The LeBron James Skills Academy no longer will be staged at the University of Akron. Instead, it will be conducted in Las Vegas so James can participate while training with the United States Olympic team.

View full sizeAP Photo/Akron Beacon Journal, Karen SchielyLeBron James is moving his basketball camp from Akron to Las Vegas.

"I don't mind them bringing in this kid or for that matter all the signings they've done this winter. Didn't cost much and the old sayings, "throw enough mud against the wall and somethings got to stick for you" and "can't catch a fish if you don't have a line in the water" apply here. Now pick up that power hitter and let's get some excitement going into spring training." - Moosie

View full sizeAP PhotoThe Tribe acquired Russ Canzler, the 2011 International League Most Valuable Player, from the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday.

"I don't mind them bringing in this kid or for that matter all the signings they've done this winter. Didn't cost much and the old sayings, "throw enough mud against the wall and somethings got to stick for you" and "can't catch a fish if you don't have a line in the water" apply here. Now pick up that power hitter and let's get some excitement going into spring training."

Hillis absolutely needs to be signed. What is equally important is that Holmgren, Heckert, and Shurmur must compliment him with a effective and durable running back. Forget a quarterback-draft the kid from Alabama if possible. I believe his name is Trent Richardson. Keep Hardesty also. Cleveland should get rid of the West Coast offense and switch to the "North Coast" offense...Run, Run and Run some more. That is Browns' football." - Warren

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerSome cleveland.com readers believe the Browns should re-sign Peyton Hillis in order to compete in the AFC North Division.

"Hillis absolutely needs to be signed. What is equally important is that Holmgren, Heckert, and Shurmur must compliment him with a effective and durable running back. Forget a quarterback-draft the kid from Alabama if possible. I believe his name is Trent Richardson. Keep Hardesty also. Cleveland should get rid of the West Coast offense and switch to the "North Coast" offense...Run, Run and Run some more. That is Browns' football."

Interactive Map: Urban Meyer's first recruiting class at Ohio State is expected to attract players from coast to coast, but mostly from Ohio.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has verbal commitments from at least 23 players, including 15 from Ohio, heading into national signing day on Wednesday.

In addition to players from the Buckeyes' home state, players from California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania say they will sign with the Buckeyes, according to Rivals.com.

Two players on the commitment list attended for Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia last year after playing earlier at Cleveland Glenville High School (quarterback Cardele Jones) and Woodland Hills (Calif.) Taft High School (wide receiver Michael Thomas.)

Click on the interactive map below for some details about each recruit. Zoom in if necessary where there are clusters of players. Two schools have multiple recruits.

Source: rivals.com

Gus Chan / The Plain DealerFormer Cleveland Glenville star Cardale Jones is expected to be part of Ohio State's 2012 freshman class.

Also

• Complete Ohio State recruiting coverage from The Plain Dealer

The Cavaliers look to make it two straight against the Boston Celtics tonight at Quicken Loans Arena. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m.

The Cavaliers look to make it two straight against the Boston Celtics tonight at Quicken Loans Arena. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider in the box below. Check out the in-game box score here. Read on for a game preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

View full sizeMichael Dwyer, Associated PressThe Celtics come into town tonight as the Cavaliers look to make it two straight against the team from Boston.

Harney is back on track as a rising talent for the Zips. Hopefully, for the long haul.

View full sizeKaren Schiely, Akron Beacon-JournalWhen the basketball is in Nick Harney's hands, putting it through the hoop comes naturally. Making sure that he's able to be on the court has sometimes been more difficult.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Basketball has been a given in the family of Nick Harney.

His grandfather, Ron Burnett, has been an assistant coach at Shaker Heights High School for 20 years. His uncle, Vada Burnett, played at Shaker and then at Bowling Green. His father, Arthur Harney, played at John Hay and the former Dyke College.

But getting on the organized court has been Nick Harney's biggest challenge. The end of this season will mark just the second time in the past four years the 6-7, 210-pound Akron Zips forward has completed a full campaign of organized high-school or college basketball.

He began his freshman year at Shaker Heights, but when he and his mother, Twyla Burnett, moved to Cleveland, he transferred to Ginn Academy. After his sophomore year, Harney transferred again, to Benedictine. He played three games as a junior but was then declared ineligible under OHSAA transfer rules.

Harney did not play a full season until his senior year at Benedictine. He averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds on a team that advanced to the Division II state semifinals. He played with Cameron Wright, now at Pitt, and Derek Jackson, now at Central Michigan.

But unlike Wright and Jackson, who were already targeted for college basketball careers, when the high school season ended, Harney shut down academically.

"Nicholas was being lazy," said his mother, who refuses to call him Nick and cringes when others do.

Reality hit when Harney, three classes shy of graduation, was not allowed to walk down the aisle with his graduating classmates. Meanwhile, major-college coaches interested in recruiting him never went beyond the first phone call when they saw his academic resume.

If he was stunned, his tough-love single mother was not.

"How could he be shocked?" she said. "He knew what he was doing at Benedictine."

The problem was getting Harney back on track. He took the necessary three summer-school classes so he could graduate, and at the same time drew more interest playing summer weekends on the AAU circuit -- but not from the schools he expected.

"Junior-college coaches were flying in from everywhere," his mother said. "Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Texas. But all the time they were recruiting him, I realized, going junior college was really going around the issue. He could play right away going to junior college. He needed to sit and get his school situation in order."

Locally, Kent State and Akron were both willing to have Harney sit out a season, without scholarship, to solidify his academics and target the 2011-12 season. Harney opted for the Zips because his friend, Euclid's Demetrius Treadwell, would also be sitting out to focus on grades at Akron.

Once on campus, college proved to be different than Harney expected.

"It's actually easier," he said. "I don't have six classes every day. I have two that I can focus on."

Yet he also had extra time on his hands, which led to a five-game suspension for what the school will only call a "violation of team rules." Harney wouldn't get into specifics, saying only, "I've learned some lessons. I have to make good decisions -- where I go, who I'm with -- and take care of my business correctly."

"It was an eye-opener for him," his mother said. "From my standpoint I just asked him, 'Do you want to get in trouble, or do you want to go to school and play basketball? You can either do both [school and basketball] or lose both.' I think he learned his lesson."

Now Harney is back on track and, he hopes, for the long haul.

"I see it in his school work, and his study tables," Twyla Burnett said. "More focused. More determined. He's a student."

Harney's next challenge is to become a student of the game: the intricacies of how to help on offense and defense; how to go after rebounds; or when to take a charge instead of going for a block. Much of it is new to him.

"It's definitely a grind," Harney said. "I'm adapting to the system. I'm trying to become a perfectionist."

But when the basketball is in Harney's hands, putting it through the hoop comes naturally. As the Zips (13-7, 5-1) show signs of running away with the MAC regular-season title, Harney is a key reason why.

He scored 21 points in 14 minutes against Kent State, 15 points in 20 minutes against Detroit, 11 points in 10 minutes against Miami and 12 points in 14 minutes against Bowling Green. For the season, he's averaging 10.1 points and 3.6 rebounds a game.

If Harney can take care of business on -- and off -- the court, his personal and athletic future will only become brighter.

For most high school football players seeking a college scholarship, the days and weeks before National Signing Day carry plenty of apprehension.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerShaw quarterback William Woods could break free for long touchdown runs as a senior, but attracting and keeping colleges interested in a 5-10 offensive spark plug was considerably more difficult.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On college football's National Signing Day, fans hear all about the blue-chip, five-star players. They are courted by every major college program in the country. They are the in the top 100, USA Today high school All-Americans such as St. Edward lineman Kyle Kalis, who picked Michigan over Ohio State.

But that's not the situation of most players. Here's the story of three young men who know grades matter, that a college football scholarship means a free education -- not just a fantasy land ticket to the National Football League.

They understand only about 2,500 first-year players each year receive scholarships from bowl-eligible Division I programs -- and that includes junior college players. They are among several dozen high school standouts from across Northeast Ohio who will sign binding letters of intent with colleges across the country Wednesday.

National recruiting services put stars next to the names of prospects. An elite recruit is a 5-star. The average Mid-American Conference recruit receives two or three stars.

Then there is William Woods IV from East Cleveland's Shaw, who had no stars next to his name. That's because Woods is only 5-foot-10. Guys who are 5-10 are not Division I college quarterbacks.

View full sizePD file"Being told that I'm too small motivates me," says Shaw QB William Woods, who is headed to Kent State.

Woods knows that. He was willing to play receiver, defensive back and help on special teams -- anything that would entice Kent State to offer him a scholarship. After all, Woods had led Shaw to the first playoff victory in school history. He was a fleet quarterback who ranked 10th in his class academically and No. 1 in leadership, according to Shaw coach Rodney Brown.

"Lots of recruiters loved William as a person," said Brown. "But it was his height."

"I've always had to prove myself," said Woods. "Being told that I'm too small motivates me."

Woods had met with Kent State coach Darrell Hazell and wanted to play for the Golden Flashes.

"They wanted me to be a preferred walk-on," he said.

That meant no scholarship, but a chance to earn one on the field. He couldn't afford to pay for the first year. He had impressed a number of Division II coaches, and had orally committed to play for Lee Owens at Ashland University.

"I got a call Sunday night from Coach Hazell," Woods said.

Woods' heart beat a little faster. He was hoping Hazell had changed his mind and there was a scholarship -- but was fearing it was another pitch to be a walk-on.

"Then he offered [a scholarship]," said Woods. "He told me that he liked my character and that I took care of business in school. I had played slot receiver my first few years at Shaw, and they'll use me there."

Woods paused for a moment, still thinking about the call earlier this week that changed his future -- not quite believing it.

"I think this is big for people at Shaw," he said. "I have pride in this school and this neighborhood. Good things can come from here."

A new coach, a new offer

View full sizePD file"Just because I got an offer (from Akron), I can't let down now," says Hudson's Quaison Osborne.

Hudson offensive tackle Quaison Osborne had a much different problem. He is big. Sometimes, too big.

At the start of his junior year, he was 6-4 and 327 pounds as he began his varsity career. While he started, he didn't attract much attention from college recruiters.

"He was a chubby kid at that point," said Hudson coach Ron Wright. "Then he went to work."

"I began to practice with the wrestling team," said Osborne. "I didn't wrestle in matches, I just went to the practices, lost weight and added quickness. I couldn't be 350 pounds and play tackle. I was always the big kid, and I knew I had to get in better shape."

This season, he was down to 297 and began to impress with his blocking skills and footwork. Recruiting services put two stars next to his name, which made him a marginal Division I prospect. Former Akron coach Rob Ianello had an interest, but Osborne was not sold on the Zips. He also hoped some other MAC schools would do more than write letters and make phone calls. He hoped for a real offer.

He had a 3.1 grade-point average and was considered "a real good kid by the teachers," said Hudson Athletic Director Ray Ebersole. "He was maturing as a person and a player, but was sort of a late-bloomer."

Osborne wanted to play close to home. Youngstown State offered a scholarship, and it appeared that would be his destination. Then Terry Bowden was hired by Akron. Within a few days, the Zips were recruiting Osborne.

"I really liked coach Bowden, especially his Southern hospitality," said Osborn.

He talked about Bowden's career from Salem State to Auburn to North Alabama. He talked about Bowden having a law degree, and having attended Oxford. He said that along with his mother, "We did our homework [on Bowden]."

Akron offered a scholarship two weeks ago, and Osborne quickly accepted. He's excited by the nice stadium and the growing urban campus -- along with a chance to play in the MAC for an experienced coach who sounds as if he can finally move a team that was 2-22 in the past two years in the right direction.

"I'm still working out with the wrestling team, every day," he said. "Just because I got an offer, I can't let down now."

A special calling

View full sizePD file"I asked myself what I wanted to do with my life," said Solon's Nate Hoff, who is going to a prep school before enrolling at the Naval Academy. "I was interested in being a leader."

Solon's Nate Hoff had three stars next to his name and offers from virtually every MAC school. He heard from some Big Ten programs, and Michigan State seemed especially interested in the 6-1, 295-pound offensive guard.

"For a long time, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do," he said.

Then he was recruited by Navy, and was invited to visit the campus in Annapolis, Md. Intrigued by military, Hoff took the trip.

"It was the weekend of the Army-Navy game and that atmosphere just blew me away," he said. "I wanted to be a part of that."

Hoff came home with more than a desire to attend Navy, his long range goal was to become a Marine.

"I asked myself what I wanted to do with my life," he said. "I was interested in being a leader. It seemed at Navy and with the Marines, I could do that."

Hoff says he has a 3.0 GPA and scored 22 on the ACT exam. That's good enough for most Division I schools in the country. But not at Navy.

"I'm going to attend Naval Academy Prep School [in Rhode Island] for a year to raise that," he said. "Then I'll go to the Naval Academy."

So it's one year of prep school, four years of college -- followed by a five-year military commitment.

"I really admire him for this," said Solon coach Jim McQuaide. "Given the state of the world, it's not the easiest choice. But Nate is never afraid of challenges."

Hoff joked that "at least I'll have a guaranteed job when I get out of school."

But he knows it's more than that.

"I just felt this was something I needed to do," he said. "I want to see if I can become a Marine officer one day."

Cabot, who has covered the Browns for 23 years, will fill a vacancy on the 44-member Hall of Fame committee.

View full sizePD fileMary Kay Cabot will represent NE Ohio in Saturday's Pro Football Hall of Fame vote.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Northeast Ohio will still have a voice in who makes the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

Joe Horrigan, the Canton-based Hall's vice president-communications/exhibits, who oversees the vote, contacted Plain Dealer Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot to serve as an alternate for this year.

Cabot, who has covered the Browns for 23 years, will fill a vacancy on the 44-member Hall of Fame committee created when The Plain Dealer removed Tony Grossi from the Browns beat last week for criticizing Browns owner Randy Lerner in a private message that was accidentally sent on his public Twitter account.

Horrigan said he contacted Cabot because he wanted the Browns market represented in the vote, "just like the other 31 [NFL] markets are."

The committee will meet in Indianapolis the day before the Super Bowl to elect its 50th class from among 17 finalists -- 15 modern-era players and two senior candidates.

Among them are: running backs Jerome Bettis and Curtis Martin; wide receivers Cris Carter, Andre Reed and Tim Brown; head coach Bill Parcells; and owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr.

To be elected, a finalist must be approved by at least 80 percent of the voters.

Wednesday is a step toward NCAA change, as football players in the Big Ten, including Ohio State, will be signing four-year scholarships. Watch video

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerWhen Glenville's De'van Bogard (left) and St. Ignatius' Blake Thomas sign their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, they will have the security of a four-year scholarship commitment from Ohio State, as well recruits at most of the rest of the Big Ten.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- When football recruits at Ohio State sign their National Letters of Intent Wednesday, they should have greater guarantees about their future than ever before in the modern era of college sports.

Buckeyes, as well as players at most -- if not all -- Big Ten schools and some other programs around the country, are signing four-year scholarships instead of renewable one-year scholarships, as has been the standard. After an NCAA rule change, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany encouraged conference schools to offer four-year grants. Administrators from the SEC and the MAC told The Plain Dealer their conferences haven't taken a position and left the decision to schools.

For those players getting four-year deals, the change may not be noticed, but the move offers greater protection, preventing schools from revoking their scholarships if they don't perform on the field. That particularly can be an issue after a coaching change. Ramogi Huma, president of the National Collegiate Players Association, said his group takes calls from players every year who thought their scholarships were for four years right up until they weren't renewed.

"Some may look at it and say it's symbolic," said Chad Hawley, the Big Ten's associate commissioner for compliance. "In the vast majority of cases with a one-year grant, if student-athletes came in and did what they needed to do, it was renewed. But at the same time, I think there's a peace of mind that goes beyond symbolism."

Thus, Wednesday is something of a landmark. Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith said the Buckeyes are extending the four-year offers only for football, but at least the players who make the most money for their schools are getting a little something back. (Smith did say the four-year scholarships still can be revoked for academic failings or off-field violations.)

"We're in this window of reform," Smith said, "and this is the start of it."

But the path to reform is a winding one, filled with dead ends and potholes. This started in October when the NCAA forwarded a plan to make multi-year scholarships permissible, but not required. That was coupled with a plan to increase scholarships by $2,000, a move that got more attention.

Both ideas got pushback. Enough schools were against the $2,000 stipend that, though it was applied to scholarships awarded in November, it has since been suspended and will be reconsidered by the NCAA in April. Smith expects it to pass, but in a different form.

Many schools also came out against the multi-year scholarship plan, enough to require a vote on the full membership in February. However, there weren't as many objections as there were to the $2,000 move, so it was not suspended. Smith expects that February vote to pass the multi-year idea. Most of the powers at the NCAA support the multi-year grants.

When Hawley sat in on an NCAA meeting, the head of the Student-Athlete Well-Being working group found that many objections to the plan came because schools said it reduced the flexibility of a new coach to get rid of players who didn't fit his style.

Hawley said the chairman's response was "that's exactly why the legislation should be there."

So supporters are hopeful, but in the meantime, there is this window of change in which the rule is valid but caution and apprehension also remain.

Jackie Mynarski, an associate commissioner of the Mid-American Conference, said the league had not taken a position on the multi-year scholarships. Some MAC schools, with much smaller athletic department budgets than in the Big Ten, are concerned about the financial effect of multi-year offers. But if MAC schools don't offer four-year scholarships, and Big Ten schools do, that could put MAC schools at a disadvantage in luring players.

"It is a concern and it's been a definite point of concern for our coaches," Mynarski said. "We do recruit against Big Ten schools and it's definitely out there as part of the overall recruiting landscape now."

In the Southeastern Conference, money isn't an issue, but some conference coaches, like South Carolina's Steve Spurrier, have come out publicly against multi-year offers, saying players need to continue to earn their way. SEC commissioner Mike Slive, however, has publicly supported multi-year scholarships, and Greg Sankey, the SEC associate commissioner for compliance, said Tuesday that Slive maintains that stance.

However, for now, SEC schools made their own calls without conference input.

"We took the less regulatory approach to see how this is implemented across the country," Sankey said.

For those who support the rights of athletes -- including the founders of oversigning.com, a Web site dedicated to doing away with the practice of teams offering more scholarships than it has and then cutting either recruits or current players -- this move is an obvious one that will prevent coaches from cutting players to cover up misses in recruiting.

Huma called this a small step in the right direction, though he doesn't believe the NCAA is capable of comprehensive reform from within. Still, "it's a win for this recruiting class, at least," he said. "And if the rule stands, it's a solid win for college athletes."

Huma said schools everywhere can unfairly fail to renew scholarships, not just the ones that take the most blame for it. OSU AD Smith, however, said the greatest change needs to take place in other conferences, believing the Big Ten, which does monitor oversigning more closely than any conference, already had safeguards in order.

"For those places that really need the cultural change, this is big," Smith said. "There were some schools that ran players off because of their athletic ability, and so this helps. Now, those schools may not offer multi-year scholarships. But you would hope they would. And you would hope there's pressure that would cause them to do it, because this isn't how we should treat kids.

"But this is not a Big Ten issue, frankly. It's in other places."

Sessions hasn't made a decision on whether he will opt out of the final year of his contract, if there isn't a trade.

View full sizeAmy Sancetta, Associated PressRamon Sessions' shooting hasn't been up to his usual standards this season, but he has remained a valuable member of the improving Cavaliers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ramon Sessions has been traded once in his career and, to hear him tell it, he's been linked to one rumor or another for the past three years.

So, the Cavaliers point guard was hardly shocked to learn of a Yahoo Sports report that states his club has discussed dealing him to the Los Angeles Lakers. Since the Cavaliers used the first overall pick to draft Kyrie Irving last June, there's been speculation concerning Sessions' future in Cleveland.

"It's been like that for me for a few years now," said Sessions, 25, who was dealt to the Cavs from Minnesota in the summer of 2010. "There's always something with that. [I] haven't been traded yet. Cleveland now, Cleveland later. I'm not really into all of that.

"I try to block it out. It's tough at times, but you have to be mentally prepared to play basketball."

After a strong start, Sessions has struggled shooting the ball. He entered Tuesday's game against Boston hitting just 34 percent from the floor. Coach Byron Scott said the rest of Sessions' game remains solid, although he'd like to see the guard attacking the basket as he's been known to do.

Sessions' agent, Jared Karnes, was in town last week and he's expected to speak to Cavs' management again soon about Sessions' future. The guard said he hasn't made a decision on whether he will opt out of the final year of his contract. He could make $4.6 million next season or become a free agent.

The Lakers are in search of a reliable backup to 37-year-old point guard Derek Fisher. They have their first-round selection and a top-20 protected pick from Dallas that could be of interest to the rebuilding Cavs.

"The Lakers are a great organization, but here we have some things we have to prove," Sessions said. "Being on that team last year was tough for us. We feel like this year we're going to try to contend."

Gibson coming home: Daniel Gibson, who missed his second straight game with an infection in his neck, was released from a Boston hospital on Tuesday. The shooting guard is expected to see team doctors on Wednesday and have more tests performed at the Cleveland Clinic. He is being treated with antibiotics.

While there's no timetable for his return, a team official said the "soft tissue infection" is not believed to be serious health risk. The source of the infection is unclear.

Parker remains out: Starting point guard Anthony Parker missed Tuesday's game as he recovers from tightness in his lower back. He landed awkwardly after getting hit as he took a jump shot in the first half of Sunday's game.

Parker, 38, does not have a target date for his return. He also missed the Jan. 17 game with lower back pain.

"I'm encouraged by the improvement the past two days, but it's something we want to let settle," he said. "It's hard to predict what will happen."

Doc's orders: Celtics coach Doc Rivers got a preview of look at Irving in the summer of 2010 when the Cavaliers rookie and the coach's son, Austin, played together in a junior international tournament.

Rivers said he felt strongly enough about Irving's promise to contact Scott prior to last year's draft.

"I called Byron ... and said, 'You guys are making the right choice. Don't let anybody talk you out of that.'" Rivers said. "I've watched him more than Coach K. Really. I saw all the AAU games. He's sensational.

"He plays the right way. He makes sensational plays but he's just doing it to win. He's not a flashy player, but he does flashy things."

Quotable: Irving, 19, said he "felt like a vet" in talking with Mychel Thompson, 23, prior to Thompson's first NBA start on Tuesday. "I told him to take it slow, young fella, take your time."

Dribbles: The LeBron James Skills Academy will be held in Las Vegas this summer instead of Akron, according to a release from Nike, so James can train for the Olympics simultaneously.

Arbitration hearings begin Wednesday and Cabrera and Perez still aren't signed. Meanwhile, Tribe adds a righty bat in Russ Canzler.

View full sizePD fileAsdrubal Cabrera has requested a $5.2 million contract in arbitration from the Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ninety percent of the major league players eligible for salary arbitration settle before going to a hearing. The Indians have helped pad that impressive statistic by avoiding the process since 1991.

Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne went the distance against the Indians that year with Swindell winning and Browne losing. Twenty-one years later, two other Indians, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and left-hander Rafael Perez, are following the same path. Arbitration hearings begin Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. and run through Feb. 20. Cabrera and Perez each have hearing dates scheduled, but they have not been made public.

"We can negotiate right up until the time of the hearing," said Indians assistant general manager Mike Chernoff. "Both parties are clearly trying to get things done. If not, there is a mechanism in place to get it done."

Cabrera is seeking $5.2 million for 2012. The Indians have offered $3.75 million. He made $2.025 million last year. Perez is seeking $2.4 million. The Indians have offered $1.6 million. He made $1.33 million last year.

Cabrera's midpoint is $4.475 million. Perez's midpoint is $2 million.

It has been so long since an Indian has actually gone to an arbitration hearing that a refresher course is needed.

• Each side addresses a panel of three arbitrators for an hour each. They have a half hour for rebuttals.

• The arbitrators then make a decision. They can take the club's offer or the player's request for a one-year non-guaranteed deal. There is no middle ground and no opinion is given by the arbitrators.

• The player must attend the hearing.

• Arguments are based on a player's contribution to the club in terms of performance and leadership, the team's record and attendance, the awards a player receives, his postseason performance and the salaries of comparable players in terms of service class.

• Arguments cannot be based on team finances, previous offers made during negotiations, comments from the press and salaries in other sports and occupations.

• If a player is cut within 16 days of the season opener, he is entitled to 30 days termination pay. If the player is cut later than that, but before opening day, he receives 45 days termination pay.

The arbitration scorecard over the history of the process favors the team, 286-212. One of the reasons teams avoid arbitration is that it can create ill will with the player. During a hearing, teams must point out the flaws in a player's game to make their case.

"I don't think the process is designed to point out flaws," said Chernoff. "It's to point out why the team made a certain salary offer and why a player is asking for a certain salary. I don't think it has to create animosity."

Cabrera is coming off a career year in which he hit 25 homers, drove in 92 runs and was the AL's starting shortstop at the All-Star Game. He's entering his fifth season -- a player needs six seasons to qualify for free agency -- and could be a candidate for a multiyear offer from the Indians.

They haven't signed an arbitration-eligible player to a multiyear deal since 2008.

"We're open to a variety of different structures," said GM Chris Antonetti, regarding multiyear deals, "but we have to align on value and it takes interest from both parties."

The Indians have reached deals with five of their seven arbitration-eligible players.

New Indian Russ Canzler in a 2011 interview

Sports Talk: Russ Canzler from Sam-Son Productions, Inc. on Vimeo.

New guy: The Indians continue to add new faces. Tuesday they acquired right-handed hitting Russ Canzler from Tampa Bay for cash.

Canzler, 25, was the International League's MVP last year at Class AAA Durham. He hit .314 (149-for-474) with 40 doubles, four triples, 18 homers and 83 RBI in 131 games. Canzler, 6-2 and 215 pounds, played 41 games in right field, 33 games in left, 40 games at third and 17 at first.

He made his big-league debut with the Rays in September with three at-bats. The Rays designated him for assignment on Jan. 27 to make room for infielder Jeff Keppinger.

"He said he feels comfortable at all four positions," said Antonetti, "but he's played first base the most in his career."

The Indians added Canzler to the 40-man roster -- they had an opening after Fausto Carmona was placed on the restricted list -- and he will go to spring training to compete for a spot on the big league club.

"He's a physical guy (6-2, 215) with a short line-drive swing and quick hands," said Antonetti.

Canzler is the fourth player the Indians have added to the 40-man roster from outside the organization since the end of the World Series. They have also invited 20 non-roster players to big league camp with a good chance more are coming.

Finally: The Indians have spent a lot of time talking to Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes and his family in the Dominican Republic. Cespedes just recently was granted permission to negotiate with big-league teams as a free agent, but his price is expected to be too high for the Indians.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Kyrie Irving's 21 points led the Cavs, who also got 20 points and 20 rebounds from Anderson Varejao.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Tune out Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varejao and the Cavaliers' fourth quarters at your own peril.

Just ask the Boston Celtics, who have seen enough of the Cavs' youthful legs and naive belief that no late-game deficit is insurmountable.

After rallying for an improbable victory in Boston on Sunday, the Cavaliers nearly did it again Tuesday night before falling, 93-90, in front of 14,798 fans at The Q. Trailing by 18 to open the fourth quarter, the short-handed Cavaliers cut the Celtics' lead to 89-87 with 1:18 remaining on a driving layup from Kyrie Irving.

Players on both sides and fans in the stands were no doubt flashing back to the final five minutes of Sunday's game as the Cavaliers scored the last 12 points and Irving won it with a layup.

But this time the veteran Celtics avoided collapse as Kevin Garnett hit a turnaround jumper with 1:04 left and Cavaliers missed their next two shots.

"Obviously, not the outcome we wanted but the one thing I told our guys [is that] is that they played so hard tonight," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said. "It was great to see. We just have to continue to play that hard."

Varejao had another phenomenal effort with 20 points and 20 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards, in 41-plus minutes. Both rebounding figures set career highs. The Brazilian became the first Cav since Carlos Boozer on March 30, 2004 to have a 20/20 performance.

He is making a late charge for All-Star Game consideration.

"Varejao's energy is just amazing," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "It's amazing to watch him run around relentlessly, and pursue [loose balls]. Varejao is always an All-Star as far as I'm concerned. I think they should keep a spot for a role player."

Meanwhile, Irving is becoming one of the league's most exciting fourth-quarter players. He had 13 points over the final 12 minutes Tuesday on 5-of-8 shooting as he played the entire fourth quarter for the first time in his career.

In the past three games, he has 42 fourth-quarter points to lead furious rallies. Irving finished the contest with 21 points and six assists while playing a career-high 37 minutes, 28 seconds.

"We got a few stops and started hitting some shots and momentum started going our way and that changed the whole game," Irving said. "We just couldn't finish it out."

Scott is gradually increasing Irving's playing time, but bumped it up dramatically Tuesday due to the injuries to shooting guards Anthony Parker (back) and Daniel Gibson (neck infection). The Cavs also lost reserve power forward Tristan Thompson as he aggravated a left ankle injury in the first half.

The missing personnel put a strain on the lineup. Mychel Thompson made his first career start, finishing with eight points on 3-of-9 shooting. Backup point guard Ramon Sessions, who had a game-high 10 assists, played nearly 28 minutes and saw time with Irving in the same backcourt.

"Obviously, it hurts because those two guys are big in our rotation," Scott said of Parker and Gibson. "They both mean a lot to us. ... Having three guys down and to be able to fight and compete the way we did, I thought that was fantastic."

The game was lost for the Cavaliers in the second and third quarters as they managed just 34 points during that stretch. They shot 33 percent in the middle quarters and trailed by as many as 22 points with 15 minutes remaining.

Varejao was the only one giving the Cavaliers a chance. He had 18 points and 15 of his team's 21 rebounds through three quarters.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 20 points on a night five Celtics scored in double figures.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

The Golden Flashes won their third in a row and beat Central Michigan for the 11th straight time.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Randal Holt scored 23 points and Kent State used an early second-half surge to defeat Central Michigan, 67-60, on Tuesday night.

Justin Greene and Chris Evans added 12 points apiece and Michael Porrini 10 for the Golden Flashes (15-6, 5-3 MAC), who won their third in a row and beat Central Michigan for the 11th straight time.

Austin McBroom scored 19 points to lead the Chippewas (7-14, 2-6), whose losing streak grew to six. Trey Zeigler added 17 points, and Andre Coimbra had 13 points, eight rebounds and four steals.

Kent State started the second half with a 7-0 run that turned a 32-32 tie into a 39-32 lead. After Coimbra hit a 3-pointer, Evans scored five points amid another 7-0 spurt that made it 46-35 with 14:21 left. The Golden Flashes led the rest of the way.

Kent State has won 27 straight against MAC West opponents.

Recent recruits have made a splash, but 12 future Buckeyes have been waiting a long time for National Signing Day, knowing where they wanted to be regardless of the coach.

View full sizeGus Chan, The Plain DealerFormer Glenville QB Cardale Jones, who has spent a year at Fork Union Academy in Virginia waiting to accept an Ohio State scholarship, will get the chance to sign a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- By now, most Ohio State fans believe that Urban Meyer could recruit the stars out of the sky. When the Buckeyes lock up their Class of 2012 on National Signing Day, 12 pledges, including four from Northeast Ohio, will know they picked OSU without knowing anything about the Buckeyes' future, persuaded before hearing a Meyer recruiting pitch.

"People should know that we are some diehard players here, that we bleed the scarlet and gray and we'll do anything for this university to make it a better place," said Bedford defensive back Tyvis Powell. "That's how much we love the Buckeyes."

Powell, St. Ignatius tight end Blake Thomas, Glenville defensive back De'Van Bogard and Glenville quarterback Cardale Jones (who spent last season at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia) are among the Sub-Urban Buckeyes, those who made their decisions outside of Meyer's sphere of influence.

Though there were actually 16 OSU oral commitments when Meyer was hired on Nov. 28, Adolphus Washington and Ricquan Southward were recent enough pledges to have heard the Meyer buzz, Canton GlenOak running back Bri'onte Dunn, who was also considering Michigan, had to be re-engaged by a Meyer visit, and receiver Roger Lewis is no longer part of the class.

Ready to finish off what is currently a 23-man group ranked by most recruiting analysts as a top-five class, Meyer has sent pulses racing by wrapping up eight players in the last two months, all rated four stars are higher, with at least four other highly-rated players still considering Ohio State:

• Cleveland Heights offensive lineman Kyle Dodson (ranked No. 178 nationally by Rivals.com) has the Buckeyes among his final four and is announcing at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.

• Linebacker Jamal Marcus (No. 15 player in North Carolina) is picking between Ohio State and East Carolina at 10:30 a.m.

• Arizona receiver Davonte Neal (No. 107 nationally) likely will take his decision past signing day and has the Buckeyes in a group that also includes Arizona, Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Notre Dame.

• Maryland receiver Stefon Diggs (No. 8 nationally) also isn't expected to announce Wednesday and is considering Ohio State and Florida, among others.

It may be difficult to remember for OSU fans, but it wasn't always that way. Once the Buckeyes entered the uncertain 2011 season, with the NCAA investigating and former coach Jim Tressel forced out, the coaching staff focused on in-state players who wanted the school regardless of circumstance.

"Ohio State will always be Ohio State. That was always my school and I stayed faithful to it," said Bogard, who did take a later visit to USC, which he said concerned Meyer a bit.

"He was worried, I could tell," Bogard said. "But I told him I was a Buckeye for sure, I was just taking a little vacation."

Powell said he has wanted to join the Buckeyes since watching them win the 2002 national title, so "I couldn't throw away nine years of me wanting to come to Ohio State."

Meanwhile, other schools continued to see if the players were wavering in their commitments, just as Meyer successfully flipped seven current OSU recruits after they had previously pledged to other programs.

"All that stuff going on [at Ohio State] I wasn't happy about, but it didn't affect my opinion of the place or change how I felt about the commitment," Thomas said.

On the other hand, some pledges had to wonder if their scholarship offers would be honored by Meyer and his new staff.

"That was on my mind a little," Thomas said. "But after a few days I talked to some of the other guys, and after I talked to [Meyer] that settled me down a little bit."

Now he and his classmates are ready to settle in. Thomas, for instance, was the sixth player to commit, on May 16, 2011, two weeks before Tressel was forced to resign. It has been a long eight months, and a lot has changed. But like the rest of those 12, he'll end up just where he said he would.

Lewis charged: Pickerington Central receiver Roger Lewis gave an oral commitment to Ohio State months ago but he already had been removed from the Buckeyes' prospective class while dealing with what his high school coach had said were academic issues.

On Tuesday, Lewis was arrested and charged with two counts on rape. Police told This Week Community Newspapers that the alleged incidents, involving an acquaintance of Lewis, reportedly happened in December and January.

See a video interview featuring local OSU recruits De'Van Bogard of Glenville, Tyvis Powell of Bedford and Blake Thomas of St. Ignatius. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Check out a special National Signing Day edition of Starting Blocks TV as local Ohio State football recruits discuss signing with the Buckeyes.

OSU recruits De'Van Bogard of Glenville, Tyvis Powell of Bedford and Blake Thomas of St. Ignatius talk with Plain Dealer reporter Bob Fortuna about their decision to sign with Ohio State today.

Powell, who enrolled at OSU last month, also gives a glimpse into his interactions with new coach Urban Meyer and campus life.

Don't miss the end of the show when each recruit is asked to share something about them that the public does not know.

The Plain Dealer is pleased to throw out our first and completely unscientific recruiting ranking of next year's seniors.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerHudson's Ben Gedeon (15) is one of the area's most pursued junior talents.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dozens of high school senior football players will sign college Letters of Intent Wednesday. They are so 27 seconds ago.

Step aside, boys.

Will the recruiting class of 2013 please step forward? You are on the clock. It is now time for you to begin deciding, de-committing and recommitting while the media, recruitniks and passionate fans track and debate your every visit, tweet and hat choice.

Sound like fun? Hey, it's only your future at stake. The roller coaster is leaving the station, so hop aboard. Here we go.

The Plain Dealer is pleased to throw out our first and completely unscientific recruiting ranking of next year's seniors. Call it a first draft of the 2017 NFL Draft from a Northeast Ohio perspective, if that helps.

While the Class of 2012 is the Year of the Lineman in Northeast Ohio, the Class of 2013 has skill. The area contributes to a statewide bonanza of defensive backs, with a healthy mix of quarterbacks.

Christopher Worely continues a proud tradition of defensive backs from Glenville, and Avon cornerback Ross Douglas already has seven college offers. Cleveland Heights' Shelton Gibson and St. Edward's Anthony Young have bright futures as sprinters, should they choose track careers instead of playing wide receiver or defensive back.

Kent Roosevelt quarterback Tra'von Chapman is a multi-talent similar to Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, though perhaps not quite on that level. Mitch Trubisky has a big arm and put up big numbers in Mentor's prolific offense last fall. Tom Tupa Jr. is the talented son of the former Browns punter, who also was a stellar high school quarterback.

Firestone's Kevin Gladney isn't a household name yet, but recruiters are hot on the wide receiver's tails.

The skill doesn't end there. Willoughby South tailback Kareem Hunt had a season for the ages last fall -- 2,289 yards and 37 touchdowns, including games of 485 and 415 yards. More than just numbers, he has the legitimate speed and power that are generating tangible recruiting interest.

So here, for 2013, are 13 to watch until they, too, head off to college and, from a recruiting perspective, become yesterday's tweets. Then we will talk about the Class of 2014, and just wait until you get a load of St. Ignatius sophomore offensive lineman Jimmy Byrne, who already has an offer from Ohio State, and St. Vincent-St. Mary defensive end Dante Booker, whose father, also named Dante Booker, starred at Auburn.

1. Ben Gedeon, Hudson

Linebacker, 6-2, 200

Scouting report: Has an Ohio State offer. Youngstown recruiting expert Mark Porter calls Gedeon "a tailback-type athlete in a linebacker's body." Was virtually unblockable last fall. Had more than 100 tackles, including 55 solos, while being double- and triple-teamed. Rushed for 1,418 yards and 19 TDs.

2. Mitch Trubisky, Mentor

Quarterback, 6-3, 200

Scouting report: Has offers from several MAC schools. A bigger, stronger, faster version of 2007 Mr. Football winner Bart Tanski. Compiled 55 touchdowns and more than 4,440 yards combined passing and rushing in high-octane spread offense. He also threw 18 interceptions.

3. Shelton Gibson, Cleveland Heights

Wide receiver, 5-11, 175

Scouting report: Has offers from Ohio State, Mississippi State and is a legit burner. In his first track season last spring, he ran a 10.72 in the 100-meter dash and placed fifth at state. Displayed excellent hands and yards-after-catch ability last fall, catching 27 passes for 518 yards and four TDs.

4. Tra'von Chapman, Kent Roosevelt

Quarterback, 6-1, 198

Scouting report: A Braxton Miller-style quarterback, though perhaps not at that level. He could have an excellent career with the right college fit, or might be an elite slot receiver-kick returner. Has an offer from Kent State, where his father, Thad Jemison, is an assistant coach.

5. Kevin Gladney, Firestone

Wide receiver, 6-3, 185

Scouting report: Has an offer from Michigan. Excellent leaper, clocked at 4.59 in the 40-yard dash. Good blocking fundamentals. Scored five TDs and had more than 800 yards receiving. Needs to add bulk, and could be a high-impact wideout. Among Akron's top scorers in basketball.

6. Ross Douglas, Avon

Cornerback, 5-10, 180

Scouting report: Minnesota and Syracuse among his offers. Rushed for more than 1,000 yards on Division II state runner-up team. Could play a variety of skill positions in college. Could be a top-tier recruit if he has a good summer.

7. Kareem Hunt, Willoughby South

Running back, 5-11, 185

Scouting report: Put up big numbers (2,289 yards, 9.1-yard average, 37 touchdowns) against a mediocre schedule, but his speed and power are legit and translate to the next level. Very athletic. Some think he could be a good fit for Ohio State, but only Toledo has offered thus far.

8. Christopher Worley, Glenville

Safety, 6-3, 185

Scouting report: He can handle the point of attack and drop back in coverage. A linebacker/safety hybrid. If he times well at camps, he will draw comparisons to teammate and 2012 Ohio State recruit De'Van Bogard.

9. Donovan Munger, Shaker Heights

Offensive/defensive tackle, 6-4, 285

Scouting report: Road-grader was rated by his coaches as a 95 percent blocker on running plays and 91 percent on passing downs last fall. Could be a mainstay defensive tackle in college.

10. Tom Tupa, Brecksville-Broadview Heights

Quarterback, 6-3, 205

Scouting report: Has shown glimpses of having a major-college arm, but injuries last fall hindered his development and made evaluations difficult. Much will depend on how he tests at camps this summer.

11. Damon Washington, Kirtland

Tailback/safety, 5-11, 190

Scouting report: Much debate over a guy who was a standout on a Division V state championship team. Can he project to major college football? Another recruit who needs to have a good summer, but those who watched him closely like his build and ability.

12. De'Niro Laster, Shaker Heights

Wide receiver, 6-0, 155

Scouting report: Difficult to evaluate because he was moved around to several positions on both sides of the ball last fall, but he's enough of an athlete that Ohio State has checked on him. Some think he could be a linebacker, or even a pass-catching tight end if he develops in the right system.

13. Anthony Young, St. Edward

Wide receiver, 5-11, 165

Scouting report: He is the defending state 200-meter champion (21.59) and was in the 100 (10.94). He runs, but can he shake and bake and take a lick? Expect big colleges to bite on his speed alone.

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

News, insight and tidbits on the recruiting scene heading into Wednesday's National Signing Day:

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerCleveland Heights' Kyle Dodson has yet to decide between Ohio State, Southern California, Michigan State and Wisconsin.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- News, insight and tidbits on the recruiting scene heading into Wednesday's National Signing Day:

Dodson to announce: Cleveland Heights offensive tackle Kyle Dodson and coach Jeff Rotsky spent four hours Monday night at a Cleveland Heights diner talking over his college options.

Rotsky said Dodson was feeling the stress of the recruiting process and Rotsky told him to try to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Dodson is to announce his college choice Wednesday at a 12:15 p.m. ceremony in the high school auditorium. He is among the last of Ohio's major-college recruits who has not yet announced his decision. Rotsky gave no hint Tuesday about Dodson's leanings. Glenville senior and Ohio State recruit De'Van Bogard said Dodson was down to Ohio State and USC.

Dodson's final four are Ohio State, USC, Michigan State and Wisconsin. He earlier backed off a nonbinding oral commitment to Wisconsin.

Barksdale undecided: Solon wideout Tres Barksdale will not sign with Georgetown, Comets coach Jim McQuaide said.

Barksdale is trying to decide between the Hoyas and Michigan State, which recently began recruiting him more aggressively. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio visited the high school Friday and Barksdale went on an official visit to MSU over the weekend.

"He has a lot to think about now because he thought he was locked into Georgetown," Solon coach Jim McQuaide said. "He's trying to take his time and make sure he makes the right decision. He can't go wrong with either place."

Barksdale (6-2, 184) orally committed to Georgetown late last month. McQuaide said there was no timetable on the decision.

Investigating news reports: Brush tight end and Oregon recruit Pharaoh Brown didn't waste any time when news reports surfaced that Ducks coach Chip Kelly might leave to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I called [tight end] coach [Tom Osborne] at Oregon and he assured me coach Kelly was staying. I believed him and he ended up staying."

No Michigan influence: Contrary to what many people believe, Buchtel coach Ricky Powers did not have a heavy influence on free safety Jarrod Wilson committing to Michigan.

Powers played for Michigan but said Wilson made his decision on his own. Wilson was an early graduate and left for college in early January.

New to town: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, a Youngstown native, paid a rare recruiting visit to Northeast Ohio recently when he met with St. Edward tight end Sam Grant.

"That was the first time I've seen Bob Stoops in my office. That was cool," St. Edward coach Rick Finotti said.

Grant committed to Oklahoma this week.

Three decisions made Tuesday: Three Glenville standouts made their college choices less than 24 hours before Signing Day.

The biggest news came from defensive lineman Willie Henry, who said he will sign with Michigan. Henry visited Michigan last weekend and was hosted by former Tarblooder Frank Clark.

"Frank Clark had a lot of good things to say about Michigan," Henry said. "I wanted to play for an elite program and I love the helmets."

Henry also considered Pitt, Illinois, Hawaii, Syracuse and Cincinnati, among others.

Justin Hardee will sign a letter of intent with Illinois today and Sean Draper will do likewise with Iowa.

"Illinois is giving me the best opportunity to get me where I need to go," said Hardee, a 6-2, 185-pounder. "Education-wise and to play at the next level, and possibly the next level after that, is where I need to go.

"I need to provide for my family."

Draper, a 6-1, 180-pounder, selected Iowa over Michigan, Hawaii, Louisville and Pitt.

"The coaches at Iowa are much like [Glenville coaches Ted Ginn Sr. and Tony Overton]," said Draper, also Overton's nephew. "They're strict, but at the same time, they love you."

Both players are capable of playing receiver, cornerback or returning punts and kicks.

Highlight tape pays off: The arrival of coach Terry Bowden to the University of Akron worked out well for Green wide receiver Andrew Pratt.

Pratt had contacted the previous coaching staff but had not heard back from Akron or any other Division I schools. He appeared to be headed to Ashland. Then came Bowden and a new staff.

After watching Pratt's highlight tape, which Green coach Ed Cyback permits his players to make, Bowden was impressed with Pratt's blocking ability at the corners, as well as his pass-catching ability. An offer was made last week and today, Pratt, also a nifty basketball player, will become a Division I player.

Holiday? Mentor defensive end and Michigan recruit Tom Strobel compared National Signing Day to a holiday.

"When you give your verbal commitment, it's like Christmas morning. You're all excited but then you stop and say, 'Wow,' I have to wait another six months before I can actually sign my letter."

Ready to shine: Brush cornerback Kevin Houchins Jr. made an early commitment to Louisville, a decision he often thinks about.

"I probably would have gotten more offers if I had waited longer, but with the injury, maybe it's a good thing I committed when I did," said Houchins, who sat out most of the fall because of a knee injury suffered two weeks into the season. "I'll just have to show how good I can be once I start playing college ball."

Loyalty: There is little question Alex Todd left his mark on Streetsboro.

Todd, who will sign today with Indiana, suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament during the seventh game of the year. With his scholarship already secure, Todd did not miss a game.

"I like Alex as a football player," said Streetsboro coach John Arlesic. "But I like his character as a person even more."

Graduation decision: Elyria lineman and Kent State recruit Tad France thought about graduating high school early for just about a minute.

"Attending college in January would have been sort of cool, but I figured I'd stick around and enjoy the rest of high school with my friends," he said.

Recruiting game: St. Ignatius quarterback Eric Williams will sign with Yale today. His short list included Iowa until things soured after his visit to the Iowa City campus.

"After I got home, [Iowa] didn't stay in contact with me," he said.

Staff writers Tim Warsinskey, Bob Fortuna and Tim Rogers contributed to this report.

A rematch of Super Bowl 42, when New York ruined what had been a perfect Patriots' season with a 17-14 win. The teams met on Nov. 6 this season -- the Giants winning, 24-20, at New England.

Associated PressPatriots quarterback Tom Brady (left) and Giants quarterback Eli Manning (right) meet on the field before the 42nd Super Bowl, won by New York, 17-14. Brady and Manning remain the QBs for the teams that will again play for the championship on Sunday in Indianapolis.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The New England Patriots play the New York Giants in Super Bowl 46 on Sunday in Indianapolis.

The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com cover the Browns and the NFL. PD Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot arrives in Indianapolis today to cover the Super Bowl.

Earlier this season, on Nov. 6, the Giants won at New England, 24-20. Remarkably, the game was scoreless at halftime.

New York, which made the playoffs by winning the NFC East, is 12-7 counting its three playoff wins. New England, which won the AFC East and earned a first-round playoff bye, is 15-3, and on a 10-game winning streak since its loss to the Giants.

Patriots vs. Giants is a rematch of the 2007 season Super Bowl, played on Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. New York earned a 17-14 win over New England, ruining what had been a perfect season for the Patriots. A breakdown of the game's statistics is on pro-football-reference.com.

New England has won three Super Bowls (2001, 2002 and 2004 seasons), all with Bill Belichick as its coach. Belichick, of course, coached the Browns from the 1991-95 seasons. Ironically, his first playoff win as a head coach was the Browns' last. And, ironically, it was against the Patriots. Cleveland.com's Browns history database includes Plain Dealer game stories on every regular season and playoff game in Browns history through the 2010 season. Mary Kay Cabot wrote about the Browns' 20-13 playoff game win over the Patriots on Jan. 1, 1995.

Besides the 2007 season Super Bowl loss to the Giants, New England has lost two other Super Bowls (1985, 1996).

The Giants also have three Super Bowl wins (1986, 1990, 2007), with one loss (2000).

Who's going to win this time?

Varejao becomes the first Cavalier to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game in eight years

View full sizeAnderson Varejao and Alonzo Gee slap five during the game as the Cavaliers were staging a fourth-quarter comeback.

CLEVELAND – After supplying another exemplary effort in what has become an almost endless string of them Anderson Varejao spoke mostly of disappointment.

The Brazilian became the first Cavalier since Carlos Boozer in 2004 to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game, yet he wanted another comeback win so badly on a night his club fell to Boston, 93-90.

“It was good to have a game like that, but we didn’t take care of home court,” said Varejao as the Cavaliers fell to 3-5 at The Q. “We have to win more games at home. It was  tough loss.”

He scored a season-high 20 points and grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds -- including a personal-best 10 offensive boards – and he was thinking of how the team let down its fans.

I have a confession: After spending five years of covering NHL games from Vancouver to Stockholm, I had forgotten how good Varejao is and how valuable he is to the Cavaliers.

That value might keep the franchise’s brass sleepless between now and the March 15 trade deadline. Would you move a 29-year-old forward who has given himself so completely to a team? Before you answer know his stock will never be higher than this career season in which he’s averaging 10 points and 11 rebounds a game. Remember, this part basketball player, part stuntman will be 31 or 32 before this team can do damage in the postseason.  Right now, he’s easily worth a first-rounder and perhaps a young player to some contender. He has three seasons left on a deal that pays him $27 million.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about what sports figures merit a statue in this city. I know this: Varejao would run through a concrete likeness of Jim Thome if he thought it might help the Cavaliers win a playoff game.

Here’s how good Varejao has been in the last two games. The Celtics are practically lobbying the league to get an opponent into an All-Star Game. Varejao is on the ballot, but nowhere near the leaders in fan voting. Paul Pierce called him one of the NBA’s most underrated players. Coach Doc Rivers sounded like his campaign manager.

“Varejao’s energy is just amazing,” Rivers said. “It’s amazing to watch him run around relentlessly, and pursue (loose balls). Varejao is always an All-Star as far as I’m concerned. I think they should keep a spot for a role player.”

The Celtics had 28 rebounds Tuesday night – or just eight more than Varejao. He kept the Cavaliers in the game for three quarters until Kyrie Irving offered more late-game heroics. The rookie point guard had 13 fourth-quarter points and nearly staged another miraculous finish.

Irving is the future of the franchise and the Cavaliers need building blocks around him. He’s also an unabashed Varejao supporter saying on Monday: “Some people downplay how talented Andy really is. He’s a great center for us and a great center around the league . . . I think he’s leading the league in offensive rebounds [4.4]. Just that stat right there shows you how much energy he brings. He brings a different attitude. When we’re down, he’s the first one clapping up. Even when we’re up, he's the main one telling us to remain focused  . . . I do feel like he's a little under-appreciated throughout the league.”

Tuesday night as Irving was dressing in his stall, the 19-year-old listened to Varejao speak to the media. The kid kept reaching for articles of clothing, but his attention stayed trained on his teammate’s words.

That is respect.

The calendar has turned over to February. It’s four weeks to the All-Star Game. It’s nearly seven weeks to the trade deadline.

I don’t know what the answer is, Cleveland fans. I’m just glad I don’t have to make the decision.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

Here's today's sports listings for TV and radio for the Cleveland area.

Phil Masturzo, Akron Beacon JournalAkron Zips center Zeke Marshall (44) is one of the premier defensive players in the Mid-American Conference. Akron hosts Toledo tonight at 7 in a game televised by SportsTime Ohio and broadcast by WARF/1350-AM.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today on the air

(Click on to links for more team or event information)

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

6 p.m. International Bowl, U.S. vs. World Team, CBS Sports Network

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Elyria Catholic at North Ridgeville, AM/1320

11 p.m. Hathaway Brown at Twinsburg (tape), NEON

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

6:30 p.m. Indiana at Michigan, Big Ten Network (Game preview)

7 p.m. Rutgers at Providence, ESPNU

7 p.m. Toledo at AKRON, SportsTime Ohio; AM/1350

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Akron, Kent State and MAC coverage)

7 p.m. Connecticut at Georgetown, ESPN2 (Game preview)

7 p.m. Xavier at George Washington, Fox Sports Ohio

8 p.m. Memphis at Southern Miss, CBS Sports Network

8:30 p.m. Minnesota at Iowa, Big Ten Network

9 p.m. Baylor at Texas A&M, ESPN2 (Game preview)

9 p.m. Oklahoma at Kansas, ESPNU (Game preview)

10 p.m. Boise State at San Diego State, CBS Sports Network (Game preview)

NBA

8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Dallas, ESPN (Game preview)

10:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Utah, ESPN (Game preview)

NHL

7:30 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Buffalo, NBC Sports Network

10:30 p.m. Columbus at Los Angeles, Fox Sports Ohio