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Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam focuses on NFL Draft after addressing FBI investigation into Pilot Flying J

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Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said the focus of this week should be the start of the Browns' minicamp, not on the raid of his family company in Knoxville. He planned to return to Cleveland on Thursday and be involved in preparations for the NFL Draft, which begins next week.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam on Tuesday denied wrongdoing in a federal investigation aimed at his family business, Pilot Flying J, and said "the last thing I want to do" is put a blemish on Cleveland or the Browns.

Haslam said the focus of the week should be the start of the Browns' minicamp. He planned to return to Cleveland on Thursday and be involved in preparations for the NFL Draft, which begins next week.

He met with reporters at Pilot Flying J's headquarters in Knoxville, a day after federal agents descended on the Haslam family business in Knoxville. FBI and IRS agents executed four search warrants to seize documents and information about the nationwide chain of truck stops and convenience stores.

The Haslam news conference can be seen on the WBIR web site.

He said he believed the federal criminal investigation centers on allegations by "a very insignificant number" of trucking company customers that were owed rebates that were never paid.

"We, of course, disagree," Haslam said in the televised meeting with reporters.

He explained the rebate system like this: If a trucking company buys 50,000 gallons of gas from Pilot Flying J, it receives so much of a rebate. If it buys 100,000 gallons, it would receive another amount.

He said Pilot Flying J deals with 3,300 companies and said he was uncertain of how much money or the number of customers involved in the probe, though he said "we believe it to be a low number." He stressed that the issue of rebates has never been raised before.

Haslam said several sales people were served with subpoenas, but he said that he was not. He said that while the IRS was involved in the raids he did not expect there to be any tax implications.

U.S. Attorney Bill Killian declined to discuss the subpoenas or the case, calling it an "ongoing investigation." He said three search warrants were executed Monday and a fourth Monday night. Told about Pilot Flying J's characterization revolved around rebates for a small number of customers, Killian's voice stiffened.

"They're free to say anything they want to say," he said.

Haslam said his company is doing an internal audit, in addition to the federal investigation. He said he is unsure how long the federal investigation will take, but he is prepared for it to take a long time. Haslam stressed that the company is cooperating with the investigation.

The raid came two months after Haslam, envisioned by many as an active and hands-on NFL owner, returned to run the family's company, a business that Forbes Magazine ranked as the sixth-largest private company in America.

In a statement released before the press conference, Pilot Flying J provided reporters with a series of questions and answers about the investigation. The statement offered little new information, but it did raise the issue of whether the investigation is politically motivated.

The answer: "That's not for us to say." Haslam's brother, Bill, is the governor of Tennessee.

Another question focused on the scope of the investigation.

"Are the feds targeting any executives?" the statement reads.

"Not to our knowledge."

Within hours of the FBI and IRS raid Monday, shock waves hit Cleveland. Haslam's public relations firm released a statement that said "the FBI secured our headquarters today and informed us they are investigating Pilot Flying J. We will cooperate appropriately with any and all external investigations and conduct our own. I believe and trust there has been no wrongdoing. The integrity of our company always has been job No. 1."

Knoxville news outlets reported that agents refused to allow traffic to enter the headquarters' grounds.

Pilot was founded in 1958 by Jim Haslam. His son, Jimmy, runs a business often described as one of the largest private companies in America. Bill Haslam resigned from the company to become mayor of Knoxville and is now Tennessee's governor.

Jimmy Haslam had stepped down from Pilot Flying J soon after he bought the Browns last summer for more than $1 billion. In February, he resumed the CEO position from PepsiCo president John Compton, saying he missed running the family business.

Haslam said Tuesday that Compton continues to serve as an adviser to Pilot Flying J and the Browns.


Ohio legislators disapprove of state deer hunting proposals

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A group of Ohio legislators have challenged the proposed deer hunting regulations for 2013-14. The Ohio Wildlife Council is to vote on the proposals Wednesday in Columbus.

deer-nibbles-cinci-02-ap.jpg View full size Efforts to thin the deer herd in populated areas are among the issues raised by state lawmakers as the Ohio Division of Wildlife announces its 2013 hunting policies on Wednesday.  

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio legislators rarely get involved in the business of setting hunting seasons in the Buckeye State, but this year's radical changes in deer rules and regulations proposed by the Ohio Division of Wildlife has provoked lawmakers to challenge the recommendations of state game biologists.

The Ohio Wildlife Council is scheduled to approve the 2013-14 Ohio deer hunting regulations Wednesday during a 6:30 p.m. meeting at the District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. No comments are allowed during the meeting.

A contingent of 28 legislators signed on to an April 10 letter by Sen. Chris Widener, a Republican from Springfield, to ODOW Chief Scott Zody opposing the changes. The four major complaints are: eliminating the two-day gun season in late December; deer bag limits being trimmed too much in a dozen southern counties; elimination of the liberal antlerless deer harvest in urban deer zones; and major changes in an early-season muzzleloading rifle deer hunt.

"These proposed changes lack scientific basis and will disrupt successful deer management policies," wrote Widener. "Rules set by the ODOW must promote outdoorsmanship while maintaining order and safety. Certain provisions of the proposed rules changes have failed in this regard."

The challenge did not sway Zody.

"We've provided the council with background information, as well as the process we went through in developing the deer proposals," said Zody on Tuesday. "The information has been laid out for them, as well as for the Ohio Farm Bureau, Quality Deer Management Association and other outdoor groups. We also provided  sportsmen's comments from open houses around the state and on the ODOW web site."

Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox: Get updates tonight

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Get updates as the Indians begin a three-game series with Boston tonight at Progressive Field.

Game 12: Indians (5-6) vs. Red Sox (8-4)

First pitch: 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field

TV/radio: STO; WTAM AM/1100.

Starting pitchers: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (0-1, 6.97) vs. LHP Felix Doubront (0-0, 5.40)

Weather: Mostly sunny, 55 degrees, 20 percent chain of rain.

Box score | MLB scoreboard

» Get updates from Paul Hoynes in the pressbox here

» You can also follow Tweets about the game and post your comments below.

Michael Bourn headed to disabled list; Cord Phelps recalled from Columbus: Cleveland Indians Insider

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Manager Terry Francona said left-hander Scott Kazmir is on scheduled to be activated and start against Houston on Saturday after throwing a rehab game Monday for Columbus.

bourn-finger-injury-2013-cc.jpg View full size Indians assistant trainer Jeff Desjardins helps Michael Bourn with his injured right index finger after Bourn collided with the White Sox pitcher Matt Thornton Sunday afternoon.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians centerfielder Michael Bourn will be out of the lineup for at least 10 days with five stitches in the index finger of his right hand.

Indians manager Terry Francona said the reason Bourn hasn’t been placed on the DL yet is Scott Kazmir. The left-hander pitched five scoreless innings Monday in a rehab game at Class AAA Columbus.

“We fully expect Kazmir to be ready to start for us Saturday [in Houston],” said Francona. “But if Scott is just a little bit sore, it gives us a chance to do something different.”

Kazmir, on the DL with a strained right rib cage, struck out five and didn’t walk a batter against Louisville. He threw 62 pitches, 41 for strikes. “It went well,” he said. “I threw all my pitches. My command was there. Threw a lot of strikes.”

After his outing, he went to the bullpen and threw 13 pitches to reach 75.

“I didn’t have any pain, but I’m sore today because it’s been a while since I pitched.”

Pitching coach Mickey Callaway was in Columbus to watch Kazmir.

Bourn's finger has been splinted so he can't move the finger. The Indians recalled infielder Cord Phelps from Class AAA Columbus today and sent down catcher Omir Santos to make room.

Bourn was injured in Sunday's loss to the Chicago White Sox when he attempted to slide into first base and was stepped on by pitcher Matt Thornton.

Also out of the lineup for tonight's game against Boston is second baseman Jason Kipnis, who has missed the last two games with a sore left elbow. Drew Stubbs was moved from right to center for tonight's game with Ryan Raburn inserted in right. Mike Aviles was the starter at second.

Catcher Carlos Santana, who missed four games with a bruised thumb, was back in the starting lineup posted this afternoon. Santana will be wearing a batting glove on his left hand when he catches. The glove has added padding the thumb area to help protect it.

Phelps hit .375 in spring training, but was optioned to Columbus and started the season on the disabled list with neck stiffness. He was 1-for-8 in two games with the Clippers before the recall.

Finally: Catcher Lou Marson started his rehab assignment at Columbus on Tuesday night. Marson is on the DL with a cervical neck strain.

FBI investigation of Jimmy Haslam's Pilot Flying Jay a concern for Cleveland Browns fans: Terry Pluto

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Jimmy Haslam should understand why Browns fans are nervous as the new owner is being investigated by the FBI.

Gallery preview

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There are so many unanswered questions about the FBI's investigation of Jimmy Haslam's Pilot Flying J company.

But this much Browns fans do know: It's never good when the FBI shows up at your office and raids the place. It's even worse when the Internal Revenue Service comes along -- and do so on April 15th.

So you can understand why some fans are very nervous about what's happening with the owner of their favorite football team. Maybe Haslam is right, and the investigation is only about "rebates" to trucking companies. Maybe it's an "insignificant number of customers," as Haslam said at a Tuesday press conference.

There are more maybe's. Maybe he is correct that there "are no tax issues involved," and that the company did nothing wrong. Maybe none of this will affect the Browns, as Haslam insists it will be "business as usual." Maybe he will be exonerated, as he "disagrees" with the contention that there are problems with his rebate payments to trucking companies.

But candidly, as the owner likes to say, fans are worried about their team and the new owner. At the very least, the FBI probe will divide his attention. It's never cheap to defend yourself in this type of criminal investigation.

Haslam bought the team in August (the deal finalized in October) for $1 billion. He vowed to be an active owner, moving from his Knoxville home to Northeast Ohio to be closer to the Browns. Fans considered former owner Randy Lerner absent and unengaged. Lerner was camera shy and hadn't had a press conference in year. In his first few months on the job, Haslam embraced the media and the big stage of the most popular franchise in town.

As the 2012 football season opened, Pepsi president John Compton was hired to replace Haslam as CEO of Pilot Flying J. According to media reports, Compton didn't take over the company until January 1. On February 11, only six weeks after assuming control, Compton was named an "advisor" as Haslam returned to Knoxville and his old job.

On April 15, the investigation hit.

Since the end of the season, Haslam has kept a very low media profile until his Tuesday press conference.

Fans have endured decades of Art Modell searching for cash, even bragging that he had to go to "five banks" to secure a loan to pay free agent receiver Andre Rison. That was in 1994. A year later, Modell took the team to Baltimore.

Then the Browns returned in 1999, owned by Al Lerner. It was on his private jet that Modell signed the deal to move the franchise. The Lerner family was forgiven because they were the owners of the new Browns. But after only two winning seasons and the NFL's worst record from 1999-2011, most fans welcomed the sale to Haslam last season.

It helps that Browns CEO Joe Banner is an experienced football executive, having run the Philadelphia Eagles. Maybe this will all work out for Haslam and the Browns.

But big questions do hang over the franchise.

Video: Brandon Weeden talks about his second year as Cleveland Browns quarterback

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Watch Brandon Weeden and the rest of the Cleveland Browns on the field for the first time under new head coach Rob Chudzinski

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden talks about taking the next step in his game as the team hit the field for the first time under new head coach Rob Chudzinski.

Weeden said feels more comfortable in the new offense under offensive coordinator Norv Turner and has been working on fundamentals that will improve his accuracy.

To reach this Plain Dealer videographer: dandersen@plaind.com

On Twitter: @CLEvideos


Cleveland Browns' 100 best all-time players: No. 37, Doug Dieken (video)

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Dieken played in all 207 regular season and playoff games for the 1971-84 Browns, including the last 198 as the starter at left offensive tackle.


CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A countdown of the top 100 players in Cleveland
Browns history. Players must have spent at least four seasons with the
Browns. The ranking is based only on players' careers with the Browns.



No. 37, Doug Dieken, offensive tackle, 1971-84



Many younger fans may solely identify Doug Dieken as the analyst on the radio broadcasts of Browns games.



Dieken, with his humility and ability to poke fun at himself, only occasionally refers to the days when he was among the NFL's most respected, yet under-rated, offensive tackles.



Dieken didn't miss a game during his 14-season career, all spent with the Browns. He played in all 203 regular season and four playoff games, following Hall of Famer Lou Groza and then Dick Schafrath (whom many believe should be a Hall of Famer) as the third regular left offensive tackle in team history. Dieken took over for Schafrath, then 34 and hampered by injuries, in the 10th game of his 1971 rookie season. Beginning with that contest and including the playoff games, Dieken started all 198 games through the 1984 season, after which he retired.



At 6-5 and maybe a little short of 260 pounds during most of his career, Dieken was less bulky than many of the players he had to block. The combination of his athleticism and leverage, though, and his ability to technically apply those qualities, made Dieken a superb pass and run blocker.



The Browns picked Dieken in the sixth round of the 1971 draft. He had played tight end at the University of Illinois, finishing his career as, then, the second-leading receiver in Fighting Illini history.



A highlight of Dieken's pro career was his catch of a 14-yard touchdown pass from Paul McDonald during the second quarter of the Browns' 25-19 overtime win over the Houston Oilers on Oct. 30, 1983 at Cleveland Stadium. Dieken strolled into the end zone to complete the fake field goal, tackle-eligible play after catching the pass from McDonald, the holder, at the 5-yard line.



Dieken protected Brian Sipe's blind side during the quarterback's 10 Cleveland seasons (1974-83, not including Sipe's 1972-73 seasons on the Browns' taxi squad, the rough equivalent of today's practice squads). Sipe won the 1980 NFL MVP award, leading the "Kardiac Kids" to an AFC Central Division title.



Dieken began working as the radio color commentator for Browns' games in 1985, his first season off the playing field. Not counting the 1996-98 campaigns when Cleveland was without a team, the 2013 season will be Dieken's 26th straight. It will be the 15th consecutive year -- beginning with the franchise's return in 1999 -- for the broadcast team of Dieken and play-by-play announcer Jim Donovan.



(The Browns' all-time top 100 players so far)



Video: Part 1 of the 1971 Browns highlights film. About 7:20 in, Cleveland's offensive line is featured. About 7:50 in, the focus is on rookie left offensive tackle Doug Dieken.



Cleveland Golden Gloves will have 24 bouts at finals: Boxing Insider

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The 85th Cleveland Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament winds up Saturday with 24 title bouts at the Brook Park Recreation Center.


gloversondrey.jpg The Golden Gloves finals are Saturday.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio - If you are into a marathon night of amateur boxing, Saturday's finals of the 85th Cleveland Golden Gloves are for you.

Twenty-four championship bouts, including four women's matches, are scheduled to go at the Brook Park Recreation Center, 17400 Sheldon Rd., in Brook Park. After last year's session lasted into the early morning, organizers have moved up the start for the finals to 6 p.m.

After last Saturday's semifials, the 132-pound final between Jeremy Abrams from the Old School Boxing Club and Tyler Smith from the Downtown B.C. shapes up as an early crowd pleaser. Both won hard-fought decisions to reach the title round. Five returning champions from the novice and sub-novice ranks have moved up divisions.

Tickets are $20, $10 for youth under 12. Table seating is also available. Call 216-662-7445.    
 
Around the ring - Nonito Donaire (31-2, 20 KOs) of the Philippines lost his WBO 122-pound title to Cuba's WBA super bantamweight champ Guillermo Rigondeaux (12-0, 9 KOs) on a unanimous decision in New York last Saturday. Rigondeaux suffered a 10th-round knockdown, but was still in front on all the scorecards by 114-113, 115-113 and 116-111. ... Two undercard bouts were announced for the May 4 bout in Las Vegas between Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0, 26 KOs) and Robert Guerrero (31-1-1, 18 KOs). WBC featherweight champ Daniel Ponce de Leon (44-4, 35 KOs) will defend against Abner Mares (25-0-1, 13 KOs) and IBF bantamweight champ Leo Santa Cruz (23-0-1, 13 KOs) will move up to 122 pounds to face Alexander Munoz (36-4, 27 KOs). You will have to shell out some dough to watch them on Showtime PPV. ... Showtime is airing weekly episodes of its documentary series "All Access: Mayweather vs. Guerrero" on both Showtime on Demand and the CBS Sports Network. The second segment airs Wednesday on Showtime at 10 p.m. ... HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" has a segment on the dedication of boxer Boyd Melson, who donates his purses to spinal cord research in honor of a paralyzed friend. It airs tonight [TUESDAY] at 10 p.m., with numerous replays throughout the month. ... HBO is going with "Boxing Before Dark" on April 27 when heavyweight contenders Chris Arreolo and (35-2, 30 KOs) and Bermane Stiverne (22-1-1, 20 KOs) meet in Ontario, Calif., at 8:30 p.m. - 5:30 on the West Coast. ... HBO will be in Montreal on June 8 when WBC light heavyweight champ Chad Dawson (31-2, 17 KOs) defends against Adonis Stevenson (20-1, 17 KOs).   

History - Sugar Ray Robinson stopped Rocky Graziano  in the third round in Chicago in 1952.

Famers - The Ohio State Former Boxers and Associates has named its annual Hall of Fame class. Joe Santamaria, Eli Dixon, Leonard Church and Paul Buckner will be inducted during banquet ceremonies at Carrie Cerino's Ristorante and Party Center in North Royalton on June 2 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $40. Call Mike Galassi at 216-276-0123 or Gene Glen at 216-721-1674.
   
Friday - The ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" are in Atlantic City, N.J., where WBA interim featherweight champ Javier Fortuna (21-0, 15 KOs) will defend against Miguel Zamudio (25-1-1, 13 KOs) at 9 p.m.

Saturday - Afternoon boxing returns to network television as NBC shows the heavyweight bout between contenders Tyson Fury (20-0, 14 KOs) and former cruiserweight titlist Steve Cunningham (25-5, 12 KOs) from The Theater at Madison Square Garden at 4 p.m.

Showtime comes back at night with what should be a good one as WBC 154-pound champ Canelo Alvarez (41-0-1, 30 KOs) takes on WBA champ Austin Trout (26-0, 14 KOs) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Tex., at 10 p.m. In a non-televised bout on the undercard, Cleveland's 2012 Olympian Terrell Gausha (3-0, 2 KOs) takes on Eddie Tigs (1-5-2).
    
To reach this Plain Dealer Reporter:
jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168
On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

 


Cleveland Indians' Terry Francona hopes baseball offers a balm to wounded Boston

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Manager Terry Francona hoped Tuesday's game will offer some help to the people of Boston who are still recovering from Monday's bombings. Watch video

pedroia-fans-bos-cleve-2013-ap.jpg View full size Boston's Dustin Pedroia walks past a condolence sign in the Red Sox dugout before Tuesday's game against the Indians at Progressive Field.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After spending eight years as manager of the Red Sox, Terry Francona has a good feel for Boston. Especially when it comes to its people.

Still, he had no idea what their reaction will be to the Boston Marathon bombings on Monday that left three dead and over 100 injured.

"I really don't know," said Francona on Tuesday before his Indians opened a three-game series against the Red Sox at Progressive Field. "I don't know how anybody could answer that. I imagine they'll be very resilient. That wouldn't surprise me at all."

Francona hoped that Tuesday night's game between the Indians and Red Sox would bring some normalcy to Boston.

"If it helps anybody at all, that would be terrific," said Francona. "Just from being there the time that I was, [Patriots' Day] is so special to people in Boston. They're so proud of that day.

"You have the marathon, the game. It's a big deal. It's a very personal day for the city of Boston and New England. I don't know how you quantify what happened. It's just unfair. I just hope maybe this game does help some people."

Team President Mark Shapiro said the Indians would have a moment of silence before the game and wear black arm bands on their uniforms to show their "respect, sympathy and support" for Boston and its citizens.

On Monday, Francona was at Progressive Field and didn't immediately learn about the bombings. He checked his cell phone and saw a bunch of missed calls and knew something had happened.

"I went and turned the TV on and saw right where it was," he said. "Again, it's personal for just about everybody. Some of those views, you could see the church where my daughter got married. It's very unsettling for everybody."

Justin Masterson pitched for the Red Sox in 2008 and 2009 before getting traded to the Indians. He knows the buzz Patriots' Day creates in Boston.

"When you see the images, the explosion," said Masterson. "It's in the crowd, a bunch of innocent people who were just there to encourage other people. ... It's just sad. I understand we live in an evil world, but it's sad that any person would think of or want to do anything like that."

Francona, who managed the Red Sox from 2004-11, said you didn't have to have Boston roots to take what happened personally.

"Whether it's personal or not, it seems like it gets personal," he said. "You turn on the TV and you hear right wing, left wing. I wish there were no wings.

"I just wish people would get along. I don't understand it and I don't pretend to. I hope that there's people way smarter than me that some how, some day will have figured this out so stuff like this doesn't happen. It's hard enough to be an adult. Can you imagine being a little kid growing up now? It's hard. It just makes you feel bad."

Finally: Catcher Lou Marson started his rehab assignment at Columbus on Tuesday night. Marson is on the DL with a cervical neck strain.

Akron, Kent State sign local recruits; Cleveland State has visits set up

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The spring basketball signing period began Wednesday with Akron and Kent State getting new players in the fold. Cleveland State is still taking visits from recruits.

derek jackson cameron wright.jpg Derek Jackson (right) when he played at Benedictine. He plans to play at Kent State next season. Teammate Cameron Wright currently plays at Pitt.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Akron and Kent State basketball programs both found themselves in need of point guards at the end of the season — and went out and got them. The spring signing period for college basketball began Wednesday, with both schools picking up local talent from the junior college ranks.

At Cleveland State, freshman guard Josh Ivory will transfer and that has the Vikings looking to fill that vacancy and have lined up recruiting visits. “We’re trying to get one, either a point guard or a transfer,” CSU head coach Gary Waters said.

For Akron, Nyles Evans, a 6-0, 170-pound point guard out of Brevard Junior College in Florida, will join the Zips next season. Evans played his high school ball at Canton Hoover.

For Kent, Derek Jackson, a 6-0, 175-pound guard, will join the Golden Flashes. He played locally at Benedictine, then two seasons at Central Michigan, before transferring to Cuyahoga Community College.

Evans averaged 15.7 points a game this season, shooting 40.6 percent overall and 34.4 percent on 3-pointers. He also averaged 3.3 assists per game, all of which will help ease the loss of Alex Abreu, who was suspended prior to the last game of the regular season after his arrest on drug charges.

Evans, with two years of eligibility, will become the first junior college recruit for the Zips since Dambrot, then an Akron assistant, recruited Johnny Hollingsworth and Derrick Tarver to become Zips in 2004.

“We committed (Evans) before the Alex Abreu situation came up because we thought he was just too good,” Dambrot said. “We couldn’t pass on him. He’s a local kid who really got better in junior college. He’s a perfect pick-up for us, and he will play point guard.”

Jackson was a starter for the Chippewas, where he averaged 11.5 points a game on 38.7 percent shooting with 1.8 assists. “They actually recruited me out of high school,” Jackson said. “A couple of other schools wanted me but this is closer to home, and they play how I like to play.”

Kent also signed multi-dimensional Devin Carter, a 6-4 swingman from Lake Land Community College in Illinois. Carter will have three years of eligibility for the Flashes and was coveted by several Missouri Valley schools, including Bradley, where former KSU coach Geno Ford is head man.

Carter is the prototypical late bloomer who averaged 17.5 points a game, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He is big and physical, capable of playing all three perimeter positions. 

EJ Manuel is more than just a smokescreen - Browns Comment of the Day

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"It's more than a smokescreen. The Browns DO NOT have a franchise quarterback. Why would they stop looking for one? A draft, as many call it, with few good prospects is still a draft with possibilities. They've watched the tape of the last few years and decided not to hedge their bets and to play the hand dealt. Only a fool would not fold a few of those cards a draw a few more. Keep your options open, you never know when the aces may show up." = brownsorno1

EJ-MANUEL.JPG View full size The Browns will work out EJ Manuel at Florida State on Saturday.  
In response to the story Cleveland Browns will conduct private workout with QB EJ Manuel at Florida State on Saturday, cleveland.com reader brownsorno1 thinks EJ Manuel is much more than a smokescreen for the Browns.

"It's more than a smokescreen. The Browns DO NOT have a franchise quarterback. Why would they stop looking for one? A draft, as many call it, with few good prospects is still a draft with possibilities. They've watched the tape of the last few years and decided not to hedge their bets and to play the hand dealt. Only a fool would not fold a few of those cards a draw a few more. Keep your options open, you never know when the aces may show up."

Do you think the Browns will draft a quarterback? If so, who?

Champagne Tonight to battle in $87,000 Courageous Lady on April 26: Horse Racing Insider

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Locally owned pacing star Champagne Tonight will make her season debut at Northfield Park in the $87,000 Courageous Lady for 3-year-old filly pacers.

Sure Thing .jpg Sure Thing and driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. capture Monday's $5,000 Open Trot at Northfield Park in 1:57.3 for owner-trainer Elpidio Bernardi Jr. of Carleton, Mich. It was the 37th career win for the favorite, who beat Lady Rev and Senator Sam to the wire.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Locally owned pacing star Champagne Tonight will make her season debut at Northfield Park in the $87,000 Courageous Lady for 3-year-old filly pacers on April 26.

The race will be the harness track's first stakes race of the year.

"We have 20 3-year-old filly pacers nominated for the Courageous Lady," said Executive Vice President of Racing/Simulcast Dave Bianconi. "I expect a lot of them to be in the entry box (on Tuesday morning), since the stakes fees have already been paid."

Trained by Clair Umholtz, Champagne Tonight won six of eight races in 2012, earning $202,316 for the Umholtz Racing Stable Inc. and Ngaire Umholtz of Sagamore Hills and the Kennedy Sports Corporation of Macedonia.

The daughter of Western Terror was broke and trained at Northfield Park, but did most of her racing last year in Pennsylvania Sires Stakes events. Brett Miller, once a regular here and now a top driver at The Meadows in Washington, Pa., is expected to return to Northfield Park on Thursday morning to put  Champagne Tonight through her paces in a qualifying test.

"This is the first stakes race of the season for the 3-year-old fillies, and I expect to find a good mix of Canadian and Pennsylvania stars," said Bianconi.

On his list of probables is Diligent Prospect, racing this week at Pocono Downs. The young pacer has yet to win a race for trainer Pete Foley, but had six second-place finishes against top competition in 2012, earning more than $97,000. Foley trained Bolt the Duer, who won Northfield's $100,000 Cleveland Classic in 2012.

Northfield hosts the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie for older pacers on July 20; and the $130,000 Cleveland Classic for 3-year-old pacing colts on Dec. 14. The Ohio Sires Stakes, which will be much richer this season fueled by racino and casino funding, makes a few stops here in July and August. The Summit County Fair Stakes are July 27.

ThistleDown stakes: The $50,000 Dr. T.F. Classen Memorial on May 3 and the $75,000 Michael F. Rowland Memorial on May 18 are kicking off this year's stakes schedule at ThistleDown, which opens Friday. The rest of the stakes schedule has yet to be approved by the Ohio State Racing Commission, said the track's new racing secretary, Pat Ellsworth.

A big change this year will be a return to Sunday racing. The thoroughbred track will kick off its season with racing on Friday through Sunday in April. About 800 horses are already on the grounds, and the backstretch horse population could top the 1,000 mark soon.

Animal Kingdom stands in U.S.: A new deal will allow Animal Kingdom, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby and the recent $10 million Dubai World Cup, to stand at breeding farms in both Australia and the U.S.

Arrowfield Stud in Australia had purchased breeding rights from owner Team Valor International, which includes Youngstown sportsman Bruce Zoldan. It was announced this week Sheikh Mohammed and the Darley management team have acquired a 29 percent interest in Animal Kingdom, with the son of Leroidesanimaux to also stand at Darley's Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Arrowfield Stud set Animal Kingdom's fee at $40,000.

Animal Kingdom has won $8.3 million in his career, and isn't finished racing. The 5-year-old travels to England in June to race in the Queen Anne Stakes or the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot.

John Velazquez, after escaping serious injury in a racing spill at Aqueduct last weekend, won the Kentucky Derby with Animal Kingdom and is expected to ride him at Royal Ascot. Joel Rosario was in the saddle for the impressive Dubai World Cup victory.

Trotting and pacing: Double Dribble ($17.20) won the $5,000 Open Pace, and Sure Thing ($4) took the $5,000 Open Trot on Monday's card at Northfield. Trainer-driver Sam Schillaci guided Double Dribble to a 1:54.3 mile for owner Mike Foot of Bradenton, Fla. Driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and Sure Thing clocked a 1:57.3 victory for owner-trainer Elipidio Bernardi Jr. of Carleton, Mich.

The Horseplayers Association of North America's Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge makes its national debut with the Courageous Lady Pace, as top handicappers compete for their charities . . . Chris Page drove five winners at Northfield Park on April 12 to push his season-leading total here to 133 and to 156 victories in 2013, fifth in the national standings . . . Lima Adore ($130.60) scored a major upset April 12 with Ryan Stahl in the sulky, kicking off an 8-1-6 trifecta that paid $13,019.

Down the stretch: The Kentucky Derby is just three weeks away, and while Verrazano has the credentials, the bay colt owned by the Let's Go Stable isn't getting a lot of respect. Verrazano won the $1 million Wood Memorial at New York's Aqueduct Racetrack, his fourth victory in a row, but some were put off by the slow pace. The 4-5 favorite, Verrazano ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.27 to beat Normandy Invasion by less than a length.

The BloodHorse.com's Steve Haskin gave Revolutionary the nod again this week in his Derby Dozen, forecasting better things ahead after tough trips this spring. Haskin has Orb as his second choice, but worries about his speed. Verrazano ranks third, followed by Normandy Invasion and Overanalyze. Trainer Todd Pletcher has the edge with Revolutionary, Verrazano and Overanalyze all members of his Todd Pletcher Stable.

 

 

NFL Draft 2013 Scouting Report: Defensive backs

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This is the first in a series of position analyses by Browns beat writer Tom Reed leading up to the April 25-27 NFL Draft.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is the first in a series of position analyses by Browns beat writer Tom Reed leading up to the April 25-27 NFL Draft.

Best of the best

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

6-0, 201, 4.35

There's ample debate on who is the best player at many positions in the draft. Not at cornerback. Milliner is the consensus pick, a two-time national champion and first-team All American. While he's recovering from a torn labrum, Milliner should be ready to go for the start of his rookie season. He quieted some critics at the combine by running a 4.35 in the 40. Milliner doesn't lack confidence and believes he would make the perfect partner for Joe Haden. He's a physical corner who's not afraid to step up and make a tackle. Some question if he's an elite athlete.

Best of the rest

Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

6-2, 210, 4.39

He possesses good size and relishes playing press coverage. He's not afraid to gamble, which at times leaves him vulnerable to play fakes and misdirection. Will initiate contact which raises concerns about interference calls.

Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

6-0, 190, 4.38

He has excellent bloodlines with two brothers, Marcus and Isaiah, in the NFL. Trufant is a four-year starter and a versatile corner adept at playing man and zone. Relies on his athleticism sometimes at the expense of fundamentals.

Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas

6-0, 214, 4.59

Top safety in the field and a likely first-round pick. He's athletic and versatile with the ability to cover slot receivers and deliver the punishing hit. Lacks great ball skills. He intercepted just five balls in 51 games.

Eric Reid, FS, LSU

6-1, 213, 4.49

He possesses good size and isn't shy about using it. He's a physical player, but one who needs to conform to the way the game is being called. He's been fortunate to play in a secondary with very good corners.

Others to watch

Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi

6-2, 185, 4.59

Tall and flexible, Banks also possesses good footwork for a big corner. Not a consistent tackler and can take bad angles to the ballcarrier.

Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

5-11, 192, 4.37

Versatile and athletic, but does not excel in press coverage. That might hurt in the eyes of defensive coordinator Ray Horton.

Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State

6-1, 208, 4.57

Thomas can make plays. He had 8 INTs last season, returning three for TDs, and forced five fumbles. He's a gambler, who can also get beat deep.

On the Browns

Starters: Joe Haden (CB), T.J. Ward (SS), Tashaun Gipson (FS).

Backups: Buster Skrine (CB), Trevin Wade (CB), Johnson Bademosi (CB), Eric Hagg (S), Kevin Barnes (CB), Prince Miller (CB), Chris Owens (CB).

Level of need (1 to 10): Nine.

The Browns need help at both cornerback and safety and did little to address the positions in free agency. Arguably the biggest hole in their lineup is starting cornerback, where they must find someone to play opposite Joe Haden. The club went 0-5 in games that Haden didn't play last season and their lack of quality depth was glaring even before they allowed Sheldon Brown to depart through free agency.

Under the scheme of new defensive coordinator Ray Horton, the cornerbacks will play lots of press coverage. The Browns likely require two new cornerbacks -- a starter and someone to challenge for the nickelback spot.

Free safety is also a concern, but that didn't stop them from releasing Usama Young, a spot starter the past two seasons. The club likes Gipson, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Browns draft another free safety. But the focus heading into the draft is at corner.

Indians vs. Red Sox: Get updates tonight

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Get updates tonight as the Indians look to get back in the win column against the Red Sox at Progressive Field.

Game 13: Indians (5-7) vs. Red Sox (9-4)

First pitch: 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field

TV/radio: STO; WMMS FM/100.7.

Starting pitchers: RHP Justin Masterson (3-0, 0.41) vs. RHP Alfredo Aceves (0-0, 6.75)

Weather: Cloudy with a few showers, 56 degrees, 30 percent chance of rain.

Box score | MLB scoreboard

» Get updates from Paul Hoynes in the pressbox here

» You can also follow Tweets about the game and post your comments below.

To lead off, some musical chairs for Tribe: Cleveland Indians Chatter

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Manager Terry Francona said he's going to mix and match at the top of the order until Michael Bourn, placed on the 15-day DL, returns. Watch video


CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Heard and seen before the second game of the Indians-Red Sox series.

Clubhouse confidential: For their second game without Michael Bourn, the Indians used their second different leadoff hitter.

Michael Brantley started Wednesday night in the leadoff spot against Boston after Drew Stubbs got the call in Tuesday's 7-2 loss. In five plate appearances, Stubbs reached base three times on two walks and a single.

Manager Terry Francona said he's going to mix and match at the top of the order until Bourn, placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday afternoon, returns. That means Stubbs, Brantley, Jason Kipnis and, perhaps, Asdrubal Cabrera will get a shot leading off. Kipnis, however, has to get his left elbow healthy and Cabrera has to start hitting.

Brantley hit .227 (22-for-97) with 14 runs leading off last season. In his career, Brantley is a .267 (216-for-808) hitter in the leadoff spot with 105 runs.

Play time needed: Catcher Lou Marson was scheduled to start his rehab assignment Tuesday for Class AAA Columbus, but the Clippers were rained out. Marson, who says his sore neck is feeling better, will join Columbus on Thursday in Toledo when they play the Mudhens.

"I need to get back to playing baseball," said Marson, injured in a home-plate collision April 6.

Stat of the day: The Indians have left 84 runners on base, compared to 74 by the opposition.

 


'Outrageous' rebates make it hard to compete against Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam's Pilot Flying J, competitor says

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Burt Newman, the vice president of Professional Transportation Partners, said rebates are a standard practice in the trucking industry. What makes Haslam's company, Pilot Flying J, different is that the company's rebates are so ridiculously better than other competitors that few can put up a fight, Newman said.

james.jpg Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, the chief executive officer of Pilot Flying J  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The rebates that Jimmy Haslam says are at the heart of a federal criminal investigation into his company have made it impossible for smaller, independent truck stops to compete against Haslam's massive Pilot Flying J, a trucking industry official says.

Haslam, the owner of the Browns, has denied any wrongdoing.

Burt Newman, the vice president of Professional Transportation Partners, said rebates are a standard practice in the trucking industry. What makes Haslam's company, Pilot Flying J, different is that the company's rebates are so ridiculously better than other competitors that few can put up a fight, Newman said.

"They offer rebates that are outrageous and impossible to compete against," Newman said. Haslam's company can offer such rebates because they have about 600 truck stops/travel centers across the country.

It isn't the first time the issue has come up. In 2010, competitors complained to the Federal Trade Commission as Haslam's Pilot Corp. sought to acquire the assets of Flying J. Inc. for $1.8 billion. They feared the new company would take over control of the market and would go unchecked.

Then-U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, the Cleveland Democrat, also wrote to the FTC. "Any time you get a concentration in one area by one company, it's a concern," Kucinich said Wednesday. "That's why at the time, I said, 'This is something that we should take a look at.' "

He declined to speak of the federal investigation because too little information has been made public.

But Newman, whose Tennessee company represents about 100 independent truck stops across the country, said he doesn't understand Haslam's explanation for the reason federal agents would raid Pilot Flying J. On Monday, FBI and IRS agents used four search warrants to obtain evidence from Pilot Flying J at its Knoxville location.

Haslam met with reporters Tuesday and said that the investigation stems from rebates that were owed to "a very insignificant" number of small trucking companies that were never paid. Haslam said his company disagrees with the assessment.

Haslam said the rebate system works like this: A trucking company that buys 50,000 gallons of fuel from Pilot Flying J receives a certain amount of money as a rebate. If it buys 100,000 gallons, it receives another amount.

"At this time, I just don't buy it," Newman said. "If what Mr. Haslam is saying is true, then there is a problem with the federal government. Especially with something as minor as this. I think there might be more to be said."

He said companies with more than 100 trucks seldom look elsewhere for business, as they go with Pilot Flying J for its fuel. The rebates can be paid in the form of checks each month or they can be paid at the point of sale.

A spokeswoman for Haslam scoffed at the criticism.

"Rebates are a fairly standard business practice, not only in the travel center business, but in many others," said Cynthia Moxley. "Grocery stores, department stores, gas stations and credit card companies make use of rebates to gain and keep customers. And, as far as we can see, there still are plenty of small competitors doing business very successfully."

Gary Hall, a former independent truck stop owner and now an industry consultant in Medford, Ore., said it is the first time he has ever heard of a criminal investigation into rebates.

"This has surprised the industry," Hall said. "It's a shock to see this happen. Think about it: If I owe you something, we talk it out. If we can't settle it, then we might go to court. And that's the shock of this: What's missing here?"

Pilot Flying J's biggest competitors are TravelCenters of America, headquartered in Westlake, and Love's, which is in Oklahoma City. A company official of TravelCenters declined to comment Wednesday. Officials for Love's did not return phone calls.

Bryan Maher, an analyst who covers TravelCenters, said he called the company and inquired about rebates. Maher, at Craig-Hallum Capital Group in Minneapolis, said TravelCenters told him it does a "limited amount" of rebates and was "not aware of any issues" regarding its program.

One Midwestern trucking executive who declined to give his or his company's name said he doubts the federal raid at Pilot Flying J will impact the trucking industry.

"We electronically track the costs of gas daily," he said. "If they have the best price, they'll get our business. If someone else has the best price, then we'll go someplace else. That's it, exactly."

Plain Dealer reporter Alison Grant and news researcher Jo Ellen Corrigan contributed to this story.

See earlier story.

Cavaliers vs. Bobcats: Game preview and Twitter updates

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The Cavaliers look to close out the season with their 25th win tonight against the Bobcats in Charlotte.

The Cavaliers look to close out the season with their 25th win tonight against the Bobcats in Charlotte. 

Get Twitter updates from Mary Schmitt Boyer (@PDCavsInsider) and Jodie Valade (@JodieValade) in the box below. Check out the in-game box score here. Read on for a game preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

(AP) -- It didn't take long for the Charlotte Bobcats to match last season's win total, but they never recovered from a lengthy losing streak.

Still, a late-season push could help them avoid the league's worst record.

Charlotte goes for a season high-tying third straight victory in Wednesday night's season finale against a visiting Cleveland Cavaliers team that could be playing its last game under coach Byron Scott.

With a 7-5 start under first-year coach Mike Dunlap, the Bobcats took a little more than three weeks to equal their victory total from a season ago when they finished 7-59 for the worst winning percentage (.106) in NBA history.

Charlotte (20-61), though, dropped its next 18 - eight fewer than Cleveland's league-record 26-game skid two seasons ago.

The Bobcats will miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season, but they have an opportunity to leapfrog Orlando and escape the NBA cellar. The teams are tied for the worst record, with the Magic closing at Miami on Wednesday.

"We want to take care of that," guard Gerald Henderson said after scoring a team-best 27 points in Monday's 106-95 victory over New York. "It's not been one of our goals to start the season, obviously, but it's become a smaller goal for us as we've come down the stretch."

Charlotte has been playing well at home over the last month, winning seven of nine following back-to-back victories over Milwaukee and the Knicks. The Bobcats won a season-best three straight overall Nov. 10-14.

The Cavaliers (24-57), meanwhile, arrive in Charlotte following a fifth straight defeat and 15th in 17 games, 96-95 to the Heat on Monday. It was a far better effort than Sunday's 91-77 loss at Philadelphia, but Scott still sounded like a defeated man.

"I'm fatigued, mentally, physically, a little bit of everything," he said. "But I still wake up every morning ready for work."

There's a chance Scott won't be doing that much longer for the Cavs, even though he's under contract for next season, which would be his fourth with the team.

"I am going to be back to coach them," he said. "I've got a year left on my contract, so unless I'm told different, I expect to do that."

Expectations were high on Kyrie Irving, last season's Rookie of the Year, but the Cavs' injury-plagued point guard has played just 58 games and been inconsistent at times. Of his past nine games, he's scored at least 27 points four times but averaged 11.2 in the other five.

Irving has keyed Cleveland winning both meetings with Charlotte this season, scoring 33 in a 106-104 victory at Charlotte on Jan. 4 and finishing with 22 in a 122-95 home win Feb. 6. That was the Cavs' sixth straight win in the series and most lopsided since LeBron James left for Miami.

If Cleveland Cavaliers are banking on the future, Byron Scott should have one, too: Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

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Byron Scott's passive demeanor hasn't helped his cause but he should return for next season, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A head rolling will still leave the Cavaliers behind the curve.

Byron Scott walked into a mess in the making on July 2, 2010. Six days later, LeBron James walked out in a nationally televised breakup.

You may have heard something about that.

Dan Gilbert's comic comic sans statement aside, the Cavaliers have spent much of the last three seasons positioning themselves to lose, and lose a bunch, in exchange for better days ahead.

It wasn't a stated organizational strategy. It never is. All you had to do was look at the roster. Even in those rare moments when it glowed with good health, you saw a team that at best had an outside chance making the playoffs as a No. 8 seed in Scott's third season.

Firing him now after a season in which Anderson Varejao played 25 games, a season in which Kyrie Irving proved fragile (58 games) and unwilling to defend? When Dion Waiters (60 games) put his training wheels on display even while showing improvement? When the deal with Memphis was what passed for a cavalry call?

Firing Scott may quench some bloodlust after another terrible season. That doesn't make it any less of a copout. This is not to excuse those instances when Scott passed himself off as a cardboard cutout while leads evaporated.

When winning isn't the overarching mission of an organization, it invites some strange bedfellows. Scott's a tough-love coach and it showed, sometimes to the detriment of winning a game here and there. I'm guessing he knows the benefit of a well-executed timeout, but chose to let a young team find a way to stop bleeding all over the court on its own.

Why? Because winning that one game (or four) isn't what this season was all about.

A better reason for a coaching change is if young players simply aren't developing. No one can say that about Tristan Thompson, Irving (offensively) or Waiters. Irving shows little interest in playing both ends of the court. Before you use that as a reason to replace Scott, remember back to when you were worshipping all things LeBron in this town.

Danny Ferry and Mike Brown not only wanted James to develop a low-post presence, knowing he'd be unstoppable, they told him as much. James wasn't interested. That's the pitfall to NBA superstardom at age 20. For Irving, the All-Star weekend that he seemingly considered the equal (if not more) of the regular season in importance did him (and Scott) no favors.

Scott's passive demeanor hurt his own cause, of course. But when the team's best player takes nights off defensively and so many other players are overmatched in talent, it's not easily corrected. Playing defense in the NBA is not a simple matter of will.

Many reports suggest Scott is gone. You can find reasons. But Scott's not the only one who's finished last in the division three consecutive years. So have Chris Grant and Gilbert. He is the only one to coach two teams in the NBA Finals.

It'll be interesting if the Cavs fire Scott to hear if Gilbert says it's because the team isn't competing defensively. Defense is near and dear to his heart after all. In fact, there's one coach out there who hangs his hat on it.

Guess that makes Mike Brown a candidate?

SPINOFFS

weeden-2hands-2013mini-lt.jpg View full size Don't pat the ball, Brandon. Really ... C'mon, don't do it.  

• Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said Tuesday that despite a FBI-IRS raid on Pilot Flying J company headquarters that it was "business as usual" in Berea.

Like that's a good thing.

• If the eventual end game in this raid on Pilot Flying J is that you pine for Randy Lerner as owner, former Browns' GM Phil Savage gives you permission to say "woe is us" as often as you'd like.

• Word from minicamp is Jabaal Sheard and Brandon Weeden are making great strides in improving their footwork. Weeden also isn't patting the football before he throws, as he did his rookie season.

With similar mechanical changes taking hold so quickly for Ubaldo Jimenez in spring training, this is equally encouraging.

Jon Gruden likes Weeden. And every other young quarterback he's ever seen, so long as he hasn't had to coach them.

• Weeden senses it's time to take a more vocal leadership role in the Browns' locker room. Most fans would prefer he begin sensing the pass rush.

• Last year the Browns assembled for training camp to find out Lerner was selling the team. Players in this minicamp arrived to find Haslam's corporate headquarters raided by FBI and IRS agents.

The Cleveland Browns: "Building focus one upheaval at a time."

• While we're talking rebates, how about rebates for fans who spent "significant" money on PSLs now that the team is selling tickets that don't require them?

• Kyrie Irving apologized for running off the court on Fan Appreciation Night to get his sore heel looked at, or his ego massaged. If somebody didn't remind him Kobe Bryant shot two free throws on one Achilles tendon, they should have.

Some believe the reason for Irving's behavior the other night is that he's tired of losing. You know, unlike the fans who packed the place to cheer him.

• All eight of Justin Upton's homers have traveled over 400 feet this season. One factor makes that truly amazing. It's only April. The ball will fly even more come summer.

I know. And you thought I'd say he hasn't yet faced Brett Myers.

• After watching Miami's Norris Cole strip Irving on the final play of the Heat's win the other night, isn't it refreshing to see the Cavaliers' offense late in games no longer amounts to watching LeBron James go one-on-five?

Stewart Cink's win in the British Open is still thought of as the one Tom Watson lost.

A few years from now with anchored putters facing rule book extinction, Adam Scott might be remembered for winning the Masters with what former CBS analyst Ben Wright called "a broomstick."

• I didn't catch the interview where caddie Steve Williams took credit for Scott's win the way he pounded his chest when Scott won at the Memorial. But I'm sure it happened somewhere, if only in front of Stevie's bathroom mirror.

• The Indians have lost two catchers, a starting centerfielder, a No. 5 starter and a starting second baseman. Then again, the season is 13 games old.

HE SAID IT

"I feel like we're the best team in the league. ... It's a new era, a new belief. Until the season ends, I think we're going to be the best." -- San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle.

I think he meant to say until the season begins.

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Midweek Edition)

lombardi-banner-haslam-2013-to.jpg View full size Where's Lombardi ... like Where's Waldo ... is already an early spring diversion for Browns fans.  

"Bud:

"Is it true the FBI raided Flying J headquarters looking for a quote from Mike Lombardi?" -- Vince G, Cincinnati

I'm not sure, but that would explain the need for a second search warrant.

"Mr. Bud:

"Has any of your work ever been considered for a Pulitzer?" -- Bubba

Not since my mother passed away.

"Bud:

"I'm the TV viewer who called in the penalty on Tiger." -- Elin N

You do know the penalty was two strokes and not a two-iron to the car windshield, right?

"Bud:

"After watching Tiger Woods' 'creative' drop at the Masters, I can now better understand Kim Jong Il scoring 13 holes-in-one during his first-ever round of golf. The viewers are forbidden to call." -- Jim Lefkowitz, Pepper Pike

They aren't forbidden. It's just that North Korea's only channel is a continuous loop of "Goose-stepping with the Military."

"Bud:

"Now that it's apparent Byron Scott will be coaching the Lakers next year, should the Cavs consider retiring his suit coat and hanging it in the rafters? If so, should they hoist it with the arms folded impassively during a fourth-quarter meltdown?" -- Rich Arnold, Hinckley

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

"Bud:

"Penalized for slow play in the Masters and in honor of Mike Hargrove, can we now call 14-year-old Guan Tianlang from China the 'Hunan Rain Delay'?" -- Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

Repeat winners settle for the label "low amateur."

"Hey Bud:

"Wait a minute, it was Jimmy Dimora who bought the Browns? (p.s.) I never got my rebate for having to watch the Browns since 1999." -- Christopher, Springfield

Repeat winners who try to claim a T-shirt are immediately investigated.

Video: Cleveland Browns defensive players like Ray Horton's 3-4 defense

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D'qwell Jackson, Jabaal Sheard and Paul Kruger talk about the attacking 3-4 style of defense they will play this year.

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns defensive players D'Qwell Jackson, Jabaal Sheard and Paul Kruger talk about switching to the attacking 3-4 style defense under new defensive coordinator Ray Horton.

"It gives everyone a chance to be a playmaker," said Jackson about the defense after the second day of their voluntary minicamp in Berea.


Cleveland Cavaliers have work to do during summer vacations

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This summer will be key for the development of the Cavaliers, coach Byron Scott said.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Technically, summer vacation won't start for the Cavaliers until their end-of-the-season meetings are completed on Thursday.

There will be the traditional cleaning out of lockers and the final press briefing. But before the end of the day, the current players likely will be headed home and then on to beaches and resorts -- for a couple of weeks, anyway.

But coach Byron Scott thinks this summer will be key to the development of this young team. He thinks everyone from Anderson Varejao to Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller has to put in work.

"This is a big-time summer for a few of our guys,'' Scott said. "To me, Andy has to probably change his routine a little bit of what he's been doing in the summertime. With Kyrie, he definitely has to get in the weight room and get stronger because that's going to be a part of his game, the way he gets to the basket and how physical people play him. He's going to have to be able to endure that and handle that for an 82-game season.

"So for all our guys it's going to be a big-time summer. It's going to be so big it's going to help us for next year. If those guys really, really dedicate themselves this summer to doing the things they have to do to get better.''

Advantage, Irving: Irving was the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft and Kemba Walker was the No. 9 pick. He entered Wednesday without a victory over Irving and the Cavs. Cleveland went 3-0 against Charlotte last year (although Irving missed the last game) and 2-0 this year before Wednesday night's finale.

Such one-on-one matchups usually bring the best out in Irving.

"This will be another one,'' Scott said, smiling, before the game. "You've got these two young point guards going at it, and I'm sure Kemba would like to have the better of it one of these times.''

Special guest: Tiffany Reeves Jacobs was a special guest of the Cavs on Wednesday. Her father, Marvin Cross, is the director of team security. Jacobs, 33, is a retired Air Force officer who was injured while serving overseas. She now works with the Wounded Warriors project and brought Wounded Warriors Bernard Dixon and Mary Fisher Murray to the game, where they met with Cavs players and coaches afterward.

Jacobs is now working in Charlotte but will be helping set up the new Wounded Warriors regional office in Pittsburgh, which will serve the Cleveland area.

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