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Did LeBron James deliver the ultimate new snub to Cavs fans? Poll

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LeBron James thanks the people of Akron for their love and support ... and pays for the ad in the Beacon-Journal with money he made playing for the Cavs in Cleveland.

lebron-james-miami-heat-al-diaz-miami-herald.jpgView full sizeLeBron James thanked the people of Akron for their "love and support" over the years. But the Miami Heat's newest star left out everybody else in a full-page ad in today's Akron Beacon-Journal.
Akron, Ohio -- Note the dateline. Akron. Not Cleveland.

Today's Akron Beacon-Journal has a full-page ad from LeBron James thanking the people of Akron for their "love and support." And when we say thanking the people of Akron, we mean ONLY the people of Akron.

Here's the text of the ad, in toto:

To My Family, Friends and Fans in Akron:

For all my life, I have lived in Akron -- and for that, I am truly a lucky man.

It was here where I first learned how to play basketball, and where I met the people who would become my lifelong friends and mentors. Their guidance, encouragement and support will always be with me.

Akron is my home, and the central focus of my life. It's where I started, and it's where I will always come back to.

You can be sure that I will continue to do everything I can for this city, which is so important to my family and me. Thank you for your love and support. You mean everything to me.

LeBron

How so totally SWEET! Didja see the words "Cavs" or "Cavaliers" in there? How about "Cleveland?" How about something as innocuously all-inclusive as "Northeast Ohio?" There are two pictures in the ad, none featuring him the jersey that helped make him a rich man. Both apparently were taken at an installment of his King for Kids Bikeathon.

And to prove that we're not all about sour grapes, this year's installment of what really is a good cause, is set for Saturday. For details, go to kingforkidsbikeathon.

But really, LeBron James made hundreds of millions of dollars in the seven years he played for the Cavaliers. And those seven years set him up to make hundreds of millions more, perhaps even enough to achieve his oft-stated goal of becoming the first billionaire-athlete in a team sport. Would it have hurt him at least to acknowledge the Cavs and the link to fans outside Akron?

Then again, maybe he was going to thank all the fans, all over Ohio. But he QUIT midway through writing the ad.


Cleveland Browns get surprise from Eric Mangini

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On the fourth day of training camp, coach Eric Mangini cancels practice.

 

manginimugjk.jpgEric Mangini proved this morning he is more player-friendly in his second season, just as linebacker David Bowens said.

BEREA -- Browns coach Eric Mangini gave his players a pleasant surprise Tuesday morning. He canceled practice, just four days into training camp.

 It's not a complete day off, however. Players were expected to be tied up in meetings with coaches.

 Still, the early respite from physical activity on the field reflects a change in Mangini first tipped off by linebacker David Bowens on Monday.

 Bowens, who played for Mangini two seasons with the Jets before rejoining him in Cleveland in 2009, had used the term "player-friendly" to describe Mangini in his second Browns season.

 "You won't see a lot of groaning this training camp as opposed to last year," Bowens said. "He's kind of taken into consideration how players feel. We do have a lot of veterans on this team and he's giving us the best chance possible to compete."

 Mangini responded, with a chuckle, "I think I'm player-friendly every year."

 

Cleveland Browns A.M. Links: Camp observations; Wildcat offense; Beef brothers

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ESPN's John Clayton visited Berea recently and came up with several observations when it comes to the Cleveland Browns. He find out that this is definitely a coach Eric Mangini built team, and if the Browns don't win this season Mangini will probably be out of a job. Here are several of Clayton's observations from camp. 1. The true test of the...

Josh CribbsJosh Cribbs

ESPN's John Clayton visited Berea recently and came up with several observations when it comes to the Cleveland Browns. He find out that this is definitely a coach Eric Mangini built team, and if the Browns don't win this season Mangini will probably be out of a job.

Here are several of Clayton's observations from camp.

1. The true test of the Mangini system is how the linebacking corps works out. Like Bill Belichick, Mangini is willing to sacrifice quality for quantity as long as the masses assembled are good, smart football players. Kamerion Wimbley was the 13th player selected in the 2006 draft, but in 2009 under Mangini he rarely showed flashes of his 11½-sack rookie season. Today, Wimbley is a Raider.

 2. By far, the cornerback position is the most improved on the team. It might be one of the most improved positions of any I've seen early on during this training camp tour. I remember the Browns' surprising 10-6 season and how thin they were at cornerback in 2007.

 
3. Don't expect anything out of Colt McCoy, who has clearly replaced Brady Quinn as the fans' hope for the quarterback position. McCoy shows some flash for his leadership and willingness to step up and make crisp throws. Still, the former Texas star is not tall, he has passes batted down at the line of scrimmage and still is a little tentative because he's thinking through the plays instead of being instinctive. That's a typical rookie thing.

 

Josh Cribbs and the Wildcat

ESPN's Adam Schefter writes how the Cleveland Browns may emulate the Miami Dolphins made the Wildcat a weapon, but the Cleveland Browns could elevate its effectiveness.

Wide receiver Josh Cribbs can play quarterback or wide receiver. Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace can play quarterback or wide receiver. Then there will be times when Cribbs and Wallace line up at running back and fullback, without the defense knowing where the ball is being snapped.

Cribbs, writes Schefter, knows his role will expand this coming season. And it has to. The Browns had one of the worst offenses last season, so they need to come up with every offensive gimmick possible.

Nobody likes gimmicks more than Cleveland coach Eric Mangini and nobody has any more toys than the Browns. Don't be surprised if the Browns take the Wildcat to a new level.


 

Joe here to stay

Now that LeBron James has bolted for Miami, CantonRep.com reporter Steve Doerschuk writes that Joe Thomas of the Browns is now the biggest and brightest star in Cleveland.

That actually belongs to Josh Cribbs, but Doerschuk writes Thomas is in the discussion of who is the favorite athlete of this heartland’s pro sports fans now that LeBron James is in Heatland.

      Mention this to Thomas and he says, “I can’t say I really think about it too much.

“Josh (Cribbs) is certainly the most well known. He’s certainly the guy that people think about when they think about the Cleveland Browns. I’m comfortable with that.”

Point taken, but ...

Cribbs has been to two Pro Bowls in his five Browns seasons. Thomas is three-for-three.

Thomas is signed through 2011. In 2012, depending how the labor situation pans out, he could become the first Browns player to be slapped with the “franchise” tag, binding him to the Browns for another year.

 

 

Beef brothers

The Cleveland Browns will have one of the biggest backfields this year. The Browns will have a bevy of big backs like Lawrence Vickers and Peyton Hillis. Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald writes how Vickers is a legitimate 250.

Vickers has been knocking the numbers off linebackers in training camp.

"Having Vick in there is a big plus," said Hillis, who rode the exercise bike during the evening practice Monday. "He's a big back that hits people and loves to block. I feel with both of us in there we can move the pile a little bit and get that tough yardage."

Vickers triggered Harrison's success last December. The fullback played so well he thought he should have been in the Pro Bowl. Hillis might help him get to Hawaii this season.

 

 

 

Lauvao stands tall

Nate Ulrich writes on Ohio.com how Browns rookie offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao has been mature since he was a freshman in college at the age of 17.

''As soon as I went to college, I was on my own. My parents live in Hawaii. My dad got real sick and then from there, they went back to Samoa, so I barely see my parents.''

Lauvao has also adjusted well on the football field. During training camp Monday, he played right guard with the first-team offense for the second consecutive day.

''I think Shawn's been doing a really good job,'' Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas said. ''It's hard for any rookie to be thrown into the fire, getting reps with the ones against the one defense, but he's a really smart kid. He's showing he can pick up the offense very quickly. He's got really nice feet, and he's got a willingness to learn and work hard. I think he's going to be very successful.''

The Browns drafted Lauvao, 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, in the third round (92nd overall) of this year's draft. He finished his career at Arizona State University with 33 consecutive starts, including 17 at left guard, 12 at left tackle and four at right tackle.

 

Indians Comment of the Day: Always great to beat the Red Sox

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"Boston is playing for their postseason lives and the Indians took it to them. There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing the Indians beat the Red Sox at Fenway. They have the most annoying, arrogant fans in the Western Hemisphere."

indians-celebrate.jpgView full sizeThe Indians celebrate their 6-5 win over Boston at Fenway Park Monday night.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians beat Red Sox, 6-5, tests 'look good' for catcher Carlos Santana's knee injury, cleveland.com reader shornsack loves seeing the Indians win, especially at the expense of "Red Sox Nation." This reader writes,

"Boston is playing for their postseason lives and the Indians took it to them. There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing the Indians beat the Red Sox at Fenway. They have the most annoying, arrogant fans in the Western Hemisphere."

To respond to shornsack's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Cavaliers Comment of the Day: LeBron's PR game

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"This is just too perfect. Just emphasizes that he has no idea what it's like to be sincere. It's been a PR game all along, and now that he's actually making mistakes, it all seems so obvious." - eldaveablo

lebron-fans-mvpmf.jpgLeBron James is trying to make nice with Akron.

In response to the story LeBron James takes out newspaper ad to thank Akron, cleveland.com reader eldaveablo thinks the real LeBron James is starting to show through. This reader writes,

"This is just too perfect. Just emphasizes that he has no idea what it's like to be sincere. It's been a PR game all along, and now that he's actually making mistakes, it all seems so obvious."

To respond to eldaveablo's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

LeBron James' newspaper ad is a deliberate snub to Cleveland, Bill Livingston says (Starting Blocks TV)

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Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston, today's guest, talks Cavaliers, Browns and Indians on today's show.

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright. Today's highlights:


LeBron James bought an ad in today's Akron Beacon Journal thanking his hometown. Nowhere in the full-page ad is there any mention of the Cavaliers, Cleveland or even Northeast Ohio. Is this the ultimate snub? Voice your opinion in our Starting Blocks poll.


• Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston, today's guest, casts his vote, saying he believes the omission in James' ad is a deliberate slap in the face to Cleveland.


Livingston also expounds on his column that was published in today's Plain Dealer on the Miami Heat becoming a "superstar" team of quitters. He says James and Chris Bosh broke a main code that athletes don't quit, and says the worst decision James made dates back to him firing agent Aaron Goodwin.


Also, following James' departure Livingston explains how Browns player Josh Cribbs -- a limited, special teams standout -- has become the new darling on the local sports scene.



Starting Blocks TV will return Wednesday with Plain Dealer reporter Tim Rogers, who will preview this week's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. If you have a golf question for Tim, post it in the comments below and we'll try to ask him during Wednesday's show.


LeBron James to face Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland on Dec. 2 and March 29

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The Cavs will host LeBron James and the Miami Heat on Dec. 2 at Quicken Loans Arena.

 

lebron-james-miami-heat-al-diaz-miami-herald.jpgLeBron James and the Miami Heat will make two appearances at the Q this season, the first on Dec. 2.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James and the Miami Heat will make their first of two visits to Quicken Loans Arena on Dec. 2, The Plain Dealer has learned.

The first game with Miami will be a nationally televised broadcast on TNT.

The Cavs will also play host to the Heat on March 29. The Cavs will play in Miami on Dec. 15 and Jan. 31.

James announced his decision to sign with the Heat last month, joining fellow free agents Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. A week later, long-time Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas also signed with the Heat.

The NBA will announce several highlight games for the 2010 schedule tonight in a broadcast on NBA TV. The entire NBA schedule is expected to be announced next week.

The Plain Dealer has also learned that the Cavs will open the season at home on Oct. 27 against the Boston Celtics.

 

Browns Comment of the Day: Concerned about Delhomme

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"I worry because nobody can say Delhomme's supporting cast got better when he came here. I hope the rumors about the new system in Carolina being a bad fit for him and our system being a good fit are true. Because short of him fixing himself, that's the only change that might help him." - jaceczko

jake-delhomme.jpgView full sizeNo one is sure what to expect from Jake Delhomme in 2010.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns Jake Delhomme: A natural leader - video, cleveland.com reader jaceczko isn't sure that Jake Delhomme can bounce back from last season. This reader writes,

"I worry because nobody can say Delhomme's supporting cast got better when he came here. I hope the rumors about the new system in Carolina being a bad fit for him and our system being a good fit are true. Because short of him fixing himself, that's the only change that might help him."

To respond to jaceczko's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Ohio State Comment of the Day: Pryor ready for breakout

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"Who cares about being named preseason Big Ten Offensive Player of the year? All that matters is that Pryor continues to build on his performance against Oregon. Too often people forget that Pryor was only a sophomore last year. Despite his youth, he put up decent numbers and had some great moments during the regular season. Now that he is an upperclassman, hopefully those great moments turn into great games and a great season." - notkelsey26

pryorhorizcc.jpgView full sizeTerrelle Pryor has taken his lumps as a freshman and sophomore starter for Ohio State. Will that make for a breakout 2010?

In response to the story Ohio State earns favorite's role in Big Ten, but rivals are determined to dethrone Buckeyes, cleveland.com reader notkelsey26 thinks another year of experience will help Terrelle Pryor. This reader writes,

"Who cares about being named preseason Big Ten Offensive Player of the year? All that matters is that Pryor continues to build on his performance against Oregon. Too often people forget that Pryor was only a sophomore last year. Despite his youth, he put up decent numbers and had some great moments during the regular season. Now that he is an upperclassman, hopefully those great moments turn into great games and a great season."

To respond to notkelsey26's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Brett Favre retires again, reports Star-Tribune

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Quarterback Brett Favre will not play his 20th season of football. Favre, according to StarTribune.com, will retire. Seriously. Reporter Judd Zulgad writes Favre began informing Vikings personnel late Monday night that he has decided to retire for a third time. Seriously. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, did not immediately respond to text messages, nor did Vikings official. The Vikings were on...

brett favre.jpgBrett Favre

Quarterback Brett Favre will not play his 20th season of football. Favre, according to StarTribune.com, will retire.

Seriously.

Reporter Judd Zulgad writes Favre began informing Vikings personnel late Monday night that he has decided to retire for a third time.

Seriously.

Favre's agent, Bus Cook, did not immediately respond to text messages, nor did Vikings official. The Vikings were on the field Tuesday morning for practice, with coach Brad Childress set to address the media at 11:30.

The Vikings' ownership group, in town for two days of meetings, huddled on the playing field with vice presidents Rob Brzezinski and Rick Spielman.

Favre has been unwilling to commit to playing a 20th NFL season, in large part because he has felt his left ankle has not responded the way he hoped after undergoing surgery in late May. However, many assumed Favre was simply buying time, as he appeared to a year ago.

But last year, Favre told coach Brad Childress he was retiring days before training camp opened but then changed his mind on Aug. 18 and joined the Vikings after one preseason game.

So we've been down this path before.

 

Indians catcher Carlos Santana headed for MRI on injured knee

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Indians catcher Carlos Santana is headed to Cleveland for an MRI on his left knee, injured in Boston Monday night in a violent collision at the plate.

carlos-santana-hurt-charles-krupa-ap.jpgView full sizeBoston rookie Ryan Kalish slams into Tribe catcher Carlos Santana during a violent play at the plate Monday night. Santana is returning to Cleveland for an MRI on his left knee today.
Updated 12:00 a.m.

Boston -- Indians catcher Carlos Santana left Boston at 9 a.m. for Cleveland and an MRI on his left knee, hurt when Red Sox rookie Ryan Kalish slammed into him in a play at home plate last night.

That news is courtesy of Plain Dealer beat writer Paul Hoynes, who's been pressing the Indians for information about the injury since it occurred in the Tribe's 6-5 win over the Red Sox.

Video replays appear to indicate a gruesome and devastating injury, even though after the game, Tribe manager Manny Acta said Santana's knee "tested well.'' At first glance, the injury almost resurrected memories of the horrific leg injury suffered by Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann. But as Acta noted, Santana's spike caught, so his shoe came off; that shoe coming off created the illusion of an injury that severe.

Kalish appeared to be caught between sliding and trying to barrel over the Indians' rookie catcher. His leg slammed into the Indians' catcher's shin and seemed to bend the knee backwards.

Hoynes is following the case and using his twitter account to keep Tribe fans up to date. Hoynes also tweeted that Tribe fans should look for the Indians to promote catcher Lou Marson from Class AAA Columbus to give the Tribe two healthy catchers.

Delonte West waived by Minnesota Timberwolves

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It was no surprise that Delonte West was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves today. West and Sebastian Telfair were traded to Minnesota by the Cleveland Cavaliers last week for Ryan Hollins and Ramon Sessions. West played 2 1/2 seasons with the Cavaliers. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.3 assists and had 2.8 rebounds. There is talk that the Boston Celtics...

delonte west.jpgDelonte West

It was no surprise that Delonte West was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves today. West and Sebastian Telfair were traded to Minnesota by the Cleveland Cavaliers last week for Ryan Hollins and Ramon Sessions.

West played 2 1/2 seasons with the Cavaliers. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.3 assists and had 2.8 rebounds.

There is talk that the Boston Celtics are interested in signing West, who started his career with with the Celtics six years ago.

 

 

 

P.M. Cleveland Indians links: Carlos Santana, Ryan Kalish and the way the game should be played

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Clearly, the No. 1 thing on a Tribe fan's mind right now most likely is the status of rookie catcher (and rising star) Carlos Santana's left knee, injured when Boston's Ryan Kalish slammed into him in a slide-that-wasn't-a-slide Monday night at Fenway Park. Santana is in Cleveland for an MRI. Fortunately, there are few comments or blogs out on...

carlos-santana-ryan-kalish-charles-krupa.jpgView full sizeRyan Kalish was out in a hard slide at home plate that left Indians catcher Carlos Santana with an injured leg and fellow rookie Kalish with a shaken confidence.

Clearly, the No. 1 thing on a Tribe fan's mind right now most likely is the status of rookie catcher (and rising star) Carlos Santana's left knee, injured when Boston's Ryan Kalish slammed into him in a slide-that-wasn't-a-slide Monday night at Fenway Park.

Santana is in Cleveland for an MRI.

Fortunately, there are few comments or blogs out on the Internet like that of Tom Dubberke, blogging for bleacherreport.com. The headline of his piece? "Cleveland Indians Catcher Carlos Santana Got What He Deserved."

In the comments section of his story, Dubberke did admit that the title of the blog as "too over the top." But he defends his position, saying that under the rules of baseball, Santana shouldn't have had his leg stuck out in a bid to block the plate.

In 1969, coach Mike Cheek had your friendly Starting Blocks writer don his "tools of ignorance" and stand at home plate. Every other member of the Greenville, Texas, Kiwanis team stood at third base, while coach Cheek was at first . . . with a bucket of balls.

One lap for every kid who scored (assuming coach's throw was on line).

Your friendly Starting Blocks correspondent ran a lot of laps that day (which is why he's your friendly Starting Blocks correspondent and NOT a retired big leaguer fishing for marlin in the Caribbean). But the point is that you are taught from the time you put on the mask, chest protector and shinguards that your job is to block the plate. Neither runners nor baseballs are supposed to get past you, and swipe tags are for mamby-pamby middle infielders.

Santana was doing what he was supposed to do. Now, did Kalish try to hurt him? Heck, no. He was playing the game the way he was taught, as well: hard, and to win. (Unlike a certain basketball player whose name we won't mention.) It's just that it seemed he was caught between trying to slide and trying to bowl over the Tribe catcher, and ended up hitting Santana in the shin, knocking him out of his shoe.

Did you see the replays afterwards? Kalish looked to be in almost as much pain as Santana, knowing he'd caused the injury. And Boston manager Terry Francona called Indians boss Manny Acta afterwards to check on the kid (as tweeted by beat writer Paul Hoynes, a true sign of class.

Of course, if Starting Blocks were Kalish, he wouldn't dig in too close to the plate in his first at-bat. Defending your teammate also is a sign of good, hard baseball.

Kalish speaks


Coach Cheek stressed the fundamentals of sportsmanship as much as he did the fundamentals of baseball with those Little Leaguers of the Greenville, Texas, Kiwanis. And Starting Blocks can't help but think he'd be proud of Ryan Kalish today. Maybe even make him an honorary Kiwanis player.

Why?

Because Kalish embodies exactly what coach Cheek stressed. That much was clear in the stories and interviews with him that came out after the game and Santana's injury.

The piece on nesn.com by Tony Lee may show it best:

Kalish, who is 5-for-10 since his call-up from Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, slid hard into the left leg of Indians catcher Carlos Santana on a play at the plate. The force of the slide bent Santana's knee the wrong way, forcing a delay of roughly 15 minutes while the highly-touted Santana was tended to and then carted off the field.

"I knew it was bad," Kalish said. "I just knew it was something bad and I don't want to watch it."

Just over 80 hours into his major league career, Kalish had his first real emotional test. While the medical staff worked on Santana, the Red Sox' left fielder pondered what he had done.

"I went and talked to him, told him it was part of the game," said manager Terry Francona, who also expressed a strong desire to avoid seeing the replay. "Unfortunately, sometimes things like that happen. The kid blocked the plate, had the plate blocked off and he slid. ... I said something to [Kalish] because he was obviously shook up about it."

Kalish helped get over his grief by touching base with Santana after the game. He also promised to continue to check up on the 24-year-old, who may have avoided any serious damage.

"It was a hard slide. I've already talked to him and he's doing a lot better than they thought," Kalish said. "I feel awful."

Listen, Ryan. If you want to head by the LL office in Greenville, Starting Blocks will make sure you get your kelly green Kiwanis cap.

Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln


It wasn't all bad Monday night. The Indians DID win. What's more, Chris Perez picked up his third consecutive save when coming in with a one-run lead. That's the most in Indians team history. As in EVER. Kerry Wood could blow that many save opps in one day.

From The Plain Dealer


In addition to being all over the Santana case, Hoynesie does his usual all-inclusive job in today's game story, including a few words about Shelley Duncan, who could be the replacement (temporarily or otherwise) for DH Travis Hafner. Duncan had a career-high four-hit night, Hoynes noted in his game story.


LeBron's 'hollow guesture'; welcoming him back to The Q; and Josh Cribbs: wide receiver

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Today we found out LeBron James wrote a letter thanking Akron and he'll be returning to The Q in early December. Cleveland's sports bloggers reacted in turn to both.

lebron-james-the-decision-14235b21fa6dfe8a_large.jpgView full sizeClevelanders weren't happy about LeBron James decision - or how he went about announcing it.

Cavaliers

WaitingForNextYear: "Many of us were already bracing ourselves for his departure. We felt it coming. I tried to put up a brave face and cling to hope, but deep down I knew he was leaving. Then I watched 'The Decision' and, when it was over, a wave of shock and anger washed over me. That shock and anger wasn't about him leaving, it was about 'The Decision.' It was about his body language. It was about the way he answered questions, the way he all but confirmed that teaming up with Wade and Bosh had been the plan all along. Most of all, though, it was the complete lack of emotion he showed toward Cleveland, the Cavaliers franchise, and, yes, us fans." » Read more

Cavs: the blog: "It's fine to boo LeBron James. It's fine to hate LeBron James. What I'm concerned about is Cleveland becoming a franchise that defines itself by its hatred of LeBron James. It's something I've seen other fan bases do to varying extents in the past, and it was never pleasant to look at. The fact that LeBron acted foolishly in the weeks and days leading to his decision to play for a different team didn't change my mind about that." » Read more

Stepien Rules does an early version of Eastern Conference rankings.

Browns

Cleveland Reboot: "As for Cribbs, haven't we been down this road before? What is in the immense skill set Cribbs has shown over the past several years that has convinced anyone that he is a wide receiver? Certainly, he's an explosive and physical runner – and does represent the lone game-breaking threat currently found on the roster. But again – he's not a wide receiver. His game is not enhanced by running set routes. If anything, Cribbs' enormous contributions elsewhere on the field are wasted by him pretending to be a wide receiver." » Read more

If Michael Stanley can't get you excited about the Browns, who can? ('64 and Counting)

Jim Tressel thinks Terrelle Pryor could throw the ball 30 times a game this season

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Troy Smith threw the ball 24 times per game during his Heisman Trophy season in 2005.

One of the most frequent questions from Ohio State fans is how much Jim Tressel will "open up" the offense now that quarterback Terrelle Pryor is entering his third year as a starter.

If "opening up" means passing more, Tressel might be ready to let it go quite a bit.

Once he took over as the starter in 2008, Pryor averaged 15 throws per game as a freshman. As a sophomore, he threw the ball about 23 times per game. At the Big Ten meetings today, Tressel said he thinks Pryor could throw the ball between 25 to 35 times per game as a junior. Troy Smith, for example, averaged  24 throws per game when he won the Heisman Trophy as a senior in 2005.

"I would bet he'll throw more than he did last season," Tressel said of Pryor. "Terrelle would probably throw a lot more than his sophomore year. It would be a bigger jump this year than it would be next year, because he's making that progression. I think he'll have a chance to do some things he loves doing, which is throwing the football."

Tressel's point is that at this time in his quarterback's career, between Pryor's second and third year as the starter, is when he expects the kind of greater understanding and comfort that would allow Tressel to change the approach. Tressel said he saw that between Smith's sophomore and junior year, when he was given more responsibility.

Terrelle PryorTerrelle Pryor could throw the ball a lot more for the Buckeyes this season.

Monday, Tressel also said that when you have an experienced offense, you might be inclined to do some more basic things, because if you're good at the basics, you don't have to stretch and get overly creative. But the bottom line is that Tressel is about balance, and throwing after setting up the run has to be part of that.

"That's the kind of balance we hope to have," Tressel said after making that 25 to 35 throws estimate. "Hopefully he'll progress to being that third-year guy. Not every moment will look that way, and some people will jump all over the moment when it doesn't go well or jump all over the moment when it does and say, 'Oh my, he's gotten ever better, he should win the Heisman,' after two completions. We have to get incrementally better, and I think we'll do that."

In 23 games since taking over the starting job, Pryor has thrown 25 passes in a game seven times and has topped 30 throws just twice - when the Buckeyes were trying to come back against Purdue in their loss to the Boilermakers last October and in his breakout MVP performance in the Rose Bowl.

 


LeBron James is still popular with Upper Deck

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LeBron James is not worth a dime to many Cleveland Cavaliers' fans, but Upper Deck told CNBC that James signed photos and basketballs are still valuable to collectors. A Spalding basketball signed by James will be sold for $799.99. A more limited signing of 100 basketballs with the Heat logo on it will sell for $899.99. James also signed...

lebron-jersey-cut.jpgJeff Draeger, left, holds a Lebron James jersey as co-owner Mike Foran hacks away. shears.

LeBron James is not worth a dime to many Cleveland Cavaliers' fans, but Upper Deck told CNBC that James signed photos and basketballs are still valuable to collectors.

A Spalding basketball signed by James will be sold for $799.99. A more limited signing of 100 basketballs with the Heat logo on it will sell for $899.99. James also signed photos of him in his Miami Heat jersey, which will sell for $699.99 unframed and $899.99 with a frame.

Get this, Upper Deck will have James sign all three variations of Miami Heat jerseys and will sell them for $1,099.99. 

LeBron signed Cavs jerseys are still selling for $849.99.

So what could be better than buying a signed LeBron jersey?

 

 
 

Scouting the Akron City Series for the 2010 high school football season

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Check out The Plain Dealer's Akron City Series football preview, including projected finish, top players, key games and a capsule on each team.

How to avoid shanking the golf ball: Bud Shaw's Ask the Pro video

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This week, PGA pro Steve Parker of Firestone Country Club in Akron demonstrates how to avoid shanking the ball.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Local pros solve your swing problems in a weekly instruction video with Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw.


This week, PGA pro Steve Parker of Firestone Country Club in Akron demonstrates how to avoid shanking the ball.


Need help with your game? Explain your problem to golf@plaind.com in an e-mail. We will select one e-mail each week. All videos are archived.

Ask the Pro: How to avoid shanking the ball

Cleveland Browns report four home games no longer available through single-game purchase

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Single-game ticket sales closed for Kansas City, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Pittsburgh games.

BEREA -- The Browns announced that four games on their 2010 home schedule have sold out on a single-game basis.

The games are Sept. 19 against Kansas City, Oct. 3 against Cincinnati, Oct. 10 against Atlanta and Jan. 2 against Pittsburgh. The sellouts are effective only for single-game purchases. Tickets for those contests can only be obtained through season tickets, club seats and three-game Tripps Packs, the club said in a statement.

"With this being my first season in Cleveland, I've been extremely impressed with the enthusiasm and support our fans have shown out at training camp practices," Browns President Mike Holmgren said. "This time of the year has always been exciting for me and I'm glad to see our fans are pumped up as well. We're happy that this excitement level is transferring over to our games, as we look for our fans to provide our team as much of a home-field advantage as possible."

Single-game tickets for the Browns' remaining six home games -- two preseason and four regular season -- are still available, the club announced.

They can be purchased through:

www.ticketmaster.com

• Ticketmaster toll free automated (800) 745-3000 or TDD (800) 943-4327.

• All local Ticketmaster retail outlets.

• Cleveland Browns Stadium box office.

Thursday tee times announced for World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational

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Tiger Woods will open defense of his 2009 victory on Thursday at 1:50 p.m.

firetee.jpgView full sizeK.J. Choi hits from a bunker on the 18th hole at Firestone Country Club during a practice round Tuesday.

AKRON, Ohio - Tiger Woods will open defense of his World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational title Thursday at 1:50 p.m.

Tournament officials released first-round tee times today. Woods has won the event at Akron's Firestone Country Club seven times, including last year's four-stroke victory over Padraig Harrington and Robert Allenby.

Woods is paired with Lee Westwood on the first tee.

Expect to see a big crowd early on the 10th tee to watch Ernie Els and Steve Stricker at 9:40 a.m., followed by Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy (9:50 a.m.) and British Open champ Louis Oosthuizen and Anthony Kim (10 a.m.). Kim is playing for the first time since withdrawing from The Players Championship in May with a left thumb injury.

The first groups go off at 8:30 a.m. and consist of Michael Jonzon and Simon Khan from the first hole, and J.B. Holmes and David Horsey from the 10th tee.

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