, Alexis Lee had 17 points and Porshae Hearn contributed 16 points for the Cardinals.

Kenmore's girls basketball team stomped Akron Garfield, 101-37, in Akron City Series play Monday.

Kenmore (5-1, 5-1), ranked No. 8 in The Plain Dealer coverage area, dominated behind double-digit scoring from three players. Charnae Coleman had 14 points, Alexis Lee had 17 points and Porshae Hearn contributed 16 points for the Cardinals.

Boys hockey

Cleveland Heights 6, Chagrin Falls 5 (OT): Tyler Rudy scored the game-winner at 4:39 in overtime, bringing his total to two goals and an assist to lead Cleveland Heights past Chagrin Falls. Peter Century, Dominic DiDirro, Ben Urbas and Trey Hopkins all scored for Cleveland Heights, as well.

Boys bowling

North Ridgeville 2,111, Elyria Catholic 1,933: North Ridgeville topped Elyria Catholic at Black River Lanes, led by Joey Peterson's 435. Darion Katynski was the top roller for Elyria Catholic with 412. North Ridgeville had four bowlers top 300 with their two-game totals.

Buckeye 2,285, Black River 1,736: Buckeye cruised past Black River behind the strength of Cory Schultz, who bowled 461 in two games. Zak Diaz and Tyler Bogus also topped 400 in their two-game total. Brandon Wacker was the high roller for Black River with 336.

Girls bowling

Black River 1,657, Buckeye 1,456: Black River had two bowlers who topped 300 in their two-game totals to help push their team past Buckeye. Emily Mosher led Black River with 317, while Emily Verhovitz rolled 307. Megan Hawk was the high bowler for Buckeye with 267.

Case Western Reserve won its sixth straight, 79-76, over Kalamazoo in men’s college basketball Monday at Horsburgh Gymnasium. Freshman forward Dane McLoughlin led the Spartans with 24 points, including 16 in the final 6:51.

Case Western Reserve won its sixth straight, 79-76, over Kalamazoo in men’s college basketball Monday at Horsburgh Gymnasium. Freshman forward Dane McLoughlin led the Spartans with 24 points, including 16 in the final 6:51.

The Spartans improved to 7-2, their best start since 2007-08. After a break for the holidays, the Spartans will play Waynesburg on Dec. 29, when they will try to tie the 2005-06 squad for the best 10-game start in school history.

Kalamazoo dropped to 3-4.

McLoughlin nailed a 3-pointer with 49 seconds left to put CWRU on top, 74-71. McLoughlin also hit three free throws down the stretch.

What's going on at your high school? Go to cleveland.com/yourspace to send your pictures of varsity teams from your school. We'll publish the best picture each Tuesday in The Plain Dealer, and the entire photo gallery is featured on cleveland.com.

What's going on at your high school? Go to cleveland.com/yourspace to send your pictures of varsity teams from your school. We'll publish the best picture each Tuesday in The Plain Dealer, and the entire photo gallery is featured on cleveland.com.

Cleveland State guard Tre Harmon is the Horizon League Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, after leading the Vikings to a pair of wins last week.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerSenior Tre Harmon helped CSU (10-1, 2-0 Horizon) score wins over Robert Morris, 62-58, and Akron, 69-66.

Cleveland State guard Tre Harmon is the Horizon League Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, after leading the Vikings to a pair of wins last week.

The senior helped CSU (10-1, 2-0 Horizon) score wins over Robert Morris, 62-58, and Akron, 69-66.

Against Robert Morris, Harmon matched his career high with 24 points. Harmon tied for game-high scoring honors in the win over Akron, netting 16 points.

Soccer honors: Akron freshman men’s soccer players Wil Trapp, DeAndre Yedlin and Bryan Gallego were named to the All-Freshman Team by College Soccer News. Trapp was on the first team. Yedlin and Gallego earned second- and third-team honors, respectively.

Each finished in the top-10 rankings for all college freshmen by Top Drawer Soccer. Trapp was the nation’s No. 1 freshman.

The Zips (15-4-4) advanced to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

More honors: Baldwin-Wallace volleyball outside hitter Chelsea Nissen and junior middle hitter Rachel Switalski (Holy Name) were named to the Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference team. Sophomore middle hitter Colleen Bonacci (Stow) was honorable mention.

Do you have questions about the handling of Colt McCoy's concussion? Skype us until 11 a.m. or email us your video and we may use on Thursday's "Browns Insider" show.

We'll be taking your Skype calls live from 9:30-11 a.m.  Tuesday. Add clevelanddotcom to your Skype contacts.

Got a Browns question for Tony Grossi, Mary Kay Cabot or Dennis Manoloff? Want to be part of The Plain Dealer / cleveland.com Browns Insider show?

If you're answered 'yes' and 'yes,' then we want to hear from you!

Who's to blame for putting Colt McCoy back in the game with a concussion? Should Seneca Wallace get the start against the Cardinals? Is it time we hear from Mike Holmgren again?

Get your question ready, fire up your webcam, make sure you have Skype on your computer and then give us call today from 9:30-11 a.m.

We'll ask you for your name, your hometown and, in under 30 seconds, to pose your question to our panel of Browns experts.

The call will be recorded and played during Wednesday's live show.

Once again, lines will be open today from 10-11 a.m.

Here's what to do:

1. Log into your Skype account. Don't have one? Create one and download the software here.

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