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

Cleveland Browns: Predict Brandon Weeden's passing yards (poll)

0
0

How many yards will Brandon Weeden pass for this coming season?

Cleveland Browns draft picks 2012: Brandon WeedenBrandon Weeden

The wide receivers haven't changed, with the exception of fourth-round pick Travis Benjamin, but it looks like Brandon Weeden will start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

So in essence, the Browns believe Weeden is a better quarterback than Colt McCoy. And if that's true, shouldn't Weeden pass for more than then the 2,733 yards McCoy passed for last year?

 







Butler University leaving Horizon League, most likely for Atlantic-10

0
0

HL may look to expand to replace Bulldogs, who were league's standard-bearer after finishing as NCAA runner-ups in 2010 and 2011.

brad-stevens-butler.jpgCoach Brad Stevens and his Butler Bulldogs basketball program will be leaving the Horizon League, it was announced this morning.


Cleveland, Ohio -- The rumor of a week ago has become official. The Horizon League announced this morning that Butler University is leaving the conference, amid speculation that the Bulldogs will join the Atlantic-10.

"This morning, I was informed by President James Danko of Butler's decision to withdraw from the Horizon League and affiliate with another conference," HL commissioner Jon LeCrone said. "The Horizon League is among 25 NCAA Division I conferences whose membership has been impacted by realignment over the past two years.

"We are proud of the role the Horizon League played in providing a platform for Butler to significantly improve its athletics programs and achieve the highest level of national competitiveness in men's basketball."

Butler has become the standard-bearer for HL basketball. In 2010 and 2011, the Bulldogs won the Horizon League Tournament and went on to finish as the NCAA Tournament runner-up both years, losing championship games to Duke in a dramatic finish, and Connecticut, respectively.

The Atlantic-10 includes: Charlotte, Dayton, Duquesne, Fordham, George Washington, LaSalle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Richmond, St. Joseph's, Saint Louis, St. Bonaventure, Temple and Xavier.

Butler's departure will provide opportunity for Cleveland State's men's program, a perennial HL title challenger under Gary Waters, to step to the forefront of the league.

LeCrone will hold a teleconference this afternoon, but early speculation is that the HL may look to expand, with possibilities including IUPUI out of Indianapolis, Oakland University in suburban Detroit and Robert Morris in suburban Pittsburgh.

"Under the leadership of our board of directors, we have an aggressive growth agenda which has been in the planning stages for some time," LeCrone said. "That agenda is values-based, collaborative, measured, informed and principled.

"We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The Horizon League will continue to be defined by our student-athletes as they compete, serve and learn."

Sporting News NBA mock draft has Cavaliers taking Harrison Barnes

0
0

Will the Cavaliers have the chance to add to their scoring production during the draft by taking Harrison Barnes? Is Anthony Davis the overall No. 1 pick?

barnes.JPGView full sizeWill the Cavaliers have the chance to grab Harrison Barnes early in the NBA Draft?
By Sean Deveney
Sporting News

1. Charlotte Bobcats. Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

This one won’t change. No matter which team gets this pick, Davis’ combination of size, athleticism and defensive instinct makes him the easy No. 1.

2. Washington Wizards. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Kidd-Gilchrist is an ideal fit for the Wizards, who are thin throughout the roster but want to add players around John Wall who bring toughness and a winning pedigree. Thomas Robinson is the other likely possibility.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers. Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

The Cavs drafted Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson last year, and they need to address the small forward spot. It’s likely to be either Barnes or Kidd-Gilchrist.

4. New Orleans Hornets. Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Two top 10 picks will go a long way in aiding the rebuilding of the Hornets, and one spot where they could use help is power forward, where Carl Landry was the starter. Robinson would be a long-term upgrade.

5. Sacramento Kings. Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

Drummond is a project, but some GMs see him developing into an Andrew Bynum-type. The Kings would like to pair a young center with power forward DeMarcus Cousins.

6. Portland Trail Blazers. Bradley Beal, SG, Florida (From New Jersey)

Scouts love Beal’s shooting form, even as he struggled at points this season. Portland is looking to replace retired Brandon Roy and will lose Jamal Crawford in free agency, and Beal could be their future perimeter star.

7. Golden State Warriors. Perry Jones, SF, Baylor (To Utah)

The hope with Jones is that a late-season surge is indicative of him getting his game together. He has loads of potential, but sometimes seems to disappear for long stretches.

8. Toronto Raptors. Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Point guards are not in great supply in this draft, so the Raptors may have to stretch for a playmaker like Marshall here, or go for super-scorer Damian Lillard.

9. Detroit Pistons. Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Look for the Pistons to beef up with this pick, and Sullinger, though undersize, had a decorated college career and is the safe play here.

10. New Orleans Hornets. Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State (From Minnesota)

Lillard was second in the nation in scoring, and showed enough ball-handling skill and ability in the lane to slip into the lottery. The Hornets are desperately in need of a point guard, and could land either Lillard or Marshall.

Cleveland Browns A.M. Links: Mitchell Schwartz happy to join brother in the NFL; rundown of the AFC North; Brad Smelley is eager; Seneca Wallace will help

0
0

Mitchell Schwartz may owe his NFL career to his brother.

ms.jpgMitchell Schwartz

Mitchell Schwartz, drafted into the second round, had to be tricked to play football by his brother Geoff when they were in high school.

Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com writes how Geoff's convincing eventually led to both bothers playing in the NFL. Mitchell was drafted by the Browns last week.

The Browns drafted Mitchell in the second round (37th overall) Friday night, filling their dire need for a starting right tackle. Geoff signed with the Minnesota Vikings in March after spending the previous four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, who drafted him in the seventh round (241st overall) in 2008.

Their parents, Lee Schwartz and Olivia Goodkin, already have the schedules of the Browns and Vikings mapped out on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, so they can organize travel plans and attend as many games as possible.

Since the brothers moved on to college and now the NFL, the family’s grocery bill no longer takes a huge hit.

“We had a service that we were bringing in that was intended to last for six months,” Lee said. “They’d bring in our poultry and beef and fish and some other foods, and there was an industrial-size freezer in the garage to handle this six-month delivery. For us, it was three months.”

   

 

More Cleveland Browns

Brad Smelley is eager to join the Cleveland Browns (CantonRep.com).

Assessing the draft effort of the AFC North (Cleveland.com).

Seneca Wallace says he's willing to teach Brandon Weeden (The Chronicle-Telegram).

Vikings' GM says the Browns did the right thing (The News-Herald).

 

Cleveland Browns' Brandon Weeden will be an asset on and off the field, says Oklahoman columnist Jenni Carlson (SBTV)

0
0

QB was a natural leader with Oklahoma State, says columnist. Watch video


Cleveland, Ohio -- How well will quarterback Brandon Weeden play in his rookie season for the Cleveland Browns? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll: Will Weeden pass for more or less than 2,900 yards in 2012?

Oklahoman columnist Jenni Carlson, who covered Weeden at Oklahoma State, says on SBTV that not only will Weeden pass for more than 2,900 yards, but Browns fans also will like Weeden off the field.


Carlson tells hosts Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright about Weeden's leadership abilities that he displayed in college, and how he was a good sport when teammates poked fun at his age.


Carlson also says she's sure Weeden campaigned for Josh Cooper, the No. 2 receiver at Oklahoma State, to sign with the Browns.


SBTV returns on Thursday with Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises talking about the new BCS.


 

Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita suspended 3 games for Saints bounty system, NFL announces

0
0

Scott Fujita has been suspended by the NFL for the first three games of the season for his involvement in the Saints bounty system.

scott fujita.JPGBrowns linebacker Scott Fujita will be suspended for the first three games of the season for his role in the Saints bounty scandal.

CLEVELAND -- Browns linebacker Scott Fujita has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the season for his involvment in the Saints' bounty scandal, the NFL announced today.

He's one of four players suspended, according to the statement released by the league.

Fujita can appeal the ruling within three days. All four players will appeal, according to ESPN.

Fujita can participate in organized team activities (offseason practices) and play in the preseason games.

The NFL's investigation  established that Fujita, a linebacker, pledged a significant amount of money to the prohibited pay-for-performance/bounty pool during the 2009 NFL Playoffs when he played for the Saints. The pool to which he pledged paid large cash rewards for “cart-offs” and “knockouts,” plays during which an opposing player was injured

.

Fujita had told to Sports Illustrated's Peter King that he directly paid teammates for big plays but not to hurt opponents and not as part of the bounty system. 

"In assessing player discipline,' Goodell said in a statement, "I focused on players who were in leadership positions at the Saints; contributed a particularly large sum of money toward the program; specifically contributed to a bounty on an opposing player; demonstrated a clear intent to participate in a program that potentially injured opposing players; sought rewards for doing so; and/or obstructed the 2010 investigation."

Three of Fujita's former teammates were also suspended: Jonathan Vilma for a year, to begin immediately; Anthony Hargrove (now with the Packers), eight games and Will Smith four games.  ESPN.

“No bounty program can exist without active player
participation,”  Goodell said in the statement. “The evidence clearly
showed that the players being held accountable today willingly and
enthusiastically embraced the bounty program. Players put the vast
majority of the money into this program and they share responsibility
for playing by the rules and protecting each other within those
rules.”
 

The NFL said "a number of current and former players, including each
player disciplined today, were offered the opportunity to be interviewed
with counsel present. One player (Hargrove) submitted a written
statement in which he did not dispute the existence of the program, but
no player agreed to be interviewed in person. In addition, the NFLPA
publicly stated that it conducted its own investigation into this
matter, but it has shared no information from that investigation with
the NFL.''

 The NFLPA released the following statement in response to the suspensions:

"After seeing the NFL’s decision letters, the NFLPA has still not received any detailed or specific evidence from the league of these specific players’ involvement in an alleged pay-to-injure program. We have made it clear that punishment without evidence is not fair. We have spoken with our players and their representatives and we will vigorously protect and pursue all options on their behalf.''

The NFL also encouraged the NFLPA to release the names of the other players involved in the system, but not disciplined. Browns safety Usama Young played for two of the seasons the bounty system was in place, 2009 and 2010, but it's not yet known if he was involved. He has declined comment.

Browns linebacker Chris Gocong replaced Fujita at strongside 'backer last year when he missed the last five games with a hand injury and Kaluka Maiava replaced Gocong on the weak side.

 

 


 

Cleveland Browns' Scott Fujita suspended 3 games for role in bounty system -- Poll

0
0

Was 3 games appropriate? Too many? Or not enough?

scott-fujita-hor.jpgScott Fujita in 2010.


Cleveland, Ohio - The NFL announced today that Browns linebacker Scott Fujita has been suspended for the first three games of the 2012 season for his role in the New Orleans' Saints bounty system. Fujita played for the Saints from 2006 through 2009 before signing with the Browns.


From Mary Kay Cabot's story on the suspension:


Fujita can appeal the ruling within three days.

Fujita can participate in organized team activities (offseason practices) and play in the preseason games.

. . . Three of Fujita's former teammates were also suspended: Jonathan Vilma for a year, to begin immediately; Anthony Hargrove eight games and Will Smith four games.

Do you think the suspension was about right; too many games; or should he not have been suspended?







Cleveland Browns' Scott Fujita, 3 others suspended for bounty program: Text of the NFL statement

0
0

NFL statement says Fujita "pledged a significant amount of money to the prohibited pay-for-performance/bounty pool."

roger-goodell.jpgCommissioner Roger Goodell


Text from today's statement released by the NFL on penalties for players involved in the New Orleans Saints' pay-for-performance/bounty program:




Four players -- Scott Fujita, Anthony Hargrove, Will Smith, and Jonathan Vilma -- were notified today that they have been suspended without pay for conduct detrimental to the NFL as a result of their leadership roles in the New Orleans Saints' pay-for-performance/bounty program that endangered player safety over three seasons from 2009-2011. Participation by players in any such program is prohibited by the NFL constitution and bylaws, the standard NFL player contract, and the collective bargaining agreement.

The specific discipline was determined by Commissioner Roger Goodell after a thorough review of extensive evidence corroborated by multiple independent sources. Under Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement and the standard NFL player contract, a player is subject to discipline by the commissioner for conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL. The discipline imposed today for such detrimental conduct is as follows:

Scott Fujita (now with the Cleveland Browns) is suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2012 regular season. The record established that Fujita, a linebacker, pledged a significant amount of money to the prohibited pay-for-performance/bounty pool during the 2009 NFL playoffs when he played for the Saints. The pool to which he pledged paid large cash rewards for "cart-offs" and "knockouts," plays during which an opposing player was injured.

• Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (now with the Green Bay Packers) is suspended without pay for the first eight games of the 2012 regular season. Hargrove actively participated in the program while a member of the Saints. Hargrove submitted a signed declaration to the league that established not only the existence of the program at the Saints, but also that he knew about and participated in it. The evidence showed that Hargrove told at least one player on another team that Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was a target of a large bounty during the NFC championship game in January of 2010. Hargrove also actively obstructed the league's 2010 investigation into the program by being untruthful to investigators.

Will Smith of the Saints is suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2012 regular season. Smith, a defensive end, assisted Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in establishing and funding the program during a period in which he was a captain and leader of the defensive unit. Multiple independent sources also confirmed that Smith pledged significant sums to the program pool for "cart-offs" and "knockouts" of opposing players.

• Linebacker Jonathan Vilma of the Saints is suspended without pay for the 2012 NFL season, effective immediately per league policy for season-long suspensions. The investigation concluded that while a captain of the defensive unit Vilma assisted coach Williams in establishing and funding the program. Multiple independent sources also confirmed that Vilma offered a specific bounty -- $10,000 in cash -- to any player who knocked Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner out of the 2009 divisional playoff game and later pledged the same amount to anyone who knocked Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre out of the 2009 NFC championship game the following week (played on January 24, 2010). Vilma is eligible to be reinstated after the Super Bowl in 2013.

Fujita, Hargrove, and Smith may participate in all offseason activity, including preseason games, prior to the suspensions taking effect. Each player disciplined today is entitled to appeal the decision within three days. If an appeal is filed, Commissioner Goodell would hold a hearing at which the player may speak on his behalf and be represented by counsel.

"It is the obligation of everyone, including the players on the field, to ensure that rules designed to promote player safety, fair play, and the integrity of the game are adhered to and effectively and consistently enforced," Commissioner Goodell said. "Respect for the men that play the game starts with the way players conduct themselves with each other on the field."

The evidence conclusively demonstrated that from 2009-2011 Saints players of their own accord pledged significant amounts of their own money toward bounties, that players accepted payments for "cart-offs" and "knockouts" of injured opposing players, and that the payout amounts doubled and tripled for playoff games.

Commissioner Goodell concluded, as he did with the Saints' non-player employees, that it was appropriate to focus on those individuals who had a higher degree of responsibility and whose conduct warranted special attention. While a significant number of players participated in the pay-for-performance program, whether by contributing funds to the pool or collecting cash rewards, the players disciplined participated at a different and more significant level, Commissioner Goodell noted.

"In assessing player discipline," Commissioner Goodell said, "I focused on players who were in leadership positions at the Saints; contributed a particularly large sum of money toward the program; specifically contributed to a bounty on an opposing player; demonstrated a clear intent to participate in a program that potentially injured opposing players; sought rewards for doing so; and/or obstructed the 2010 investigation."

Each of the four players disciplined today met one or more of those criteria, Commissioner Goodell said.

The evidence supporting today's disciplinary decisions is based on extensive documentation and interviews with multiple sources. The information was developed by NFL security, working with independent forensic analysts, and the disciplinary decisions are each based on evidence that has been independently corroborated by multiple sources. The facts supporting the discipline issued today are largely the same as the facts that Commissioner Goodell relied upon in March in assessing discipline on the club and several non-player employees. Those facts have been part of the public record for two months and have not been disputed by the team or the individuals involved.

"No bounty program can exist without active player participation," Commissioner Goodell said. "The evidence clearly showed that the players being held accountable today willingly and enthusiastically embraced the bounty program. Players put the vast majority of the money into this program and they share responsibility for playing by the rules and protecting each other within those rules."

The NFL Players Association received the confidential March 2 and March 21 reports on the Saints matter that were distributed to the clubs. In addition, members of the NFL staff, including the NFL security investigators, met with NFLPA officials to review the results of their investigation. A number of current and former players, including each player disciplined today, were offered the opportunity to be interviewed with counsel present. One player (Hargrove) submitted a written statement in which he did not dispute the existence of the program, but no player agreed to be interviewed in person. In addition, the NFLPA publicly stated that it conducted its own investigation into this matter, but it has shared no information from that investigation with the NFL.

Commissioner Goodell also has advised the NFLPA of the names of all other players shown by the NFL's investigation to have participated in the Saints' pay-for-performance/bounty program but were not disciplined. The commissioner again invited the union to provide recommendations on how best to promote fair play, player safety and the elimination of bounties from the game at all levels. He said that identifying the other participants may assist the union in its stated desire to advance those goals.

Discipline for the Saints and club management was announced by the NFL on March 21. The Saints were fined $500,000 and forfeited two second-round draft choices (one in 2012 and one in 2013). In addition, suspensions without pay were issued to former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams (indefinitely), head coach Sean Payton (2012 NFL season), general manager Mickey Loomis (first eight regular-season games of 2012), and assistant head coach Joe Vitt (first six regular-season games of 2012).



Paul Hoynes on Ubaldo Jimenez, Matt LaPorta and competing for whole year: Podcast

0
0

What is going on with Ubaldo Jimenez? Should the Tribe bring up Matt LaPorta? The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

ubaldo.JPGView full sizeJust what is going on with Ubaldo Jimenez? Paul Hoynes talks about it during his weekly podcast.

What is going on with Ubaldo Jimenez? Should the Tribe bring up Matt LaPorta?

The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Jason Kipnis' production as of late.

• Will the Tribe take it slow with Johnny Damon?

• Will the Indians compete for the whole season?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow Hoynes on Twitter.

Indians at White Sox: Twitter updates and game preview

0
0

The Tribe will look to even up their three-game series with the Chicago White Sox tonight. First pitch is at 8:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie.

The Tribe will look to even up their three-game series with the Chicago White Sox tonight. First pitch is at 8:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

Note: Hit reload for latest Tweets


damon johnny.JPGView full sizeJohnny Damon will make this Tribe debut tonight in Chicago against the White Sox.
(AP) -- After throwing the 21st perfect game in major league history, the Chicago White Sox's Philip Humber was anything but flawless during his most recent turn in the rotation.

He could have a hard time getting back on track against a Cleveland Indians club set to receive a boost.

Johnny Damon is expected to make his season debut and Shin-Soo Choo could return from injury Wednesday night as Cleveland and Chicago continue a three-game set at U.S. Cellular Field.

The 38-year-old Damon, who signed a minor league deal April 17, spent the last couple of weeks getting in game shape at the club's facility in Arizona. The Indians (11-10) made room for him Tuesday by designating infielder Jose Lopez for assignment.

Entering his 18th major league season, Damon hit .261 with 16 homers, 73 RBIs and 19 stolen bases while with Tampa Bay in 2011. He ranks third among active players with 1,643 runs scored and fourth with 516 doubles.

"He's going to make our team better," manager Manny Acta said. "He had a pretty solid season last year. He's been there and done that. He's got instant credibility with these guys and he's an outstanding teammate who's going to help all these younger guys here. We're excited to add him to the mix."

Choo, meanwhile, is expected to rejoin the lineup after sitting out the previous six games with a left hamstring injury. He is batting .237 with no homers in 15 games.

Damon and Choo could make things difficult on Humber (1-1, 4.66 ERA), who five days after not allowing a walk or a hit during a 4-0 win at Seattle, was tagged for a career-worst nine runs over five innings of Thursday's 10-3 loss to Boston.

"This game will humble you, man," Humber said. "It will make you feel good one day and make you feel real bad the next. You've got to take every game as its own game ... It was just a bad day. I'll just chalk it up to one of those days and hopefully next time will be better."

The right-hander went 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA over two September starts against the Indians, who are hitting .339 against him.

Chicago (12-11) took Tuesday's series opener 7-2 behind Chris Sale's six strong innings. He helped hold Michael Brantley, Jason Donald, Asdrubal Cabrera, Carlos Santana and Travis Hafner - Cleveland's 1-2-3-4-5 hitters - hitless in a combined 20 at-bats.

Gordon Beckham, meanwhile, broke out of an 0-for-10 slump with a three-hit effort - including his first homer of the season. The second baseman raised his average 37 points to .190.

"(Beckham) swung well, it's part of believing in yourself and keep working at it," manager Robin Ventura said. "He hasn't gone down that path of not believing in himself."

Beckham now looks for his momentum to carry over against Josh Tomlin (1-2, 5.48). Aside from throwing eight innings of one-run ball during a 2-1 win at Seattle on April 19, the right-hander has compiled an 8.10 ERA over his other three outings.

Tomlin was roughed up again his last time out, allowing four runs over 4 2-3 innings of Thursday's 4-2 loss to Kansas City.

"The consistency is not there, for sure, this year," he told MLB.com. "You can't go out there and go eight innings and then go four innings or vice versa. You want to stay as consistent as you can for as long as you can."

In his only career appearance in this series, Tomlin gave up four runs, seven hits and struck out seven over five innings of a 4-2 loss in his season debut April 9.

Cleveland Indians P.M. links: Johnny Damon set for Indians debut; Tribe faces perfect game hurler

0
0

Damon, who has 2,723 career hits but is 38, tries to help the Indians' sluggish offense. White Sox starter tonight -- Philip Humber -- pitched a perfect game 11 days ago. Links to more Indians stories.

johnny-damon.jpgJohnny Damon in the Indians' dugout in Chicago on Tuesday night, during his first game on the Tribe's active roster. Damon didn't play, but is expected to be in the lineup tonight.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians play the White Sox in the second of a three-game series tonight in Chicago.


Right-hander Josh Tomlin (1-2, 5.48) takes the mound for the Tribe while the White Sox go with righty Philip Humber (1-1, 4.66). Humber's win wasn't of the ordinary variety -- it was the 21st perfect game in Major League Baseball since 1900, a 4-0 decision over the Mariners in Seattle on April 21.


Outfielder Johnny Damon is expected to make his debut for the Indians. The left-handed hitter, 38, was recently signed by Cleveland as a free agent. In 17 previous big league seasons, Damon has a .286 batting average with 2,723 hits, 231 home runs and 404 stolen bases.


Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes Paul Hoynes' game story on the Indians' 7-2 loss to the White Sox on Tuesday night; Hoynes' podcast; Dennis Manoloff's breakdown of Tribe pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez's struggles during the third inning of Tuesday night's game; and more.


Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal writes Indians manager Manny Acta's plans for Damon, including:




Although Damon has started fewer than 40 games in the outfield the past two years, Acta said, “He will have to get the majority of his at-bats in the outfield, because we have a DH [Travis Hafner].”


On the few days Hafner doesn’t play, “We will use the DH spot to give Carlos [Santana] a break from catching,” Acta said.


Damon will play tonight and replace Michael Brantley in the leadoff position.


Indians story links


Johnny Damon is happy to be with the Indians, and says the team has made him no promises. (By Jim Ingraham, News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal) 


The curious makeup of the Indians roster. (By Gregory Dew, Indians Prospect Insider)


Indians lose to the White Sox as Ubaldo Jimenez struggles again. (By Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal)


Around the Indians' minor league system. (By Jim Pete, Indians Prospect Insider)


The trade for Ubaldo Jimenez is not yet working out. (On the blog, WaitingForNextYear)


Tuesday night's game against the Indians was just what a couple young White Sox hitters needed. (By Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times)

Looking at tonight's Indians at White Sox game. (By Zack Meisel, MLB.com)

Amid a blizzard of lawsuits, NFL's decision on bounty punishments makes sense: Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

0
0

The NFL can't risk looking soft on player safety issues. But even at that, Browns' linebacker Scott Fujita and the other players suspended Wednesday had it coming, Bud Shaw writes.

vilma-fujita-saints-08-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeNew Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and then-teammate Scott Fujita (lower left) corralled Kansas City's Larry Johnson on this play from the 2008 season. Vilma will miss the entire 2012 season and Fujita will sit out the first three games with the Browns this fall for their roles in the bounty scandal with the Saints.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NFL correctly came down hard on those who led or got in the way...

The NFL Players Association is pledging to fight Wednesday's suspensions of four players, including Browns' linebacker Scott Fujita. The association is warning the league to "get ready for a massive multiple legal battle over this on several fronts."

Wish NFLPA lawyers luck with that. And tell 'em to get in line.

If you played in the league anytime in the last 50 or 60 years, honk if you're not suing the NFL. Every day, former players are being urged to join lawsuits seeking compensation for concussions. Most recently, former Browns' No. 1 picks Courtney Brown and Tim Couch, along with quarterback Charlie Frye, joined the brigade alleging league negligence.

With litigation pending and lots more under way, anybody think the NFL will risk looking soft on a player safety issue anytime soon?

The Couch-Brown lawsuit also asserts a class action that seeks "medical monitoring" of players who aren't yet experiencing health consequences, but who suffered concussions during their playing days. Just in the potential to attract plaintiffs, that action dwarfs the NFLPA's threatened litigation on behalf of New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma, defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove, defensive end Will Smith and Fujita.

Except for when he's hugging it out with first-round draft choices at Radio City Music Hall, commissioner Roger Goodell plays the head disciplinarian role quite convincingly. He was the Hanging Judge even before the Saints made it so easy for him, first by ignoring a warning, then by players taking ownership of fund raising for the program and by Gregg Williams instructing players on specific body parts to target.

Goodell limited his suspensions to players he believed played more than a passive role, or, in the case of Hargrove, obstructed the 2010 investigation. It correctly avoided broad punishment of players, some of whom might have felt they were putting their job security at risk by not going along with Williams' program.

April 24 Roger Goodell interview with Sirius/XM radio on the bounty investigation



Fujita's three-game suspension was the lightest behind Vilma (a year), Hargrove (eight games) and Smith (four games). All will appeal. To Goodell, as it stands. (Even better luck with that.)

Fujita's claim that he was part of a program that rewarded teammates only for great plays apparently didn't fly, but his three-game suspension -- compared to the rest -- suggests he got some consideration from the commissioner. Not enough, in his mind, I'm sure.

Do I think Fujita went after players' knees and heads in hopes of inflicting physical harm? No. Did Saints' players use a reward system outside the limits of the collective bargaining agreement? Absolutely. Did Fujita play an active role by contributing money to the program? That's what the NFL believes.

The league claims Fujita, a linebacker, pledged significant money to a prohibited pay-for-performance/bounty pool during the 2009 playoffs. Apparently the money wasn't going to "fleur de lis" helmet stickers. The league says the money collected in the bounty program paid players for "cart-offs" and "knockouts."

The NFLPA can complain about Goodell's heavy hand. It's what you'd expect from a player advocacy group. But Goodell smartly hammered Saints' management and coaches first. Those penalties frame Tuesday's discipline as reasonable.

It also puts the NFLPA in an oddly delicate spot -- arguing on behalf of players who ran a program that rewarded hits and knockouts of their fellow union members.

SPINOFFS

New Orleans backup QB Chase Daniel Tweeted that Vilma learned about his year's suspension by watching ESPN's "SportsCenter" instead of hearing it directly from the league: "I was standing right next 2 @jonvilma51 when he found out abt his suspension ON @SportsCenter. Really? He has to find out about it that way?"

I'm sure Goodell meant to call, but he's still locked in an embrace with Fletcher Cox...

Saw the Stooges movie Tuesday night and dreamed about the Indians-White Sox third inning. Or the other way around, I can't remember...

ESPN's Buster Olney made note that Ubaldo Jimenez didn't make a Sox hitter swing and miss until his 92nd pitch Tuesday. And then it required the entire Indians' infield hollering, "Swing, batter"...

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd said on Tuesday's episode of "E:60" that he smoked crack immediately before taking the mound for a May 11, 1986 start at Oakland. Here's betting at least one A's hitter swung and missed before the 92nd pitch of the game...

Finally, though, an explanation for Oil Can saying after a 1986 game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium was canceled for fog, "That's what happens when you build a park on the ocean. ..."

Former Cavaliers' head coach Paul Silas, a good man, is gone in Charlotte after a 7-59 season. Michael Jordan will consider firing himself -- if he ever shows up in the office again...

USA Today released its early line on the top 10 NFL draft prospects for 2013. If that's happening already, it's almost impossible not to root for the Mayans in December...

The Browns say they're not looking to move Colt McCoy. The last time they were this adamant they said they were going to support him as their starter via the draft...

Browns draft pick John Hughes told 92.3 The Fan he wasn't surprised the Browns drafted him in third round. So he's the one. ...

pegg-mug-2007-ap.jpgView full sizeHe's accomplished impossible missions and been enterprising in space, but can he hit a curve?

Minnesota GM Rick Spielman said of the Browns' decision to trade up with the Vikings to take Trent Richardson, "Cleveland did the right thing." By him.

Actually, if Richardson is as good as most people other than Jim Brown think, the Vikings should have received even more in return...

Despite obvious similarities and their shared geography in the great northwest, Petrie has never worked with Mike Holmgren...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Indians' outfielder Aaron Cunningham and British comedian Simon Pegg -- Nancy

HE SAID IT

"I feel like I can get through to players when they are scuffling." -- Johnny Damon, on his role as a veteran clubhouse influence.

cunningham-mug-2012-ap.jpgView full sizeWith a lifetime MLB batting average of .233, the curve might be a problem for this Indian, too.

Looking at the Indians hitting in 2012, he's come to the right place.

HE TWEETED IT

"Rose should have signed with Nike because Lebron is getting stronger, while Rose is breaking down before our very eyes" -- Nike shoe designer Jason Petrie after the Bulls' Derrick Rose tore his knee up while wearing adidas, ending his season.

Nike hasn't looked this warm and fuzzy since all the old stories about using child labor in third world countries. Petrie apologized but only after Tweeting, "Just to set the record straight, if you ain't with me you against me..."

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Midweek Edition)

"Bud:

"If Browns' receivers dropped Colt's pillow lobs like they were greased with chicken fat, how are they going to catch Weeden's fastball spirals?" -- Michael Sarro

In self defense.

"Bud:

"What do you suppose Metta World Peace and World B. Free discuss when they get together?" -- Bob, Solon

World domination.

"Hey Bud:

"Johnny Damon finally joined the club in Chicago. I have not seen this much excitement in the ole Wigwam since the Tribe opened the season with Rudy Regalado at third base. Can you come up with an event to match this one for intrigue and anticipation?" -- Dr. Grinder

Other than the signing of Jake Delhomme?

"Bud:

"If the Browns' wide receivers disguise themselves as clay pigeons, can the Browns win six games this year with Weeden at QB?" -- Jake Crouse, Cleveland Heights



For those who watched the Browns in 2011, you know that inanimate objects would not qualify as a "disguise" for the receiving corps.

Bud:

"Since Tiger's golf career is not what it used to be, what do you think of him joining the Secret Service?" -- Edward Aube

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"Do you think when Amare Stoudemire had the fire extinguisher incident, he was having anger management issues, or just following directions that said 'break glass'?" -- Jim Lefkowitz, Pepper Pike

Repeat winners know the drill.

On Twitter: @budshaw

Bounty scandal takes the sheen away from New Orleans Saints' feel-good aura: Bill Livingston

0
0

The fallout from the penalties for the New Orleans bounty system goes far beyond the players who were suspended Wednesday, among them the Browns' Scott Fujita. In pro sports, who is a saint these days?

vilma-saints-2011-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeJonathan Vilma and the New Orleans Saints franchise is stained by the developments that surround the bounty investigation, says Bill Livingston -- a stain that tarnishes one of sports' best feel-good stories.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The alleged perpetrators of the "Ain't Saints" bounty system in New Orleans were hit somewhat less hard than Mayhem Incorporated's targets. Still, the only commissioner in sports these days with zero tolerance for stonewalling and fairy tales, the NFL's Roger Goodell, didn't mess around.

The fallout blows like a grimy wind over Gregg Williams, the defensive coordinator who gloried in a program designed -- in a era when a legal typhoon of injury claims is about to envelope the league -- to deliberately injure. It leaves the reputation of the bright young coach who tolerated it, Sean Payton, in ashes.

Its soot cloaks the names of Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith, who are alleged to have created it, and Anthony Hargrove, who admitted it. A dirt devil also danced around the Browns' Scott Fujita, who disputed it.

Smith, one of Ohio State's greatest defensive ends, is creating quite a dossier on the shady side of the rules. He was also suspended two games and fined for two more in the past for violating the league's ban on performance-enhancing drugs.

Fujita's money was only for "big plays," said the current Browns and former Saints linebacker. He meant turnovers forced and made and yards lost, not hits that left ball carriers vibrating like tuning forks on stretchers. Fujita was suspended for three games for the coming season, compared to a full season for Vilma, eight games for Hargrove and four for Smith. Fujita missed the last five games last year after suffering a hand injury, which is at least a little bit ironic.

Ignorance of the mechanism of dispersal for the money he paid in seems a bit of a reach, particularly for a bright guy like Fujita from Cal-Berkeley. Maybe it's true. Maybe it's the best he could come up with.

It strikes me this way: "Once upon a time there was an illegal slush fund in New Orleans, and only the players who hit late or went for the opponent's ACL were paid from it. But it didn't mean it was a bounty system, either. And, oh by the way, soon the touchdown fairy will sprinkle magic dust on the Browns' receivers."

The players union can complain that Goodell is judge and jury. He will hear whatever appeals the players association can summon the gumption to make. That is procedurally troubling. But Goodell knows he can't look as soft as the NFL has been in the past on concussions, brain damage, debilitating injuries and other grim byproducts of the savage sport.

That is almost certainly why games will be on television nearly around the entire calendar week, beginning with the coming season. The risk of over-exposure will be offset by the revenue from them that will help build a fund for what might be an epic legal settlement.

The saddest thing about the barbaric bounty practice is that the Saints were a team guilty of it on a wide scale. Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said recently that the New Orleans bounty system and the earlier spying conviction of the New England Patriots put "asterisks" on their Super Bowl victories. It really did much more than that to the Saints.

The city of New Orleans is an American original. From jazz to voodoo, from the French Quarter to the Mississippi River levees, from the bead-strewn Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras to a quiet sunrise on Jackson Square with coffee and beignets, there is no place else with its sultry, languid, almost over-ripe beauty.

Governmental incompetence at every level almost let New Orleans float out to sea during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But the New Orleans that people loved remained in the hearts of those who had visited her.

The NFL team, which almost moved after the disaster, became a huge part of the healing. From the electric victory in the first game at home since the levees broke to the stunning upset of Indianapolis in the Super Bowl in 2010, the Saints were America's Team far more than the Dallas Cowboys had been in more comfortable times. Les bon temps never really rouler-ed the way they did in New Orleans, buoyant again.

Now, like at least some portion of Bill Belichick's genius and like most of the home run records in baseball, we know it was too good to be true. In the overtime squeaker against Minnesota in the NFC Championship Game, many of the vicious hits on the Vikings' Brett Favre came out of lust for blood money.

They ain't saints. In sports today, who is?

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Seneca Wallace bakes up a storm in honor of departed mom

0
0

Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace presses mom's cake recipe into service to fund research into the disease that killed her.

seneca wallace cupcakes.JPGView full sizeBrowns quarterback Seneca Wallace makes his rum cupcakes at Colossal Cupcakes in downtown Cleveland Wednesday, with advice from bakery owner Kelly Kandah, left.

Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace talked football and rum cake Wednesday as he broke eggs, whipped batter, and iced cupcakes in honor of his dead mother.

Linda Joyce Wallace died five years ago, at the age of 58, the victim of a form of cancer called multiple myeloma.

Ever since, he has pressed her rum-cake recipe into service, around Mother's Day, her birthday, the anniversary of her passing, holidays, "or when I come home from church," he said.

Wednesday's five-hour marathon was partially because Mother's Day is coming up. And partially because Kelly Kandah, owner of Colossal Cupcakes in Cleveland invited him to her business that opened on Euclid Ave in mid march.

"Why don't you turn your mother's rum cake into cupcakes," Kandah said during a chance meeting.

Around noon, she projected that he'd make 400 to 600, a number he was well on his way to achieving by mid afternoon.

Those pastries honored more than the memory of Linda Joyce Wallace. Each one also generated $3.75 for the Joyce's Angels – the foundation Seneca Wallace started a year ago to raise awareness and underwrite research into the disease that killed his mother.

By 5 p.m., he'd sold 400 cupcakes and netted $1,000 said Kandah. "We are going to make it cupcake of the month and sell it all month, with the proceeds going to his foundation," she said.

Wallace baked until 5 p.m., stopping to have his picture taken with customers, to explain the process and talk football.

"With the passing game, you gotta be efficient. Same thing with his," he said. "If the quarterback and receiver are not on the same page, you don't have the right ingredients.

Kandah had trays of eggs, a bowl of sugar and two huge bottles of rum laid out for Wallace.

"I'm official now," he said as he donned a hot-pink apron.

"There's a little pressure on me here," he said "I'm used to doing this at home."

He said vanilla pudding and cake mix were also key. He flashed a picture on his cell phone showing a recent rum cake he made, using a bunt-cake mold.

At Colossal he flopped batter into paper cupcake wrappers. Then he, Kandah and others took turns squeezing cream-cheese frosting onto the finished pastries, bringing them close to the size of softballs.

He cracked eggs like a pro, cleaving each open on the edge of a bowl without losing a piece of shell.

As he worked, he talked about his day job – with the Browns, restating that "I'm going to take the role of mentor," with quarterback Brandon Weeden, a first-round draft choice. "That's how this organization wants to move forward."

The organization also moved to Colossal Cupcakes – though not the whole roster. Offensive linemen John Greco and Jason Pinkston put in appearances mid-afternoon.

Wallace also took time to commiserate with Kim Svoboda of Walton Hills, She came to buy the cupcakes and show support for Wallace.

He mother, Norma Svoboda, died of multiple myeloma three years ago.

"I think it's great when celebrities support something and really take action," she said.

Bodemeister, Union Rags claim favorites' role in Saturday's Kentucky Derby

0
0

Trained by three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert, Bodemeister drew the No. 6 post on Wednesday. Six horses have won from that position, the last being Sea Hero in 1993.

bodemeister-favorite-derby-2012-ap.jpgView full sizeKentucky Derby favorite Bodemeister will start from the No. 6 post position in Saturday's Run for the Roses.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Bodemeister has been made the early 4-1 favorite for the Kentucky Derby, with Union Rags the second choice in a full field of 20 horses.

Trained by three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert, Bodemeister drew the No. 6 post on Wednesday. Six horses have won from that position, the last being Sea Hero in 1993.

Bodemeister is the stronger of Baffert's two horses, having won the Arkansas Derby by 9 1-2 lengths in the most dominating performance among the Derby prep races. His other, Liaison, landed in the No. 20 spot for Saturday's race.

It's the third time the Hall of Fame trainer has had the early Derby favorite. The first two times didn't work out.

Lookin At Lucky drew the dreaded inside post in 2010 and finished sixth. In 2001, Point Given was the heavy favorite and wound up fifth. He went on to win the Preakness and Belmont stakes, the final two legs of the Triple Crown.

Union Rags drew the No. 4 post and was listed at 9-2 on the morning line set by Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia. He is trained by Michael Matz, who won the Derby in 2006 with Barbaro only to have the colt stunningly break down after the start of the Preakness.

Gemologist was the third choice at 6-1 and drew the No. 15 post. The undefeated colt is one of two trained by Todd Pletcher, who won his first Derby in 2010 with Super Saver. The other, El Padrino, will be in the next stall toward the outside as one of two 20-1 shots.

Blue Grass winner Dullahan was the 8-1 fourth choice. He got the No. 5 post, drawing the loudest cheers from his connections.

The No. 1 and No. 14 posts remained open until there were just two spots left in the starting gate, leaving the connections of speedy Hansen and Daddy Long Legs in suspense. UAE Derby winner Daddy Long Legs got the inside stall, while 10-1 shot Hansen dodged a bullet and landed the No. 14 slot.

Hansen and Daddy Long Legs have the most graded stakes earnings in the field. Hansen leads the list with more than $1.5 million, while Daddy Long Legs has $1.2 million.

Optimizer is the record 45th Derby starter for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a four-time winner of the race. The colt will break from the No. 2 post and is one of five 50-1 shots. He got into the field when Mark Valeski was withdrawn from consideration Tuesday.

The 21st horse on the earnings list is My Adonis, an also eligible who would need a defection before 9 a.m. EDT Friday, when Derby wagering opens, to get into the 11/4-mile race.

If all 20 horses start, the $2,219,600 purse would be the richest since 2005, when the Derby first became a guaranteed $2 million event. The winner earns $1,459,600. Post time is 6:24 p.m. EDT.


Johnny Damon: What will his statistics be with the Cleveland Indians this season? Poll

0
0

A number of factors could affect what kind of contribution Damon can make for the Indians.

johnny-damon2.jpgJohnny Damon hit .261 in 150 games with Tampa Bay in 2011, with 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 25 attempts.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Outfielder Johnny Damon is expected to make his debut with the Cleveland Indians tonight in Chicago against the White Sox.


The Indians recently signed Damon as a free agent.


The left-handed hitting Damon, 38, has put together a fine career in his previous 17 major league seasons.


Damon has a .286 career batting average, with 2,723 hits, 516 doubles, 107 triples, 231 home runs and 404 stolen bases. In 2004, he helped the Boston Red Sox to their first World Series title in 86 years. Five years later, the New York Yankees won the World Series with Damon in the outfield.


Damon has stroked at least 130 hits in each of the last 16 seasons. He has scored more than 100 runs in 10 seasons.


Indians manager Manny Acta has said that Damon will get most of his playing time as the left fielder. However, Damon -- who has a notoriously weak arm -- played just 52 games in the outfield in the 2010 and 2011 seasons.


There are a lot of variables to what Damon might do with the Indians this season.


Regardless of how he plays, would Damon's playing time be reduced when center fielder Grady Sizemore returns? Sizemore, recovering from knee and back problems, could be back some time in June, but this is the fourth straight season during which he's been hobbled by injuries.


Another factor that could affect Damon's status with the Indians includes the play of Michael Brantley, who was slated to again be the starting left fielder, but is in center due to Sizemore's absence. Would Damon and Sizemore end up as the starters in left and center, respectively?


And what about Travis Hafner, who has often been sidelined by injuries over the past four seasons? Hafner's only lineup spot is at designated hitter, which is probably the most suitable spot for Damon these days.


In fact, Damon was the Detroit Tigers' DH in 98 games in 2010, and was the Tampa Bay Rays' DH in 135 games last season.


And, if Damon is producing later in the season, but the Indians aren't in contention, will he be a player that other teams -- almost certainly contenders -- pursue? Certainly, at this point in his career, Damon wouldn't bring much in return in a trade, but there would be little reason for the Indians to regularly play him if they're not contending. 


And, of course, there's the possibility that this will be the time when Damon can no longer consistently deal with big league pitching. We'll soon find out what kind of bat speed he maintains.




U.S. to play World Cup qualifier in Columbus at Crew Stadium

0
0

The Americans will play their second home qualifier Sept. 11 against Jamaica at Crew Stadium. They've never lost in Columbus, going 5-0-3 there since 2000, and have conceded only one goal.

jamaica-gold-cup-celebrates-vs-guatemala.jpgFile photo shows Jamaica players, from left, Demar Phillips, Jason Morrison and Dabe Richards. The U.S. will play its second home qualifier Sept. 11 against Jamaica at Crew Stadium here in Columbus.

CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. is sticking with what works when it comes to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Americans will play their second home qualifier Sept. 11 against Jamaica at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. They've never lost in Columbus, going 5-0-3 there since 2000, and have conceded only one goal. That came in the Americans' last game against Jamaica in World Cup qualifying, a 1-1 draw on Nov. 17, 2004.

The Americans are 4-0-2 in World Cup qualifying in Columbus.

"Playing a World Cup qualifier in Columbus makes perfect sense," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Wednesday. "The support of the home crowd for these qualifiers can be a big positive for the team, and the fans in Columbus have shown time and time again how much they appreciate the national team. I have always heard how great a host Columbus is for these games, and I'm looking forward to experiencing it for myself."

The Americans have never lost to Jamaica, compiling a 10-0-8 record against the Reggae Boyz.

The U.S., trying to secure its seventh straight trip to soccer's world championship, opens World Cup qualifying June 8 against Antigua and Barbuda in Tampa, Fla., and plays at Guatemala four days later. After the summer break, the U.S. travels to Jamaica on Sept. 7, then returns home for the game in Columbus four days later. In the final games of the regional semifinals, the Americans are at Antigua on Oct. 12 and close Group A at home against Guatemala on Oct. 16.

The top two teams from each of three groups advance to the 2013 regional finals in North and Central America and the Caribbean. The first three teams will qualify for the 2014 tournament in Brazil, and the fourth-place team goes to a home-and-home playoff against the Oceania champion — likely New Zealand — for another berth.

Group B has Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guyana and Mexico, and Group C includes Canada, Cuba, Honduras and Panama.


Cleveland State hoping to fill Horizon League void as Butler announces 2013-14 move to Atlantic 10

0
0

CSU's men's basketball program plans to excel in 2012-13 and in the seasons after Butler leaves.

csu-grady-butler-smith-vert-2012-lt.jpgView full sizeAnton Grady and the Cleveland State Vikings will have one more season to battle Andrew Smith and Butler for a Horizon League title before the Bulldogs leave the conference for the Atlantic 10.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Butler University is leaving the Horizon League for the Atlantic 10 Conference after next school year, leaving a void in men's basketball that Cleveland State hopes to fill.

The HL, the A-10 and Butler all announced the move Wednesday. The Bulldogs will play one last season, 2012-2013, in the Horizon before becoming a full A-10 member in 2013-2014.

Over the last five years, Butler and coach Brad Stevens have become the face of Horizon League basketball. In 2010 and 2011, the Bulldogs won the league tournament and then ran through the NCAA field to finish as the national runner-up, losing title games to Duke in a dramatic finish, and Connecticut. Butler will be moving to an Atlantic 10 that includes Charlotte, Dayton, Duquesne, Fordham, George Washington, LaSalle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Richmond, St. Joseph's, Saint Louis, St. Bonaventure, Temple and Xavier.

In a Wednesday teleconference, Horizon commissioner Jon LeCrone said the league will move at a measured pace to find a replacement team. Butler's departure leaves the HL with nine members: CSU, Detroit, Green Bay, Loyola (Ill.), Milwaukee, Illinois-Chicago, Valparaiso, Wright State and Youngstown State.

"We are proud of the role the Horizon League played in providing a platform for Butler to significantly improve its athletics programs and achieve the highest level of national competitiveness in men's basketball," LeCrone said. "I don't want other people to define us. We define ourselves. We have a proactive expansion plan and we want to work on that quickly."

Cleveland State's men's basketball program plans to excel in 2012-13 and in the seasons after Butler leaves.

The Vikings have a young, deep and talented team that has eclipsed 20 wins three of the last four seasons. They have advanced to the NCAA Tournament once in that span -- beating Butler in the HL title game in 2009 to earn that NCAA bid. CSU has a veteran coach in Gary Waters, who seems locked in for the long haul; and overall stability that most mid-major programs would envy.

In 2013-14, the Vikings project to be a team dominated by sophomores and juniors ready to meet the challenges that come with being a perennial league favorite.

There will be hurdles to cross. After averaging 3,260 fans in 2011-12, CSU must find a way to generate and sustain interest in college basketball in downtown Cleveland. Butler will no longer be coming to town for an annual game, which drew one of the Vikings' biggest crowds each season.

For the Horizon League, Butler's departure is a huge loss. Regardless of how good Milwaukee, Detroit, Valparaiso, CSU or any other league team was each season, the league icon was Butler. Until a team emerges as the new face of the league, the HL's national brand will be lacking.

That's a role CSU would love to play.

"I think the door is open," said CSU athletic director John Parry, who formerly served as the AD at Butler. "Now it's ours. If we have success, like I believe we will, we will have to learn how to be the hunted."

Thistledown counting on Kentucky Derby boost to opening weekend of live racing: Horse Racing Insider

0
0

"Thistledown will offer wagering on the full Kentucky Derby card on both Friday and Saturday, the only local track to do that," racing secretary Bill Couch said.

thistledown-windows-2011-ldj.jpgView full sizeThistledown officials are hoping for a big turnout as the track's live racing season gets underway on Friday, with betting also available on the Kentucky Derby weekend action at Churchill Downs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thistledown is swinging into action Friday with its first live thoroughbred racing program of the season, and the simulcast racing action from Churchill Downs, including the Kentucky Derby, is expected to boost the crowds of railbirds.

Thistledown is beginning the season with the $50,000 Classen Memorial Stakes on Friday, a six-furlong test for fillies and mares. Beamed to Thistledown will be the full Churchill Downs cards that feature the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

The Kentucky Derby is scheduled to come out of the starting gate in Louisville, Ky., at 6:24 p.m.

"Thistledown will offer wagering on the full Kentucky Derby card on both Friday and Saturday, the only local track to do that," racing secretary Bill Couch said. The track is also featuring an Oaks-Derby Double wager on Friday.

First-race post time at Thistledown this year is 1:50 p.m.

Thistledown has generally held its stakes races on Saturdays, but that has changed. This season, 10 of the 17 stakes are being raced on Fridays, and one will be on a Monday. The $50,000 Rowland Memorial is May 26 to open the Memorial Day weekend, with the $50,000 Angenora wrapping up the holiday on May 28.

"Years ago, we held many of our stakes races on holidays," Couch said. "We've scheduled stakes races on Fridays this year for export reasons. By staying away from Saturdays, when the big races are held in New York and Kentucky, our Friday simulcast programs will have more appeal around the country."

Couch was happy with the response from horsemen for Friday's eight-race program, with 84 thoroughbreds in the entry box.

"Our stalls are about 75 percent filled right now, with more horses on the way," he said. "Horses are trickling in from Tampa Bay Downs [in Tampa, Fla.]. I'm expecting another 50 to 100 horses to move in after Beulah Park [in Grove City, Ohio] closes after Saturday."

Thistledown opens its doors Friday and Saturday at 9:30 a.m., with the Churchill racing scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

Free T's, music: The first 3,500 fans who buy a Thistledown race program Friday get a free Ohio Lottery T-shirt. Jockeys will be on hand for autographs, and the band Short Vincent is providing live music.

The free Thistledown Stakes Handicapping Challenge, a season-long contest to pick the winners of Thistledown's stakes races, begins Friday. The contest runs through the Governor's Buckeye Cup on Sept. 7.

Wear a hat: Kentucky Derby entertainment at Thistledown includes its Derby Hat Contest. Kentucky Derby merchandise also will be on sale, including souvenir mint julep glasses. Nitebeat will be on stage on Kentucky Derby Day. Silks, Thistledown's restaurant, takes reservations at 216-662-8600.

Wagering seminars: Thistledown racing fans can get tips on how to read the race program and wager at free seminars on Friday and Saturday.

Derby at Northfield: Northfield Park is also opening its doors at 9:30 a.m. Saturday to offer the full Kentucky Derby program. The track has a free drawing for fans, with 20 names to be drawn and assigned horses in the Kentucky Derby. The person lucky enough to draw the thoroughbred that captures the Run for the Roses wins $5,000.

There is also a Northfield Park Food Truck Festival on Saturday, featuring six of Cleveland's top food trucks trackside from noon to 6 p.m. The band Unknown Reason performs from 1-5 p.m. For fans arriving early, two donuts and a coffee are only $1 in The Racebook.

Cleveland Browns players, T.J. Ward and Jabaal Sheard, take part in mentoring program at Bolton Elementary

0
0

T.J. Ward and Jabaal Sheard visit elementary school mentoring program run by local firefighter. Watch video

CLEVELAND ----- Cleveland firefighter Bilal Akram isn't motivated as a mentor because of the statistics and all of the negative stereotypes associated with young black boys.


He dedicates several hours per week in the role of a teacher, tutor and even a father to a group of eighth graders at Bolton Elementary because of their untapped potential.


When Akram isn't teaching his group how to tie a tie, or giving them a list of words of affirmation, Akram's cell phone constantly vibrates with calls from his "young men" seeking advice.


"They call me 24 hours per day," said Akram, a 1976 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. "The young men know I'm there for them."


Akram has been there since Olivet Institutional Baptist church pastor Jawanza Colvin asked men in his congregation about mentoring young boys. Akram volunteered at Bolton five months ago. The group started with two boys. It has now grown to 15.


"Some of the boys were selected and others that saw me regularly in the school asked if they could be in the program," Akram said. "I'm a disciplinarian but I speak positive words to them, even when they mess up. I tell them they're leaders, and I explain how the younger kids in the school look up to them."


Akram often balances discussions about academics and building self esteem with a guest speaker from the community. On Wednesday, Cleveland Browns defensive end Jabaal Sheard and defensive back T.J. Ward arrived at Bolton and talked to the boys about their life experiences.


"Talking to the guys took me back to when I was in elementary school," Sheard said. "The only thing is that an NFL player never came to my school. I'm glad I had the chance to talk with them."


So did Ward.


"I wanted to let the kids know that all dreams are possible," Ward said. "You have to work hard because things don't come easy. I shared with them things about life, and how it's a long hard road but you have to keep pushing."
 
Following the discussion, Ward and Sheard signed autographs and distributed gifts, including Cleveland Browns' pennants.


Ward and Sheard's presence drove home one of Akram's many lessons.


"I wanted the young men to have tangible proof that with hard work you can overcome any obstacle," Akram said. "I always tell them, it's not where you start, it's where you finish. T.J. and Jabaal are an example of how they weren't given anything. They worked hard to achieve their goals and reach the NFL. And I hope these young men learn that if they stay focused, they can achieve the goals they set for their future."


 


 


 


 

Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images