The Browns might take a late-round flier on a receiver, which could include Cincinnati's Kenbrell Thompkins.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Selecting a wide receiver in the NFL Draft is certainly a viable option for the Cleveland Browns.
The team is actually more in need of a veteran (free agent) wide receiver, but depth is also needed. More than likely, the Browns will use the early rounds of the draft to fill needs at linebacker, defensive end and/or cornerback, which means a wide receiver could fall into place in the later rounds.
Thompkins and Stills have each talked to the Browns. And Thompkins likes the idea of playing in the state of Ohio.
"I've heard nothing but good things about Cleveland," Thompkins said. "I have teammates from Cleveland who spoke well about the city. One of my former teammates (John Hughes) is up there. I haven't talked to him yet, but I'm sure he'll have good things to say about the organization."
Irving is quickly becoming one of the NBA's most efficient scoring point guards ever. Cavs may try to sign Oden, the former Ohio State center trying to make a comeback from knee injuries. More Cavaliers story links.
View full sizeKyrie Irving is becoming a top scorer without forcing things.Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NBA trade deadline passed on Thursday with the Cleveland Cavaliers not swinging a deal for the first time since 2009. In fact, not much of note happened around the NBA, with few teams doing much to alter their rosters for this season's stretch drive.
The Cavs defeated the New Orleans Hornets, 105-100, on Wednesday night at Quicken Loans Arena. Next up for Cleveland are two road games: against the Orlando Magic on Saturday night and the Miami Heat on Sunday evening.
Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving, age 20 and in his second NBA season, is averaging 23.7 points, 5.6 assists and 1.7 steals in 35.3 minutes per game. He's shooting 47 percent from the field, including 42 percent on 3-pointers, and 85 percent at the foul line.
Maxwell Ogden writes for the Bleacher Report how Irving may be changing the duties of the point guard position.
Ogden refers to a "slash line" of field goal, 3-point and free throw shooting percentages, and writes:
Chris Paul, Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo classify as point guards that you can build around. All are capable of facilitating an elite offense and each can score at a high rate.
With that being said, there are certain things that set Irving apart from the rest.
As a rookie, Irving posted a slash line of .469/.399/.872. For perspective, Rose's career-bests in every category are .489/.332/.858.
Irving hasn't slowed down in his second season.
Thus far in 2012-13, Irving is posting a slash line of .470/.424/.853. He's doing so while averaging 23.7 points on 18.6 shot attempts per game.
According to Basketball-Reference, Irving would be the first point guard in NBA history to average at least 23.0 points on 42.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
This is what makes him such a special player. Not only does he have the supreme ability of his predecessors, but he's also one of the most efficient scorers in the history of the position.
Cavaliers story links
With the trade deadline passed, the Cavaliers may well try to sign center Greg Oden, the former Ohio State star who is trying to make a comeback from a series of knee injuries. (By Jason Lloyd, Akron Beacon Journal)
With videos, a look at, and commentary on, the 46- and 35-point scoring efforts by Houston's James Harden and the Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, respectively, on Wednesday night. (By Dan Devine, Ball Don't Lie)
Video: Cavs guard Dion Waiters talks with the media following Friday's practice. (nba.com/cavaliers)
Video: Cavs forward Luke Walton is interviewed after practice on Friday. (nba.com/cavaliers)
Video: Cavaliers coach Byron Scott talks with the media after Friday's practice. (nba.com/cavaliers)
The Cavs checked around but didn't do anything at the trade deadline. (By Bob Finnan, News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal)
The Cavs, who made their key move last month in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, are quiet at the trade deadline. (By Jason Lloyd, Akron Beacon Journal)
cleveland.com's Glenn Moore spoke with George Whitfield Jr. about Brandon Weeden's season and how the new regime in Cleveland can benefit his career.
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Quarterbacks guru and Northeast Ohio native George Whitfield Jr. has worked with some of the to quarterbacks in the NFL. From Cam Newton to Andrew Luck, Whitfield has put together quite a resume.
cleveland.com's Glenn Moore spoke with Whitfield about Brandon Weeden's season and how the new regime in Cleveland can benefit his career.
Whitfield worked with Weeden briefly before Weeden went into the draft.
He also discusses Matt Barkley, who has been working with Whitfield and how he is coming back strong from his shoulder injury.
Whitfield goes on and talks about the other quarterbacks in this year's draft he has been working with.
To see the the success Newton and Luck have had, Whitfield explains why it's satisfying for him to see them succeed.
Whitfield is based in California. He has family in Ohio and is well-versed on Browns happenings. Whitfield was an All-Ohio Honorable Mention during the 1995 season at Massillon.
Click here to watch the video.
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The Ohio High School Athletic Association's district bowling tournaments will be held Saturday and Sunday at Crest Lanes in Warren.
Boys
When: Sunday, noon.
Where: Crest Lanes, 3390 Youngstown Road SE, Warren. Call 330-369-6218.
Outlook: The top five teams and top five individuals not on a qualifying team advance to next week's state tournament. Area qualified teams include Amherst, Benedictine, Brunswick, Brush, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairport Harbor, Green, Archbishop Hoban, Holy Name, Mentor, Olmsted Falls, Perry, Ravenna, St. Edward, Solon, Stow, Tallmadge and Walsh Jesuit. Austintown-Fitch rolled out of the Warren sectional with a 4,590 team score and Warren Champion features defending individual state champ Danny Simmons. Fairport Harbor won the Lake sectional at 4,285 ahead of Mentor, which was third at state last year. St. Edward won the Lorain sectional with a 4,416.
- Tim Warsinskey
Girls
When: Saturday, noon.
Where: Crest Lanes, 3390 Youngstown Road SE, Warren. Call 330-369-6218.
Outlook: This district is always tough to survive because only the top five teams and top five bowlers from non-qualifying teams advance to the state tournament. North Olmsted, Mentor, Twinsburg, Amherst, Garrettsville Garfield, Coventry, Walsh Jesuit, Wickliffe, Springfield, Brunswick and Kent Roosevelt will have their hands full since reigning state runner-up Hubbard returns, as do 2012 state qualifiers Massillon Jackson and Perry, along with Green. Locals vying for an individual spot at state are Courtney Hegedus of Midpark, Haley Myers and Paige Timmons of Cuyahoga Falls, Celeste Hall of St. Vincent-St. Mary, Alexandria Shirley of Wadsworth, Ashley Garn of Wellington, Julie Nolte and Alyssa Bedilion of Stow, Madison Stock of Tallmadge, Tabitha Milam of Lorain, De'Aydra Duke of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, Katherine Panacione of Lutheran West and Sarah Becony of Garfield Heights. Hegedus is a two-time state qualifier while Timmons advanced as an individual in 2011.
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Ronda Rousey has an Olympic judo medal, an undeniable personal magnetism and a merciless string of victories in her short mixed martial arts career.
Now she's finally got a showcase worthy of her talent.
Rousey and Liz Carmouche will make history Saturday night at the Honda Center, when they meet in the first women's bout in UFC history. They're the main event at UFC 157, and Rousey is the star of the latest pay-per-view show put on by MMA's dominant promotion.
It's a scenario that was fairly unimaginable even a year ago in the UFC, which never had a women's division and showed scant interest in that version of the sport. Rousey and her fellow fighters have created believers at every level of MMA in the past few years, culminating in this breakthrough onto its biggest stage.
"I feel like the brighter the lights are, the better I can see," Rousey said.
"These are things that needed to be done for a very long time now, and I didn't think that waiting for somebody else to do it was the wisest thing to do," she added. "I feel like I'm the most capable person, and I should do whatever I can to make it happen."
It's all happening for Rousey, who has already graced magazine covers and national talk shows with a sparkling wit and charm that's in sharp contrast to her savage, joint-dislocating performances in the cage. After winning each of her first six professional MMA fights by painful armbar submissions in the first round, Rousey is a huge favorite to retain the UFC women's bantamweight belt handed to her by UFC President Dana White last year after she defended her title in the now-defunct Strikeforce promotion.
"It's very serendipitous, the way it's all come together," said Rousey, a Southern California native who lives beachside in Venice. "If I could have had everything exactly the way I wanted, this is how I would have written it down. Win all my fights in the first round, then go to the UFC and headline a show, and have it as a pay-per-view and at home. People's dreams don't come true like that. You think so when you're a kid, but then you get older and realize that's not the real world. I guess the real world is pretty cool sometimes, too."
As the anointed face of her sport, Rousey's profile is growing among casual sports fans, even overtaking the stature of Gina Carano, the former fighter who got an acting career when director Steven Soderbergh saw her fighting on CBS. On the heels of the wildly successful debut of women's boxing at the London Olympics, Rousey seems poised to take the so-called combat sports to greater exposure than ever before.
She already won over the most important skeptic of all: White, who initially wanted no part of women's MMA.
"After we met, she told me she had envisioned in her mind that she was going to make it so that I couldn't deny women, that I would have to bring her into the UFC," White said. "We've had some pretty crazy conversations about a lot of things, but she was right. She willed it so that there was no way I was not going to do it."
Rousey specializes in the armbar, a judo technique that bends an opponent's arm in grotesque fashion until she taps out or gets a dislocated elbow. Rousey has an equally spectacular way with words: During promotion for her final Strikeforce fight against Sarah Kaufman last August, Rousey vowed to rip off Kaufman's arm and throw it at her corner. She settled for her sixth straight armbar.
"Everybody calls her a one-trick pony, but she's fought a lot of women that are very good, who all know exactly what she's going to do, and they can't stop her," White said. "She goes right in and gets you down, goes for that arm, and they can't stop her from doing it. She doesn't want her arm raised in a decision. She wants to finish you, and that's what I like."
She's not talking any trash for her UFC debut, though: Rousey has a warm mutual respect with Carmouche, a Marine from San Diego.
Carmouche is the first openly gay fighter in UFC history, yet she's nearly a footnote in the UFC 157 hype compared to Rousey's rising star. Carmouche realizes Rousey is supremely gifted, but eagerly took this historic chance to be in the UFC's first women's fight.
Carmouche thinks she'll contribute to the growth of women's MMA, something she sees every day as an instructor for children.
"When I started the program two years ago, we had one girl that was involved just because her father also participated," Carmouche said. "Now we have multiple girls in the program, so I see it evolving every day."
Early last year, women's MMA resembled a minor-league novelty to White. He saw no depth of talent, no groundswell of support, and no compelling reason to muddle his carefully managed brand with one-sided fights featuring women getting beaten bloody.
Rousey changed his mind with her skill, presence, charisma and marketability. When she steps into the UFC octagon, it will complete a remarkable rise for a bronze medalist at the Beijing Olympics who swiftly picked up MMA before her pro debut in March 2011.
Rousey was a two-time Olympic judoka who won the U.S. team's first medal in the sport, but realized she had little to show for a career in the sport once dominated by her mother, Ann-Maria.
Adrift after growing disenchanted with the American judo establishment, she picked up grappling as a way to combat weight gain from "the Jameson diet" of whiskey shots while working at a bar. Her grappling teammates began encouraging her to try MMA, jokingly at first.
"After a while, I was saying, 'You know what, you're right, I would beat any of those women today,'" Rousey said with a laugh. "They said, 'No, I don't want to see you get punched!' You tell me not to? I'm totally going to do it now. When everybody was telling me, 'No,' I knew I'd found my new thing."
Keep track through the morning and afternoon what's happening during the second day of the annual NFL talent evaluation.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thanks for checking out Day 2 of the 2013 NFL Combine megablog, your one-stop shop for updates from the great talent search taking place in Indianapolis.
Browns reporters Mary Kay Cabot, Tom Reed, Branson Wright along with Cleveland.com's Glenn Moore are providing updates from Lucas Oil Stadium as 300 invited collegians work their way through media and team interviews (running through Sunday) and the various measurements and workouts (from Saturday through Tuesday).
We'll be back Saturday at 10 a.m. with the first day of live workouts. If you are keeping an eye on the NFL Network for which offensive lineman handles the shuttle run the best, keep your mobile device right here for quick responses around the league on who is impressing, or damaging, their draft stock.
5:41 p.m.: It's been a long, strange trip from Columbia, S.C. to Indianapolis for Marcus Lattimore. A sensation as a freshman (1,197 yards, 4.8 ypc) for the Gamecocks, he tore an anterior cruciate ligament midway through his sophomore season, then after rehabbing and being productive as a junior, tore three ligaments in his right knee against Tennessee.
Lattimore was not back to his freshman pace when he went down against the Volunteers, and now must try to convince teams that he can fully bounce back after a second major injury.
"At this point, it really doesn't matter where I get drafted because I'm going to work hard and do what I've been doing my whole career," he said on Friday. "And if I get a chance to play this year, I'm going to make the most out of it, and I feel I will."
"He's motivated, working every day, he's way ahead of the game," surgeon Dr. James Andrews told NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, "but it remains to be seen whether he can play next year or not. ... The nature of his injury is the most severe knee injury you can really get. It's going to take a special effort (from him to recover)."
4:45 p.m.: Other than kickers and punters, there hasn't been that much action on the field in Indianapolis, but NFL.com's Bucky Brooks has already decided that he loves some Cordarrelle Patterson, the Tennessee receiver/returner with just one season of major-college experience.
"As I broke down Patterson's tape, I came away impressed with his acceleration, burst and overall explosiveness," Brooks writes. "He shows the rare ability to go from zero to 60 in a hurry, which makes him a scary receiver to defend one-on-one. Additionally, Patterson flashes extraordinary skills with the ball in his hands. He has a knack for making defenders miss in the open field, yet is a physical runner with the capacity to run through arm tackles in traffic. Patterson's a threat to score from anywhere on the field, making him a hot commodity in draft rooms across the league.
"I'm confident Patterson will demonstrate the commitment required to become a solid pro in the mold of Donald Driver." Brooks goes on to suggest that five possible fits for Patterson are Miami, Carolina, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Minnesota.
"(Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson) changed expectations for many quarterbacks, let alone rookies. Those guys stepped right in, including Russell, and were leaders most of all from day one. And that’s the one thing I took from it. No matter what age difference, where you come from or what pick you are when you’re taken for that role as a quarterback in the NFL, you have to lead by example. That’s the thing all those guys did.
"They set the bar very high. I want to be one of those guys that step in and do the same thing."
4:23 p.m.: Glenn Moore talks with noted quarterback trainer (and one-time Youngstown State Penguin) George Whitfield Jr., about Brandon Weeden, playing for Norv Turner and also Matt Barkley and the other QBs in this draft class.
4:04 p.m.: Uh-oh ... inflated ego alert ... From espncleveland.com's Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi): "QB EJ Manuel of FSU sounding very assured. Says he definitely can run read option. Says he feels he's the best QB in draft."
Sigh...
Mary Kay Cabot reports that Manuel got a pep talk Thursday from Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome to showcase his skills at the combine.
"He spoke to us yesterday and said this is the best stage as far as this whole process, to have everybody out here to see what you can do, so I think that was the main reason for me choosing to throw this weekend,'' he said.
3:52 p.m.: Is Joe Flacco a sure thing to return to the Ravens? Well, probably. But Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com breaks down why there's 80 million reasons why a deal isn't a lock quite yet.
"(While) the difference between the non-exclusive tag (other teams can bid) and the exclusive tag amounts to less than $6 million in 2013, the gap by 2015 will be $23 million. And the total difference over three years will be $36 million," Florio writes.
"Which could force the Ravens to roll the dice on the non-exclusive tag, hopeful that Flacco wouldn’t call their bluff and sign a long-term deal elsewhere."
3:46 p.m.: Here's a player's point of view. From @MattBarkley: "Great day at the combine so far! Physicals were smooth, and had a great time talking to the media.. Gotta keep grindin!"
3:45 p.m.: Every once in a while, real news (sorta) breaks out. Dr. James Andrews, surgeon to everyone who's anyone in sports, says Robert Griffin III is ahead of schedule following major surgery on his right knee in January.
"We seem to have reached a point where almost every NFL player is described as 'ahead of schedule' when he’s rehabbing in the off-season, just as almost every NFL player’s surgery is described as a success," writes Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com. "(And it seems that no NFL player is ever told, 'You got butchered.') ...
"Everyone needs to remember that reconstructive knee surgery is a very big deal. And even if Griffin is ahead of schedule a month after surgery, he still has a long way to go."
3:37 p.m.: Browns fans looking for a veteran WR should be cheered by the statement from St. Louis GM Les Snead that Danny Amendola will likely not be given the franchise tender by the team, and will enter free agency.
From FootballTalk.com: Snead told Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com that the team will continue working to sign Amendola, but that potentially spending north of $10 million for Amendola on a one-year deal wasn’t an option.
3:23 p.m.: One of the players who isn't here -- even though the NFL loves him -- is South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. He would be a strong No. 1 candidate in April, but will not be eligible for the draft until 2014.
There's been speculation that Clowney's best move would be to sit out the upcoming season to avoid injury and prepare for his pro career. But that hasn't seemed to have gained much traction in Columbia, S.C., where The State newspaper's Josh Kendall chatted with combine participant Marcus Lattimore about his teammate.
From @JoshatTheState: "Marcus on Jadeveon: "He could (sit out) but it's not a good move for him. He's not going to do that to his teammates."
3:16 p.m.: From @MaryKayCabot: "#49ers hc Jim harbaugh said a release of alex smith is "unlikely." said likely either trade or he'll stay w/ 49ers."
Then again, with a $9.75 million cap hit coming on April 1 if he's released, what would you expect them to say? With 49ers also having 13 draft picks in April, price for Smith would possibly be a future pick in 2014.
From NFL.com's Dan Hanzus: This is all strategy by Harbaugh, who knows Smith has very little trade value if teams know the Niners plan to release him. Smith could very well be released, but it won't be until the Niners are convinced they can nothing of value in a trade. Considering the high number of QB-needy teams out there, expect a deal to eventually get done.
3:10 p.m.:Meet your late-round Cleveland Brown
Throughout the combine, we'll profile players who could be fits for the Browns in the final day of the draft -- much as Billy Winn and James-Michael Johnson found roles on the 2012 roster.
From NFL.com: In his senior season, Goodman had by far his best season. He tallied 9.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and forced four fumbles. ... Powerful left end prospect with thick upper and lower body builds, and long arms. Frame that would allow him to grow into five-technique if a team required it. ... Posssess strength and can really get a push on his blocker, but needs to develop a better set of counter moves when engaged. Goodman fits the profile of a three down 4-3 strong-side defensive end.
From CBSSports.com: The career statistics aren't gaudy (12 sacks) and he'll never be a double-digit sack artist, but Goodman brings intriguing tools to the table. He had a "wow" bowl game performance against LSU with three sacks, which brings the question: where was this intensity the rest of the season?
Projection: A likely early third-day selection, fourth or fifth round.
2:33 p.m.: Glenn Moore of cleveland.com talked with Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller (over 40,000 followers on Twitter, @nfldraftscout), who says Brandon Weeden deserves another year and that Dee Milliner is overrated.
Check it out.
2:30 p.m.: From @treedPD: "Cleveland Heights' Travis Kelce of whether be believes he's the top TE in deep field: "I do believe that, 100 percent."
Surprise! But there's more.
"Kelce said he will attend his pro day at Cincy, but not yet sure he will participate due to abdominal tear. ... Kelce said he suffered injury in Bearcats third game and played with it the entire season. Re-aggravated it training for combine"
2:27 p.m.: Are you one of those guys (or girls) who has a good laugh after hearing about the latest substandard Wonderlic score? Try your hand at Dennis Manoloff's online version of the test (which isn't at all like the real thing, but is a lot more fun). Don't cheat!
2:14 p.m.: From @MaryKayCabot: "W. Va qb Geno Smith says read-option is not his game, but he's done it and can do it in NFL."
1:49 p.m.: Halfway through Day 2 of the combine, beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed assess Friday's developments.
1:42 p.m.: From @treedPD: "Name to keep in mind for #Browns : TE Nick Kasa of Colorado. Converted DE. Played for #Browns TE coach Jon Embree at Colorado."
1:38 p.m.: Sure, dreams can become real with a strong effort at the combine. But sometimes those dreams don't turn out to be exactly what you were expecting or hoping.
Kansas State's Collin Klein, who led the Wildcats to the Fiesta Bowl and was third in the Heisman voting, arrived in Indianapolis determined to convince teams that he was a worthy quarterback. But now he's confronted with the league's request that he work out at a different position -- tight end.
"I know I have the tools to (play QB), and I know I bring a lot to the team at that position," Klein said before the combine. "That's what I want to do."
According to former Cowboys GM Gil Brandt, 19 players will be asked to try multiple positions at the combine.
If not a dream denied, it's at least rerouted.
1:23 p.m.: Seriously, the media has got to start asking more interesting questions ...
From NFL.com's Marc Sessler (@MarcSesslerNFL): "Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib: Absolutely I feel I'm the best passer in the draft."
Still waiting for the guy who says "yeah, I blew out my elbow three months ago and that guy over there still working on his danish could out-throw me."
1:19 p.m.: From ESPN business writer Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt): "Today is the annual NFL agent meeting at combine, where 600 people sit side-by-side with those they've bad-mouthed all year..."
1:09 p.m.: Geno Smith and Matt Barkley both believe they should be the first pick in April's draft, but now they have a rival for confidence during the combine.
West Virginia receiver Tavon Austin, who caught 114 of Smith's passes for 1,289 yards and 12 TDs while rushing for nearly 650 more yards, has stated his case to the assembled throngs.
1:03 p.m.: Who knew that punters -- who have been working out on the Lucas Oil Stadium field for the last hour or so -- could generate such enthusiasm from Bernie Kosar?
From @BernieKosarQB: "Combines testing starting all day! Still no substitute for meeting&knowing Their Heart&soul ... Important part of these combines is actually the Extensive Complete physical every player gets for past injuries"
12:28 p.m.: A good question from the comments comes from "Mikevince", who wonders how the Titans signed safety George Wilson when free agency doesn't start until March 12. The exceptions are for players released by teams. The free agent signing period is for players whose contracts have expired (or had player options).
So any player released as a salary cap casualty is immediately available to the rest of the league.
12:21 p.m.: From NFL.com reporter Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington): "Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff on Tony Gonzalez retirement: "We like where he is. We hope he makes his decision, comes back to the Falcons. ... Dimitroff is making it very clear that he believes Gonzalez is contemplating a return to the Falcons -- and the GM wants it to happen."
12:05 p.m.: From @Gil_Brandt: "Tight ends have packed on pounds in last 30 years. Heaviest in 1983 draft was Tony Hunter: 237 lbs. Average TE at this combine: 252 lbs."
View full sizeMatt Barkley appeared before the media on Friday to make his case for a first-round selection in April's NFL draft.Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
Barkley said he has no regrets about returning to USC last season for his senior year. Some experts think the Browns would've taken him with the No. 4 pick in 2012.
"I haven't looked back once,'' he said. "I definitely I think I'm in a better position now entering this draft than I was last year.''
11:52 a.m.: The success of many young quarterbacks in 2012 could be attributed to better league scouting. But that would be wrong, says Denver executive and Hall of Famer John Elway.
Elway downplayed the analysis of team personnel in considering the new QBs, saying “I think quarterbacks are getting better. ... We’re getting guys that are much better prepared.”
11:43 a.m.: Veteran safety George Wilson, released last week after five seasons with Buffalo, was signed this morning by Tennessee. No contract figures announced, but Wilson was due $2.9 million from the Bills, where he had been a team captain.
11:40 a.m.: With a Super Bowl title accomplished and a championship ring on the way, 15-year NFL veteran center Matt Birk of the Ravens announced his retirement today.
11:35 a.m.: Sports Illustrated's Don Banks has an interesting take on how the NFL media -- especially on the television side -- does its job.
Scott Pioli and Mike Tannenbaum are solid people and football men and I know they'll both be back working in the league soon enough. But I do find it curious that both recently fired general managers, who had their high-profile personnel swings and misses in recent years, are immediately put on television and asked to assess and predict the personnel moves that each and every NFL team needs to make this off-season.
And nobody even bats an eye, because that's how the system works. Lose your football job because of shoddy personnel decision making, and immediately become a football expert who picks apart the personnel decision making of employed general managers. Is this a great country, or what?
11:21 a.m.: Who says the NFL is the No Fun League, lacking wit?
From @treedPD: "Question to Okla's QB Landry Jones: Describe your huddle presence. 'I don't know. We never huddled.'"
11:15 a.m.: Of course, the Browns are going to quickly ascend the AFC North ladder, making off-season moves and the draft far less important to the team's loyal fans. ... But if that's not the case, you may have to alter your Roger Goodell at the podium party if the league gets the players union to agree to a proposed new league calendar.
Asked if there's another change coming at quarterback, Chudzinski said, "Some of those things are hard to say. We need to get out on the practice field. We need to get into the meetings, get into the installs and evaluate him. We’re going to put the best guy on the field that gives us the best chance to win.”
On Brandon Weeden: "He has a really good arm, he can throw the ball, he can make all the throws that you need to throw, he has a good, calm poise and demeanor in the pocket. Again, he was up and down a little bit and during the season as any quarterback, especially a young quarterback is. You see some things that are there that get you excited about him."
• There's a lot of speculation about what happens next to San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith, and while the 49ers won't say anything other than they don't have to budge -- which they don't -- there's only one destination that makes sense if they're going to deal the guy, and that's Cleveland. The reason: Norv Turner. He's the offensive coordinator there, and he was the offensive coordinator in San Francisco for Smith's second pro season when he made substantial progress. He was never the same after Turner left -- not until the arrival of Jim Harbaugh in 2011, that is -- and if Smith isn't playing for Harbaugh he should play for Turner.
• While he didn't have exact numbers, a league spokesman indicated there are more than 800 media credentials for this year's scouting combine, a record for the annual event. Ten years ago there were no more than 50-60 reporters who showed up.
• Tim Tebow, start packing your bags. When Jets coach Rex Ryan was asked about his backup quarterback, he said, "Tim is under contract. We'll see how things go in the offseason, but Tim is under contract." This from the man who two years ago predicted the Jets would win the Super Bowl. Read the tea leaves, Tim.
10:26 a.m.: Tough news for former Cleveland Heights standout Travis Kelce. The Cincinnati TE will skip this weekend's combine workouts because of an abdominal tear.
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound senior is considered one of the top prospects in a deep tight-end field, reports Tom Reed. Kelce culminated his Bearcats' career in dramatic fashion with an 83-yard touchdown catch in the final minute of the Belk Bowl on Dec. 27.
From NFL.com: In his senior season, Kelce put himself on the NFL prospect map, as he caught 45 passes for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. ... Ideal tight end frame. Athletic for his size, with great strength, and the ability to stretch the field vertically. Very physical run blocker, generates power from the lower half, and will move defenders off the ball. ... Only one season of production. Doesn't have blazing speed.
From CBSSports.com: Balanced athlete with better wheels than expected, accelerating quickly to top speed. Deceiving quickness after the catch with loose hips and a fluid and flexible frame. ... Kelce flashes the ability to be an impact blocker and receiver at the next level, but like the Detroit Lions' Brandon Pettigrew, he will likely need some time to adapt at the NFL.
Projection: Considered one of top five TEs in the class, he could go from the middle of the second round to high in the third.
10:21 a.m.: From @MaryKayCabot: "Even though #browns hc Chud won't rule out listening to offers for Weeden and McCoy, he said at podium, "I'm excited about those guys."
10:17 a.m.: From NFL.com writer Marc Sessler (@MarcSesslerNFL): "#Browns coach Rob Chudzinski calls Mike Lombardi a 'great evaluator'"
10:15 a.m.: From @treedPD: "Chud at combine podium. Says he wants an attacking-style offense. Wants to have a 'tough group.' Chud describes OC Norv Turner "one of the best play callers ever."
From Branson Wright (@BransonWright): "#Browns coach Chud has faith in OC Norv Turner to call the plays. He'll be involved in the offense, but he trusts Norv."
10 a.m.: Browns coach Rob Chudzinski is expected for his official news conference with the media within minutes. We'll have his comments shortly.
But earlier this morning, Chud spoke to just the Cleveland media. Here are some of his comments.
Audio: Rob Chudzinski – 2/22/13
Today's schedule focuses on quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. Players will go through media and team interviews as well as the always enjoyable medical exams in front of several dozen new best friends (otherwise known as team scouts and front-office executives.
At some time, the players will take the famous Wonderlic test, and the new personality review created by league personnel hoping to find something more meaningful.
CBSSports.com's Gregg Doyel has a few thoughts on the wonder of the Wonderlic -- as in, why does any college player take it?
"High test scores don't matter. Not in the NFL. Mike Mamula scored a 49 out of 50 on the Wonderlic. That's genius level. Remember Mamula? As a bust, sure you do. Browns tight end Benjamin Watson, a physical freak, scored a 48. Nice career, but never a star.
"Dan Marino scored a 15. So did Jim Kelly and Terry Bradshaw. Those are three of the better quarterbacks in NFL history, all of whom scored below average, whatever that means, on the Wonderlic. Didn't matter, obviously. Jeff George scored a 10 before the 1990 draft, and it mattered so much that he was picked first overall and passed for 27,602 career yards and 154 touchdowns.
"Every year, though, the charade continues."
On Thursday, many GMs passed through the media throngs, offering their thoughts on their own disgruntled players. What does it all mean? Sports Illustrated's Andrew Perloff has some thoughts.
Note: Top 5 teams and top 17 individuals in each event advance to the state tournament.
Wrestling
District tournament
Note: Top four in each weight class advance to the state tournament, Feb. 28-March 2, at Value City Arena in Columbus.
Division I
CLEVELAND STATE, 10 a.m.
Participating schools: Amherst Steele, Anthony Wayne, Ashland, Avon, Avon Lake, Berea, Brecksville, Brunswick, Clay, Cloverleaf, Copley, Elyria, Findlay, Firestone, Fremont Ross, Highland, John Marshall, Lakewood, Lima Senior, Lorain, Mansfield Senior, Marion Harding, Maumee, Medina, Midview, Nordonia, North Olmsted, North Ridgeville, Olmsted Falls, Perrysburg, Springfield, St. Edward, St. Francis DeSales, St. John's Jesuit, Sylvania Northview, Sylvania Southview, Strongsville, Wadsworth, Westlake, Whitmer, Wooster.
MENTOR, 9 a.m.
Participating schools: Austintown Fitch, Barberton, Bedford, Boardman, Brush, Canton McKinley, Chardon, Cleveland Heights, Cuyahoga Falls, East Tech, Eastlake North, Euclid, Garfield Heights, GlenOak, Glenville, Green, Hudson, John Adams, Kenston, Kent Roosevelt, Lakeside, Lincoln-West, Madison, Maple Heights, Massillon Jackson, Massillon Washington, Mayfield, Mentor, North Canton Hoover, North Royalton, Parma, Perrry, Rhodes, Riverside, Shaker Heights, Shaw, Solon, St. Ignatius, Stow-Munroe Falls, Timken, Twinsburg, Uniontown Lake, Valley Forge, Willoughby South.
Division II
ALLIANCE, 10 a.m.
Participating schools: Alliance, Archbishop Hoban, Aurora, Benedictine, Buchtel, Canfield, Canton South, Conneaut, Coventry, Crestwood, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Edgewood, Fairless, Field, Geneva, Harvey, Howland, Hubbard, Jefferson, Kenmore, Lake Catholic, Louisville, Marlington, Northwest, Norton, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, Orange, Perry, Poland Seminary, Ravenna, Revere, Southeast, Springfield, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Streetsboro, Tallmadge, Triway, University School, Walsh Jesuit, Warrensville Heights, West Branch, West Geauga, Woodridge.
BOWLING GREEN, 11 a.m.
Participating schools: Bay, Bellefontaine, Bellevue, Benjamin Logan, Bowling Green, Brookside, Bryan, Buckeye, Carroll, Celina, Central Catholic, Clear Fork, Clyde, Columbian, Defiance, Eastwood, Edison, Elida, Fairview, Firelands, Franklin, Greenville, Holy Name, Kenton, Lexington, Madison Comprehensive, Memorial, Monroe, Milton-Union, Napoleon, Norwalk, Oak Harbor, Oakwood, Padua, Port Clinton, Perkins, Rocky River, Rossford, Sandusky, Shawnee, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Valley View, Van Wert, Vermilion, Wapakoneta, Wauseon, Willard.
Division III
GARFIELD HEIGHTS, 10 a.m.
Participating schools: Beachwood, Berkshire, Black River, Brooklyn, Canton Central Catholic, Cardinal, Cleveland Central Catholic, Chippewa, Clearview, Columbia, Crestview, Cuyahoga Heights, Dalton, Elyria Catholic, Garrettsville Garfield, Girard, Grand Valley, Hawken, Hillsdale, Independence, Jackson-Milton, Keystone, Kirtland, Ledgemont, Liberty, Loudonville, Lutheran West, Manchester, Mapleton, Mogadore, Newbury, Northwestern, Norwayne, Orberlin, Orrville, Pymatuning Valley, Richmond Heights, Rootstown, South Range,St. Peter Chanel, Trinity, Tuslaw, United, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, Waterloo, Waynedale, Wellington, Wickliffe.
Girls basketball
Sectional finals
Note: Away team listed first.
Division I
AKRON DISTRICT
At Ellet H.S.
#5 Walsh Jesuit vs. #4 Stow, 1
#2 Hudson vs. #10 Nordonia, 2:45
BEDFORD DISTRICT
At Bedford H.S.
#2 Kenston vs. #11 Valley Forge, noon
#3 Cleveland Heights vs. #4 John Hay, 1:30
#7 Shaker Heights vs. #6 Maple Heights, 3
#8 Garfield Heights vs. #1 Solon, 4:30
ELYRIA DISTRICT
At Elyria Catholic H.S.
#9 Avon Lake vs. #6 Avon, 1
#8 North Olmsted vs. #1 Magnificat, 2:30
MEDINA DISTRICT
At Medina H.S.
#7 Cloverleaf vs. #8 Copley, 1
#1 Wadsworth vs. #12 Akron Garfield, 2:30
PARMA DISTRICT
At Valley Forge H.S.
#3 Midpark vs. #10 Bedford, 11:30 a.m.
#6 Brecksville vs. #2 Medina, 1
PERRY DISTRICT
At Perry H.S.
#5 Mayfield vs. #4 Chardon, 1
#3 Eastlake North vs. #2 Euclid, 2:30
Division II
ANDOVER DISTRICT
At Pymatuning Valley H.S.
#6 West Geauga vs. #2 Chagrin Falls, 1
#3 Lake Catholic vs. #5 Harvey, 2:30
AUSTINTOWN DISTRICT
At Austintown Fitch H.S.
#1 Canfield vs. #13 Niles McKinley, 1
#2 West Branch vs. #12 Streetsboro, 2:30
#5 Poland Seminary vs. #4 Ravenna, 4
ELYRIA DISTRICT
At Elyria H.S.
#6 Padua vs. #2 Firelands, 6
#3 Holy Name vs. #10 Buckeye, 7:30
MACEDONIA DISTRICT
At Nordonia H.S.
#2 St. Vincent-St. Mary vs. #8 Beaumont, 1
#4 Tallmadge vs. #5 St. Martin de Porres, 2:30
UNIONTOWN DISTRICT
At Uniontown Lake H.S.
#4 Triway vs. #8 Coventry, 1
#6 Canton South vs. #2 Manchester, 2:30
Division III
CLEVELAND DISTRICT
At St. Joseph Academy H.S.
#5 Kirtland vs. #3 Beachwood, 1
#8 Lutheran West vs. #9 Trinity, 2:45
#1 Gilmour Academy vs. #11 Richmond Heights, 4:30
Division IV
CRESTON DISTRICT
At Norwayne H.S.
#3 Open Door vs. #4 Mapleton, 11:30 a.m.
#12 Lake Center Christian vs. #1 Lake Ridge Academy, 1:15
Buckeyes host Michigan State on Sunday. They lost to the Spartans, 59-56, last month, despite Thomas' 28 points. More Buckeyes story links, including Braxton Miller working with a quarterback expert in California.
View full sizeForward Deshaun Thomas is scoring 20.1 points per game this season for Ohio State, shooting 45 percent from the field -- including 38 percent on 3-pointers -- and 84 percent at the foul line.Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio State's Buckeyes have had lots of trouble against the elite teams on their 2012-13 basketball schedule.
The Buckeyes have lost seven of eight games this season when playing teams ranked in the Top 25. They get an opportunity to alter that trend on Sunday, when they host Michigan State.
Ohio State, ranked 18th in the nation, is 19-7, 9-5 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes had lost three of their previous four games prior to their 71-45 rout of Minnesota (18-9, 6-8) on Wednesday night in Columbus.
No. 4 Michigan State is 22-5, 11-3. The Spartans are coming off a 72-68 loss at home to No. 1 Indiana (24-3, 12-2) on Tuesday night.
Ohio State lost at Michigan State, 59-56, on Jan. 19 in East Lansing, as Doug Lesmerises wrote in his game story.
Myron Medcalf writes about Sunday's Buckeyes-Spartans game for ESPN.com, and makes a prediction:
The conclusion of the first game was not fitting. Michigan State and Ohio State had tussled -- well, Deshaun Thomas (28 points, while no other Ohio State player scored more than six) tussled with Michigan State -- for 39-plus minutes. Then sophomore Shannon Scott missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Buckeyes can play great basketball when Thomas is on. The Buckeyes also can play bad basketball when he’s the only one who is on. The latter is a scenario that they must avoid against a Michigan State team that is barely second place in the Big Ten after Tuesday’s 72-68 loss to No. 1 Indiana in East Lansing. But the Buckeyes are a different group in Columbus. Just ask the Minnesota team the Buckeyes beat by nearly 30 points there on Wednesday night. The Buckeyes don’t have answers for Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix, who combined to score 22 in the first game. However, they won’t need one if Thomas gets some help on Sunday.
Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas needs scoring help from his teammates. (By Amelia Rayno, Minneapolis Star-Tribune [story prior to Wednesday's Ohio State-Minnesota game])
.....Football.....
Quarterback Braxton Miller spent time this winter in California, working on his game with George Whitfield, Jr., known as one of the nation's top quarterback mentors. (By David Briggs, Toledo Blade)
Coach Urban Meyer and his family, with some former Ohio State stars, cruise along the Gulf of Mexico with Buckeyes fans. (By Brandon Castel, the-ozone.net)
Buckeyes special teams play was so-so compared to other Big Ten teams last season. (By Adam Rittenberg, ESPN.com)
State officials had hoped the century-old Ballville Dam on the Sandusky River would be demolished by now, creating a free-flowing river for recreation and spawning walleye. Economic problems have short-circuited the effort and pushed back a decision to remove or repair the dam to the end of 2013.
The century-old Ballville Dam on the Sandusky River has been condemned by state engineers and blamed for nitrate pollution by the Ohio EPA. After years of studies on removing the dam and the creation of a new Fremont reservoir, it is still uncertain whether city officials will tear down the dam and create a free-flowing river. D'Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer
FREMONT, Ohio - The century-old Ballville Dam on the Sandusky River has been condemned by state engineers, blamed by the Ohio EPA for polluting the City of Fremont's water supply with nitrates and called a major obstacle to spawning Lake Erie walleye.
It was scheduled to be removed in 2012, creating a free-flowing river prime for recreation.
The 407-foot long, 35-foot high Ballville Dam still stands, however, and Fremont officials are not sure whether to repair or remove the crumbling edifice.
"We're going to make a decision by the end of the year as to whether it's more cost-effective for us to take down the Ballville Dam or repair it," said Fremont Mayor Jim Ellis. "The people of Fremont are just about split down the middle as to what we should do."
The Ballville Dam project has become a financial headache inherited by Ellis' administration. The reservoir behind the dam provided much-needed water for Fremont. To replace that water supply, a 100-acre reservoir was built - but in the wrong place. The site was porous and wouldn't hold water, and it required the installation of an industrial-strength liner, pushing the reservoir cost from $14 million to $44 million.
"The Corps of Engineers tell us that if the Ballville Dam is removed, ice-control structures would have to be sunk 25 feet into the bedrock just upstream of the dam to prevent ice floes from damaging the city's flood walls and bridges," said Ellis. "There is also the cost of reclaiming 60 acres of wetlands."
Repairing the Ballville Dam would cost $7.5 million, he said.
Chief Scott Zody of the DOW said the agency's goal years ago was have the Ballville Dam removed as quickly as possible, but no later than 2012. The state agency provided $5 million for the project, and promised another $2 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds. If the dam is not removed, Zody said the city will have to return the $5 million, money already spent.
"The two main issues for us right now are cost and water supply," said Ellis. "We have already seen our water rates increase remarkably in a city where the average income is about 20 percent below the state average. If we remove the dam, water rates will go up again."
The location of the new Fremont reservoir was faulty, but not the need for it. Because of persistent nitrate pollution in the reservoir above the Ballville Dam, the Ohio EPA ruled in 2008 that Fremont had to dig a new 750 million-gallon reservoir no later than December, 2013. In 2007, Ohio Department of Natural Resources engineers called the old, crumbling structure a safety hazard not worth repairing.
Ellis says there's no guarantee that walleye heading up the Sandusky River to spawn will swim any further upriver than they do now. Once the dam is removed, said Ellis, there will be a 6-foot drop in the river. That could create a waterfall or a stretch of rapids that could block walleye from swimming further upstream.
Fisheries biologist Travis Hartman at the DOW's Sandusky Research Station disagrees.
"If there is no physical barrer, walleye will go as far upstream as they can until they're blocked again," said Hartman. "I'd be surprised if we didn't immediately see walleye in that 20-mile stretch above the dam. Removal of the dam would also allow the natural flow of sand and gravel to gather on bedrock swept clean by the Corp of Engineers (when it dredged the Sandusky River and created flood walls and levees in 1972). That will significantly improve walleye spawning success."
A new battle has surfaced as the new Fremont reservoir nears full pool. City officials had to agree to allow fishing on the reservoir, but now want to ban gas-powered outboards. There is a fear the motors could pollute the city's drinking water.
"Ohio fuel taxes helped fund reservoir construction," said Zody. "Because of that funding, Fremont agreed to allow gas-powered outboards. The city can limit the size of outboards, but not to less than 10-horsepower. Our research shows outboard motors have never contaminated a water source to the point of concern, and outboards today run significantly cleaner than 10 or 20 years ago."
The walleye spawning run in the Sandusky River has lost its luster over the years, playing second fiddle to the mighty Maumee River walleye run and walleye spawning success on Lake Erie's reefs. Pulling down the Ballville Dam could rejuvenate the Sandusky River walleye population, but unless Fremont's financial woes can be solved, the dam could be around for another century.
Sportsmen's opinions wanted at wildlife agency open houses
Ohio sportsmen are being encouraged to share their opinions of proposed hunting and fishing regulations with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Anglers and hunters can post comments at ohiodnr.com, or attend one of seven open houses on March 2 from noon-3 p.m.
"We've already had several hundred online comments on our new regulations, especially the big changes being made in the deer hunting seasons," said Chief Scott Zody of the Ohio Division of Wildlife. "We want feedback on a wide range of issues, from allowing rifles that shoot straight-walled pistol cartridges to various season dates."
Northeast Ohio open houses are being held at the DOW's Akron District Office at 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron; Fairport Harbor Fisheries Research Unit, 1190 High St., Fairport Harbor; and Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve, 2514 Cleveland Rd. E., Huron.
A statewide hearing on the proposed rules and regulations is March 7 at 9 a.m. at the DOW District One Office in Columbus. The Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on the proposals during its April 17 meeting at the District One Office.
The Cleveland Indians get a three-run double in the bottom of the ninth to win their spring training opener over the Cincinnati Reds.
View full sizeAsdrubal Cabrera, right, of the Cleveland Indians is congratulated by Michael Brantley after scoring on a single by Nick Swisher on Friday in Goodyear, Ariz.Paul Sancya, Associated Press
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Indians' first game since October threatened to last until next October.
Rallying for three runs in the bottom of the ninth, the Indians defeated the Reds, 11-10, in a spring training opener that saw the teams combine for 27 hits. There were eight runs scored in a first inning that lasted 44 minutes.
The winning runs came across for the Indians on a bases-clearing three-run double by first baseman Mike McDade, picked up on waivers from Toronto.
The Reds scored five runs before the Indians came to bat -- all of them charged to Tribe starter Giovanni Soto. One run scored on a Carlos Santana passed ball.
The Indians answered with three runs in the home half of the first on a run-scoring single by Nick Swisher, a double by Michael Brantley that chased Swisher home from first and and a single by Santana.
Santana's second RBI in the third preceded Lonnie Chisenhall's two-run homer to give the Indians a short-lived 7-5 lead. Cincinnati rallied with a run in the fourth and four more in the fifth.
The big blow was Devin Mesoraco's two-run homer off Indians' pitcher Joe Martinez.
The Indians and Reds meet again Saturday at Goodyear Ballpark. Brett Myers will start for the Indians against right-hander Alfredo Simon.
Kyrie Irving's exploits over All-Star Weekend, and his fourth-quarter performance on ESPN on Wednesday, led fans to vote for NBA TV to televise next week's Cleveland Cavaliers-Chicago Bulls game.
View full sizeThanks to the exploits of Kyrie Irving, left, Alonzo Gee (33), Tristan Thompson, second from right, Dion Waiters and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers are becoming more popular among NBA fans.Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer
Cavaliers at Magic
Tipoff: 7 p.m. Saturday, Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.
TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio, WUAB Ch. 43; WTAM AM/1100.
Notable: This is the first of three straight road games for the Cavaliers. . . . Glen Davis (fractured left foot), Al Harrington (right knee rehab), Jameer Nelson (strained patella tendon, left knee) and Hedo Turkoglu (suspension) are out. . . . This is Orlando's first home game since trading fan favorite J.J. Redick.
-- Jodie Valade
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If All-Star Weekend was Kyrie Irving's coming-out party -- his introduction to the NBA on how he has evolved into one of the best point guards in the game -- then the post-weekend fallout has arrived with similar declarations.
Kyrie Irving: top NBA point guard, fourth-quarter superstar.
Cleveland Cavaliers: NBA darlings?
It's hard to say if the 17-37 team is quite at that level, but interest has begun to percolate. Fans voted for the Cavaliers' game against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday to appear on NBA TV, allowing Cleveland to be on national television twice in one week.
That kind of exposure hasn't been seen since The Player Who Left was around -- and the Cavaliers will visit him in Miami on Sunday after stopping in Orlando today for the first of three straight road games.
Irving displayed his clutch skills -- again -- when the Cavaliers topped New Orleans, 105-100, on Wednesday on ESPN. Irving scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
"It's an honor to play on TV, and it shows we are doing something right," said Cavaliers coach Byron Scott, "that we are up-and-coming and we've got some young guys, especially Kyrie, who are shining pretty brightly."
Irving has been sparkling, averaging 24.8 points and shooting 46.7 percent from 3-point range since Jan. 4. He is tied for third in the NBA in fourth-quarter points, averaging 7.0 per game.
While Irving has come on strong, the Cavaliers have begun a turnaround as well. In their past 12 games, they're 7-5. In 2013, they're 10-12.
That's a lot closer to the better-than-.500 goal the squad has for the final 28 games of the season.
"The last month or so, we've been playing a lot better," said forward Luke Walton. "Being a young team, you're constantly trying to stay on guys as far as not becoming satisfied or complacent with the way we are playing. We've come out and laid a couple eggs within that stretch, too. Just the consistency of playing well every night and just keep working and getting better."
The Cavaliers are still looking for consistency in a second unit that appears to be developing chemistry and becoming solid. And rookie Dion Waiters, for one, has found a rhythm of late. The streaky shooter has been hot, averaging 14.2 points on 59 percent shooting in his past six games.
"As great as Kyrie has been playing, he can't do it by himself," Scott said. "You need those other four guys to be out there doing their job as well. I think that's the beauty of basketball. Our guys, I don't think they get jealous or anything like that. As long as we're playing well and we're winning games, everybody's happy. And that's what it's all about. That's what team is all about.
"At the end of the day, there's two columns that really matter -- that 'W' and that 'L,' " Scott said. "That's it. I think our guys are starting to understand that."
Byron on Buss: Scott took a red-eye flight home from Los Angeles after the memorial service for Lakers owner Jerry Buss on Wednesday and said he was glad to have made the trip. Scott went to honor Buss, the owner for whom he won three NBA titles in the 1980s. Buss died Monday of cancer.
"I think Magic [Johnson] put it best -- we were there to celebrate the life of Dr. Jerry Buss," Scott said. "He had so many people there yesterday, it was unbelievable. He was loved by so many people, touched by so many people. It was very fitting. I got a chance to talk to Jeanie [Buss] briefly and told her what Luke [Walton] told me to tell her, that he sends his condolences and love to the Buss family. And got a great chance to see a bunch of old teammates, which was fun as well. It was really fun to go back and pay my respects to a man I admired very deeply and had a lot of appreciation for and I'm going to miss."
Curious at what happened on Day 2? Check out the best of the Megablog and you'll be ready for Saturday's Day 3 coverage.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here's a quick recap of five of the most interesting developments from Friday's combine activity. Saturday, our live Megablog resumes at 10 a.m. with more live coverage from our staff in Indianapolis, as well as comments around the NFL universe on who is succeeding or failing in the great talent evaluation.
1. Chudzinski at the plate
If he wasn't Mighty Casey, Rob Chudzinski certainly dominated the day for Browns fans at the combine.
Audio: Rob Chudzinski – 2/22/13
At the start, Chudzinski spoke to Cleveland media exclusively. Both then and later in front of national writers, he emphasized his confidence in offensive coordinator Norv Turner being able to get the best out of his quarterbacks, whether they be Brandon Weeden, Colt McCoy or someone not yet on the roster.
"There's a lot of speculation about what happens next to San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith, and while the 49ers won't say anything other than they don't have to budge -- which they don't -- there's only one destination that makes sense if they're going to deal the guy, and that's Cleveland," Judge wrote. "The reason: Norv Turner. He's the offensive coordinator there, and he was the offensive coordinator in San Francisco for Smith's second pro season when he made substantial progress. He was never the same after Turner left -- not until the arrival of Jim Harbaugh in 2011, that is -- and if Smith isn't playing for Harbaugh he should play for Turner."
2. Travis Kelce talks, but can't run
Tough news for former Cleveland Heights standout Travis Kelce. The Cincinnati TE will skip this weekend's combine workouts because of an abdominal tear.
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound senior is considered one of the top prospects in a deep tight-end field, reports Tom Reed. Kelce culminated his Bearcats' career in dramatic fashion with an 83-yard touchdown catch in the final minute of the Belk Bowl on Dec. 27.
From NFL.com: In his senior season, Kelce put himself on the NFL prospect map, as he caught 45 passes for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. ... Ideal tight end frame. Athletic for his size, with great strength, and the ability to stretch the field vertically. Very physical run blocker, generates power from the lower half, and will move defenders off the ball. ... Only one season of production. Doesn't have blazing speed.
From CBSSports.com: Balanced athlete with better wheels than expected, accelerating quickly to top speed. Deceiving quickness after the catch with loose hips and a fluid and flexible frame. ... Kelce flashes the ability to be an impact blocker and receiver at the next level, but like the Detroit Lions' Brandon Pettigrew, he will likely need some time to adapt at the NFL.
Projection: Considered one of top five TEs in the class, he could go from the middle of the second round to high in the third.
From @treedPD: "Cleveland Heights' Travis Kelce of whether be believes he's the top TE in deep field: "I do believe that, 100 percent."
Surprise! But there's more.
"Kelce said he will attend his pro day at Cincy, but not yet sure he will participate due to abdominal tear. ... Kelce said he suffered injury in Bearcats third game and played with it the entire season. Re-aggravated it training for combine"
3. Wherefore art thou, Alex Smith?
For a second day in a row, the 49ers made crystal clear their intention to find a willing trade partner for backup QB Alex Smith. They would never, ever, ever release him (despite his clear disinterest in being Colin Kaepernick's backup) so it's up to some team to come up with a good price, knowing that San Francisco has 13 picks in April's draft and probably isn't that interested in another choice in the middle rounds.
From @MaryKayCabot: "#49ers hc Jim harbaugh said a release of alex smith is "unlikely." said likely either trade or he'll stay w/ 49ers."
Then again, with an approximate $9 million cap hit coming on April 1 if he's released, what would you expect them to say? With 49ers also having 13 draft picks in April, price for Smith would possibly be a future pick in 2014.
From NFL.com's Dan Hanzus: This is all strategy by Harbaugh, who knows Smith has very little trade value if teams know the Niners plan to release him. Smith could very well be released, but it won't be until the Niners are convinced they can nothing of value in a trade. Considering the high number of QB-needy teams out there, expect a deal to eventually get done.
4. Really, I'm the best
View full sizeMatt Barkley appeared before the media on Friday to make his case for a first-round selection in April's NFL draft.Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
Barkley said he has no regrets about returning to USC last season for his senior year. Some experts think the Browns would've taken him with the No. 4 pick in 2012.
"I haven't looked back once,'' he said. "I definitely I think I'm in a better position now entering this draft than I was last year.''
1:09 p.m.: Geno Smith and Matt Barkley both believe they should be the first pick in April's draft, but now they have a rival for confidence during the combine.
West Virginia receiver Tavon Austin, who caught 114 of Smith's passes for 1,289 yards and 12 TDs while rushing for nearly 650 more yards, has stated his case to the assembled throngs.
1:23 p.m.: Seriously, the media has got to start asking more interesting questions ...
From NFL.com's Marc Sessler (@MarcSesslerNFL): "Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib: Absolutely I feel I'm the best passer in the draft."
Folks, that's a trend. Still waiting for the guy who says "yeah, I blew out my elbow three months ago and that guy over there still working on his danish could out-throw me."
5. Are you smarter than a pulling guard?
Are you one of those guys (or girls) who has a good laugh after hearing about the latest substandard Wonderlic score? Try your hand at Dennis Manoloff's online version of the test (which isn't at all like the real thing, but is a lot more fun). Don't cheat!
See you again on Saturday in the Megablog for the latest Combine news from The Plain Dealer, cleveland.com and around the web.
Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot, Tom Reed and Branson Wright for a live call-in show at 6 p.m. to recap Day 2 of the NFL Combine.
Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski speaks with the media at the NFL Combine. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Friday saw Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski speak with the media and also featured quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.
Will the Browns look to draft a quarterback in the later rounds?
Chudzinski did state he would be open to trading Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy. Does Weeden deserve another season? What will the Browns do with their No. 6 pick?
Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot, Tom Reed and Branson Wright for a live call-in show at 7 p.m. to recap Day 2 of the NFL Combine.
The number to call into the show is 440-678-7599.
You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Glenn, Mary Kay, Tom and Branson's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in MP3 format.
When asked specifically today if he'll listen to offers for those two, Chudzinski said, "We’re looking to improve our team in any areas, by any means of doing that.
When asked specifically today if he'll listen to offers for Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden, Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said, "We're looking to improve our team in any areas, by any means of doing that."Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS -- Browns coach Rob Chudzinski won't rule out listening to trade offers for quarterbacks Brandon Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy.
When asked specifically today if he'll listen to offers for those two, Chudzinski said, "We’re looking to improve our team in any areas, by any means of doing that."
Chudzinski said the Browns are excited about Weeden's skill set, but still declined to commit to him as the Browns' starter for 2013. The club is evaluating quarterbacks here at the NFL Combine, and will also most likely consider adding a veteran quarterback.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam made it clear at the Super Bowl that the Browns will have competition this season for their starting job.
“We have three guys here that provide competition and we’ll leave it open to whatever happens in terms of any other possible scenarios,'' said Chudzinski. "We’re going to look at everything, every possibility to try to make the team better. I’m excited about Brandon.
Obviously Colt has been here, has won games, has some unique abilities himself that I’m excited about. Again, getting all those guys in the building and see what they can do and being around them and really getting a chance to really evaluate them. You can look at tape and evaluate tape, but until you’re around guys, until you understand when you’re asking them to do certain things and seeing how they react to that and how they react on the field and how they play ultimately is what decides how far they can go.”
Asked if there's another change coming at quarterback, Chudzinski said, "Some of those things are hard to say. We need to get out on the practice field. We need to get into the meetings, get into the installs and evaluate him. We’re going to put the best guy on the field that gives us the best chance to win.”
He said he's confident offensive coordinator Norv Turner can help Weeden improve: "He has a really good arm, he can throw the ball, he can make all the throws that you need to throw, he has a good, calm poise and demeanor in the pocket. Again, he was up and down a little bit and during the season as any quarterback, especially a young quarterback is. You see some things that are there that get you excited about him.''
So maybe the Browns need a new starting quarterback, but the bigger issue is that they need so much more.
Matt Moore of the Dolphins is one of the most talked-about free-agent quarterbacks available this offseason.AP
ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .
1. Thankfully, Browns CEO Joe Banner said the obvious -- that it makes no sense in this draft to pick a quarterback at No. 6, and that the Browns should give Brandon Weeden "the best chance to succeed. We see potential there we're going to try to work with."
2. Trading a draft pick of any consequence for Alex Smith makes no sense, because he is a solid quarterback -- but probably not more than that. When Smith had a poor surrounding cast and/or had a system that didn't fit his skills -- he looked like a guy who didn't seem ready to start. That was the case with Weeden last season.
3. Banner made another point that most fans have been saying -- let's see what Weeden does in an offense designed by coordinator Norv Turner and head coach Rob Chudzinski. Both like the shotgun, and used it on at least 75 percent of the passing plays last season. Weeden was at 42 percent with Browns, despite the fact stats show he was far more effective throwing out of the shotgun.
4. If the Browns do turn to a free agent quarterback, my guess is that it will be Matt Moore. And it's just that, a guess. But Moore doesn't cost a draft choice. He has a 13-12 career record as a starter with 33 touchdowns compared to 24 interceptions, along with a 80.5 rating in those games. Those games were with Carolina (before Chudzinski was there) and Miami.
5. Moore was backup with the Dolphins last season, throwing only 19 passes behind rookie Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins want him back, but at 28, Moore certainly wants to start. He was 6-6 in 12 starts with Miami in 2011, 16 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions with an 87.1 rating. Miami was not impressed, as it picked Tannehill in the first round of 2012.
6. Moore may become a very hot name for the Browns and other teams with quarterback questions. But the big issue is the Browns need so much more.
7. They are desperate for a starting cornerback to play across from Joe Haden. Jordan Cameron is the only tight end of consequence on the roster, and Browns new offensive coaches love throwing to tight ends.
8. Offensive guard has to be a concern, as Jason Pinkston missed much of last season with blood clots in his lung. He hopes to be healthy, but who knows? Backup John Greco did a decent job filling in for Pinkston, but the line lacks depth. Don't be shocked if they grab a guard in the first four rounds.
9. They need linebackers for the new 3-4 defense. I think they need at least one safety, and one pass-rusher. Oh, I'd like a veteran receiver, too.
10. Banner isn't delivering an unconditional endorsement for Weeden. He talked about how Weeden has to prove he wants the job. I've been writing for weeks that the new regime doesn't view Colt McCoy as anything more than a backup -- because he doesn't throw deep as well as they'd like. He's also been injured in each of the last three seasons, so durability is a concern.
Rob Chudzinski spoke of his confidence in offensive coordinator Norv Turner and some of the positives of QB Brandon Weeden during his press conference at the NFL Combine on Friday.Michael Conroy, Associated Press
11. When Chudzinski said they'd listen to trade offers for Weeden or McCoy, that's just common sense. You'd also listen. It's part of the job of running a team. But how many trades are made in the NFL, except on draft day? And those usually involve picks rather than players.
12. Chudzinski did say at least three times that he was "excited" about some of the things that Weeden has shown on film. He also added: "He has a really good arm...he can make all the throws that you need to throw...He has a calm poise and a good demeanor in the pocket."
13. The most interesting comments by Chudzinski were his discussion of "evolving as a coach," adding to his playbook and adjusting it to the talent. He mentioned how Turner "pushes the envelope" to find ways to make a quarterback more effective. In Cam Newton's rookie season at Carolina, Chudzinski used about 20 percent of the plays that Newton ran at Auburn.
14. It's also no shock Chudzinski refuses to name Weeden a starter. What if they make a trade or sign a free agent such as Matt Moore? If there is a possibility of that happening once free agency begins March 12, it makes no sense to ordain Weeden as a starter right now.
15. But in the end, it seems the Browns see Weeden as a short-term answer. That makes sense. As one member of the new Browns management team told me, "We've won only 23 games in the last five years...it's easier to list what we have as opposed to what we need -- because we need so much."
View full sizeJason Giambi is making a push to crack the Tribe's final roster.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer
ABOUT THE TRIBE . . .
1. Jason Giambi has been impressive in batting practice. The Tribe likes his presence in the clubhouse and ability to mentor young players. They are giving serious thought to keeping the 42-year-old part-time DH. Of course, he has to show he can still connect on a 94-mph fastball. Most older guys can hit breaking balls, but struggle with the hard stuff.
2. Giambi is on a minor-league deal worth $750,000 -- if he makes the team. He was paid $1 million in each of the past two seasons with Colorado, where he was mostly a pinch hitter. Giambi hit .225 (20-for-89, .675 OPS) with one homer and eight RBI last season. In 2011, he batted .260 (.958 OPS) with 13 homers and 32 RBI in 131 at-bats. The Indians want to see if he can swing the bat as he did in 2011.
3. Manager Terry Francona called Giambi, "The veteran of veterans." Francona is a big reason Giambi is in camp.
4. The new flexibility on the roster allows the Tribe to consider keeping Giambi. They will have Lou Marson at backup catcher -- unless Yan Gomes wins the job. Mike Aviles can play all the infield spots, and right or left field. At the moment, it seems either Ben Francisco or Ryan Rayburn will make the team as a backup outfielder -- Rayburn also can play the infield, mostly second base.
5. The last spot among the regulars may come down to Giambi or Chris McGuiness. A 24-year-old first baseman, McGuiness, 24, was a Rule 5 pick from the Rangers, which means if he's not on the Tribe's Opening Day roster, he must be offered back to the Rangers for $25,000 -- and Texas likely would grab him. McGuiness, a left-handed hitting first baseman, was the MVP of the Arizona Fall League and hit .268 (.840 OPS) with 23 homers in the Class AA Texas League in 2012.
6. There are several reasons why the Tribe thinks it can keep a strict DH this season. They believe Aviles is a strong backup at shortstop. They didn't trust Jason Donald there last season. In the outfield, they'll start Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn and Drew Stubbs -- all can play center field. They have two players who can handle first base -- Mark Reynolds and Nick Swisher . Reynolds also can play some third base.
7. Among the former big names trying to make the team, Scott Kazmir has been more impressive in his bullpen sessions than Daisuke Matsuzaka. Dice-K will start today, and that is obviously more important than what he does in bullpen sessions.
8. Asdrubal Cabrera has lost at least 15 pounds since last season, and is moving much better at shortstop. Not sure if trade rumors inspired him, but he clearly made a commitment to being in better shape.
9. Carlos Santana will play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, giving Marson and Gomes a lot of time at catcher in Cactus League games. Gomes, who batted .328 (.938 OPS) with 13 homers for Class AAA Las Vegas in 2012, came to the Tribe from Toronto along with Aviles in the Esmil Rogers deal. Gomes also can play first and third base.
10. With Cabrera playing for Venezuela and Aviles playing for Puerto Rico in the WBC, Juan Diaz will be the regular shortstop for a few weeks. Diaz turned 24 in December. He batted .266 (.743 OPS) at Class AAA Columbus last season. The Indians believe he has a major-league glove, and he is one of the reasons they considered trading Cabrera.
11. Trevor Bauer's bullpen sessions have been fun to watch, according to some in Goodyear. He's in super shape, throwing hard. One problem is that he's so fired up, he's had a few wild spells -- same thing that happened in his brief time with the Diamondbacks last season. He has one of the best arms in camp. The Indians believe he was rushed to the majors last season -- it was only his second pro year -- and don't want to repeat that mistake.
12. Francona has had multiple knee surgeries, and blood clots in 2004. But the manager seems in great shape, throws batting practice a few times a week and hits grounders to infielders. Health concerns were part of the reason Francona sat out last season after being fired by Boston in 2011. Health does not seem to be an issue right now.
13. I will be giving a faith talk Tuesday at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church on 12700 Pearl Rd. in Strongsville. It's free and open to the public. te; 14. The Wahoo Club Luncheon will feature Ron Kittle- 1983 A.L. Rookie of the Year. It will be held at 11 a.m. on March 16, 2013 at the Winking Lizard Party Center in Bedford Hts. Call Bob Rosen at 440-724-8350 or go to http://www.wahooclub.com/ for more information.
ABOUT TRIBE TOWN . . .
No matter how many games the Browns lose, this is Browns Town. Can you imagine the reaction if the Indians moved and came back with a team that lost at least 100 games in nine of 13 seasons . . . as the Browns keep piling up those 10-plus losses every season?
Furthermore, if I put the names Brandon Weeden or Colt McCoy in a story, it usually attracts twice as many Internet hits as a story about the Cavs or Tribe.
That said, I like the new "Tribe Town" marketing approach with manager Terry Francona looking into the camera and saying what it means to him to manage this team: "I spent the first six years of my life here, going to the stadium with my dad [Tito Francona], cheering for the Tribe, cheering for Cleveland. This is a town that doesn't give up. Being a Cleveland sports fan takes resilience. The passion is real. The fans are real. This is a Tribe Town."
Francona has a real sincerity that is appealing, and his father, a member of the Tribe from 1959 to '64, has already been around.
OK, I'm old and I remember Tito Francona. My father took me to the Municipal Stadium to watch the Indians of the 1960s, so this spot tugs at my heart. But I bet I'm not alone in feeling that way.
View full sizeGreg Oden hasn't played in an NBA game since the 2009-10 season.Associated Press
ABOUT GREG ODEN . . .
If the Cavs want to sign Greg Oden to a reasonable, incentive-based contract -- that's fine. It's like buying a basketball lottery ticket.
But keep in mind the 7-footer from Ohio State has not played in an NBA game since December 2009. He was the top pick in the 2007 draft, but he's played a total of 82 NBA games -- averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds for Portland.
While those stats were modest, Oden's defense was a major asset for the Blazers. He made them a much better team.
He has had three microfracture knee surgeries.
Keep in mind that two microfracture knee surgeries might have ended the career of former Tribe center fielder Grady Sizemore.
Oden had his right knee done in 2007. Then came two more microfracture operations on the left knee -- in 2010 and February 2012. He certainly won't play this season, even if he is signed.
As along as Oden can stand up, there will be a market for him -- because he's a 7-footer. If he can come back to even 50 percent of what made him the top pick in 2007 (in front of Kevin Durant), he would be a steal.
But that is a huge if because of the horrible knee injuries he has sustained.
ABOUT THE CAVS . . .
1. Part of the reason the Cavs traded Jon Leuer to Memphis for Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights, Josh Selby and a future first-rounder (than can't be used until 2015) on Jan. 23, was they sensed the market would be tight for acquiring first-round picks. Now that the trading deadline has passed, the only first-rounder dealt was by Memphis to the Cavs.
2. The Cavs (and other teams) were hunting for first-rounders, but the market was dry. So they decided to keep their $4 million in salary-cap room and carry it into the off-season, when they will be in position to either sign a significant free agent or trade for a good player who has an expensive contract.
3. After this season, Luke Walton ($6 million), Daniel Gibson ($4.8 million) and Omri Casspi ($2.3 million) will come off the cap. Ellington is a restricted free agent, and the Cavs will probably try to sign him. Speights has a $4.5 million player option, and he may decide to become a free agent. The Cavs have an interest in him, but he could be in demand because it's so hard to find decent big men.
4. Some salaries of current players such as Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller will increase. But it seems they will have at least $15 million in salary-cap room. With Irving's star rising and the development of Thompson and Waiters (less so with Zeller), the Cavs seem ready to make some off-season moves to add to the roster and perhaps go for the playoffs.
5. Shaun Livingston is a free agent at the end of the season, and the Cavs may have a interest in keeping him. They like his unselfish play at point guard, and he's been a good influence on Irving and Waiters.
6. The Cavs have 28 games left this season and they want to improve on their league-worst defense, which allows opponents to shoot 47.7 percent from the field. They were at 46.7 last season, which ranked 27th. A big issue is the defense of the guards, as Irving and Waiters often have problems stopping their men from driving to the basket. While Zeller is among the league leaders in drawing charges, he's not a shot-blocking threat. When you look at the roster (with Anderson Varejao hurt), it's hard to point to anyone who is an elite defender.
The son of former NBA star and current Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers is named after Cleveland Cavaliers great Austin Carr.
View full sizeNew Orleans Hornets guard Austin Rivers was a big fan of Kobe Bryant growing up.Mark Duncan, Associated Press
Q: I heard you were named for former Cavaliers great Austin Carr. Is that true, and what's your relationship like with him?
A: I actually just got to meet him for the first time ever. I went out before the game, shook his hand. I wanted to introduce myself just to put a face to his name . . . well, I already knew what he looked like. Just to get to meet the guy I was named after. My dad used to tell me stories about him at Notre Dame and all the great stuff he was able to do. So just to go out there and meet him was an honor. It was exciting for me.
Q: I also heard that you were a big Kobe Bryant fan while growing up. How did you manage that when your dad, Doc Rivers, was coaching the Boston Celtics?
A: I always wanted my dad to succeed most. So the best-case scenario for me would be if Kobe scored 50 and the Celtics won.
Q: What kind of pressure did you face growing up as the son of a famous NBA player?
A: I think different kids handle it differently. There's been many cases of players of dads who have done well in the league, who have handled it well and not well. I think it's all about your mind-set and what you want to make of it. I looked at it with my dad as an opportunity. I got to be firsthand with some guys who were some of the greatest players in the league. With that, I did take advantage of it. I didn't let that slide. I asked questions, picked their brain, got better. I just had fun with that, I didn't let that stuff get in my head.
Q: What's something we don't know about Doc Rivers?
A: My dad was my dad. I know the real Doc. Not the person that people see. He's a normal guy, he just had a great job and he's good at it. It's one of those things where that's how I looked at it, I didn't really care what people thought, I just went out there and did what I loved. And I actually loved basketball. I think even if my dad wasn't a coach, I'd still play basketball because that's what I was born to do.
Q: How did you handle the scrutiny and expectations when you were growing up playing the same sport your dad was so good at?
A: It wasn't that bad. My older brother went through it right before I did. My sister went through it. My little brother has it the worst, if you talk about pressure, just because I'm here now. Now, they have to say stuff about my father and about me. It's really tough on him. I just tell him not to worry about it, and he does a great job with it as well. As scrutinized as I am, there's players like LeBron and Kobe who are at a whole other level. You see them handle it, so I know I can. That's how you have to look at it.
Coach Urban Meyer wanted Johnathan Hankins to remain with the Buckeyes.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Most college players don't have the opportunity to work with a former NFL player (who also won a Super Bowl) as defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins did with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Hankins credits former OSU defensive end Mike Vrabel - OSU's defensive line coach - with helping him improve his technique and overall play. It probably aided in Hankins' decision to leave school early for the NFL Draft.
"He brought a lot of energy to the D-line, and the technical aspect of the game. Hankins said. "It also helps that he played for OSU and his experience with the Patriots was also a plus."
Hankins could make his own mark on the next level. He's projected to get selected in the first round.
"I've worked to get here to the Combine," Hankins said. "My talents and efforts will show on the field on Monday, and it will speak for itself. I'm blessed to even be here. Wherever I go (in the draft), I'm happy with that."
Give Joe Banner credit for judging players and coaches on whether they have what it takes to make the Cleveland Browns a championship team.
View full sizeLet there be no doubt -- this is Joe Banner's show.Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer
Stop Joe Banner . . . when you hear something that doesn't make sense.
The Browns' team president didn't need to win the press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine Saturday, at least nowhere near as badly as Manti Te'o did.
Because, frankly, he's not worried about your perception or mine.
Banner promised to bring truth to intention, saying that while he might not answer some questions directly he "will not lie to anybody here."
Was this the Joe Banner Straight Talk Express?
You could give him credit for that. But since Banner is raising the bar on everybody in Berea, it's only fair to raise it on him.
Promising not to mislead is laudable. But it's still the plan that matters.
Banner touched on a number of subjects. You can question why he's the front man on personnel matters at the Combine. But if you do at this late date, it means you haven't been paying attention.
This is his show.
Whatever Rob Chudzinski or Mike Lombardi says, Banner is the final word.
He said Brandon Weeden will get a chance to grow under Norv Turner and Rob Chudzinski, but any commitment beyond that is premature.
He can't say for sure that Josh Gordon was worth a high-second round pick, putting it in the category of "to be determined."
He didn't only say Dick Jauron's defense wasn't aggressive enough but also not good enough.
The most refreshing thing about Banner Saturday? Like what he's doing or not (and, please, you can stop sending me separated-at-birth likenesses of Banner and Dr. No), he is framing everything in the context of what it takes to build championship teams.
I'll take that over what we had here the past few years.
The slow crawl of a five-year plan.
A president who raised expectations on the fans and media before voicing the same expectations for his team.
Banner and Jimmy Haslam promised smart decisions at their first press conference.
Banner says the questions about Weeden and Gordon are whether they have what it takes to play for a championship team.
The best Mike Holmgren could do was to say 6-10 in 2012 was not acceptable.
The plan to give Weeden time but not a lock on the job is smart for sure.
He deserves the former, especially in a down-field passing game run by Chudzinski and Norv Turner. He did nothing to deserve the latter in his first season.
Gordon flashed in his first season but Banner's point is that a high second-round pick on a wide receiver should produce something special. Here, where Brian Robiskie couldn't get on the field and Mohamed Massaquoi couldn't stay on the field, the impulse is to simply be satisfied with something better than that.
As for the Browns' defense in 2012, Jauron coached without key veteran linebackers, without Joe Haden for four games, with a young secondary. There was no reason to expect Jauron's 4-3 defense, thick with young, mobile defensive linemen, wouldn't continue to improve.
But it's hard to fault coveting a more aggressive philosophy, provided it doesn't take two years to stock Ray Horton's "hybrid" with personnel.
What's easy is being skeptical of anything that happens in Berea, but that's out of sheer force of habit than any major mis-steps by Banner and Haslam.
As is the case with Weeden, getting time to show what they can do before there's any rush to judgment seems only fair.
Spinoffs
LeBron James' X Cork shoe, a nod to the champagne corks popping in Miami when the Heat won the NBA title last summer, will be unveiled at a store in Akron.
Because if there's anything people in Northeast Ohio can relate to, it's the sound of a championship celebration.
Joe Banner told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine: "I would not expect . . . that we are going to be receptive to trading our players. We're looking to build on the players we have."
That should stop teams from beating down the doors like it's Black Friday.
Turned on the NFL Network late Friday night and saw Sports Illustrated football writer Peter King -- eyes closed, trying to balance on one foot as part of a NFL Scouting Combine test.
Look, I know Roger Goodell is all-powerful, but if he insists on testing sports writers for concussions before allowing them to return to their laptops, the written word will die.
Concussions are especially a requirement for covering a Super Bowl Media Day without questioning your career decision.
Three players were ejected in a wild baseball brawl between Sacramento State and UC Riverside.
If Pedro Martinez wants to give back after a long and fruitful playing career, the least he can do is show the next generation of players the art of backpedaling down the dugout steps and hiding behind the water cooler.
Indians' manager Terry Francona doesn't sweat the small things, including the fact that his closer, Chris Perez, is outspoken.
After so many years in Boston, if Francona comes to work and the first pre-game interview question doesn't come from the National Enquirer or Geraldo, everything's going to be OK.
Bobby Valentine, Francona's successor in Boston, will join Sacred Heart University in Connecticut as the school's athletic director.
Presiding over the worst Red Sox record since 1965 (69-93) was obviously the springboard to his new position.
According to the New York Times, Valentine claims he invented the wrap sandwich when he ran out of toast and threw a bunch of ingredients into a tortilla while working for as a cook in a Samford restaurant in 1982.
"I rolled it up, and I melted a little cheese on the top to keep the tortilla from opening up," Valentine explained.
You know, a burrito.
Ashlee Arnau, a cheerleader at William Carey University in Mississippi, made a front-flip half-court shot Thursday at halftime of a men's basketball game.
Check it out on the internet.
Just don't get any ideas, Dion Waiters.
He said it
"Unless you've got to get out and push the car, it's a different deal." -- Tony Stewart, on why NASCAR drivers don't have to be addicted to fitness.
Though it does help in the post-race boxing match.
He said what?
"We're going to put the best guy on the field that gives us the best chance to win." -- Browns' coach Rob Chudzinski on the decision he faces at quarterback.
That's worked so well in the past, what's to worry?
You said it
(The Expanded Sunday Edition)
"Hey Bud: In the Tribe's new slogan, 'This is a Tribe town,' Terry Francona says to be a Cleveland sports fan it takes 'resilience.' Shouldn't drugs, booze and a good sense of humor be added to that?" -- Doug, Westlake
Don't get carried away. If a good sense of humor were a requirement for Cleveland sports fans, "You said it" would not exist.
"Hey, Bud: What if? This is a Tribe Town" -- Tim, Twinsburg
It beats last year's unofficial slogan, "This is a Ghost Town."
"Bud: Is it true that the white smoke emanating from the CBS studios means that Jim Nantz has been elected the new Pope?" -- Big Al, Aurora
Not sure. If so, I believe we can credit Mike Lombardi for drafting him out of the College of Cardinals.
"Bud: Do the sports writers at the PD get tested for using PEDs?" -- Bill Schmidt
By the letter of our collective bargaining agreement we're only tested for three things: beer, cynicism and professional desperation.
"Bud: I just hurt my back doing chores for my wife. I checked below Spin for a good massage place but saw no ads. Can you share your favorites with me?" -- Mike Nath, Sandusky
Spin is far too sophisticated to be printed adjacent to massage parlor ads. So if the desire for a massage lasts more than four hours, all I can tell you is to consult your chiropractor.
"Bud: When you were hired by the PD did they make you take the Wonderlic test and what was your score?" -- Devin, Concord
Let's just say my score makes Vince Young look like Stephen Hawking.
"Bud: I always hear the sports announcers refer to redshirt freshman and fifth-year seniors. Can you tell me what classes they take?" -- George M, Avon
They take classes through the mail on how to register for online classes.
"Bud: So Danica Patrick can drive fast, but can she parallel park?" -- Michael Sarro
First-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the mental_floss collection. Repeat winners get curbed.
A last-lap accident sent rookie Kyle Larson's car sailing into the fence that separates the track from the seats, and large chunks of Larson's car landed in the grandstands. The car itself had its entire front end sheared off, with a piece of burning engine wedged through a gaping hole in the fence.
Kyle Larson (32) slides along the wall after hitting the catch fence as Eric McClure (14) goes low after the cars were involved in a multi-car crash on the final lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Associated Press
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — As emergency workers tended to injured fans and ambulance sirens wailed in the background, a somber Tony Stewart skipped the traditional post-race victory celebration following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.
A last-lap accident sent rookie Kyle Larson's car sailing into the fence that separates the track from the seats, and large chunks of Larson's car landed in the grandstands. The car itself had its entire front end sheared off, with a piece of burning engine wedged through a gaping hole in the fence.
Neither NASCAR nor Daytona International Speedway officials had any immediate comment on potential injuries.
"There obviously was some intrusion into the fence and fortunately with the way the event's equipped up, there were plenty of emergency workers ready to go and they all jumped in on it pretty quickly," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "Right now, it's just a function of determining what all damage is done. They're moving folks, as we've seen, to care centers and take some folks over to Halifax Medical."
Stewart, who won for the 19th time at Daytona and seventh time in the last nine season-opening Nationwide races, was in no mood to celebrate.
An injured spectator is treated after a crash at the conclusion of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Driver Kyle Larson's car hit the safety fence sending car parts and other debris flying into the stands.(AP Photo/David Graham)
"The important thing is what going on on the frontstretch right now," said Stewart, the three-time NASCAR champion. "We've always known, and since racing started, this is a dangerous sport. But it's hard. We assume that risk, but it's hard when the fans get caught up in it.
"So as much as we want to celebrate right now and as much as this is a big deal to us, I'm more worried about the drivers and the fans that are in the stands right now because that was ... I could see it all in my mirror, and it didn't look good from where I was at."
The accident spread into the upper deck and emergency crews treated fans on both levels. There were five stretchers that appeared to be carrying fans out, and a helicopter flew overhead. A forklift was used to pluck Larson's engine out of the fence, and there appeared to be a tire in the stands.
Daytona President Joie Chitwood waited by steps as emergency workers attended to those in the stands. Across the track, fans pressed against a fence and used binoculars trying to watch. Wrecked cars and busted parts were strewn across the garage.
"It's a violent wreck. Just seeing the carnage on the racetrack, it's truly unbelievable," driver Justin Allgaier said.
It was a chaotic finish to a race that was stopped nearly 20 minutes five laps from the finish by a 13-car accident that sent driver Michael Annett to a local hospital for further evaluation. NASCAR said Annett was awake and alert.
The race resumed with three laps to go, and the final accident occurred with Regan Smith leading as he headed out of the final turn to the checkered flag. He admittedly tried to block Brad Keselowski to preserve the win.
"I tried to throw a block, it's Daytona, you want to go for the win here," Smith said. "I don't know how you can play it any different other than concede second place, and I wasn't willing to do that today. Our job is to put them in position to win, and it was, and it didn't work out."
As the cars began wrecking all around Smith and Keselowski, Stewart slid through for the win, but Larson plowed into Keselowski and his car was sent airborne into the stands. When Larson's car came to a stop, it was missing its entire front end. The 20-year-old, who made his Daytona debut this week, stood apparently stunned, hands on his hips, several feet away from his car, before finally making the mandatory trip to the care center.
He later said his first thought was with the fans.
"I hope all the fans are OK and all the drivers are all right," Larson said. "I took a couple big hits there and saw my engine was gone. Just hope everybody's all right."
He said he was along for the ride in the last-lap accident.
"I was getting pushed from behind, I felt like, and by the time my spotter said lift or go low, it was too late," Larson said. "I was in the wreck and then felt like it was slowing down and I looked like I could see the ground. Had some flames come in the cockpit, but luckily I was all right and could get out of the car quick."
It appeared fans were lined right along the fence when Larson's car sailed up and into it.
Keselowski watched a replay of the final accident, but said his first thoughts were with the fans. As for the accident, he agreed he tried to make a winning move and Smith tried to block.
"He felt like that's what he had to do, and that's his right. The chaos comes with it," Keselowski said. "I made the move and he blocked it, and the two of us got together and started the chain events that caused that wreck. First and foremost, just want to make sure everyone in the stands is OK and we're thinking about them."
Keselowski said the incident could cast a pall on Sunday's season-opening Daytona 500.
"I think until we know exactly the statuses of everyone involved, it's hard to lock yourself into the 500," Keselowski said. "Hopefully we'll know soon and hopefully everyone's OK. And if that's the case, we'll staring focusing on Sunday."
) as the Indians begin Cactus League play against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark in Arizona.
