Quantcast
Channel: Cleveland Sports News
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live

Cleveland Indians sign lefty Chris Seddon to minor-league deal with spring-training invitation

0
0

Chris Seddon is the eighth player the Indians have signed to a minor league deal and invited to big league camp in February.

chris-seddon-52-mlb.jpgView full sizeChris Seddon hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2010 with Seattle.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have signed left-hander Chris Seddon to a minor-league contract and invited him to big-league spring training. Camp opens Feb. 20 in Goodyear, Ariz.

Seddon, 28, is one of eight players the Indians have signed to minor-league deals and invited to camp. Last year, Seddon pitched at Class AAA Tacoma, Seattle's top farm club. He went 9-7 with a 6.27 ERA. Seddon made 28 appearances, including 25 starts, and pitched 149 1/3 innings.

He's pitched in the big leagues with the Marlins in 2007 and Mariners in 2010. Seddon is 93-88 with a 4.64 ERA in 266 games, including, 250 starts, in the minors. He was the Rays' fifth-round pick in 2001.

Here's a list of the Indians' spring-training invitees:

Pitchers: Seddon and Robinson Tejada.

Catchers: Luke Carlin, Michel Hernandez and Matt Pagnozzi.

Infielders: Andy LaRoche and Jose Lopez.

Outfielders: Felix Pie.


BCS national championship game links: Kickoff nears for No. 1 LSU Tigers vs. No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide

0
0

Whoever wins, a team from the Southeastern Conference will earn the national title for the sixth year in a row. Links to stories about Lousiana State and Alabama.

drew-alleman.jpgLouisiana State's Drew Alleman (30) is embraced by teammates after his third field goal of the game gave LSU a 9-6 win over Alabama on Nov. 5.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LSU's Tigers, the nation's first-ranked college football team, play the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS National Championship Game tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The teams' coaches -- LSU's Les Miles and Alabama's Nick Saban -- have strong ties to northeast Ohio and the Buckeye State, as detailed by cleveland.com in a Nov. 2, 2011 Starting Blocks story.

Three days later, on Nov. 5, LSU defeated Alabama, 9-6, on the Crimson Tide's homefield in Tuscaloosa.

Louisiana State is 13-0; Alabama, 11-1.

Al.com, the website for several newspapers in Alabama, and nola.com, the website for The Times-Picayune in New Orleans, are sister publications of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.

AL.com covers Alabama and the lead-up to the championship game, just as nola.com reports on LSU and the build-up to the game.

The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com cover Ohio State Buckeyes sports and other news in college football. Plain Dealer Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises writes about the Louisiana State vs. Alabama game. Also on cleveland.com, an Associated Press story that changes might be ahead for the BCS format; an AP story on Nick Saban and Les Miles.

Izzy Gould writes for Al.com about the excitement surrounding the game as kickoff nears:

The game will feature a meaty buffet of promising NFL-caliber talent, including Heisman Trophy finalists Trent Richardson and Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu.

They will be coached by some of the most imaginative minds at any level of coaching.

Miles is know for his sly demeanor, and his ability to create misdirection with his impulsive trick plays and his ability mixing words like squares on a Rubik's Cube, at times almost impossible to decipher.

Saban has been marketed as a meticulous intimidator, who happens to have an affinity for Little Debbie snacks.

The two are now forever linked thanks to Saban's history as LSU's coach before Miles succeeded him upon his exit to become the Miami Dolphins coach. Since Saban's arrival five years ago at Alabama, Miles and his Tigers have won three of five meetings, including the past two.

The two met face-to-face Sunday morning inside the New Orleans Marriott, shaking hands and trading small talk before stepping toward the BCS championship trophy at a table ahead. In front of them photographers rapidly fired their cameras trying to capture that unique moment between the two men.

.........

Tigers vs. Crimson Tide links

How Louisiana State and Alabama might be able to score more points than in their regular season game, which featured a mere 15 points. By Andy Staples for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

How tonight's game will be different from the LSU-Alabama regular season meeting. By Edward Aschoff for ESPN.com.

The LSU-Alabama rematch widens a national debate over the BCS system. By Stewart Mandel for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

Things you may not know about tonight's game, by Tony Barnhart for CBSSports.com.

Expect the defenses to dominate again, Erick Smith writes for USAToday.com.

Who has the edge, position group by position group, in tonight's game. By Randy Rosetta for Scout.com's TigerSportsDigest.

Keys to winning the game for each team. By Mike Huguenin for Yahoo! Sports.

Tim Tebow beat the Steelers (the Broncos had something to do with it, too): Bill Livingston

0
0

Tim Tebow had a great game Sunday. Without delving into the trappings of his faith, that should be enough.

tebow-levitates-playoffs-2012-mct.jpgView full sizeIn the NFL, winning matters. On Sunday, Tim Tebow (and the Broncos) won. Shouldn't that be enough, Bill Livingston writes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "So what do you think of Tim Tebow now?"

Some readers asked that after my Sunday column, which argued that the unorthodox Denver quarterback should be judged on his football ability, not his religious beliefs.

Tebow played superbly in Denver's 29-23 overtime home upset of heavily favored Pittsburgh. He maximized almost every chance for a big play. One hoped Braxton Miller, whose receivers usually needed to go longer, was watching at Ohio State.

Tebow threw for two touchdowns and ran for one. He made it happen by "extending plays," shrugging off sack attempts with his linebacker's body. This is the key characteristic in the play of his counterpart Ben Roethlisberger, at least when Big Ben is not lamed by a bad ankle, as was the case Sunday.

Fifteen years ago, in his book "Finding the Winning Edge," Hall of Fame 49ers coach Bill Walsh wrote that big plays are a huge aspect of victory. Walsh is stereotyped as the father of the possession-passing West Coast Offense, but he also said that the team with two or more "explosive" (20 yards of more) pass plays than its opponent wins 80-85 percent of the time. Walsh said even the best teams conclude drives of 10 or more plays with a touchdown only 15-20 percent of the time.

Denver had five pass plays of over 20 yards to Pittsburgh's four. Denver's were also the bigger plays, with all five going for 40 yards or more while Pittsburgh had a long gain of 33 yards.

Tebow's game-winner came after a beautiful play-fake that duped Steelers safety Ryan Mundy and went for 80 yards and a touchdown to Demaryius Thomas on the first snap of overtime. The Broncos' other first-round draft choice in 2010, along with Tebow, Thomas had two other receptions of over 50 yards.

Making plays in the pocket is not supposed to be a Tebow strength. But the Steelers' violent James Harrison -- the NFL's baddest man, serial concussion deliverer to Browns players, feared pass rusher -- had little impact. The game was won up front as much as anywhere else, because the Broncos' pass protection allowed Tebow to exploit a defense that stacked the line of scrimmage to stop his runs and those of Willis McGahee.

A Tweet I made, lauding Denver's offensive line in the moments after the game ended, was construed as "minimizing" what Tebow did. Tebow was not sacked, while the physically limited Roethlisberger went down five times.

Show me a quarterback without a good offensive line, and I will show you Colt McCoy, dazed and ineffective. Football is as interdependent a game as there is. All quarterbacks are indebted for much of their success to their offensive line. That's Football 101, not a diminution of Tebow.

Denver limited Harrison to only one big hit, none on Tebow. It was really quite remarkable, given both how great and how vicious he is. Harrison is a quarterback scourge and a nihilist, living by a savage doctrine that all the rules are either meaningless or deliberately implemented to spite him. Yet Tebow never felt his wrath.

The Denver quarterback also stands in marked contrast to Roethlisberger, who was suspended for four games of the 2010 season as a result of a second sexual assault allegation in his career. Roethlisberger never faced trial in either instance.

But Big Ben did make a cameo appearance, along with several teammates, as a member of the fictional Gotham Rogues team in the Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises." Tebow, who would certainly represent the other side of darkness to most fans, kneels to give thanks to his God after victories or touchdowns.

Atheists vs. fundamentalists, haters vs. idolaters, secularism vs. spirituality -- the opposing sides in the American culture wars line up to duel when Tebow plays. Comedian Andy Borowitz, a Shaker Heights native, puckishly observed that God beat Satan. Two weeks ago, after Buffalo routed Denver and Tebow played poorly, cable television host and atheist Bill Maher imagined Satan and Hitler gloating over the results in Hell.

"Tebow's great performance is an extension of his faith just like Eric Liddell's was when he ran for the glory of God in the 1924 Olympics. Perhaps Tebow has made a convert out of you, and you won't judge him on his faith, but at least you will respect it," reader Guerrino Thomas Rich emailed.

I thought I did respect it in the column. I have never thought it's right to make fun of anybody's religion. Both to mock or to glorify Tebow's play because of his faith is not something I'm comfortable with. I write about sports, not theology.

Tebow had a great game. Once upon a time, that was enough.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Richmond Heights' 'Spartan Six' triumph by staying on the court: Tim Warsinskey's Take

0
0

The girls basketball team has dwindled to six players in the entire program, yet remains competitive with a will to learn, persevere and win.

cloud-richhts-mug-school.jpgView full sizeRichmond Heights girls basketball coach William Cloud, the school's head football coach, said he took over the team when a coach could not be found last summer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Spartan Six show up for road games in a yellow school bus, which seems like a joke at first.

"We have more managers and statisticians than we do players," Richmond Heights girls basketball coach William Cloud said. He allowed himself to laugh at that statement.

A good sense of humor helps this winter when it comes to the appropriately nicknamed Spartans, whose numbers have dwindled to six players in the entire program, yet they remain competitive with a will to learn, persevere and win.

Richmond Heights was 3-4 heading into Monday's game against Berkshire. It suffered one-point losses to Hawken and Wickliffe, and beat Beachwood in overtime.

"We'll be OK. We're going to have a winning record," promised the lone senior, Kirstyn Baker.

Intimidation isn't a factor when they warm up and see a dozen or more players for the opposition. They play hard, and run an up-tempo offense.

"I'm not fazed at all," junior Andrielle Hogan said. "Us seven come out here and we put our hearts into it. That's all that really counts. I don't care really how many people are on the other team. It's not about them. It's about us at that point."

Hogan was speaking before practice last Wednesday when she referred to "us seven." A few minutes later, she learned a teammate had quit.

The Spartan Six and Cloud said the low turnout is a combination of a $100 pay-to-participate fee and low interest in the program they believe is overshadowed by the boys team, which was 24-1 last season. Cloud, the head football coach and a school security guard, said he took over the girls team when a coach could not be found last summer.

"They feel like the 'other team' with the boys team getting all the publicity, and deservedly so," said Cloud, a Shaw grad who played college football at Morehead State. "I wanted to see if I could make a difference."

Cloud's penchant for running in practice led to some players quitting. Those who remain are Baker, Hogan, sophomores Sianna Doss, Lorraina Worthern and Kyleth Spencer and freshman Monique Evans. With such a wide range of ages, they are learning to bond on the fly.

"When we come out here, there's no cliques," said Hogan, who appreciates this experience for life beyond basketball.

"You learn to work with people you're not normally comfortable working with. That's something you can use anywhere, especially if you're going to keep a job in this economy," said Hogan, a part-time cashier at Dave's Supermarket.

To offer some opposition in practice, Cloud sometimes brings his three teenage sons, and assistants Charlotte Powell and Jennifer Willis play, too.

The Spartan Six were down to five when one player fell ill Wednesday. As they practiced, eight other girls began warming up beside the court. One of them, 5-10 guard Deja Winters, tantalizingly dribbled between her legs, and had the look of an athlete who should have been on the varsity.

One problem: Winters and the others are eighth graders. They can't yet play for the high school, but they give Cloud and the Spartans hope.

"It's coming. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "We're willing to put the work in and get it done the right way."

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Ohio State Buckeyes basketball P.M. links: Rankings say it's close between OSU, Michigan State Spartans and Indiana Hoosiers

0
0

Buckeyes, who visit Illinois on Tuesday night, are ranked fifth in both national Top 25 polls. Spartans and Hoosiers are right behind. Links to more Buckeyes stories.

william-buford.jpgOhio State's William Buford (photo) is scoring 15.4 points per game, second on the team to Jared Sullinger's 17.1 average.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio State's Buckeyes take a 15-2 record, including 3-1 in the Big Ten, into Tuesday night's game at Illinois against the Fighting Illini (14-3, 3-1).

The Buckeyes are ranked fifth in both the new Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches polls. Illinois is unranked.

OSU Big Ten rivals Michigan State (14-2, 3-0) and Indiana (15-1, 3-1) are also poll voters' favorites. The Spartans rank sixth and seventh, respectively, in the AP and Coaches polls, and the Hoosiers stand seventh and eighth.

The Buckeyes lost at Indiana, 74-70, on New Year's Day, and have not yet played Michigan State.

Myron Medcalf of ESPN ranks Ohio State third among Big Ten teams, behind, first, Michigan State, and then Indiana.

One senses that Medcalf believes the Buckeyes can get better, as he writes:

This is what I like about the Buckeyes: After suffering that disappointing New Year’s Eve loss to Indiana, they did what a top-10 squad should do. They destroyed a pair of teams that are projected to finish at the bottom of the Big Ten (Nebraska by 31, Iowa by 29). At its best, Ohio State is the best team in this league. Will we see it consistently for the rest of the year?

The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises will cover the Buckeyes' game at Illinois, as The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com continues year-round Ohio State sports coverage. Lesmerises writes about the progress of freshman Shannon Scott, the promising backup point guard.

About the Buckeyes

Men's basketball: OSU Insider, by Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch.

The 15 most important players in the Big Ten. A Bleacher Report slideshow.

The Fighting Illini will see what the upper level of the Big Ten is like when they face Ohio State. By John Supinie for the Peoria Journal Star and GateHouse News Service.

Where CBSSports.com ranks Jared Sullinger and nine other top players in the Player of the Year competition.  

Observations about the Buckeyes, following their 76-47 win over Iowa on Saturday. By Tony Gerdeman for the-Ozone.net.

An NCAA Tournament projection, with the bracket, by Andy Glockner for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

Time on the court is growing (and slowing) for Ohio State freshman Shannon Scott

0
0

Freshman point guard Shannon Scott is proving the Buckeyes have a capable backup at one of the most important positions on the floor.

osu-scott-drive-lamar-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeAfter sporadic play in the first half of the season, Shannon Scott finally got some quality time on the court for Ohio State in the Buckeyes' lopsided victory over Iowa on Saturday. It could be a sign that the freshman point guard will get more chances to relieve Aaron Craft in future games.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Shannon Scott hadn't played when it mattered, getting on the court for a total of 11 minutes in Ohio State's five toughest games of the season, against Florida, Duke, Kansas, South Carolina and Indiana.

So when he popped onto the court at Iowa on Saturday with 10:52 remaining in the first half after starting point guard Aaron Craft's second foul, with the score tied at 9, no one knew for sure what the Buckeyes were getting.

Sure, Scott had been ranked as the No. 6 point guard prospect in this freshman class by Scout.com and No. 12 by Rivals.com, and coach Thad Matta had loved Scott's basketball knowledge, speed, quickness and his family while recruiting him out of Georgia.

"If you ever spend time with Shannon, he's a great, great kid," Matta said.

So what the Buckeyes needed was that Shannon Scott -- calm, confident, composed.

Granted, that's not easy for a freshman. After a lot of preseason talk about playing Craft and Scott together, that hasn't developed. So there hadn't been a lot to go on for fans.

In 18 minutes of five points, five rebounds, six assists and one turnover in a 76-47 win over the Hawkeyes, the Buckeyes saw, when they needed him, the Scott they'd seen in practice for the last few weeks.

"Before he was always rushing things, rushing things," sophomore big man Jared Sullinger said of Scott. "Now he's realizing where he can pick the defense apart and how he can help this team win."

For now, Scott's minutes will likely hinge on how healthy and foul-free Craft is. But after missing Sullinger while he was out with a back issue, it's good for the No. 5 Buckeyes (15-2, 3-1 Big Ten), who travel to Illinois (14-3, 3-1) Tuesday night, to have an option behind another one of their key starters. When Craft is on the bench, the Buckeyes shouldn't be lost. They needed Scott to relax in order to prove that.

"I feel like it's getting a lot better," Scott said. "Each time in practice I'm cutting down on all my turnovers, and I'm feeling more calm on the court so the game is coming easier to me."

After freshmen Scott and Sam Thompson and sophomores J.D. Weatherspoon and Jordan Sibert each played more than 11 minutes in Saturday's win, talk of the Buckeyes' depth has started up again. Hold off on that. Matta still may not work in his young guys as a rule, but there's something to be said for responding when fouls or injuries force you into action.

"Shannon gave us a tremendous boost, both offensively and defensively," Matta said.

Asked about playing Craft and Scott together, Matta didn't sound like it was on the horizon, pointing to the development of starting shooting guard Lenzelle Smith Jr. as one reason that combo isn't needed. But it is Scott and Craft going against each other in practice, with Craft recognized as one of the best defensive guards in the country, that has helped prepare Scott.

"When you [get in] the game it's a little bit of a reprieve for him compared to what he does on a daily basis," Matta said. "I think Aaron has taught Shannon a lot. He's done a really good job of taking him under his wing, but at the same time those guys are very competitive people, which makes for excitement in practice."

Scott said quick ball movement and getting early assists got him into the flow Saturday. Maybe he won't be needed as much against the Illini, who should push the Buckeyes as they play their second road game in four days. If he is, he'll take the court with fewer questions.

"I feel a lot different, like I'm a more mature player now," Scott said. "[Earlier in the season] I was really in awe. But now I'm getting used to it. And everybody is the locker room is telling me to keep it up."

Buckeyes place four on Senior Bowl's North squad

0
0

Center Mike Brewster, tackle Mike Adams, running back Dan Herron and receiver DeVier Posey will play in Jan. 28 game.

senior bowl logo

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Senior Bowl officially announced four invites for Ohio State players on Monday, with center Mike Brewster, tackle Mike Adams, running back Dan Herron and receiver DeVier Posey headed to the top postseason college football all-star game.

The game will be played on Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala., at 3 p.m. and televised on the NFL Network. The Buckeyes will be coached on the North team by the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff.

Robert Griffin III, Baylor QB, meets with Bears coach as he decides whether to declare for NFL draft

0
0

Heisman Trophy winner expected to be among top picks if he declares for the draft, and might be considered by the Cleveland Browns. The deadline for underclassmen to declare is Sunday.

art-briles-robert-griffin.jpgBaylor coach Art Briles and quarterback Robert Griffin III talk during the Bears' 67-56 Alamo Bowl win over Washington on Dec. 29.

WACO, Texas -- Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor met again Monday with his coach as he decides whether he will declare for the NFL draft.

Griffin is projected to be one of the top picks in April if he declares for the draft. The deadline for underclassmen to declare is Sunday.

Griffin could be considered a candidate to be drafted by the Cleveland Browns, who will have two first-round draft picks, barring a trade.

The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot writes that the Browns -- after the Atlanta Falcons' playoff game loss -- now know they own the fourth and 22nd overall picks in the draft. 

Browns president Mike Holmgren said at a press conference last Thursday, as reported by Cabot, that the Browns have not committed to incumbent Colt McCoy as their quarterback of the future.

Baylor coach Art Briles said of Griffin's pending decision: “It’s a situation where he’s really contemplating what he feels like is the thing that’s going to give him peace.”

Baylor this season matched a school record with 10 wins and won its last six games, including a record-breaking 67-56 victory over Washington in the Alamo Bowl. Griffin was the nation’s most efficient passer, throwing for 4,293 yards with 37 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He ran for 699 yards and 10 more scores.

Briles said he is for whatever Griffin feels is the right thing to do, whether it’s the NFL or coming back to play as a senior at Baylor.

“Like I told him from day one, I don’t want to be any influence on it,” Briles said. “My goal for him is for him to be successful and fulfill all of his dreams. If that dream is going to the NFL right now, that’s great.”

After meeting last week, Griffin and Briles met again on the day a new semester of classes started on the Waco campus.

Griffin, who arrived at Baylor in January 2008 after graduating high school a semester early, got his undergraduate degree in political sciences in December 2010 and is working on a masters in communication.

Griffin, who played this season as a fourth-year junior, has another of year of eligibility remaining at Baylor because he got a medical redshirt after he tore the ACL in his right knee in the third game of the 2009 season.

In 41 games for the Bears, he has completed 800 of 1,192 passes (67 percent) for 10,366 yards with 78 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He has run for 2,254 yards and 33 TDs and set at least 46 school records.


Pressure increasing on slumping Omri Casspi, Samardo Samuels on Cleveland Cavaliers' road trip

0
0

Cavs coach Byron Scott says he likes to wait 10 games before making lineup changes.

Cleveland Cavaliers lose to Hornets, 96-81View full sizeCavaliers center Samardo Samuels is trying to hold onto his playing time with Semih Erden healthy again

BEAVERTON, Ore – Omri Casspi and Samardo Samuels come from different corners of the world, arriving in the NBA in divergent manners.

Casspi, 23, is a former first-round draft pick of the Sacramento Kings and the first Israeli to play in the league. Samuels, 23, is an undrafted free agent from Jamaica who made the Cavaliers out of training camp a season ago. Casspi, a small forward, likes to shoot from the perimeter. Samuels, an undersized center, prefers to slam dance in the low post.

They find themselves united, however, by a team and a gnawing desire to shake early-season slumps. Casspi will hold his tenuous claim to a starter's spot, while Samuels is in danger of falling out of coach Byron Scott's rotation.

Such was the news Monday on the two Cavaliers who have struggled most through the first eight games. Scott, who uses 10-game intervals to evaluate progress and ponder rotation tweaks, inferred that Casspi's position is safe for now. He also said it's fair to assume that Samuels could lose minutes to Semih Erden, who returned to the lineup Sunday after missing the first seven games and all the preseason with a broken thumb.

Not exactly the assessment Samuels wanted to hear on his birthday.

Scott believes both players are dealing with a loss of confidence, particularly at the offensive end. Casspi missed all five of his 3-point attempts in a 98-78 loss to Portland on Sunday and Samuels committed five turnovers in less than 14 minutes.

"Samardo gets so down on himself," Scott said. "He's like Omri in that fashion when they get down on themselves if they miss a shot or make a bad play. When you throw it away or make a bad play, you hold your head down that one or two seconds [and] they're running to the other end.

"You can't do anything about it, but you can make up for it on the defensive end. That's what I'm trying to get across to a couple of those guys."

The Cavaliers (4-4) are bereft of reliable scoring options after rookie point guard Kyrie Irving and power forward Antawn Jamison. Casspi is expected to supply scoring and stretch the floor. He admits, however, he's enduring one of the worst offensive stretches of a career that includes his pro days in Israel. He's averaging just 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds and has been outplayed by backup Alonzo Gee, who's earning seven more minutes per game.

Casspi is having to adjust to a new team, new system and new role as a starter. He refuses to use his pre-season knee injury as an excuse for his poor start. On Sunday, he was briefly benched for failing to hustle back on defense after missing a shot from behind the 3-point arc, where he's converting at 30 percent.

"I'm just trying to clear my head and play the game," Casspi said. "I can't control if [the shots] go in or out. I'm taking good shots, I'm not forcing them, I'm taking what the defense gives me. It's hard on me. I'm trying to play like I know I can play, like I need to play."

Casspi has met with Scott and assistant coaches about his faltering game. He acknowledges the need to be more assertive on the boards, where he's averaging fewer rebounds than guards Irving, Daniel Gibson and Ramon Sessions. But a shooter also needs to score.

"I just [have] to see that ball go in the net," Casspi said. "I really feel like I'm turning the corner, that it's right there and I feel like we are going to see it on the court."

Samuels just hopes to keep seeing playing time. Whereas the Cavs know what they can expect from Gee, Erden remains a 7-foot mystery Scott is eager to explore. He plans to bump Erden's minutes from five against Portland to 10 versus Utah on Tuesday. They won't be coming out of Anderson Varejao's totals.

A season after getting substantial playing time with the injuries to Varejao and Jamison, Samuels is adjusting to a reduced role. The emergence of power forward Tristan Thompson means he's only playing center at 6-foot-9. In recent weeks, Samuels' ineffectiveness has been attributed to different things in different games. He lacked focus against Charlotte, ran into foul trouble in Minnesota and was careless with the ball against Portland.

"It's being a little too eager to score and wanting to do good on the offensive end instead of taking my time," Samuels said. "It's something I can correct."

He might want to do it soon.

"From a coach's standpoint, you can't have four or five bad games, you're almost giving me no choice but to look elsewhere," Scott said. "With the way he's playing, do I stick with him or try to find another piece who can help us in this puzzle that we have? I haven't made up my mind yet."

Dribbles: The Cavs practiced Monday in suburban Portland before flying to Utah. ... Former Cavs guard Manny Harris has returned to action for the NBA Development League's Canton Charge after missing weeks with a freezer burn on his right foot.

Alabama humbles overmatched LSU, 21-0, in BCS Championship Game

0
0

No. 1 Tigers can't muster 100 yards in offense, Alabama rides five field goals and late touchdown to victory in SEC rematch.

bama-tackle-lsu-horiz-ap.jpgView full sizeLSU's Kenny Hilliard was knocked flat by Alabama's Courtney Upshaw (41) and Josh Chapman during the second half of Monday night's BCS title game in New Orleans. The Tigers' offense was totally dominated by the Crimson Tide in Alabama's 21-0 victory.

NEW ORLEANS -- The Rematch of the Century, it wasn't.

Alabama romped to another BCS championship against top-ranked LSU with a smothering defensive performance, a numbing barrage of field goals and even a long-overdue trip to the end zone.

Good enough for No. 1, if not a lot of style points.

No. 2 Alabama posted the first shutout in the 14-year history of the BCS, relying on Jeremy Shelley's right leg for most of the points -- he made a bowl record-tying five field goals -- and letting its defense do the rest. The Crimson Tide romped to a 21-0 victory over the Tigers for its second BCS title in three years.

While only crimson-clad fans will remember this one as a thing of beauty, Alabama (12-1) erased any doubts that it deserved to be in the title game over another one-loss team like Oklahoma State or Stanford.

Then again, one of those teams might have actually scored a touchdown before Alabama finally did, with 4:36 left in the game, long after fans may have flipped to something more entertaining than a one-sided kicking contest. Amazingly, these Southeastern Conference powerhouses played twice in a span of about two months, and never came that close to one of those things that's worth six points -- you know, touchdowns -- until Trent Richardson broke off a 34-yard run with 4:36 remaining.

It only took 115 minutes, 34 seconds, plus an overtime period in their first meeting.

LSU (13-1) had beaten eight ranked teams -- including Alabama in early November -- to establish itself as the clear No. 1 going into the bowls, but the Tigers crossed midfield only once in the sequel to the Game of the Century in Tuscaloosa. Instead of putting up a "Godfather II," this one was more akin to "Speed 2."

The Tigers were outgained, 384-92, in total yards, managed a puny five first downs and didn't cross the 50 until there were just eight minutes left. From there, they went back, back, back -- the last gasp ending appropriately with beleaguered quarterback Jordan Jefferson getting the ball knocked from his hand before he could even get off a fourth-and-forever pass.

Gallery preview

The BCS title belongs to Nick Saban, who is carving out quite a legacy of his own at the school that still worships Bear Bryant as if he just retired yesterday. The Associated Press likely will follow suit by bestowing the title on the Tide when its poll comes out early Tuesday, given the dominance of Alabama's performance.

Saban has won a pair of BCS titles at Alabama, plus another at LSU in 2003. He's the first coach to win three BCS titles, denying LSU's Les Miles his second championship. The Tigers will have to settle for the SEC title, but that's not likely to ease the sting of this ugly performance.

Back on Nov. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama held the top spot in the first matchup between the 1-2 teams. The Tigers pulled off a 9-6 victory in overtime, kicking three field goals while the Crimson Tide missed four of its six attempts.

OK, so maybe that wasn't a classic. But it was downright thrilling compared to the rematch, the first time in the BCS that teams played for the title after meeting during the regular season.

Credit the Alabama defense for that.

Led by dominating linebackers Courtney Hightower and Dont'a Hightower, LSU simply couldn't do anything -- running or passing. Kenny Hilliard led the Tigers with 16 yards rushing, while Jefferson was 11 of 17 passing for 53 yards, usually hurrying away passes before he was sent tumbling to the Superdome turf. He was sacked four times and threw a mystifying interception when he attempted to flip away a desperation pass, only to have it picked off because his intended receiver had already turned upfield looking to block.

A.J. McCarron was the offensive MVP, completing 23 of 34 for 234 yards. Richardson added 96 yards on 20 carries. But an even bigger cheer went up when the defensive award was presented to Upshaw, who had seven tackles, including a sack, and spent a good part of his night in the LSU backfield.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

Unlike 2011, this winter is warming many hearts

0
0

The unusual winter weather Northeast Ohio has experienced is because the upper level jet stream which steers storm systems has stayed north of the area. It's been cold enough to keep vegetation dormant but mild enough to keep snow away.

Winter weather hits Northeast OhioLight snow covered the sidewalk along Euclid Avenue in Cleveland on Dec. 10, 2009. Conditions like this in the mild winter of 2011-12 through Jan. 9 have seldom been seen.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is a winter we hope sticks around.

A year ago at this time, we were already growing sick of the snow and cold.

Our first snowfall arrived Dec. 1, and by this time last year, we had already had 20 inches of snow.

So far this year, we've had half that much. And it's all gone.

Kids and dogs are tracking mud, not snow, into the house.

And instead of slipping on ice and gazing at gray skies overhead, we've had to deal with soggy yards and sun glare.

The temperature a year ago Monday was in the single digits.

Bundle up? Forget it. We're expected to hit 44 degrees today and could hit 50 this week.

Northeast Ohio has enjoyed eight 50-degree or warmer days since Dec. 1. Temperatures are expected to expected to remain mild until Saturday, according to Kirk Lombardy of the National Weather Service. (AccuWeather predicts the chill will begin on Friday.)

The low to date this winter has been 18 degrees, which was recorded Jan. 3 and again the next day. By that date last winter, we had already had 12 days with temperatures 18 or lower.

The unusual weather we're having is because the upper-level jet stream (30,000 feet) -- the steering current for storm systems and how they move -- has stayed well north of our area, Lombardy said.

"This is allowing fast-moving systems of the Pacific variety, traveling from west to east, rather than arctic air from the North Pole into northern Ohio," Lombardy said. "It's also allowing warm air from the south to push up into the area. It's been cold enough to keep vegetation dormant but mild enough to keep snow away."

The mild winter has been a boon for golf course owners like Danny Panek at the 18-hole Links Golf Club in Olmsted Township. He has had more than 100 golfers playing the course since Saturday.

"We stay open all year, and last winter there was seldom any day without snow on the ground," Panek said. "In golf, you live or die with the weather. I guarantee we didn't have 100 golfers in June last year on days when it was pouring."

The weather has not hurt Boston Mills in Peninsula and Brandywine in Sagamore Hills, Boston Mills spokesman Brent Veverka said. The two resorts opened Dec. 17, and full operations began Christmas Eve.

"There's been enough cold weather for us to make enough snow," Veverka said. "Business has been OK. ... We get a constant flow of traffic. It should pick up when people start seeing snow on their lawns. Then they might start thinking more about skiing and snowboarding."

Real winter could return to Cleveland on Saturday, Lombardy said. Cold air hovering over the North Pole that has been sliding into Siberia could be nudged toward Northeast Ohio.

"If that happens, look for temperatures in the 20s on Saturday with lake-effect snow in the eastern snow belt," he said.

BCS source: Playoff 'gets done' as part of new contract

0
0

Years from now, this BCS National Championship Game won’t be remembered so much for Alabama’s utter domination of LSU as it will the beginning of radical change in college football. A national playoff is coming, everyone.

APTOPIX BCS Championship FootballAlabama's Trent Richardson celebrates after the BCS National Championship college football game against LSU Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, in New Orleans. Alabama won 21-0. AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Matt Hayes
Sporting News

NEW ORLEANS—Ugly doesn’t begin to describe it. But it most certainly defined it—in such a profound way that even the men who run this crazy, controversial contraption we call the Bowl Championship Series are giving in.

Years from now, this BCS National Championship Game won’t be remembered so much for Alabama’s utter domination of LSU as it will the beginning of radical change in college football. A national playoff is coming, everyone.

It’s only a matter of what it looks like.

“It gets done,” a high-ranking BCS official told Sporting News Monday evening.

Here’s how: over the next six months, the leaders of the sport will meet at least four times to iron out a plan that protects the importance of the regular season—the one aspect BCS leaders believe separates the game from every other—while embracing a new frontier for the poll-driven sport.

It begins Tuesday here in New Orleans with a meeting of conference commissioners, and includes meetings in Dallas in February and Miami in April. Another meeting in June is also likely, especially considering the magnitude of the potential change.

When asked what the playoff would look like, a high-ranking BCS source said there are “at least 60” different options on the table, and that includes everything from a four-team playoff to one game after all the bowls.

Fortunately, the Tide’s 21-0 rout that surely pushed the playoff talk over the edge was more clean and simple. You say ugly, Alabama says beautiful.

You say Oklahoma State should have an opportunity to play the winner, Alabama says bring it on.

“I could play them right now,” said Tide offensive lineman Barrett Jones. “You don’t think we hear that talk? Line up, let’s go.”

We all can dream. Until then—until the next phase of the BCS is complete and a new system is installed for the 2014 season—we’ll just have to live with what if. That and more of those three dreaded letters that have suffocated the sport: S. E. C.

Look, it didn’t matter who won this game—the real winner was the SEC. The big, bad behemoth of a league just got even stronger and you didn’t even see it.

This national championship game, this controversial SEC vs. SEC celebration, was a six-hour recruiting pitch on national television. Every five- and four-star recruit watching the biggest game of the college football season was spoon-fed the reality that no one plays football like the SEC.

It’s not so much the six straight national championships—or that the SEC finally lost one of these things—it’s the undeniable fact that five SEC teams have won national titles in the BCS era. Only one other conference (the Big 12) has two.

“It was brutal out there,” said Alabama defensive tackle Josh Chapman. “That’s serious football. We’re players, we watch the games, we know what it takes. Those were the two best teams (in the nation) out there.”

And one big dose of revenge for Alabama.

Just how bad was it for LSU? The Tigers didn’t cross midfield until midway through the fourth quarter, didn’t get garbage yards until late in the fourth to surpass Ohio State’s BCS record-low 82 total yards (the Tigers had 92), and didn’t score a point to become the first team in BCS history (all BCS bowls) to be shut out.

It got so bad for the Tigers, the pro-LSU crowd was booing the horrible play of quarterback Jordan Jefferson and chanting the name of backup Jarrett Lee. It got so bad for LSU coach Les Miles afterward, that he had to sit and listen to local broadcaster and former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert—whose son T-Bob Hebert is a starting guard at LSU—rip into him in the postgame press conference.

“Did you ever consider bringing in Jarrett Lee, considering that you weren’t taking any chances on the field?” Hebert asked Miles. “Come on, that’s ridiculous; five first downs? So what if you get a pick six?”

Gallery preview

Miles, of course, was gracious with his answer—but the reality is his offensive staff had an awful game plan. Lee should have played (not that it would have made a difference), and LSU should have thrown more on first down (not that it would’ve made a difference).

Instead, LSU was running the fullback dive on 3rd and 4—late in the game and trailing 12-0. Alabama’s defense was good enough; the Tigers didn’t have to help them with unimaginative play-calling and refusal to change personnel.

I made the statement to LSU wideout Rueben Randle that the throws were there to be had. His response? “The protection was there, too.”

You do the math.

Meanwhile, Lee sat alone at his locker in the LSU postgame, and couldn’t explain it, either.

“I was ready to play; I was warmed up ready to go,” Lee said.

Not that it would’ve mattered.

“This game wasn’t getting away from us,” said Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. “We had something to prove to everyone who didn’t think we belonged. We’ll take on anyone. You set it up, we’ll play it.”

It’s only two years away, everyone. But remember this: just because the system changes doesn’t mean you won’t get the same results.

Even the much-ballyhooed Plus-One idea (four-team playoff) could’ve—and more than likely would’ve—finished with two SEC teams playing for it all. LSU would have played Stanford in one semifinal, and Alabama would’ve played Oklahoma State in the other. And the SEC teams would’ve been heavy favorites.

Another potential issue when the rules finally are changed is that there will be no conference limitations to the Plus-One or any playoff format. That was three SEC teams ranked Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in late November, and three SEC teams could make a Pus-One Final Four.

In other words, everyone else still is chasing the SEC, which at this point, is further ahead than any conference has ever been in college football.

“Why would we be concerned about what another team thinks?” said Alabama center William Vlachos. “We won, we’ve got the trophy. Until they set up a national playoff, this is how it’s done.”

That all changes beginning today.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

Skype in your draft questions, be on our 'Sports Insider' show

0
0

RG3 or Trent Richardson? Trade up or Trade down? We want your video questions about the NFL Draft for our new 'Sports Insider' show, debuting this Thursday! Skype in until 11 a.m. so we can record your question.

skype_logo_.pngWe'll be taking your Skype calls about the draftuntil 11 a.m. Tuesday. Add clevelanddotcom to your Skype contacts.

RG3 or Trent Richardson? Trade up or Trade down? We want your video questions about the NFL Draft for our new 'Sports Insider' show, debuting this Thursday!

Get your question ready, fire up your webcam, make sure you have Skype on your computer and then give us call today until 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 Thursday's live show at noon.

Once again, lines will be open today until 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.

2. Add Skype name "clevelanddotcom" to your contacts list and place a video call to us.

3. A cleveland.com producer will answer your call and record it. Selected videos will be played during Thursday's live show, when Bud Shaw, Dennis Manoloff and one of the Browns beat writers will answer the questions.

4. Once again, we'll be taking calls until 11 a.m. today. If the line keeps ringing or your call is rejected, that means it's busy. Try again in a few minutes.

5. You can also email your videos to sports@cleveland.com or upload them to YouTube or cleveland.com and send us the link.

Ricky Davis, former Cleveland Cavaliers guard, playing in the NBDL

0
0

Former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Davis has been out of the NBA for two years, but he hopes to return after a stint in the D-League. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ricky Davis, who will go down in Cleveland Cavaliers' history as "Wrong Way" Ricky, is making an attempt to return to the NBA after being out for the past two seasons.

After leaving Cleveland in 2003, Davis played in Boston, Minnesota, the Los Angeles Clippers, Turkey, China and in France.

After two years out of the league, and after knee surgery, Davis, 32, signed with the Maine Red Claws of the NBDL. Davis isn't the only NBA vet going this route. Mikki Moore, Mike James and former NBA center Greg Ostertag, 38, is the oldest player in the league.

Davis and many of the other NBDL players will get a chance to show the NBA what they can do in the NBA D-League Showcase.

Talk sports with Terry Pluto today at noon

0
0

Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at noon as he talks Cleveland sports. What did Terry take away from Mike Holmgren's press conference? How will the Cavaliers handle this tough stretch of games coming up? We'll answer those questions and more.

Terry Pluto use this new head shotTerry Pluto tackles your questions live every Tuesday at noon.

Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at noon as he talks Cleveland sports.

What did Terry take away from Mike Holmgren's press conference? How will the Cavaliers handle this tough stretch of games coming up?

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Terry's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.


NFL: Which team will win the NFC Championship? Poll

0
0

Will Green Bay, San Francisco, New York or New Orleans win the NFC?

drew brees.JPGNew Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

The New York Giants were impressive in their victory over the Atlanta Falcons, but now the Giants have to play at Green Bay this weekend.

The New Orleans Saints, who scored 45 points in their victory over the Detroit Lions, will visit the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are one of the better defensive teams still standing.

Which team will survive the postseason and represent the NFC in the Super Bowl?

 






Which team will win the AFC Championship? Poll

0
0

Will the favorite New England Patriots represent the AFC in the Super Bowl?

terrell suggs.JPGRavens linebacker Terrell Suggs.

The Denver Broncos upset the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Do the Broncos have enough to defeat the New England Patriots on the road on Saturday?

What about the Houston Texans? The Texans play at Baltimore against the Ravens. Which of these teams will come out on top and win the AFC?

 






Cleveland Browns' draft projections: Can we hold off, please? -- Tony Grossi's blog

0
0

Notes on the Browns' draft, Robert Griffin III, Kevin Kolb and a possible reunion of Eric Mangini and Romeo Crennel in Kansas City.

kevin kolb.jpgCould Kevin Kolb enter the Browns' quarterback picture in 2012?

 CLEVELAND -- A dose of news and views on the Browns and NFL ...

 * Browns draft fourth, 22nd and 37th: I'm getting lots of Tweets and emails proposing GM Tom Heckert use his top three picks on a wide receiver, quarterback, running back ... or on a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, ... or on a right tackle, wide receiver, linebackers ... or on a cornerback, wide receiver, right tackle.

 And then there's a bunch of Browns fans who want to know how I would divvy up the top three spots. And when I respond that it's way too early to project, they rip me for not having any insight.

 Here's the truth: The first round of the draft on April 26 is 107 days away.

 This is the beginning of the draft season, not the end.

 There are college all-star games to be played, the NFL combine to take place, free agency to whittle down team needs, individual workouts and personal visits to stamp last impressions. All come before anyone can make a reasonable guess on what the Browns might do.

 On Thursday, April 26, I will have my 10th and final mock draft in the books. And I guarantee it will change nine times. Things change from now until then.

 There is only one team in the NFL that knows right now what it will do on April 26. Pencil in Andrew Luck with the No. 1 pick for the Indianapolis Colts.

 * Robert Griffin III: With all due respect to colleague Terry Pluto, who opined on this subject last week, I would not automatically eliminate the Baylor quarterback from consideration with the Browns' top pick simply because he is a product of the one-read, shotgun spread offense.

 Baylor coach Art Briles was the coach at University of Houston when Kevin Kolb rolled up similar numbers -- without the rushing yards and touchdowns -- in the very same offense.

 The Philadelphia Eagles evaluated Kolb, projected him into their West Coast offense, and selected Kolb with the fourth pick of the second round. Kolb was groomed to be the successor to Donovan McNabb, but coach Andy Reid fell in love with Michael Vick along the way and Kolb was traded last year to the Arizona Cardinals.

 * Speaking of Kolb: The Cardinals signed Kolb to a five-year contract extension for a reported $63 million, including a guarantee of $20 million.

 Kolb proceeded to suffer two debilitating injuries and post a 2-6 record as the starter. Backup John Skelton created a controversy by going 6-2 in place of Kolb.

 Kolb is owed a $7 million roster bonus from the Cards in March. There is some debate in Phoenix about if it would be wiser for the Cards to cut their losses, release Kolb and suffer the cap hit rather than invest further in him.

 If that happened, Kolb would rise to the top of the list of quarterback options for the Browns. Why?

 Kolb was a much better quarterback in the West Coast offense in which he was schooled in Philadelphia. Arizona doesn't run it. Also, Kolb was drafted by Philadelphia partly based on evaluations made by Heckert and coach Pat Shurmur -- the Browns' top two football men.

 * Romeo Crennel and Eric Mangini: Romeo Crennel surely deserved to have the interim tag removed and named Kansas City Chiefs head coach. He earned a second chance to prove himself as the main man after compiling a record of 24-40 record in four years as Browns coach under then-GM Phil Savage.

 Now I would expect Crennel to phone Eric Mangini and gauge his interest in joining the Chiefs as defensive coordinator.

 Mangini was Crennel's first choice to join him in Cleveland Browns coordinator in 2005, but Patriots coach Bill Belichick pulled a power play and swayed Mangini to stay with a promotion to defensive coordinator. Belichick made the move while competing in the AT&T National Pro Am Golf Tournament in Pebble Beach, Calif.

 Crennel was like a dad to Mangini with New England. The big question in Kansas City is whether GM Scott Pioli would allow Crennel to hire Mangini. Though they worked alongside each other in Cleveland and New England under Belichick, Pioli and Mangini are not exactly bosom buddies.

 When Browns owner Randy Lerner picked up the pieces of the Savage-Crennel regime collapse after the 2008 season, he fantasized of a Pioli-Mangini dream team as GM and coach. Pioli wanted nothing to do with it and Lerner instead gave the keys to Mangini, who hired George Kokinis, who ... well, never mind.

 If Pioli acceded to Crennel's wishes, the other stumbling block is whether Mangini would feel comfortable working under Pioli. Mangini still has another year on his Browns contract (at a reported $3.9 million) and is in no rush to take just any job.
 
 He and his family have grown to love northeast Ohio -- they have not relocated since his firing after 2010 -- and Mangini doesn't want to keep uprooting without some assurance of a longer run than a year or two.

St. Ignatius High finishes 15th in MaxPreps final national poll

0
0

 CLEVELAND, O. - Division I state football champion St. Ignatius, which finished 15th in the final MaxPreps Freeman national high school poll, will receive a trophy for that accomplishment during Saturday's home basketball game against Lorain as part of the seventh annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions, presented by the Army National Guard.   The Wildcats, winners of a record...

 CLEVELAND, O. - Division I state football champion St. Ignatius, which finished 15th in the final MaxPreps Freeman national high school poll, will receive a trophy for that accomplishment during Saturday's home basketball game against Lorain as part of the seventh annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions, presented by the Army National Guard.
 

The Wildcats, winners of a record 11 state titles, was ranked 26th in the final ESPN poll and 37th in Rivals. Division I state runnerup Pickerington Central is ranked 81st in Rivals while Division I state semifinalist Toledo Whitmer is 97th.

  Both Pickerington and Whitmer were defeated by St. Ignatius.

Kelly Pavlik plans to make a return to the ring, but will he?

0
0

Former boxing champion Kelly Pavlik plans to make a return to the ring in May or April.

kelly-pavlik.jpgKelly Pavlik

It looks like Youngstown native Kelly Pavlik will make his way back into the boxing ring, writes Scott Christ of BoxingScene.com. And Pavlik will head to California to train with Robert Garcia.

Pavlik could return in April or May.

Pavlik turns 30 in April and was recently arrested in Ohio on a DUI charge, which of course is hardly his first scrape with the law or alcohol issues. He's done two stints in rehab since 2010, and has fought just once in both of the last two years.

Pavlik split with the trainer Jack Loew. But he's still managed by Cameron Dunkin and promoted by Top Rank.

Christ wonders if Garcia can get anything out of Pavlik. 

Honestly, I've got no real clue what to expect of Pavlik. He's unreliable at this point, and he's a risk for any TV network to schedule, and a risk for any promoter to spend time promoting, and frankly he's a risk for any trainer to spend time training. It's all up to him. If Kelly Pavlik wants to fight, he'll fight. If he doesn't, he won't.

  

Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images