Faldo will be honored during ceremonies prior to the first round of the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone on Aug. 1.

View full sizeAP fileNick Faldo is the 2012 Ambassador for Golf selected by the Northern Ohio Golf Charities.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Nick Faldo, winner of six majors and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, has been named as the 2012 Ambassador of Golf by Northern Ohio Golf Charities and will be honored during ceremonies prior to the first round of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club on Aug. 1.

The Ambassador of Golf Award is presented annually to a person who has fostered the ideals of the game on an international level and whose concern for others extends beyond the course.

Faldo, 55, played in 11 consecutive Ryder Cup tournaments and spent 97 weeks on top of the world rankings. That is the third-longest reign in the 24-year history of the rankings, behind Tiger Woods (623 weeks) and Greg Norman (331).

Faldo is lead analyst for CBS and the Golf Channel. He made just one appearance at Firestone, finishing in a tie for 82nd in the 2003 NEC Invitational.

Not too late: The Northern Ohio section of the PGA is accepting applications for the 89th annual Ohio Open at Weymouth and Fox Meadow country clubs, July 16-18. The 54-hole event, won in dramatic fashion last year by Canton Brookside director of instruction Mike Emery, is open to any Ohio resident of at least 120 days who has documented USGA handicap index of 4.0 or less.

Last year, Emery won on the final hole when he rolled in a 19-foot birdie putt. That gave him a 3-under 69 and a total of 203, one shot better than former John Carroll star Brian Unk.

Entry fee is $220 for amateurs, $250 for NOPGA members and $395 for non-members. Register here or call 216-765-1214.

Tuning up: Former Clevelander Jason Dufner had members at The Country Club buzzing about a round he played there on Sunday. Dufner, in town for the Ronald McDonald House benefit on Monday at Mayfield Sand Ridge, shot 65 at Country, with 10 birdies. He played with his agent, Ben Walter, Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Josh Cooper. Walter reports that Weedon shot 81, but 33 on an additional nine.

Getting started: The Ohio Girls Golf Foundation Open, which has served as an unofficial start to the high-school season since 1994, will be held at Avon Oaks July 15-16. There are several openings for this year's event, which includes a clinic, a nine-hole fun scramble and the 18-hole tournament.

It is open to all female high school players, including recent graduates and incoming freshmen. Register here. Deadline is July 1. LPGA Tour pro and Parma native Barb Mucha serves as the headliner.

Next stop, Ft. Wayne: Rocky River's Jillian Hollis and Macedonia's Tyler McHugh will be the area representatives in the PGA Junior National Championship -- formerly known as the Westfield Junior PGA Championship -- July 31-Aug. 3 at Sycamore Hills in Ft. Wayne, Ind., following victories Tuesday in the Northern Ohio qualifier at Shady Hollow in Massillon.

Hollis, a sophomore at Magnificat, shot a final round of par 72 for a 36-hole total of 149. McHugh, a Walsh Jesuit graduate who will attend Wright State, shot a one-under 71 for a two-day total of 151. Hollis, 15, won by three shots over Geneva's Danielle Nicholson, the reigning Division I state champion. McHugh edged Broadview Heights' Matt Frey by one shot.

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

Can anyone get fans buzzing more than Perez? Yes, he's done it again with his comments to a New York reporter about the Browns, LeBron James and Indians fans.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerChris Perez says he had no interest in reviving past issues with Indians fans when he answered questions from a New York Times reporter Monday.

NEW YORK -- Chris Perez wants to get one thing straight. It wasn't his intention to anger Cleveland fans for a second time this season when he talked to a New York Times reporter Monday.

Perez was asked about the state of the Indians and why he criticized fans earlier this season for not coming to Progressive Field when the team was in first place.

"The last three home stands we've had have been great," Perez said Tuesday afternoon. "We've really had a good responses.

"[New York Times sports writer Tyler Kepner] wanted to go back to what I'd said before and try to get more of an understanding. I wasn't me trying to do it again. That's definitely not what I wanted because [Indians fans] have been great.

"Unfortunately, this month we've only had nine home games. July is going to be good. I know that. We've got a big series with the Angels. The fans are going to be there."

The story dealt mostly with the Indians and why they've been winning despite some ugly overall statistics. Perez was his opinionated self.

He wondered why some fans still hate former Cavalier LeBron James, who just led the Miami Heat to the NBA championship. He also questioned why Cleveland fans are so enamored with the Browns, who have had little success since returning in 1999, while giving the Indians the cold shoulder.

Regarding James, the former Cavalier, Perez said, "I don't get the psyche. Why cheer against a guy that's not even in your city anymore? Just to see him fail? Does that make you feel good? I could see if the Cavs were in the championship, but that's their mentality."

On the Browns, Perez said, "[The fans'] whole thing is, 'We want a winner.' Well, why do you support the Browns? They don't win. They've never won. They left. You guys blindly support them. I don't understand it. It's a double standard and I don't know why."

Perez, who has converted 23 straight saves, said his comments about the Browns were "nothing I hadn't said before."

When asked about Perez's comments, GM Chris Antonetti, who is in New York watching the team, said, "At this point it's old news. ... Chris is coming from the right place. He believes we have a competitive team, that plays the game the right way in a beautiful ballpark. He just wants as many people to come out and enjoy it as possible."

Roberto Hernandez update: Antonetti said it's possible that Roberto Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, could be able to rejoin the Indians next month at the All-Star break.

"It's a possibility," he said, "but I can't sit here and say with certainty that's going to happen until he's granted a visa and permitted access to the United States."

Antonetti added it's his understanding that if Carmona is allowed to join the Indians, he will not face same eight-week MLB-imposed suspension that Miami's Juan Carlos Oviedo is currently serving for pitching under a false name.

"Our understanding at this point is because Roberto restructured his contract, there won't be an additional suspension required, but that could change," Antonetti said. "That's the guidance we've been given at this point. There are just no absolutes."

Hernandez was arrested in the Dominican Republic in January after applying for a visa using false identification. It was revealed that Hernandez, who signed with the Indians in 2000, was really 31, not 28.

Hernandez has been pitching simulated games in the Indians' baseball academy in the Dominican.

Help needed: With the Indians reeling on this 10-day, 10-game trip, Antonetti said he feels they can stay competitive with the current roster.

"We can't stay competitive playing the way we've played [recently], but I still think we have a lot of talent on the roster, enough to stay competitive in the division," he said. "But we need to play better than we've played."

Regarding position players at Class AAA Columbus who could help the Tribe, Antonetti mentioned Matt LaPorta, Russ Canzler, Jason Donald and Trevor Crowe.

Columbus bound: DH Travis Hafner will start his rehab assignment Wednesday at Columbus. Hafner is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Depending on many at-bats he gets, Hafner could be ready to rejoin the Indians at the end of this trip. The Indians return home Sunday after a four-game series in Baltimore.

Finally: Canzler is the Indians' minor league player of the week at Class AAA Columbus for hitting .348 (8-for-23) with two homers and seven RBI from June 17-24.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

The Indians lost a season-high fourth straight game Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium as the offense once against was nearly non-existent.

NEW YORK — When a team goes bad, it can't catch a break even when the opposition and umpires not only drop the ball, but admit it.

The Indians are going bad, as bad as they've been all season. They lost, 6-4, to the Yankees on Tuesday night to extend their losing streak to a season-high four-games.

Here's where the Indians are at right now:

The Yankees, who lead the big leagues in homers, took a 3-0 lead in the second inning against Justin Masterson on four singles, two of which didn't leave the infield. To make matters worse, third baseman Jack Hannahan said the hit that set the inning in motion was a foul ball.

Masterson had two out and runners on first and third. Chris Stewart, who tried to bunt twice, sent a liner to third. Hannahan dove for the ball, but had it go off his glove. Third base umpire Mike DiMuro called it fair as one run scored.

"I asked him about the foul ball down the line," said Hannahan. "He said it was hugging the line all the way, which was incorrect. It was a foul ball all the way. You could tell where I slid. I let it go.

"Umpires are human. They make mistakes."

The Yankees added two more runs in the inning. Derek Jeter, celebrating his 38th birthday, singled off Masterson's body to load the bases. Curtis Granderson followed with a soft two-run single into left center.

What Hannahan couldn't live with was DiMuro's call in the seventh. The Indians were trailing Phil Hughes, 4-0, with two out and a runner on third. Hannahan sent a fly ball down the left-field line. Left fielder Dewayne Wise gloved the ball and dove into the grandstand.

DiMuro, late to the play, immediately called Hannahan out as Wise climbed out of the stands and ran toward the Yankee dugout. Replays showed that Wise dropped the ball and a fan in a red shirt grabbed and was holding it over his head as DiMuro investigated the scene.

"He blew the call in the second inning that led to three runs and that was right in front of him," said Hannahan. "I can live with the fact that he didn't see him drop the ball. Or the fan jumping up and down 2 feet away, excited that he got a foul ball. For him not to ask to see the ball is absolutely inexcusable ... It's frustrating."

After watching a replay, Hannahan went out to third in the eighth inning and was ejected.

"He gave me an early hook," said Hannahan. "I tried to discuss it with him. I didn't swear or anything."

After the game, DiMuro, upon reviewing the play, told a pool reporter: "Now that I see the tape it's obvious that the ball fell out of his glove. In hindsight, I should have asked him to show me the ball since he fell into the stands and out of my line of vision."

Said Wise: "To be truthful, the ball popped out. The umpire called it right away so I just started running to the dugout."

Manager Manny Acta didn't blame Wise for trying to win an Oscar.

"If you can get an out, why not?" he said. "There have been phantom tags in baseball forever."

Acta, however, believes MLB will take care of such problems when it expands the use of replay to cover "catch and no catch" situations. It was supposed to be used this season, but the owners, players association and umpires couldn't agree on it.

"We knew he didn't catch the ball because they didn't show it on the scoreboard," said Acta. "It's a great play. How come you're not showing it on the board for the fans?

"Mike felt bad after he found out he missed the call."

Masterson (4-7, 4.09) allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings. He struck out two and walked three.

The Yankees stretched the lead to 6-0 on Alex Rodriguez's homer off Tony Sipp in the seventh and Stewart's sacrifice fly in the eighth off Nick Hagadone.

Hughes (8-6, 4.48) threw eight scoreless innings for the win. He struck out four, walked one and allowed six hits. He's 3-1 lifetime against the Tribe.

The Indians scored their four runs in the ninth on Johnny Damon's two-out bloop single and Jose Lopez's three-run homer. Lopez replaced Hannahan.

Rafael Soriano arrived after Lopez's homer to retire Lonnie Chisenhall for his 16th save.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie

The BCS is officially dead, with a committee of college presidents approving a four-team college football playoff to start in 2014.

APThe national championship trophy will become more difficult to obtain beginning with the 2014 season.

OMAHA, Neb. -- This was a win so big for college sports and its fans, police in every college town in the country should have been on alert for burning couches.

The four-team playoff approved by a governing board of 12 college presidents in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, set to begin with the 2014 football season, was as much of a cause for celebration as any on-field championship.

This system will crown the most legitimate champ college football has ever seen. By creating a four-team seeded playoff, two more than the current 1 vs. 2 game, and dumping the flawed rating system with a selection committee, the BCS presidential oversight committee, advised by the conference commissioners, fixed the two biggest problems with the current system.

The two semifinals will be held within the current bowl system, in a nod to tradition, while the championship game will be bid out, in a nod to capitalism.

While the former BCS system gave many something to hate, the new plan gives everyone something to like. No system will ever please the entirety of college football's massive fan base, but this should decrease the complaining around the postseason while preserving the intensity of the regular season.

As if anyone needed confirmation about how messed up the current system is, the committee Tuesday needed just three hours to approve the new plan. It usually takes that long to order drinks.

The old system was wrong. This felt right.

"We're proud to build on our successes as we grow the sport and hear the voices of everyone who loves college football," read a statement by the presidential committee, an acknowledgement that all that griping from fans finally was heard.

The Big Ten seemed to agree to the plan reluctantly, reminding everyone again Tuesday that this was the conference's third choice, behind remaining the same and a plus-one model of a title game after the bowls. But the league knew those choices were never realistic, and in compromising it earned concessions it did like, such as retaining a Rose Bowl connection and the idea of the selection committee.

For those wanting to make travel plans, the first championship game in this new era will be held Jan. 12, 2015, a Monday night. All that's needed now is a stadium. That could be anywhere, with a place like Indianapolis almost certainly to be interested in bidding. The first semifinals will be held either on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1.

The rest of the major bowls will be held around New Year's Day as well, while the rest of the bowl system should not be affected. The Football Bowl Association put out a news release along the lines of "way to go guys, don't forget about us."

Big details remain, including how the money will be divided. The presidents said the conferences that perform best on the field should get the biggest cut, but classroom performance also will be a factor.

The size and makeup of the selection committee must be determined. The bowls, reportedly to include old favorites the Rose, Fiesta, Sugar and Orange, with a game in Dallas a strong contender, have to be picked.

That's for later. For now, congratulations college football.

Jerry Sandusky's son Matt recalled showering with his future adoptive father as a boy and pretending to be asleep to avoid being touched -- memories that surfaced only recently, according to a police interview that details what are the earliest allegations yet of abuse by the former Penn State assistant football coach. Matt Sandusky, now 33, said the abuse started at age 8.

View full sizeAssociated PressIn this June 20, 2012 file photo, Matt Sandusky, right, adopted son of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, leaves the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pa., where his father was being tried on charges of child sexual abuse involving 10 boys over a period of 15 years. Matt Sandusky, who released a statement on June 22, 2012 that his father had sexually abused him as well, describes being abused as an 8-year-old boy by his father on a police interview tape obtained by NBC News.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Jerry Sandusky's son Matt recalled showering with his future adoptive father as a boy and pretending to be asleep to avoid being touched -- memories that surfaced only recently, according to a police interview that details what are the earliest allegations yet of abuse by the former Penn State assistant football coach.

Matt Sandusky, now 33, said the abuse started at age 8, a decade before he was adopted by the once-heralded defensive coordinator, according to the interview, first reported Tuesday by NBC News.

"If you were pretending you were asleep and you were touched or rubbed in some way, you could just act like you were rolling over in your sleep, so that you could change positions," Matt Sandusky said in an excerpt played Tuesday on NBC's "Today" show. His attorneys confirmed the recording's authenticity to The Associated Press.

Jerry Sandusky was convicted last week of 45 counts of abusing 10 boys he met through the charity he founded -- the same organization that introduced him to Matt Sandusky, who became his foster child. Jerry Sandusky's principal lawyer did not return messages Tuesday, and another lawyer said only that Matt Sandusky's allegations contradict testimony he gave to the grand jury whose charges put his father on trial.

Matt Sandusky did not reveal any abuse when he was initially questioned as a grand jury witness but did release a statement alleging past abuse as the jury was sequestered in deliberations last week.

The police interview tapes are the first time Matt Sandusky's allegations of sexual abuse have been publicly aired, and too much time has passed for criminal charges. Asked why he was now coming forward on abuse purported to have occurred as early as the late 1980s, Matt Sandusky told police there were several reasons -- but singled out his family.

"So that they can really have closure and see what the truth actually is. And just to right the wrong, honestly, of going to the grand jury and lying," he said in the police interview.

The AP does not identify people alleging sexual assault without their consent. Matt Sandusky's lawyers named him in a statement released Tuesday to reporters that acknowledged the tapes' validity.

"Although the tape was released without Matt's knowledge or permission, it illustrates that he made the difficult decision to come forward and tell the painful truth to investigators despite extraordinary pressure to support his father," lawyers Justine Andronici and Andrew Shubin wrote.

Jerry Sandusky hasn't been charged with abusing Matt, one of six children adopted by the former coach and his wife, Dottie. Messages left for Sandusky's other children were not returned.

Matt Sandusky sat with Dottie Sandusky on the first day of the trial but left after hearing one of the accusers testify. His attorneys have said he reached out to them while the trial was under way, saying he wanted to talk to prosecutors.

Matt Sandusky said that he was undergoing therapy and that his memories of abuse were only now surfacing. He said on the tapes that he tried to flee Sandusky's house and also attempted suicide.

"I know that I really wanted to die at that point in time," he said.

On the recording, Matt Sandusky says he was sexually abused off and on between ages 8 and 15. While being questioned, he said Jerry Sandusky would blow raspberries on his stomach and touch his genitals. The acts described were similar to accounts relayed by eight accusers who offered graphic testimony on the witness stand.

Those eight accusers said they met Sandusky through The Second Mile, the charity Jerry Sandusky founded for at-risk youth. Matt Sandusky also met his adoptive father through the charity.

Asked whether he recalled engaging in oral sex or being raped by the former Penn State coach, he told police "at this point I don't recall that."

Unless he recovers memory of rape or deviate sexual intercourse, it doesn't appear Jerry Sandusky could still be charged in connection with the allegations by his son.

State Attorney General Linda Kelly said Friday after the verdict that the investigation was continuing. Matt Sandusky's abuse allegations date as far back as the late 1980s, about a decade before the allegations on which Jerry Sandusky was tried.

If the abuse ended by 1995, Matt Sandusky's deadline for pressing criminal charges appears to have expired in 2003 for rape or involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and in 2000 for lesser sexual abuse, according to sex-crimes prosecutors.

Until 2002, Pennsylvania law allowed accusers to report the most serious charges of sexual abuse until age 23 and lesser charges until age 20. The law was then changed to give accusers up to age 30 to come forward for rape or involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.

The law was extended again in 2007 to age 50 for all sexual abuse claims. But the changes are not retroactive -- meaning Matt Sandusky would not be able to press criminal charges at this point.

On the civil side, Matt Sandusky may have missed his window for seeking damages from Penn State or others.

In Pennsylvania, accusers must now file lawsuits by age 30 in most cases, though exceptions are theoretically possible in the event of concealment or fraud.

"On the face of it, he's too late ... unless there's an exception around it," said lawyer Jeff Anderson, who filed the first lawsuit against Penn State over other Sandusky allegations. His client is not part of the criminal case because he came forward after the charges were filed.

Jerry Sandusky, 68, is under observation at the Centre County jail, where he has been separated from other inmates pending a psychological review to help determine the next step toward his sentencing in about three months. He has steadfastly maintained his innocence.

The son was prepared to testify against his father, lawyers have said. Defense attorney Joe Amendola has said that prosecutors told the defense that if Jerry Sandusky took the stand, Matt Sandusky would have been called as a rebuttal witness.

Another defense attorney, Karl Rominger, told the AP he and Amendola heard the tape before deciding not to put Jerry Sandusky on the stand.

He said that Matt Sandusky, on the tape, makes "allegations that directly contradicts sworn testimony ... directly contradicts police statements he'd given previously, directly contradicts public statements and absolutely contradicts everything his family knows."

Sandusky's arrest in November triggered a scandal at Penn State that led to the ouster of Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno and the university's president.

The case has shone a national spotlight on the issue of sexual abuse against children. A spokeswoman for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, which describes itself as the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization said Tuesday there has been a 33 percent increase since the trial in the number of people who contacted the group's National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

-- Genaro C. Armas and Randy Pennell, Associated Press

Akron Firestone Mark Gangloff failed to make his third straight Olympics, but at age 30, took it in stride.

View full sizeMark J. Terrill, Associated PressMark Gangloff was pleased with his efforts in the 100 breaststroke, but fell two spots short of reaching his third Olympic Games.

OMAHA, Neb. -- As the two 100-meter breaststrokers headed to London stopped for a TV interview, and the rest of the non-Olympians from the final Tuesday night trudged down the steps at the side of the pool, Mark Gangloff scampered over to the stands.

Waiting was a kiss from his wife, Ashley. Obvious was the perspective that Gangloff has gained during his swimming career, which he was forced to put to use after failing for the first time to qualify for the Olympics in his best event. Second in the 100 breaststroke in 2004 and 2008, which sent him to Athens and Beijing, Gangloff faded to fifth behind winner Brendan Hansen and Eric Shanteau on Tuesday night.

"I had a great start, but I just spun out a little bit at the end," Gangloff, an Akron Firestone grad, said after the race. "Oh well. What can you do?"

After qualifying with the third-best time in the semis on Monday, Gangloff, at 30, said he was as prepared as he'd ever been. Age and the birth of his first child had changed his view of the world, but he still felt fast.

"I never felt like things have clicked yet," Gangloff said Monday. "Something kind of always has been holding me back a little bit. So this year I feel really good with where I'm at. I'm waiting for that breakthrough still, but I'm stubborn. I want to keep going until I make it."

He was quick off the block in the final and third at the halfway point, but in the last 25 meters it was clear this was not Gangloff's night. He said going to the Olympics twice, and winning two relay gold medals, will make it easier to not be in London.

"I came into the race being at peace with wherever I was," Gangloff said. "I thought I was in great position, I was swimming the way I wanted to swim and my preparation up to this point was perfect. You can't ask for anything else."

Gangloff knows this very well could be the end of his career as an Olympic swimmer. He's not sure what comes next, but expects to keep doing swim clinics, and plans to get into coaching.

Gangloff still has the 200 breaststroke remaining, but he's seeded 27th there. Tuesday was his shot. If it was the end, "my glass is full," he said. "I've been blessed. I can't ask for much more."

Lochte drops event: Ryan Lochte dropped out of the 100 backstroke semis Tuesday night after swimming the second-best time in the morning prelims. The decision came as Lochte continues to ponder and manage what could be a demanding schedule this week and in London.

"It's not about how many (events) we can swim, but how many we can swim well," Gregg Troy, Lochte's coach, said.

After winning the 400 individual medley on Monday night, Lochte also swam the fastest time in the 200 free in the morning prelims and evening semifinals Tuesday, so he's the top seed for that final Wednesday. He out-touched Michael Phelps in the semis in a near-dead heat as they swam side by side. Phelps, who swam second to Lochte in the 400 IM, qualified second in 1:46.27 to Lochte's 1:46.25.

"It doesn't matter until the finals," Lochte said. "We're just great racers. It definitely kicked into gear the last 50, me and him, so tomorrow we're going to be a lot faster."

Ohioan update: For some recently graduated collegiate swimmers, the trials is the last competitive event of their careers. Green High school grad and Toledo swimmer Laura Lindsay came close to extending her run in the 100 breaststroke when she finished 19th in the morning heats. The top 16 advance to the semis. She still has the 200 breaststroke on Friday.

"Although it wasn't my best time, I still have to be happy," said Lindsay, who was seeded 12th. "Nineteenth in the nation is still something to be proud of."

No matter the results, this is a way to go out in style.

"That's why I did it," Ohio State senior Andrew Elliott said after finishing 47th in the 100 backstroke prelims. "I finished my college season in March and I wanted to end on a good note. This is the pinnacle unless you're going to the Olympics. I'm glad I could end here and have a really good time."

Elliott has one more prelim Friday. Former Bowling Green swimmer Amanda Rom, a Cincinnati native, is done after finishing 102nd in the 100 breaststroke.

"All through college this is where I wanted to end my career," Rom said. "I was taking it in when I was behind the starting block, and it was awesome."

Just as with the NFL Draft, the NBA megablog will keep Cavaliers fans updated to the minute as Thursday's selections are made.

View full sizeGerry Broome, Associated PressIs Harrison Barnes the man for the Cavaliers on Thursday? Or will there be a move to get Florida's Bradley Beal -- or someone else? The 2012 NBA Draft megablog will keep you updated throughout the evening, just as it did for the NFL Draft in April.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Sure, there would be considerable excitement building around Northeast Ohio if the Cavaliers had gotten the right bounce in the ping pong hopper earlier this month.

But truth be told, the drama is considerably higher with the Cavs unable to land Kentucky's Anthony Davis in Thursday's draft. Instead, the Cavaliers seem to hold the key to how the first dozen picks could go from their position with the fourth choice.

Do they stay put, likely getting Kentucky's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or North Carolina's Harrison Barnes? Do they pull the trigger on a deal that could move them to No. 2, with Florida's Bradley Beal as a prize?

Or do they surprise everyone by moving down, adding more picks and picking up perhaps two of the top 12 choices?

Cavaliers fans won't miss a thing in keeping our NBA Draft megablog fresh in their browsers, beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday. Just as we did with the NFL Draft in April, we'll have rapid-fire updates from New York, news as it breaks in the Cavaliers' Independence draft room and observations from beat writers Mary Schmitt Boyer and Jodie Valade as well as columnist Terry Pluto, who knows the league like few others.

Plus, we'll provide a live draft board with the most likely talent available to the Cavaliers as they work their way through their four (for now) choices at four, 24, 33 and 34. You'll be able to check out breakdowns on dozens of potential choices, or review the players as they're taken by their new teams.

You won't want to miss the NBA Draft megablog, which opens for business at 6 p.m. Thursday.

What did LeBron James say when David Letterman opened the interview by saying, "Well, now that you've got this out of your system, are you ready to go back to Cleveland and play some ball?"

MIAMI — LeBron James got a standing ovation from the studio audience as he began his appearance on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman."

And at the end of the interview, James even got a compliment from Letterman — who was not exactly a fan of his joining the Miami Heat to begin with.

The newly crowned NBA Finals MVP appeared on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" in New York on Tuesday night, and Letterman wasted no time before asking a tough question. The first offering from the late-night host: "Well, now that you've got this out of your system, are you ready to go back to Cleveland and play some ball?"

James laughed it off. "Right now, I'll play no ball right now," James said.

In this photo provided by CBS, Miami Heat’s LeBron James, left, joins television show host David Letterman, Tuesday, June 26, 2012, on the set of the '€œLate Show with David Letterman'€ in New York. James and the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder to claim the 2012 NBA Championship. (AP Photo/CBS, John Paul Filo)

Letterman had taken a jab or two at James in the past about his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami, saying Tuesday that he was "furious" about the move. In a 2010 episode of "Late Show," Letterman told Jay-Z — a minority owner of the Nets — that if James left it would "cut the heart out of" Cleveland. And after the Heat lost in last season's finals, actress Betty White read Letterman's nightly Top 10 list of her "tips for living a long and healthy life."

No. 2 on that night's list?

"Never dwell on past mistakes," White said, "especially you, LeBron."

But on Tuesday, there were no mistakes for James and Letterman to dwell on for too long. Letterman asked the three-time NBA MVP how winning a championship changes things.

"I went from being ringless on Wednesday night to, you know, having a ring on Thursday night," James said. "So it changed that."

Later, Letterman told James that "nobody loves a winner more than basketball fans, and you certainly are the big winner." James replied, "I appreciate that."

• Related video: Watch part 2 of the interview with David Letterman

James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are in the midst of a media tour in New York. Bosh appeared on "Live! With Kelly" on Tuesday and Wade sat down for NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." On Wednesday, all three are scheduled on ABC's "The View." Oprah Winfrey also taped an interview with the Heat trio in Miami on Monday, and that is scheduled to air on her network Sunday night.

Letterman also spent time talking about the upcoming London Olympics with James, who also played for the U.S. team at the Athens Games in 2004 and the Beijing Games in 2008.

James told Letterman that he expects Argentina, Spain and France to be good challenges for the Americans in London.

"Team USA, we try to go out there and showcase our talent at the highest level and represent our country the right way," James said. "So, you know, we always look forward to bringing home the gold."

As the interview was ending, Letterman took the championship trophy out from behind his desk.

"That's my baby right there," James said, giving the trophy a kiss.

• Also see: Buzz Bissinger calls his book with LeBron James 'an epic failure'

Jared Sullinger falling out of the top 15 in the NBA Draft would be a mistake, says OSU beat writer Doug Lesmerises.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerJared Sullinger is reportedly tumbling down draft boards because of concerns with his back and his "tweener" status in NBA front offices. But letting him slide too far will backfire for teams that could use his determination and ability to score, says Doug Lesmerises.

OMAHA, Neb. -- Jared Sullinger reminds me of James Laurinaitis, if only Jared's father, Satch, had been a wrestler.

Another great player who wasn't a great athlete, Laurinaitis fell to the third pick in the second round in the 2009 NFL Draft, further than I felt he should have, based on average workout numbers and what some perceived as a decrease in production later in his Ohio State career, after he'd passed up a chance to leave early for the draft.

Sounds like Sullinger.

Laurinaitis was eighth in the NFL in tackles last season as the third-year leader of the St. Louis Rams' defense. The linebacker picked No. 4 in that same draft, Aaron Curry, has already been traded for a seventh-round pick.

Sullinger's status is complicated by a back issue, and anyone around the Buckeyes figured there was a greater story to Sullinger's health than what was presented during the season. He bantered during the year with reporters when asked about losing lift or looking awkward when he ran, but -- as ESPN's Jay Bilas said in a conference call Tuesday -- teams are never going to give the full story on a player, for their benefit and his.

Yet Sullinger still would be a solid pick anywhere from seventh to 15th in the draft.

The NBA didn't invite Sullinger to New York, based on the idea that he probably won't go in the top 15. There are guaranteed to be players drafted ahead of Sullinger who will do far less in their careers. The No. 14 pick last season, forward Marcus Morris, spent much of his rookie season in the NBDL and averaged seven minutes and two points per game with the Houston Rockets. Does anyone think Sullinger will be in the development league as a rookie?

Something like 10 points and six rebounds per game, way below his college averages, seems like a possible start for Sullinger. Know how many rookies averaged 10 points last season? Eight, with only the Cavs' Kyrie Irving averaging more than 13 points. Know how many rookies averaged six rebounds? Two -- Denver's Kenneth Faried and the Cavs' Tristan Thompson.

A smart player, very good passer and instinctive rebounder who's the son of a coach, Sullinger has a lower ceiling but higher floor than many players, and if a team is worried about him being hurt, well, it sure seemed like we saw the hurt Sullinger last season, and after taking a few games to figure out how to play with his back, he was pretty good.

Given NBA doctors, NBA trainers, and a full-time basketball life, Sullinger very well could get healthier, and therefore, better. Although he dropped weight and body fat between his freshmen and sophomore seasons, he still can get in better shape. The guess is he will.

Sullinger will struggle to guard Amar'e Stoudemire. He's about half as athletic as Blake Griffin. He can't shoot like Dirk Nowitzki or Kevin Love. But while he'll be playing against better competition, he'll also be playing with better teammates. It was obvious how Sullinger missed Jon Diebler during his sophomore season, needing that shooter on the perimeter to give him space, but in the NBA, shooters are everywhere.

No offense to the Buckeyes, but the only other first-round NBA pick at Ohio State that Sullinger played with was maybe Deshaun Thomas, which we should find out in 2013. Thomas only became that player late last season. And what happened? Sullinger played better, too. Over his last 10 games of his OSU career, through the regular-season stretch run with a Big Ten title on the line, and conference and NCAA tournaments, Sullinger averaged 19.3 and 9.9 points per game.

He wasn't double-teamed as much, and he won't be double-teamed at all in the NBA. As Bilas noted, Sullinger has trouble scoring against size inside, but he's a decent shooter who should work hard to get better, and he still has a knack for drawing fouls. After spending his entire basketball life as the No. 1 scoring option on his team, he should evolve into a tremendous complementary piece.

After about the top five picks, teams are either drafting those pieces or reaching for stars who often turn into busts.

"I know that he would be a terrific get if he winds up dropping down to where people seem to think he's going to drop -- into the late teens or early 20s," Bilas said Tuesday, "because he's an undersized big guy who knows how to play. He's got long arms and a great tough and a great feel for the game."

The idea of Sullinger going lower in the draft than former Buckeyes Kosta Koufos (No. 23) or B.J. Mullens (No. 24) -- better athletes but inferior players -- is hard to fathom. After his news conference to declare for the draft, Sullinger said he wouldn't mind going to an old-school team like the Celtics. Boston drafts No. 21.

If Sullinger drops that far, it's a mistake. Look at Laurinaitis. But it's a mistake with which we've all become familiar.

Current Toronto Blue Jays and former Cleveland Indians' shortstop Omar Vizquel will be retiring at the end of the 2012 season. "This will be my last year," Vizquel said in Spanish to NESN.com in Boston.

View full sizeChuck Crow/The Plain DealerAfter 24 seasons in the big leagues, Omar Vizquel will be retiring after this season.

"This will be my last year," Vizquel said in Spanish to NESN.com in Boston. "I've enjoyed this game a lot, but I think it's time to pursue a new career as a coach or manager, and hopefully I'll get that opportunity in the future."

Vizquel had stated in an interview from earlier this season that he was "51 percent" sure he was retiring at the end of the year.

The 45-year-old has played 24 seasons in the big leagues, starting in Seattle with the Mariners in 1989. He was then traded to the Indians in 1993 for Felix Fermain, Reggie Jefferson and cash.

He won eight Gold Gloves during his 11-year stint with the Tribe. He also won the award in 1993 with the Seattle Mariners and back-to-back honors with the San Francisco Giants in 2005-06.

Presently, Vizquel is the oldest player in Major League Baseball.

"I want to be remembered as a ballplayer that always enjoyed the game and always played with a smile on his face even though every moment wasn't great," Vizquel said.

"There were tough times. But I think the best honor you can say about a person is that he's enjoying the game."

During his 11 seasons with the Indians, Vizquel batted .283 with 288 doubles, 39 triples and 279 stolen bases. While never hitting over 12 home runs for the Tribe, he was instrumental to the Tribe's success in the playoffs. He appeared in two World Series with the Tribe, in 1995 and 1997.

He is 146 hits away from 3,000 for his career.

Vizquel said he plans to head back to Venezuela to coach one of the country's winter ball teams once his season with the Blue Jays is over.

"I'll start with Leones del Caracas one of these years and I've already had some conversations with them because they're looking for ballplayers to help out in winter ball," Vizquel said. "I think that'll be my first learning experience as I work to try and eventually be a manager in the majors."

Charlotte's trade for Ben Gordon from the Pistons ramped up speculation the Bobcats were getting closer to trading the No. 2 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerUnderachieving and big money-making guard Ben Gordon is headed to Charlotte.

The Charlotte Bobcats traded for shooting guard Ben Gordon on Tuesday, sending Corey Maggette to Detroit. The Bobcats also get the Pistons'  lottery-protected first round pick in 2013.

The deal ramped up speculation the Bobcats were getting closer to trading the No. 2 pick in Thursday's draft, as coach Mike Dunlap indicated on Monday. The presence of Gordon also made it seem less likely Charlotte would take Florida's Bradley Beal, thought to be coveted by the Cavaliers, if they hold on to the pick.

"I think CHAR acquiring Ben Gordon from DET makes it more likely CHAR trades No. 2 pick or takes Thomas Robinson, as has been projected all along," The PD's Mary Schmitt Boyer Tweeted.

However, if the Cavaliers or any other team wants to trade up to No. 2 to take Beal, they may be forced to take Tyrus Thomas and the $26 million remaining on his contract, the Washington Post reported.

The Wizards are the big wild card here, putting signals out there they may take Robinson at No. 3 if Charlotte trades down.

"Wizards want to make Bobcats nervous that if they trade 2 to Clev for 4 & 24, TRob, the guy the Cats covet, might not be there. Nice!" ESPN's Chad Ford Tweeted.

The Cavaliers are also said to be considering Kentucky's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and North Carolina's Harrison Barnes. The Chicago Sun-Times reported the Bulls could be looking to trade up for a chance at Barnes by dangling Luol Deng out there. The Kings, sitting at No. 5, are hoping Kidd-Gilchrist slides to them, the Sacramento Bee reported.

Related stories on cleveland.com

• ESPN's Jay Bilas think Cavs should move up to draft Bradley Beal at No. 2

• Ohio State's Jared Sullinger doesn't deserve this pre-draft free fall: Doug Lesmerises commentary

• Few cities feel a draft (NFL or NBA version) more than Cleveland: Terry Pluto

• Keep up to date on the Cleveland Cavaliers' talent search with Thursday's NBA Draft megablog

Plain Dealer Buckeyes reporter Doug Lesmerises joined Kiley and Booms on WKRK FM/92.3 The Fan this morning to talk about the new playoff system in college football.

Chris Stephens, The Plain Dealer Doug Lesmerises

Paul Hoynes with chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore today at noon about the Tribe's recent woes, especially against the Yankees, the bullpen and if the Tribe should be more urgent to get a bat to help the lineup.

Paul Hoynes answers your Indians questions on Wednesdays at noon.

Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Indians baseball.

Paul with chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore about the Tribe's recent woes, especially against the Yankees, the bullpen and if the Tribe should be more urgent to get a bat to help the lineup.

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

The Indians look to avoid a sweep this afternoon against the Yankees in New York. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @Hoynsie.

The Indians look to avoid a sweep this afternoon against the Yankees in New York. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 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.

View full sizeAP Photo/Kathy WillensIt's been all Yankees this week in New York, as the Tribe look to avoid a sweep this afternoon.

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson is not ordinary, according to several players he competed against in college. Watch video

The AFC rookies will participate in the Play 60 event on Friday. The four-day orientation will introduce the 2012 NFL Draft class to life in the NFL.

During their time here, the rookies also will visit the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

The Indiana Pacers have parted ways with Larry Bird. Owner Herb Simon announced the move Wednesday, one day before the NBA draft.

View full sizeAP Photo/Michael ConroyThe Pacers and Larry Bird have split.

"Give third base to Lopez and see what he can do with it. His is the only effective right handed bat in the lineup and it reduces the chance that some single A lefty shuts them out before the season is over." - Big M

View full sizeAP Photo/Kathy WillensOne cleveland.com reader says the Indians should give Jose Lopez the third base job.

"Give third base to Lopez and see what he can do with it. His is the only effective right handed bat in the lineup and it reduces the chance that some single A lefty shuts them out before the season is over."

Plain Dealer OSU reporter contends that presidents, athletic directors finally got it right. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Bill Lubinger.

The Bowl Championship Series is dead, replaced by a college football playoff system that was announced Tuesday.

Today's guest on SBTV, Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises, says Tuesday was a great day for college football fans. He explains how the system will work; talks about who the winners and losers are with the new format; and also predicts where Ohio State basketball standout Jared Sullinger will be taken in Thursday night's NBA draft.

SBTV will return Thursday.

What has been the problem with the Tribe's offense as of late? Who are some targets via trade? The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizeAP Photo/Nam Y. HuhTony Sipp has been one of the many problems concerning the Indians lately.

What has been the problem with the Tribe's offense as of late? Who are some targets via trade?

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

Among other topics discussed:

• Tribe's upcoming schedule.

• Should Jose Lopez be the everyday third baseman?

• What should the Indians do with Tony Sipp?

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

Be sure to follow Hoynes on Twitter.

"As long as the Browns win they will care less who the QB is. It is only when we suck that the fans get heated over who the QB is. I for one think that McCoy was never given afair shot but if Weeden performs and we win that is the main thing." - mojowoo

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III / The Plain DealerAll that matters is winning, says one cleveland.com reader.

"As long as the Browns win they will care less who the QB is. It is only when we suck that the fans get heated over who the QB is. I for one think that McCoy was never given afair shot but if Weeden performs and we win that is the main thing."