The Vikings saw their season wilt away last February. They don't want history to repeat itself.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, Plain Dealer file photoCoach Gary Waters hopes the Vikings can finish strong in February heading into the Horizon League Tournament.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — From the outside looking in, Cleveland State seems to be cruising to a Horizon League title going into the final month of the regular season. But to head coach Gary Waters, there is familiar ground he would like to avoid this season. The Vikings (18-4, 8-2) were the class of the league at this point last season, too. Then it all wilted away.

"The month of February, we blew it last year," Waters said of the Vikings' 4-4 record that month. "The losses to Butler and Milwaukee [both at home], we did not take care of business."

The Vikings finished in a three-way tie for first; lost out on tiebreakers; lost the advantage of hosting the league tournament; and lost in the semifinals to Butler and went to the NIT instead of the NCAA Tournament.

So the focus this February for CSU is to finish strong, beginning today at Loyola (5-16, 0-11) and Sunday at Illinois-Chicago (6-15, 2-9).

The Vikings play five home games in February, including against Drexel in the BracketBuster. Three of the league games in particular -- Valparaiso, Butler and Detroit -- will be big games as teams look to upset the Vikings, who desperately want to host the league tournament as league champion.

"That is one of our goals, to get the tournament here," Waters said.

Grow up: For all of Akron's depth, talent and experience, it is clear the one thing the Zips (15-7, 7-1) lack is maturity. The recent 86-72 victory over Toledo (10-12, 2-6) was evidence of that.

Hands down the better team, Akron junior guard Quincy Diggs still spent much of the game verbally sparring with the Toledo bench. On the court, junior center Zeke Marshall was having a personal pity party every time he was whistled for what were mostly obvious fouls.

At one point, Marshall did not get a whistle during a loose-ball scramble under Toledo's basket. After the ball was awarded to the Rockets, Akron coach Keith Dambrot screamed at Marshall, "hands up, hands up." The center ignored the plea, and seconds later was whistled for a foul.

While Marshall flailed his arms in protest and pouted going back to the bench, Dambrot just looked at him. Meanwhile, after the game, Diggs spent time trying to apologize to the Toledo coaches for his actions.

"It's not just those guys, it's all of them," Dambrot said. "We are not a mature basketball team right now."

On the rebound: Kent State has won three straight games, including two on the road in Mid-American Conference play where it had previously not won a league road game all season.

But even at home, the challenge becomes greater as the Golden Flashes (15-6, 5-3) host wounded, but dangerous, Western Michigan (10-12, 4-4) on Saturday at 7 p.m. They then play at Eastern Michigan (10-12, 5-3) before closing out their swing against MAC West opponents with Ball State (12-8, 4-4). Those are the top three teams in the MAC West.

Kent got a boost earlier this week with the return of 6-4 sophomore guard Eric Gaines, a defensive specialist who was sorely missed the previous three weeks because of knee surgery. His return complicated coach Rob Senderoff's plans to get more playing time for 6-4 freshman guard Kris Brewer.

"I didn't get him many minutes against Central [Michigan], but going forward, the hope is to get him more into the rotation," Senderoff said.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ealexand@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

See a photo gallery from the game here. LAKEWOOD, Ohio — It was a Thursday night special, the only game in town, and St. Edward and Garfield Heights put on a special show.

St. Edward's Myles Hamilton leaps over Garfield Height's Terrill Byrd to swat his shot during the second half Thursday. - (Gus Chan, PD)

See a photo gallery from the game here.

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — It was a Thursday night special, the only game in town, and St. Edward and Garfield Heights put on a special show.

Every Thursday should be like this.

St. Edward senior guard Myles Hamilton capped a marvelous night when his driving, twisting Hail Mary of a shot somehow found its way into the basket as the buzzer sounded, giving the host Eagles a 72-70 overtime victory in a matchup between two of the area's top teams.

Hamilton's basket, which gave him a game-high 35 points, capped a night filled with acrobatic plays, physical contact, some chippiness and, ultimately, one whale of a high school basketball game.

"It's a war out there," said Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson just before the start of the second half. In separate incidents, St. Edward players were hit with two technical fouls, while Garfield had one.

The game featured several swings in momentum, both in regulation and overtime. While Hamilton produced nearly half the St. Edward points, Mike Davis and 6-7 Tony Farmer had the Bulldogs on their backs.

A bad night at the free-throw line cost Garfield. The Bulldogs made just 13 of 28 free throws while the Eagles made 18 of 24. Each team had 26 field goals.

Johnson's Bulldogs, the reigning Division I regional champs and ranked fourth in The Plain Dealer Top 25, got off to a 12-point lead in the first three minutes behind Davis.

St. Edward, ranked third in The Plain Dealer and 10th in the latest state poll, closed the quarter with an 18-7 spurt that left the teams tied, 20-20, at the end of the first quarter.

Davis, a 6-1 guard and one of the most underrated players in the area, scored 14 of his team-high 30 points in the opening quarter.

The Eagles (10-5) dominated the second quarter, outscoring the visitors, 19-8, as senior Mark Murray scored six of his 10 points and had two rebounds and substitutes Tim Stainbrook, Tony Vuyancih and Joseph Dever combined to score seven points and pull down four rebounds.

"You're not gonna get even a college game with the atmosphere we had tonight," said St. Edward coach Eric Flannery, whose team plays top-ranked Columbus Northland on Saturday. "At both ends of the floor, the bodies on the floor, the physicality of the game. I mean, it was everything you want in a high school basketball game, coming down to the last second in both the overtime and regulation."

St. Edward maintained a comfortable lead until the closing minutes of the third quarter and the fourth. Garfield Heights (11-4) began the fourth quarter trailing by eight but took a 66-65 lead with 2:25 to go as Davis made a 3-pointer and sub Brett Thomas scored off an inbounds pass from Farmer.

Regulation ended with the teams tied at 70, and Garfield Heights had a 3-point lead until Hamilton tied the game with a 3-point play with 1:49 to go. The Bulldogs turned the ball over and Flannery called a timeout with 12.1 seconds remaining.

Hamilton took the inbounds pass and no one else touched the ball. He dribbled nearly three-fourths the length of the floor and bulled his way down the lane for the game winner in heavy traffic.

"When I got the ball . . . I was thinking about an earlier game when I passed the ball off in a similar situation," Hamilton said. "This time, I decided I was just going to shoot it."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:trogers@plaind.com; 216-999-5169

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

Cleveland State's men's team travels to Chicago to take on Loyola, while the Case Western Reserve men's and women's teams host Brandeis.

View full sizePD fileCSU freshman Anton Grady has two double doubles in the past three games.

Men

Cleveland State at Loyola

Tipoff: 8 p.m. at Gentile Center, Chicago.

TV/radio: ESPNU; WHKW AM/1440.

Notable: CSU (18-4, 8-2 Horizon League) looks to close the season strong, starting with a two-game Chicago road swing, the first at Loyola (5-16, 0-11). The Ramblers haven't won a conference game but have been competitive, particularly at home. The continued emergence of 6-8 CSU freshman Anton Grady -- two double doubles in the past three games -- has been a plus to the Vikings' inside attack, offensively and defensively.

Next for CSU: Sunday at Illinois-Chicago, 2 p.m.

-- Elton Alexander

Case Western Reserve vs. Brandeis

Tipoff: 8 p.m. at Horsburgh Gymnasium, Cleveland.

Notable: It's Throwback Weekend and Disco Night at Case Western Reserve, with the Spartans wearing Western Reserve University Red Cats uniforms. CWRU (8-10, 0-7 University Athletic Association) has lost eight in a row following its school-record-tying 8-2 start. Junior F Austin Fowler is averaging 15.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg with three-straight double doubles. Senior forward Tom Summers is the UAA's top rebounder at 7.9 rpg and has six consecutive games with double-figure scoring. The home team has won the past five meetings between CWRU and Brandeis.

Next for CWRU: Sunday vs. NYU, noon.

Women

Case Western Reserve vs. Brandeis

Tipoff: 6 p.m. at Horsburgh Gymnasium, Cleveland.

Notable: The Spartans will wear Mather College uniforms, in keeping with Throwback Weekend. CWRU (10-8, 3-4 UAA) has won two in a row following a stretch of three top-10 nationally ranked opponents in four games. Senior F Erin Hollinger (Chardon) leads the way at 12.7 ppg and 5.4 rpg and has scored at least 14 points in four of the past five games.

Next for CWRU: Sunday vs. NYU, 2 p.m.

-- Compiled using information from the CWRU sports informa tion department.

With 80 degrees and no state taxes, not to mention an aggressive owner, a new building and the best center in the NBA in Dwight Howard, why isn't Orlando a destination for NBA free agents?

View full sizeGary W. Green, Orlando SentinelNot only is Orlando having difficulty attracting free agents, it's unlikely it will be able to hold onto star center Dwight Howard.

At one point in time, the Orlando Magic reached critical mass as far as free agents were concerned.

After Doc Rivers was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1999-2000, there was at least one anxious moment when Magic executives thought they had commitments from free agents Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady and Eddie Jones -- all of whom were healthy and in their primes.

"That one year we almost had the dilemma of dilemmas," Rivers, now coach of the Boston Celtics, said recently. "We didn't have money but for two."

Rivers actually had done too good a job of selling Orlando.

During a game between Orlando and Detroit when Hill was still with the Pistons, Rivers yelled, "80 degrees, no state taxes," while Hill was taking the ball out of bounds near the Magic bench. One of the Pistons complained to the league office.

"The league called and said, 'Hey, you can't do that,' " Rivers said. "I said, 'It's true. I just made a statement.' So I couldn't say that slogan any more, which was hilarious."

As it turned out, Duncan stayed in San Antonio, Jones went to Miami and Rivers got fired after the Magic started the 2003-04 season 1-10. Since that time, Orlando has had spotty success in the free-agent market, signing players like Hedo Turkoglu in 2004 and Rashard Lewis in 2007.

But with 80 degrees and no state taxes, not to mention an aggressive owner, a new building and the best center in the NBA in Dwight Howard, why isn't Orlando a destination for NBA free agents?

OK, it's not as sexy a city as Miami. It's not as big as New York or Los Angeles or Chicago. And right now, the franchise is in turmoil in large part because Howard apparently desires to take his talents elsewhere in spite of all the success and popularity he has enjoyed in Orlando.

Why not stay put and try to lure other players to join him like Dwyane Wade did in Miami instead of leave and risk harming his reputation like LeBron James did in deserting Cleveland for South Beach?

"If I was there," said former Cavs coach Mike Fratello, who broadcast a TNT game from Orlando last week, "I'd be telling him, 'Hey, you bring a couple [free agents] here. We'll pay 'em. Why are you thinking about going somewhere else? Let's win a championship here.' "

Cavs veteran Antawn Jamison doesn't know why Orlando wouldn't be a prime destination for free agents.

"That's a good question, especially with the new arena and Orlando being an up-and-coming city and team," he said. "It seems like an ideal place to raise a family, and the organization has shown they want to win and bring in guys."

Cavs veteran Anthony Parker agreed.

"I don't think players look at Orlando as an unattractive option," said Parker, who played with the Magic under Rivers in 1999-2000. "I enjoyed it despite not getting playing time. I bought a house there, and continued to live there for five years while I played overseas."

Early draft picks helped Magic thrive

The Orlando franchise started as an expansion team in 1989-90 and hit the jackpot by winning the top picks in the 1992 and 1993 drafts. They used those picks on Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Webber, respectively, then sent Webber to Golden State on draft night for No. 3 pick Penny Hardaway. Two years later, with Michael Jordan retired for most of the season, the Magic made the NBA Finals, losing in four games to Houston.

Jordan returned and the Bulls beat the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1996. But the Magic suffered a bigger loss that summer when O'Neal left as a free agent to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to his book, "Shaq Uncut," with Jackie MacMullan, O'Neal wanted to stay in Orlando but thought the Magic low-balled him with an initial offer of $69 million for seven years, while the Lakers offered $115 million. When an Orlando Sentinel poll asked if O'Neal was worth $115 million, 91 percent of the respondents said no.

A hurt O'Neal called Orlando a "dried-up pond." He has since apologized.

"Obviously, I didn't mean it," said O'Neal, who still lives in Orlando.

The Magic plugged along, eventually earning the No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft, which it used on Howard. Once coach Stan Van Gundy came on board, the Magic became one of the strongest teams in the league, winning more than 50 games each of the past four seasons and reaching the NBA Finals in 2009, losing to the Lakers -- although O'Neal was with Phoenix by then.

Former Cavs assistant coach Chris Jent, now back at Ohio State as an assistant coach, was the Magic's interim head coach at the end of the 2004-05 season, and he can't figure out why NBA free agents wouldn't be flocking to Orlando.

"We really loved it," Jent said. "As a family, we were really hoping to stay.

"As an individual, as someone who has worked in that profession at that level, there's certainly nothing behind closed doors that is creating a negative. They do things the right way, really. It's kind of puzzling."

Could it be free agents don't want to play with Howard?

Just the other day, Chicago's Derrick Rose seemed to dismiss that notion.

"Dwight is a great player," he told Chicago reporters. "Who wouldn't want to play with him?"

Of course, Rose was speaking about the possibility of Howard joining the Bulls as a free agent, not of moving to Orlando.

So, could it be players don't want to play for Van Gundy?

Parker said he didn't think any particular coach was a deal breaker for a potential free agent. He was speaking generically, not about Van Gundy specifically.

Fratello pointed out that when most people think of Orlando, they think of Disney World and the other tourist attractions, all of which are located some distance from the downtown arena. Those might not appeal to young players concerned with night life.

But the Magic are the only professional sports team in town, and everyone associated with the team wants to deliver a winner to Central Florida.

"They haven't won but they want to win and they'll spend to win," Rivers said.

So why isn't Orlando an NBA destination?

"That's the part that I don't quite get," said Rivers, whose family still lives in Orlando.

"It's strange," Jent said. "You'd think it would be a hotbed for talent."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Despite coming off a 4-12 effort, the ever-optimistic Haden is convinced a significant turnaround can happen next season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The subject is anathema to Browns cornerback Joe Haden.

Rebuilding. Specifically, lengthy rebuilding.

Haden does not want to hear that the Browns, coming off yet another ugly season, might be in the early stages of a rebuild under President Mike Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert.

"As players, we can't think like that," he said during one of several interviews Thursday night at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. "We can't be hearing about three, five, seven years down the road because we might not be here. We want to win as soon as possible."

No surprise here: The ever-optimistic Haden is convinced a significant turnaround can happen next season.

"I'm not going to make any guarantees," he said with a chuckle. "I'm not going to be that guy. I won't go there. . . . But I will say this: I expect us to be much better in 2012. I expect us to have a strong year, and I know my teammates do, as well."

The Browns went 4-12 this season, including a six-game skid to close. They kept finding new ways to lose; six of the defeats were by seven or fewer points.

A two-year pro, Haden already is sick of losing, the Browns having gone 5-11 in his rookie year. He feels Browns fans' pain. But he will take the relative competitiveness of 2011 and run with it into training camp this summer.

"We felt like we were always a couple of plays from winning," Haden said. "We weren't really getting blown out. If we had been getting blown out by 30, then I would have to say we need a rebuild. But we've got a lot of pieces in place -- I don't care what anybody says. I'm telling you: We're not that far away.

"What we need is a winning mentality. We need it so that, when we get in close games, we're going to say: 'Who's going to make a play?' instead of 'Who's going to mess it up?' "

Haden finished a season in which he posted more sacks (one) than interceptions in 15 games, all starts. Nonetheless, he more than held his own against the opposition's best receivers.

Haden had six picks in 16 games as a rookie.

"The interception numbers weren't there this year, but I became a whole lot better player," he said. "We were in man-to-man 90 percent of the time; in zone, you can read the quarterback's eyes. I didn't get any picks, but the Browns know what I was doing, and that's all that matters."

Haden said he has not spoken with the Browns' new defensive backs coach, Tim Hauck.

"I'm sure he'll do a great job," Haden said.

• Haden was a finalist, along with Indians right-hander Justin Masterson and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission's professional athlete of the year. Cabrera won.

Cabrera is the Tribe's last remaining arbitration-eligible player without a deal.

"Nothing yet," he said. "We're talking right now. I want a long contract. We'll see."

The GCSA, an annual event held at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, was emceed by ESPN personality Erin Andrews. Haden and Andrews, University of Florida products, spoke at length before the banquet.

• Among other notables in attendance was Cleveland native Harrison Dillard, who won two golds at the 1948 London Olympics (100m, 4x100) and two more at the 1952 Helsinki Games (110m hurdles, 4x100).

Former Baldwin-Wallace star Dillard, fit and trim at 88, has been invited to attend the London Games this summer. He will be accompanied by family.

"I'm very excited to be going back to a place with so many great memories," he said.

GCSA winners:

• High School Athlete of the Year: Mitch Trubisky, football, Mentor.

• Collegiate Athlete: University of Akron men's soccer team.

• Amateur Athlete: Jessica Beard, USA Track and Field, Euclid.

• Pro Athlete: Asdrubal Cabrera, shortstop, Indians.

• Courage Award: Brandee Kelly.

• Lifetime Achievement: Austin Carr.

• Sports Development Gold Medalist: Ron & Joan Ganim, USA Gymnastics.

• 2011 Best Moment in Cleveland Sports: Joe Tait's Farewell.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com; 216-999-4664

Scott knows the aggressive mind-set can lead to turnovers, but he's willing to accept some miscues if it means increasing the pace.

View full sizeMichael Dwyer, Associated PressCavaliers coach Byron Scott wants his team to pick up the pace on offense.

Byron Scott played for fast-breaking, highlight- making offenses in Los Angeles, where the Lakers spent more time gazing at the stars seated at courtside than the 24-second shot clocks.

As coach of the young Cavaliers, however, his offense is too often scrambling for shots and open looks as the seconds tick away.

The Cavaliers ranked tied for third in shot-clock violations with 18 heading into Thursday, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Detroit Pistons led the league with 31. Golden State and Portland are tied with the fewest at five.

"We get into what we call late-clock situations way too often," Scott said Thursday. "The one thing we talked about today was our pace of play has to be faster. The way we want to play and the way we want to get the ball moving from side to side and then look to attack means you have to get the ball up the court a lot faster."

Scott has preached to rookie point guard Kyrie Irving the importance of tempo since the start of training camp.

The coach acknowledges the aggressive mind-set leads to some turnovers – the Cavs are tied for the NBA's most giveaways, averaging 17 per game. But he's willing to accept some miscues if it means increasing the pace. He never wants Irving or backup point guard Ramon Sessions walking the ball up the court.

"Just push it a little faster," Scott said. "They've done it [pushing the pace] probably 50 percent of the time and we have to get it to about 80 percent."

Just 20 games into his first season, Irving is still searching for the perfect speed at which to attack a defense.

"As our relationship continues to grow I think we will find that middle ground where I'm pushing the ball, but still controlling the pace of the game," Irving said. "It's a feel and I think we will get better at it."

Grounded: Maybe Cleveland never challenged for the title of Lob City even in the days when Mo Williams was feeding LeBron James with passes two feet above the rim. But at least the Cavs were in the conversation. Not now. Not even with one of the game's bright young point guards in Irving.

The Cavs have nothing resembling Chris Paul-to-Blake Griffin connections. You probably could count the lob passes for dunks on one hand and have fingers to spare. Scott said his team simply doesn't have the long, athletic types -- especially among his starters – to play that way.

"We have one guy in Tristan [Thompson] as far as a big you can really throw lobs to," Scott said. "I don't design plays for lobs because we don't have a lot of lob guys. Alonzo [Gee] is a guy you can throw lobs to, Omri [Casspi] you can throw lobs to, but other than that we're not a lob team."

The Cavaliers only have one starter, Casspi (58th), listed among the top 100 in dunks this season. He has 12. Thompson (28th) leads the team with 18 followed by Gee (39th) with 15.

Attacking 'Superman': Irving gets his first look at perennial All-Star Dwight Howard tonight in Orlando. While Howard's future with the franchise dominates the headlines, Irving is focused on navigating the paint without having shots and passes swatted by the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

"I will be throwing that ball almost as high as the shot clock, I'll tell you that," Irving said.

But the rookie concedes he cannot allow Howard's intimidating presence to alter his approach. Irving loves to attack the rim and create offense off the dribble.

"He's a great shot blocker, but it's not going to stop me from trying to get to the basket or stop trying to make plays for my teammates in the paint," Irving said.

Injury update: Shooting guard Daniel Gibson rejoined the team after missing the past two games with an infection in his neck. Scott described his availability for this weekend's games as "iffy," but didn't rule him out.

Gibson attended practice, but his participation was limited. Scott shed no light on the cause of the infection, but said the shooting guard had more range of motion in his neck. Gibson did not address the media.

Shooting guard Anthony Parker (lower back) will miss his second consecutive game. Mychel Thompson is likely to start again. Power forward Tristan Thompson (sprained ankle) remains day to day.

The last word: Many Cavaliers fans pulled for Dallas in last season's NBA Finals in hopes of denying James a championship ring. The Mavericks delivered, winning the series in six games. But as the Mavericks arrive at The Q on Saturday, Scott doesn't want to hear any "Cavs for Mavs" love from the stands.

"This is our home," Scott said. "I understand how a lot of fans here feel about Dallas winning, but that was in June. That was seven months ago. That's over with. It's a new season. When they come here, you might have one player that a lot of fans cheer for. But as a team, do not cheer for the Dallas Mavericks."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

For a player signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2009, Hoyer can hardly believe he's at the Super Bowl.

View full sizeSteven Senne, Associated PressSt. Ignatius graduate Brian Hoyer (8) has to be ready for Sunday in case New England starter Tom Brady (12) gets injured in the Super Bowl.

"That's the nature of this job of being a backup quarterback," said Hoyer, a native of North Olmsted. "You have to be ready at a moment's notice. It could be a uniform malfunction and you have to go in there. [Coach] Bill Belichick does a good job of keeping me on my toes. In the preseason, he threw me in for two plays in the middle of a drive."

For a player signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2009, Hoyer can hardly believe he's at the Super Bowl.

"It's awesome," he said. "This is what you dream about from the time you're little -- to be part of the Super Bowl. You want to stay focused, but you also want to enjoy the process."

Hoyer can still remember the last game in Cleveland Browns Stadium in 1995 -- when Belichick was head coach.

"I was only about 10 or 11, and I remember crying when the Browns left," he said. "We had season tickets. I remember people tearing seats out of the stands and everything."

Hoyer was never much of a Browns fan after that, but he still finds it ironic that he's playing for Belichick now.

"When teams were calling, the chance to work with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady and [offensive coordinator] Bill O'Brien [who's leaving after the Super Bowl to coach Penn State] really kind of sold it for me," he said.

The chance to work with Brady during the past three seasons has been the experience of a lifetime, Hoyer said.

"As a young quarterback, it's been a great opportunity for me to sit back and watch how he approaches everything, not just football but life as a professional," Hoyer said. "We're great friends. Just to be around, in my opinion, the best there is has been incredible. You can ask as many questions as you want and he'll answer them all. He's humble and as great a guy as he is a football player."

Hoyer was captured on film separating Brady and O'Brien when they got in a shouting match during a game Dec. 11.

"I just tried to be a shield," he said with a smile. "Those are two passionate guys. It was an intense situation, and I think it got blown out of proportion because it was caught on camera. Five minutes later, they were going over the game plan and then hugging after the game. I let them have a few words, and then it was time to move on."

View full sizePDSt. Ignatius coach Chuck Kyle.

Hoyer credits his time at St. Ignatius and with coach Chuck Kyle in helping him get to where he is today. His brother, Matt, was a senior backup quarterback on the St. Ignatius state championship team this year.

"I don't know if I'd be here without those opportunities I had at St. Ignatius and with coach Kyle," Hoyer said. "Coach always talked to us about being a good man as much as a good player. I played sometimes in front of 20,000 people, and that helped prepare me for college. I was also really well-prepared academically for college."

Hoyer knows the Patriots will have their hands full with the Giants' pass rush.

"It's probably the best in the league," he said. "They're always bringing new guys in and constantly getting after the quarterback. They're very fast, and it will be a great challenge."

Hoyer also knows Brady will want to play better than in the AFC Championship Game, a performance for which he apologized to owner Bob Kraft.

"That might serve as a little extra motivation for him," he said.

Gronk returns: Rob Gronkowski is practicing again with the Patriots.

View full sizeAPPatriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The All-Pro tight end recovering from a high sprain to his left ankle participated on a limited basis Thursday, his first practice for the Super Bowl since being injured Jan. 22 in the third quarter of the AFC Championship Game.

He wore a removable boot for a week before discarding it Monday. Teammates had expressed confidence that he would be ready for the game against the Giants on Sunday. Bulletin-board pin-up: "Glamour Boy" is here and ready to play in Sunday's Super Bowl. "Glamour Wife" is out of sight -- unless you count the front page of the New York Post.

Gisele Bundchen landed the one cover she didn't want after New York's most outrageous tabloid got hold of an email she'd sent to friends and family, asking them to send their "positive energy" to Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Not exactly bulletin-board material, any of it. But with the Patriots and Giants on their best behavior all week, it had to do. It did.

A copy of the Post made the rounds at the Giants' availability. Brady was asked about it, too, of course, but he says he knew nothing about it. Sorry, Buffalo: Brady is sorry for denigrating hotels in Buffalo.

The New England Patriots quarterback apologized for an off-the-cuff comment about Buffalo hotels. A day earlier, he said that hotels there are "not the nicest places in the world."

In response, one of the top hotels in Buffalo offered a free night's stay to show him he's wrong. Brady appreciated the offer and said he was sorry for his comment. He suggested he should have picked a "non-NFL city" in his comment about places to stay that he didn't particularly enjoy. Phony goods seized: Federal officials say authorities have seized nearly $5 million worth of phony Super Bowl sportswear and merchandise in a nationwide sweep.

Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the results of the four-month investigation Thursday in Indianapolis.

Agents targeted stores, flea markets and street vendors that allegedly sold counterfeit game-related sportswear. Fake jerseys, ball caps, T-shirts, jackets and other souvenirs were among the 42,000 items confiscated in Operation Fake Sweep.

Authorities put the total take at more than $4.8 million, up from $3.7 million last year.

Flip-flops? The Super Bowl will start with referee John Parry displaying both sides of a special commemorative coin, then asking Giants special-teams captain Zak DeOssie to make a one-word choice.

He'll call tails, and the 46th title game between New York and New England will be under way at Lucas Oil Stadium.

It'll be a special moment for DeOssie, who's under no pressure to win the toss. The team that wins the coin flip in the Super Bowl has a 22-23 record, so it's a poor predictor of the outcome.

Dance, dance, dance: Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is hoping Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz doesn't score in the Super Bowl and show off the salsa moves he uses to celebrate touchdowns.

Hernandez even jokes that he could do the merengue if he makes it to the end zone for New England on Sunday against New York.

Big prize: The NFL wants to add even more fans to the millions already following the sport and is willing to pay $1 million to do it.

The league will run an ad during the Super Bowl introducing the "Perfect Challenge," a deceptively simple new fantasy game.

Each week, participants must pick an eight-player lineup. If every selection earns the most fantasy points at their position in a given week, the "owner" wins $1 million.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cleveland fans remember the former Browns defensive lineman as a flop. But former coach Terry Robiskie remembers a player with an 'unbelievable' passion for the game.

View full sizeKevin Terrell, Associated PressNew England defensive lineman Gerard Warren was a Browns first-round pick in 2001. The No. 3 overall selection had 16.5 sacks in four seasons (60 games) with the Browns.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Former Browns interim head coach Terry Robiskie watched Patriots and former Browns defensive tackle Gerard Warren drill Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco during the AFC Championship Game to help New England reach the Super Bowl, and it took Robiskie back.

It was during the 2004 season, when Robiskie tried to find Warren's heart under all his bling and attempted to convince the Browns and the fans that "Big Money" was worth more than a hill of beans.

"I discovered that season that Gerard Warren had an unbelievable passion for the game and a desire to win, and he just needed somebody to believe in him," said Robiskie, now an assistant with the Falcons.

Robiskie was named interim coach Nov. 29, the day Butch Davis resigned after the team stumbled to a 3-8 start. A day later, Robiskie summoned his supposed star defensive tackle -- the No. 3 overall pick in 2001 -- to his office.

"I said, 'Gerard, we're going to take all the gold and all the diamonds and put them in a safe until the end of the season,' " Robiskie recalled.

''Then I called his dad, a military man, and his brother, a Florida policeman, and asked them to come to Cleveland for the game that weekend. I offered to pay their way if they weren't already coming."

Warren's dad and brother were called to Robiskie's office on Friday afternoon, along with Warren and Browns Hall of Famer Jim Brown, then a player liaison.

View full sizeGetty fileTerry Robiskie

"I told them we needed him to change his mind-set for the next five weeks," Robiskie said. "I told them I wanted them to go to his house, take his pretty car and leave him a pickup truck. I told them to get his posse out of his house. I told them to take all of his diamonds to Florida with them until the end of the season."

Robiskie also told Warren to pull up his saggy pants, shave, comb his hair and come to work like a gentleman every day. Then he invited Warren's dad and brother to the team meeting Saturday night.

"I told Gerard, 'If you don't understand the importance of the name on your back, your grandfather ought to take it back. Your daddy and grandaddy didn't spend their whole life trying to bring dignity to the Warren name so you could come up here and half-ass it.' "

From the start, Robiskie had witnessed how things went downhill for Warren in Cleveland.

"We all wanted Gerard Warren to come in and be a dominant football player," Robiskie said. "The people in the building and the fans wanted him to come in and be our Warren Sapp, to be an animal, our own 'Refrigerator' [William] Perry."

When Warren didn't explode out of the gate, fans lost patience. To make matters worse, he was fined as a rookie for a cheap shot on quarterback Mark Brunell and was arrested for an unlicensed firearm after a party.

"When he wasn't the savior, the city turned on him," Robiskie said. "Everybody changed their minds, and suddenly, the fans and the organization didn't know if they wanted him."

For his part, Warren played the role of Big Money to the hilt.

"We didn't draft you to be out downtown with your entourage. We didn't draft you to wear gold and diamonds and Gucci glasses," Robiskie told him. "We drafted you to be a blue-collar worker, to take us to the playoffs and Super Bowls."

By the time Robiskie took over, Warren had lost favor with many of his teammates.

"Before that first game against New England, I had 60 T-shirts printed up that said on the back, 'I've got your back,' " Robiskie said. "They ranged from XL to XXXXL."

Robiskie hung a wrong-sized shirt in everyone's locker and told the players: "Go find somebody to give your shirt to. When you hand it to him, look him in the eye and say, 'I'm giving you this shirt from my heart, and I want you to know I've got your back for the next five weeks.' "

Nobody gave Big Money a shirt. Regardless, he went out and played his heart out -- in a 42-15 Patriots blowout.

"He exhausted himself," Robiskie said. "He played as hard as anybody could play. He had seven or eight tackles and four or five hits."

Still, there were whispers afterward that Warren had quit.

"I printed up one more T-shirt and called a team meeting on Monday," Robiskie said. "I made a [film] cutup of about 15 Warren plays from that game. I said, 'If anyone thinks Gerard Warren quit, go play as well as he did because he was one of the best players on the field.' "

Then Robiskie handed Warren the T-shirt he had printed that day and said: " 'I've got your back. If they make me the head coach, I promise you you're going to be here with me.' If the rest of them played like Gerard Warren that day, we'd win a lot of games in Cleveland."

The following week, in Buffalo, Robiskie looked out at Warren late in the game and noticed he had tears streaming down his face. The Browns were getting blown out again, and Warren was still in there fighting with two minutes left.

"I took him out of the game, gave him a hug and asked him why he was crying," Robiskie said. "He said, 'Coach, I wanted to win this game so badly for you that it's killing me. I'd literally stand in front of you and take a bullet for you.' "

That's when Robiskie knew he found the giant heart inside Warren.

"I knew the kid had a burning desire to win," Robiskie said.

Despite Robiskie's public plea for the Browns to keep him, he was traded to Denver the following March for a fourth-round pick. He spent two seasons in Denver and then three in Oakland, having solid, if unspectacular, campaigns. The Patriots signed him before the 2010 season, then re-signed him again at the end of September after cutting him in August.

A backup lineman, he's been a contributor for the Patriots, on and off the field.

"This was always my ultimate goal, to get to the Super Bowl," Warren said.

His original dream was to take the Browns there, and he felt he was on the right track when they made the playoffs in 2002.

"But then we ripped the team apart," he said. "It was sad because we had the foundation of something special there. Cleveland still has a special place in my heart."

Warren is now 33 and more subdued than he was in Cleveland, where he shouted rap lyrics through the locker room.

"I was misunderstood in Cleveland," Warren said. "All I ever wanted to do was win. I don't think everybody there was trying to win a Super Bowl. We had a lot of freeloaders. Some of my teammates didn't understand my desire, what was burning in my heart."

But at least one of his coaches did.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Nobody goes undefeated. Well, almost nobody. In the world of Ohio high school sports, teams in certain sports have been able to attain perfection. It's not that unusual for a football, basketball or soccer team to run the table. But when it comes to hockey, only the 1980-81 Shaker Heights club can claim zero losses on...

St. Ignatius' hockey team is 32-0 on the season. - (John Kuntz, PD)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Nobody goes undefeated. Well, almost nobody. In the world of Ohio high school sports, teams in certain sports have been able to attain perfection.

It's not that unusual for a football, basketball or soccer team to run the table. But when it comes to hockey, only the 1980-81 Shaker Heights club can claim zero losses on its ledger as the Raiders went 29-0 in winning their first state championship.

That's why St. Ignatius' 32-0 record this late in the season has piqued interest in the art of zero defects. Heading into tonight's regular-season finale at rival University School, the Wildcats have dodged all the shooting pucks that can bust up the right side of the win-loss column.

The quest will become more difficult with the playoffs approaching, plus recent injuries to two of the Wildcats' best players.

Late last month, junior forward Miles McQuinn (30 goals, 40 assists) was lost for the season. The school's record-scoring senior, Liam Geither (51 goals, 42 assists), will also miss time. Both suffered severe foot cuts from an opponent's skate. Earlier, junior Mike Avdey and senior Jacques DeVilliers were lost to injury and illness before the season.

The injuries to McQuinn and Geither have forced coach Pat O'Rourke to juggle his lines and hope for the best.

"I know no one believes it, but I personally don't feel pressure," said O'Rourke, who stands 195-84-5 after eight seasons and the 2010 state title. "The goals have always been to win the Red North [Division of the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League], the Baron Cup and the state.

"I don't sense any pressure from the kids. They are a loosey-goosey bunch. If we were 29-3, we'd still have a good shot at winning the state title. If we're 4-28, not so good."

While all the wins are good, there is speculation that a loss would not be all that bad. With tournament play starting with next week's Baron Cup, followed by the one-and-done state playoffs, there is enough pressure to go around.

The Wildcats will pass on that one.

"Hockey is a funny sport with weird bounces," said senior captain Paddy Spellacy, who has been a mainstay the past three seasons and has 31 goals and 36 assists this year. "You get a funny bounce and win a game you shouldn't, and then you lose one you should win. Any team can come out and beat you."

True, but so far that has not been the case. The Wildcats have dodged their share of scares, including two very tough games against rival and 11-time state champion St. Edward.

Senior Michael Abood played a big part in those victories with an overtime winner against the Eagles in December and two goals in a 4-2 outdoor victory at Progressive Field. Senior goalkeeper Matt Kovesdy has been in the net in 26 (1.46 goals-against average) of the Wildcats' 32 wins.

"So far it's been unreal," said Abood, who has 25 goals and 33 assists. "We knew we would have a good team, but being undefeated is ridiculous. It's our job to make sure we keep winning so our season doesn't end."

So few clubs have been so close, so late. Two coaches who know about it are Mike Bartley at Shaker Heights and John Malloy at Gilmour Academy.

Not only does Bartley have the most coaching wins in state history (606), but he has the distinction of leading that unbeaten club 31 years ago.

"As I recall, we never focused on being undefeated and just went about our business," said Bartley, whose Raiders have lost twice -- 8-0 and 3-1 -- to the Wildcats this season. "We had a well-balanced team that could score and didn't have all its eggs in one basket.

"When you have guys with great offensive skills, they are not going to be denied chances. [Ignatius] is a veteran team with a lot of skilled players."

Malloy was the head coach at Cleveland Heights in 1985-86 when the Tigers took a 30-0 mark into the state title game, losing to St. Edward, 6-5.

"We had probably beaten Ed's four times during the season, all of them good games," recalled Malloy, who guided Gilmour to the state semifinals last year. "A lot of people said you should have lost a game along the way, but it was just one of those conversions.

"Someone said we didn't lose, we just ran out of time. Good teams find a way to win. You have to stay healthy and have good goaltending. If you have one of those bad goaltending days, that's when the pressure mounts."

St. Edward coach Troy Gray remembers that 1986 final. He had two assists in the title game for the Eagles.

"I just remember thinking it's going to be our turn one of these times," said Gray, whose club has lost three times to the Wildcats this season.

Cleveland Heights and Malloy got a measure of satisfaction when they won their only state title by knocking off St. Edward in the 1987 state final, 4-3, in double overtime. St. Edward's 1990 state championship team under coach Bob Whidden went 30-1, with the loss coming early in the season.

So, losing a game before the state playoffs, while a bummer, would not be the end of the world to the Wildcats. According to senior Colton Riemenschneider, the team figured it would take some lumps in Canada during a Christmas tournament.

"In Canada, we thought we'd get it handed to us," said Riemenschneider, who has 12 goals and 16 assists. "Liam scored 15 goals [in five wins]. From there, we knew we could do it and keep winning.

"We've got good senior leadership and captains. The streak slowly gets more attention. We've had some [TV] cameras at practice. But we can't get arrogant about it. If we lose in the state final, it doesn't mean anything."

Getting to the state final, unbeaten or not, is really the first order of business.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter:@JoeMaxse

The road to 32-0

A look at St. Ignatius' close games this season, as it has built a 32-0 record:

Dec. 2: Liam Geither's goal with four seconds left won it, 5-4, against Bethel Park (Pa.) outdoors at Progressive Field.

Dec. 15: Michael Abood scored in overtime for the 4-3 win against St. Edward in Lakewood.

Dec. 20: The Wildcats overcame a 3-2 deficit with eight minutes left to knock off Sherwood (Ont.) in Niagara Falls.

Jan. 5: Trailing, 2-1, the Wildcats scored three goals in the final four minutes to once again defeat rival St. Edward, 4-2, outdoors at Progressive Field.

Jan. 21: The offense was held in check as Lake Catholic gave a solid effort, but the Wildcats got a 2-0 win at The Q.

Jan. 28: The Wildcats overcame the loss of injured Geither to rally for a 3-1 win against Shaker Heights at Brooklyn.

-- Joe Maxse

Ohio's lone unbeaten hockey team

A look at the only undefeated hockey team in state history:

Shaker Heights (29-0), 1980-81: The Raiders, under current coach Mike Bartley, were perfect as they won their first state championship with a 10-4 win over Kent Roosevelt. They remain the only team to accomplish the feat.

-- Joe Maxse

So close to perfection

A look at hockey teams across the state that nearly went unbeaten:

Shaker Heights (27-1-1), 1978-79: The Raiders tied Euclid early in the season and lost the state title game to Centerville, 6-3.

Bowling Green (30-1), 1983-84: The Bobcats lost to Pioneer (Mich.) early in the season and went on to win the state title, defeating Toledo Whitmer, 10-3.

Cleveland Heights (30-1), 1985-86: After knocking off St. Edward several times during the regular season, the Tigers lost to the Eagles in the state title game, 6-5.

St. Edward (30-1), 1989-90: The Eagles lost to North Olmsted, 5-3, during the Rocky River Thanksgiving Tournament, then went on to win the state championship with a 4-1 victory over Sylvania Northview.

-- Joe Maxse

Ignatius wearing new socks to prevent cuts

After similar skate-cutting injuries to junior Miles McQuinn and senior Liam Geither last month, the Wildcats have sought further protection.

They bought special protective skate socks from Easton Hockey that are worn under the uniform socks. The calf-length socks are made with nylon and glass polymers and are designed to prevent cuts to the tendon area.

McQuinn suffered a severed Achilles tendon and is out for the year. Geither will miss tonight's game against University School after getting stitches to repair a horseshoe-like gash to his right ankle, but is expected to return for tournament play.

In both instances, an opponent's skate got under the top of the skate boot.

"Neither was done on purpose," said coach Pat O'Rourke. "It's just crazy it happened two weeks apart."

-- Joe Maxse

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

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerForward Tim Kamczyc (33), center Aaron Pogue (44) and the Cleveland State Vikings play at Loyola (Ill.) tonight at 9 in a game televised by ESPNU and broadcast by WHK/1420-AM.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today on the air

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

BOXING

10 p.m. Edison Miranda vs. Isaac Chilemba, ESPN2

GOLF

9 a.m. Qatar Masters (tape), Golf Channel

4 p.m. Phoenix Open, Golf Channel

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

11 p.m. Rocky River at Avon (tape), NEON

HOCKEY

7:30 p.m. NCAA, Cornell at RPI, NBC Sports Network

7:30 p.m. NCAA, Providence at New Hampshire, CBS Sports Network

8 p.m. AHL, MONSTERS at San Antonio, WHKW/1220-AM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Monsters coverage)

8 p.m. NCAA, St. Cloud State at Wisconsin, Big Ten Network

10 p.m. NCAA, RIT at Air Force, CBS Sports Network

10 p.m. NHL, COLUMBUS at Anaheim, Fox Sports Ohio (preview)

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Rider at Loyola (Md.), ESPNU

9 p.m. CLEVELAND STATE at Loyola (Ill.), ESPNU; WHK/1420-AM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cleveland State coverage)

NBA

7 p.m. CAVALIERS at Orlando, Fox Sports Ohio; WTAM/1100-AM (preview)

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage)

8 p.m. New York at Boston, ESPN

10:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Denver, ESPN

If Tom Brady or Eli Manning don't win the MVP in the Super Bowl, who will?

APTom Brady and Eli Manning.

Super Bowl XLVI is on Sunday at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.

The Giants are a slight favorite in the game, and certainly quarterbacks Eli Manning of the Giants and Tom Brady are the favorites to win the MVP.

Which other players could also win the MVP award? What about wide receiver Mario Manningham of the Giants? Or what about New England tight end Rob Gronkowski?

Former Cleveland Cavaliers' radio play-by-play announcer Joe Tait speaks with cleveland.com at the 2011 Greater Cleveland Sports Awards about what he is doing with his time away from the NBA, his health, and why he hasn't watched one Cavs' game this season. Watch video

Former Cavs' great Larry Nance speaks with cleveland.com at the 2011 Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. He gives his opinion on current Cavaliers' rookies Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson. Watch video

It would be Hamilton's second known alcohol-related relapse in three years.

APJosh Hamilton

DALLAS -- Texas Rangers outfielder and recovering drug addict Josh Hamilton had a relapse this week when he drank alcohol at a bar, The Dallas Morning News reported Thursday night.

The newspaper, citing unidentified "individuals familiar with the episode," reported Hamilton was drinking at a Dallas-area bar on Monday.

In a statement to the newspaper, the Rangers said they were "aware of a situation, but we don't have further comment at this time."

The 30-year-old player was suspended for more than three years for drug and alcohol use while in the Tampa Bay organization. He missed the entire 2004 and 2005 seasons. He won the AL MVP in 2010.

This was Hamilton's second known alcohol-related relapse in three years. In January, 2009, he drank to excess in a bar in Tempe, Ariz. Before that, Hamilton said he hadn't taken a drink of alcohol since Oct. 6, 2005.

When the Rangers acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds on Dec. 21, 2007, they were aware of Hamilton's off-the-field problems and had a zero-tolerance policy regarding his drinking.

He is tested for drug use three times a week and has had an accountability partner to support him in his recovery -- though that job is now vacant.

The Rangers announced last month that Hamilton's father-in-law had been hired as a staff special assistant to be the accountability partner. But Michael Dean Chadwick has since decided against accepting that position because of "family considerations."

Hitting coach Johnny Narron filled that role before he left in November for Milwaukee. Narron joined the Rangers when Hamilton was acquired four years ago in a trade from Cincinnati. His primary role was to support the former No. 1 overall draft pick, who rebounded from his substance-abuse problems to become one of the top players in baseball.

Hamilton can become a free agent after this season and has said he will not negotiate an extension after he reports to spring training.

He plans to leave for spring training on Feb. 17, a full week before the full-squad reporting date in Arizona.

Glenville High School graduate Pierre Woods, who played in Super Bowl 42 with the Pats, picks his former team to win Sunday. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright. Chuck Yarborough is out rehearsing the moonwalk.

We won't hold it against him that he went to Michigan (he's also a graduate of Glenville High School), but today's guest is Pierre Woods.

Woods signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Two years later, Woods was in Super Bowl 42. The Patriots lost 17-14 to the Giants.

But the results will be different this time, says Woods, who now works for a local construction company. Woods picks the Patriots by three.

Woods shares his experiences in the Super Bowl and he tells us what makes New England coach Bill Belichick great.

Woods, who last played with the Buffalo Bills, says he will continue to pursue another shot in the NFL.

SBTV will return on Monday with Mark Kay Cabot.

But QB's future with Indianapolis Colts is very much up in the air.

AP Peyton Manning

INDIANAPOLIS -- Peyton Manning is cleared to play football. Still not so clear is whether it will be with the Indianapolis Colts.

He got the good news Thursday while little brother Eli was making final preparations to lead the New York Giants against the New England Patriots in Sunday's Super Bowl -- something big brother always aims for.

Maybe there's even a Manning vs. Manning Super Bowl in the offing.

What remains unsettled, though, is Peyton's status with the Colts and whether he and team owner Jim Irsay can patch up their very public spat.

At least it's a possibility now that Manning's surgeon has given the star quarterback clearance to start taking hits again.

"Peyton Manning underwent a thorough medical re-evaluation as part of a postoperative visit with his surgeon," Dr. Robert Watkins said in a statement. "As a result of this examination, Manning is medically cleared to play professional football."

Colts owner Jim Irsay responded to Watkins' statement by writing on Twitter that Manning has not been cleared to play by the team because he has not passed its physical. He said the club would issue a statement later Friday.

That's just another piece of this muddled mess.

The Colts owe Manning a $28 million roster bonus by March 8, they want to use the No. 1 pick in this year's draft on Manning's successor and they must make key decisions over the next five weeks without knowing yet how much room they'll have under the salary cap.

Manning, who turns 36 in March, had neck surgery in September -- his third in 19 months.

"We're in a holding pattern in that respect," new general manager Ryan Grigson said when asked if the uncertainty would prevent the Colts from doing business with their soon-to-be free agents. "Until it is (resolved), we're going to go about our business as usual."

Nobody seems to know how this will play out.

The biggest problem in Manning's recovery has been regaining the strength in his throwing arm. That's something Manning and the Colts have not discussed, and, apparently, it's not even a topic between the two brothers.

"I don't know what's going to happen with Peyton," Eli Manning said. "I know he is rehabbing. He is going to try to get better. I know he wants to continue to play football, if that's an option. The No. 1 priority for him is to get to 100 percent. Until he gets to that position, it's tough to say what is going to happen."

The Manning circus has dominated the headlines at Indianapolis' first Super Bowl.

It started with rumors about Manning's possible retirement, and the Colts' pending statement will certainly keep Peyton in the headlines -- and overshadow his brother's quest for a second Super Bowl title -- for a fifth consecutive day.

The question is whether the Colts are willing to pay a 36-year-old quarterback who has had three neck surgeries in 19 months.

And there have been growing indications the Colts may be ready to part with their longtime franchise player, though Irsay will make the final call.

"You can't do things to where you are going to hurt the whole franchise with other decisions that you know might hurt at the moment, but in the end they help the sum of the parts," Grigson said. "It is a tough deal in this business, and it happens at every position. It happens with coaching, it happens with people in personnel and it is completely part of the process and the business."

Irsay and Manning are scheduled to meet again next week.

Last month, the Colts fired vice chairman Bill Polian, general manager Chris Polian, coach Jim Caldwell and most of Caldwell's assistants. The flurry of moves prompted Manning to go public with his complaints, which drew a strong rebuke from Irsay.

The two appeared to mend fences Friday.

But the onslaught of Manning news just keeps coming.

"It's hard not to pay attention. It seems to be all over the news everywhere and I don't live in a cave," said Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, the presumed successor to Manning.

"You never really replace someone like that," he added. "He (Manning) is such an iconic sports figure especially for this city, this area. From what I understand, he's done so many great things outside of football and in the community."

UPDATED WITH VIDEO: GM Chris Antonetti says he'd rather have Matt LaPorta playing regularly at Class AAA Columbus instead of riding the bench with the Indians. Watch video

Mike Carlson, Associated PressCasey Kotchman officially became an Indian on Friday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In announcing the official signing of first baseman Casey Kotchman to a one-year $3 million contract Friday morning at Progressive Field, GM Chris Antonetti indicated that Matt LaPorta will open the season at Class AAA Columbus.

Kotchman will get the bulk of playing time at first. LaPorta, the starting first baseman the last two years, has a minor league option left.

"It's important that Matt continues to play regularly," said Antonetti. "He will come into camp and have an opportunity to compete for a major league spot. If it ends up that the spot available is a part-time spot, I'm not sure that would be the right fit for Matt. That's not a decision we've made yet. We'll evaluate that in spring training."

LaPorta hit .247 (87-for-352) with 23 doubles, one triple, 11 homers and 53 RBI last year.

Kotchman hit .306 (153-for-500) with 24 doubles, two triples, 10 homers and 48 RBI last year with Tampa Bay. Against righties he hit .313 (110-for-351) with eight homers and 35 RBI. Against lefties at .290 (43-for-148) with two homers and 13 RBI.

It's clear the Indians see Kotchman as a stabilizing bat in a lineup that struck out the second most times in the American League last year.

"He controls the strike zone and puts up a quality at-bat," said Antonetti. "He doesn't strikeout much and puts the ball in play. He does a good job managing his at-bats."

Kotchman struck out 66 times last year. He ranked 10th in the AL with a .378 on base percentage.

However, Kotchman is another left-handed hitter in a lineup overflowing with them. Antonetti doesn't see that as a disadvantage.

"It comes down to the position," he said. "At first base, with some of the other guys we have on the roster, we looked at an opportunity to bring in a guy who was effective against right-handed pitching because we feel we're going to have some options against left-handed pitching.

"Specifically, on the days when Lou Marson, who is effective against left-handed pitching, is catching Carlos Santana may slide over to first base and play some. We have a number of other guys who are right-handed hitters who can play that position."

Last year the Indians hit .258 (459-for-1778) with 211 runs against lefties. Against righties, they hit .247 (921-for-3731) and scored 493 runs.

"The fact of the matter is there are more right-handed starters than left-handed starters," said Antonetti. "If we put up enough runs against those right-handed starters, the matchups against lefties late in the game won't matter that much."

Statistical studies show that Progressive Field favors left-handed hitters. So the Tribe's infatuation with lefties is no accident.

"You've know us for a long time," said Antonetti. "Do you think it's a coincidence?"

The 28-year-old Kotchman doesn't have the power of most first baseman, but he can play defense. He told Antonetti that he's made fewer errors in his career than Indians first baseman made last year. Kotchman has 11 career errors, while Indians first basemen combined for 12 errors in 2011.

"When you combine what he contributes offensively and what he can do defensively -- not only on ground balls hit to him, but how he can help every other infielder get better with his picks in the dirt, we feel like the complete package really helps our team," said Antonetti.

The Indians almost signed Kotchman to a minor league deal last year, but he signed with Tampa Bay. When he played for the Angels, Antonetti said the Tribe tried to trade for him.

A spot on the 40-man roster must be cleared for Kotchman. The Indians have yet to announce what player will be removed to create the opening.

Sign of spring: The Indians two equipment trucks left Friday for spring training in Progressive Field. No word if they packed Fausto Carmona's jersey.

Tony Amato, Indians equipment manager, said he shipped close to 800 bats on the two trucks.

"Each players gets two dozen bats for spring training," said Amato.

The baseballs the Indians use in camp are shipped separately. Amato ordered 1,100 dozen balls. That comes out to over 13,000 baseballs.

Talk, talk: Asdrubal Cabrera is in town and talking to the Indians about a multiyear deal. Cabrera is seeking $5.2 million in arbitration, while the Indians have offered $3.75 million.

"We continue to negotiate to try and get something done," said Antonetti.

Concerning a multiyear deal, Antonetti said, "We're open minded. It's a question of how does the value and term line up."

Cabrera is entering his fifth season. A player can be a free agent after six full seasons in the big leagues.

Finally: The Indians were interested in right-hander Edwin Jackson before he signed with the Nationals on Thursday.

The starters were named for the NBA All-Star Game, does everyone named deserve to start?

APThe Miami Heat's Chris Bosh, left, fights for a loose ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers' Andreson Varejao.

The 2012 NBA All-Star starters were announced on Thursday night.

The Eastern Conference All-Star starters are: Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard.

The Western Conference starters are: Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant and Andrew Bynum.

There are several players who were snubbed that should have been starters, including Chris Bosh, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, Dirk Nowitzki and DeAndre Jordan.

Undrafted rookie guard Mychel Thompson will make his second straight at shooting guard for the Cavaliers Friday night against the Orlando Magic as Anthony Parker remains out with a lower back strain and Daniel Gibson is out with a soft tissue infection in his neck. Rookie power foward Tristan Thompson also is out with a sprained left ankle.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Undrafted rookie guard Mychel Thompson will make his second straight at shooting guard for the Cavaliers Friday night against the Orlando Magic as Anthony Parker remains out with a lower back strain and Daniel Gibson is out with a soft tissue infection in his neck.

Neither player made the trip here, nor did rookie power forward Tristan Thompson, out with a sprained left ankle. Their status for Saturday's home game against Dallas has not been determined.

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott was pleased with Thompson's effort in his first start in the loss to Boston on Tuesday.

"I thought he did pretty good the last game,'' Scott said at the team's morning shootraound. "With all the injuries that we have, he definitely didn't hurt himself.''

The Hall of Fame coach, who turns 70 in May, has been suffering for several months from spinal stenosis.

Evan Vucci / Associated PressJim Calhoun

STORRS, Conn. -- University of Connecticut men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun is taking an indefinite medical leave of absence, the school announced today.

The Hall of Fame coach, who turns 70 in May, has been suffering for several months from spinal stenosis, a lower back condition that causes him severe pain and hampers mobility, according to the release.

"Last summer, Jim had some significant back pain and has seen two excellent back specialists," said Dr. Peter Schulman, Calhoun's primary care doctor. "The initial approach recommended to him was stretching, physical therapy and exercise, and that was successful for several months. It turns out that there is some degenerative problem in the lumbar vertebrae and it's impinging on the nerves."

George Blaney, the team's associate head coach, will lead the team in Calhoun's absence. The Huskies (14-7, 4-5 Big East) have lost four games in a row. They host Seton Hall on Saturday before travelling to Louisville Monday.

The school confirmed that Calhoun will miss at least those two games.

"Jim has been able to manage it with the physical therapy and stretching, but over the last several days, things have become worse and he is not able to deal with this on a day to day basis, so other options need to be considered," Schulman said. "Right now, he is physically unable to coach."

Calhoun has had a history of health problems. He is a three-time cancer survivor, overcoming prostate cancer in 2003 and skin cancer twice, most recently in 2008.

Calhoun is No. 6 on the all-time wins list with 867. He has won three national championships at Connecticut and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. He coached the team to its fourth Final Four and third national title last April.