Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed talk about the second day of the Cleveland Browns three-day voluntary minicamp.
BEREA, Ohio -- Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed discuss the second day of practice during the Browns three-day voluntary minicamp.
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio – Here is a look at the three outstanding pole vaulters at Midpark, who seek to set the state record for a relay meet this season before graduating. See a picture gallery of the pole vaulters by Plain Dealer photographer Lisa DeJong from last Saturday's Medina Relays. Aaron Owens
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio – Here is a look at the three outstanding pole vaulters at Midpark, who seek to set the state record for a relay meet this season before graduating. See a picture gallery of the pole vaulters by Plain Dealer photographer Lisa DeJong from last Saturday's Medina Relays.
Aaron Owens
Year: Senior.
Height, weight: 6-3, 180.
Personal-best: 16-0 (2012).
Other events: Sprints.
Other sports: Football, basketball.
College: Clemson, recruited as a pole vaulter.
Comment: Was the 2012 Division I state runner-up. Highly competitive. Outstanding speed and body control. Uses longer poles (15- and 16-footers) with longer run-ups (15 steps and about 113 feet) than most.
Jerry Hopkins
Year: Senior.
Height, weight: 6-2, 165.
Personal-best: 14-6 (2012).
Other events: Sprints, long jump, hurdles.
Other sport: Football.
College: Undecided. Being recruited as a decathlete.
Comment: The best athlete of the trio, he's able to get an outstanding leap at the start of the vault. Has a 20-6 personal-best long jump. State pole vault qualifier in 2012.
Branson Repasy
Year: Senior.
Height, weight: 5-10, 165.
Personal-best: 14-6 (2012).
Other events: Sprints, long jump.
Other sport: Football.
College: Considering Case Western Reserve and being recruited as a decathlete.
Comment: Very analytical and has strong technique. Jumps well, has outstanding drive and trail leg. State pole vault qualifier in 2011.
Terry Francona wants to help Ubaldo Jimenez get better, not cast him aside just because he's struggling.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It sounds like Ubaldo Jimenez is going to keep taking his turn in the Indians' rotation for the foreseeable future.
After one good start and two miserable ones this season, Jimenez is 1-12 with a 7.58 ERA in 17 starts since the 2012 All-Star break. Jimenez's latest effort lasted 2 1/3 innings Tuesday as he walked five and gave up seven runs in a 7-2 loss to Boston.
"It's only been a few starts," said manager Terry Francona on Wednesday afternoon. "If we lost our patience with everybody after a few starts, we wouldn't have a team. I get the mail. [They say] send him down.
"Our job is to make guys better. Not get rid of them every time they struggle. We wouldn't have a team, coaches or manager [if we did it that way]. We need to help him get better."
The Indians can't send Jimenez to the minors because he's out of options. They could designate him for assignment or try to trade him. Other than that, he's not going anywhere.
Francona doesn't want to hear about last year and how it pertains to Jimenez. Not many people do, but he led the American League in defeats (17), wild pitches (16) and finished second in walks (95).
"You can't pitch for last year," said Francona. "It doesn't work. It just makes it harder.
"We need to figure out what did he do good, what didn't he do good. Build on what he did well and fix what he didn't do well. If he goes back to last August, he has no chance. No one is good enough to go back and fix last year."
Regarding 2013, Jimenez (0-2, 11.25) is going to start throwing two bullpen sessions between starts. He did that in spring training, but stopped when the regular season started. Jimenez feels it's important for him to get on the mound as much as possible. Francona agrees, particularly when it comes to the positioning of his landing foot on his delivery.
"His direction to the plate is so important to him," said Francona. "His front foot starts wandering, his ball flattens out and left-handers get a real good look at him."
Asked when the clock could strike 12 on Jimenez, Francona said, "I'm talking in general here because we're only three starts in. You start getting rid of pitching, you might come up in June, July and August and not have any. There is a lot of things to factor in."
K-record: Indians relievers set a franchise record with 15 strikeouts Tuesday for a game of any length. Cody Allen (six), Nick Hagadone (three), Rich Hill (two) and Bryan Shaw (four) combined to throw 7 1/3 scoreless innings.
"What that shows is pure stuff," said Francona. "We brought in Cody, Hagadone, Rich and Shaw. They were all throwing mid-90s with a breaking ball."
Another day, another move: The Indians placed center fielder Michael Bourn (right index finger) on the 15-day disabled list and recalled right-hander Corey Kluber from Class AAA Columbus.
Kluber, a starter, was in the bullpen Wednesday night. He was also a safety net if Scott Kazmir hit a bump between here and his scheduled start Saturday in Houston. Kazmir (right rib cage) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, but still hasn't been activated.
Bourn was spiked in the finger Sunday against Chicago diving into first base to beat out an infield single.
Still out: Jason Kipnis didn't play Wednesday and isn't expected to play Thursday because of a sore left elbow. The Indians' second baseman has not played since Friday because of an extension injury. Francona felt he could benefit from the extra rest to get ready for the weekend series in Houston.
"If we give him two more days off, he has a chance to come back to the lineup and stay in the lineup rather than coming back too early and still feeling it," said Francona.
He would also miss Boston left-hander Jon Lester on Thursday night. Kipnis is hitting .125 (4-for-32) with two RBI.
Pole vaulting trio closing on record as school nears closing.
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio -- At its core, the pole vault is simple physics -- a transfer of energy from the athlete to the pole, back to the athlete.
The body-bending equation is spectacular to watch unfold, and a crazy ride for those who dare.
"It feels like a cartoon, like Wile E. Coyote when he stuffs himself into a cannon and he lights it," Midpark senior Aaron Owens said.
Owens keeps coming back for more, along with teammates Branson Repasy and Jerry Hopkins, but with much better results than the doomed desert dog.
The Midpark seniors continuously launch themselves higher (and unlike Mr. Coyote, land safely in a padded pit). Owens, Repasy and Hopkins form potentially the best high school pole vault trio in state history.
"Some days you come out and you're running fast and you're jumping high and everything works," Owens said. "Those days make you want to come back.
"Other days . . . "
Well, let's just say The Road Runner wins. Or Isaac Newton. In either case, Owens and Co. have one choice.
"Duck," Owens said.
Down comes the crossbar in a victory for gravity and defeat for the vaulter.
"I've been hit in the face before. It's not pretty," he said.
• A closer look at Midpark's vaulters
Owens is regarded as Ohio's best pole vaulter this year. Repasy and Hopkins are not far behind. Together, they hope to break the state pole vault "relay" record, which is their combined heights at a regular-season relay meet.
The relay record is 44 feet. In 2005, the Wadsworth trio of Jeff Dobbins, Corey Schreck and Mitch Laubaugh tied the mark originally set by Upper Arlington in 1974. The three-man relay record is not recognized in Ohio High School Athletic Association records because it is not an event in the state tournament.
They have three more shots at the record: Friday at the Fairview Warrior Relays, next week at the Mount Vernon Relays and the East Canton Hornet Relays on May 11, the day after prom.
"The record would be awesome. It's very rare that you have three great vaulters and the record would be hard to beat, if we do beat it," Hopkins said. "I want to get 45 or 46 feet."
Owens' personal best is 16-feet even, and Repasy and Hopkins have cleared 14 feet, 6 inches. All three efforts were last season. If they can put that together at the same time, they will own the record, and leave Midpark with a Wile E. Coyote-like bang. The school will close in June and merge with Berea to form Berea-Midpark.
All three having a great day requires some good fortune. They had a chance last week, but 39 degrees and rain limited them to a combined 41 feet at the Medina Relays. Owens stopped jumping after clearing a meet-best 15-0 for safety reasons.
Midpark pole vault coach Jamie Fleming said his goal every year is to produce a 12-foot boys vaulter, and to have three north of 14 feet at the same time is unusual.
"It's a coach's dream," Fleming said.
It might be less unusual in years to come considering the way Fleming is building a vault empire. He has a battalion of 18 boys and girls pole vaulters in what has become a popular event at Midpark. He said he has three sophomores who are clearing 13 feet.
"The secret is the kids," Fleming said. "They work. They enjoy it. The pole vault is fun and challenging, and they enjoy the challenge of trying to get better."
Owens, Repasy and Hopkins found the pole vault together as freshmen in large part because it looked cool, and they stuck with it despite taking a while to get the hang of it, which is normal for pole vaulters.
Once it clicked, they were hooked.
"I like to do things that are dangerous and live on the edge," Hopkins said. "During the summer, me and Branson find adventures in the woods and things to jump off of. When you're swinging upside down on your way up [in the pole vault], that's the best."
Youth is full of recklessness, and pole vaulting has that appeal.
"We thought pole vaulting looked fun because we were crazy and pole vaulting is a pretty crazy sport. So, we tried it, and it turned out good for us," Repasy said.
The trio also was starting wide receivers on Midpark's 6-4 football team last fall. They bring a competitive and fun atmosphere to the pole vault runway.
"I like being part of a group of people that want to get better at something that's tough to get good at, and we get good at it together. We're a tight-knit family," Repasy said.
The downside of having three big vaulters is only two can compete in the district-regional-state tournament ladder. Fleming and head coach Rick Mack will have a tough call.
Repasy and Hopkins are looking at possible decathlon careers in college, but Owens is a vaulter for the long haul. He signed with Clemson after turning down Ohio State, among others.
Owens cleared 15-8 at the Division I state meet last season, which would have won it some years, but he was behind state-record setter Jacob Blankenship of Gahanna Lincoln (17-2), who graduated. That makes Owens the clear favorite this spring.
Owens currently is vaulting on 15-foot poles and plans to begin using 16-foot poles late in the season. That could put him in the 17-foot vault range if he continues to improve.
"He loves the competition and he wants to be the best no matter where we are at," Fleming said. "He's just a flat-out gamer."
Wile E. Coyote would respect that.
Trent Richardson says injuries kept him from being the player he can be. But can a bruising running back stay unbruised?
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Trent Richardson can no longer use his head. At least, not in the manner of a battering ram. The compensation for what Richardson calls "The T-Rich Rule" is the full and unimpaired use of his surgically repaired left knee and his two mended ribs.
Last season, Richardson delivered a crown of the helmet-to-facemask shot to Kurt Coleman, the Philadelphia safety and former Ohio State standout, which sent Coleman flying backward. His helmet popped off like a champagne cork.
That made up much of what there was to celebrate about Richardson's injury-plagued rookie season. Richardson gained 950 yards on 267 carries, a 3.6-yard average that seemed to confirm the "ordinary" label Jim Brown gave him. Anything under 4.0 is usually considered mediocre.
While Richardson, taken third in the first round of the NFL Draft, narrowly broke Brown's franchise rookie record of 942 yards, Brown, the greatest running back ever (taken sixth overall in the 1957 draft, by the way) played every game of a 12-game schedule, while Richardson missed the final game of a 16-game season. Brown also averaged 4.7 yards per carry, a significant increase over Richardson in a game based on territorial acquisition.
Richardson said in Browns' minicamp this week that the injuries made the running back you saw in 2012 an imposter. Now he's himself again.
"I feel great," he said. "I wish you could watch the whole practice. I'm out there flying around. I finally feel skinny without all them big pads [to protect the ribs] on me. It's easy to breathe. I can sleep at night. It's a fresh breath on me."
And last year? "It was tough, man," he said. "There's a lot of stuff I didn't say and I don't know if I can really say it now. There would be times I really couldn't get going up until like Friday and I had to be out there Sunday. I can't wait 'til this year. I think there's going to be a big smile on everybody's faces after the games.
"He's really moving well," said coach Rob Chudzinski. "That jumped out at me. He's quicker than what you see on tape."
Said the Browns' premier free agent acquisition, former Baltimore Raven Paul Kruger, "There are a ton of similarities between him and [the Ravens'] Ray Rice; body type and speed and ability to change directions. He seems like a real confident guy with a huge upside."
The Browns think a huge part of that will be the presence of Norv Turner as Chudzinski's offensive coordinator. Known as a quarterback savant, Turner has developed five NFL rushing champions with three different backs (Emmitt Smith, Ricky Williams and LaDanian Tomlinson) in his coaching career.
The first thing he told Richardson was, "I had Emmitt Smith." Smith made a quantum jump in 1991, his second season in Dallas, his first with Turner, winning the first of his three straight rushing titles.
Smith and Richardson will always be linked because both are from Pensacola, Fla., where both attended Escambia High School. "That means a lot of big work, a lot of big shoes I have to fill," said Richardson.
The shoes become bigger because running backs who are taken very high in the draft often go to very bad teams and struggle. Walter Payton (3.5-yard rookie average as the fourth pick overall in Chicago) and O.J. Simpson (3.9 average in Buffalo as the first pick) were not immediate sensations. Nor was Smith, who went 17th in the first round and gained 937 yards on a 3.9-yard average as a rookie.
But there are anomalies. Earl Campbell, taken No. 1 overall, had a 4.8 average as a rookie with Houston, with many of the yards coming after initial contact. Elusive Barry Sanders, No. 3 overall, averaged 5.3 as a rookie with Detroit.
For what it's worth, Mark Ingram, the Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama, who started ahead of Richardson, has also battled injuries at powerful New Orleans and has a career 3.9-yard average.
Long gains inflate the average. Despite an improved offensive line, despite a quarterback in Brandon Weeden who, no matter how scatter-shot was his accuracy, at least had the arm strength to test the defense deep, particularly to the rapidly developing Josh Gordon -- Richardson had just 13 carries for at least 10 yards last season. That came to just 4.9 percent of his rushes. The statistical definition of pure chance is 5 percent.
Was it the injuries?
Big running backs like Campbell and, in body mass, Richardson, take big hits. "I'm not saying I'm going to switch up my running style, but I'm going to do whatever it takes to not hurt nobody else or not to injure myself, either," he said of the T-Rich Rule. "So if I get flagged, it happens. It's a split-second decision."
Was it the defense keying on Richardson because Weeden was mediocre? Was Richardson overrated?
He will never outrun similarities in background to Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Similarities in their production might come down to Turner, Richardson's teammates, and a man who runs like a battering ram staying unbattered.
Browns CEO Joe Banner is fine with staying at No. 6, but is open to the possibility of trading down. Watch video
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns won't be disappointed if they can't move out of the No. 6 pick, but they're certainly open to the possibility, CEO Joe Banner said today.
Several respected national NFL analysts and writers have speculated that the Chargers at No. 11 will try to trade up with the Browns, presumably to take Oklahoma offensive tackle Lane Johnson. The Browns would like to recoup the second-round pick they used on Josh Gordon in the supplemental draft.
"We have had conversations with teams either initiated by them or us just kind of feeling out, ‘Are you interested in going up or back or are you open to it depending upon who’s there?’'' said Banner during a pre-draft press conference. "As you get closer to the draft, sometimes those conversations become more specific. So I won’t go beyond the fact that we haven’t had any specific conversations about trades or what would be involved in a trade. We’ve had those kind of feel-each-other out type of conversations.”
Banner stressed that it's normal at this time of year to be talking to other teams, and estimated that he'll check in with most of them. But he won't chase the missing second-rounder.
"It doesn't change our desire to move down,'' he said. "We have to make the right decision based on the value. If we think trading back or up produces better value for something we think is important or we rated high enough, we have to do it. If you made the priority filling in a hole that existed, you might not to get the fair market value you’re looking for in a trade. If we got offered something we thought made us a better team, then staying where we are and picking or moving up, we’d make the trade. If we didn’t think it provided that benefit we wouldn’t."
Banner indicated there might be takers for the sixth pick.
"I think there are teams interested in moving up, but there are also teams interested in moving down, so how that fits together, I know it's only a week away, but it's too early to have any idea of that,'' he said. "But I think there are teams in both directions interested in possibly moving depending on what players are there.''
But Banner emphasized that he wouldn't be disappointed if the Browns stay where they're at. "I'd only be disappointed if we made a pick that we didn't all feel really great about and I don't view that as even a possibility the way our board sets up,'' he said.
He added that "we’re probably not of the conventional wisdom that this is kind of a flat draft. We think there are some very good players at the top of the draft that don’t happen to be the most visible high-profile positions. But there are some very good players at the top of the draft, and we think that will serve us well.”
Banner also explained the Browns thinking on private workouts with so many of the top quarterback prospects.
"I think as (GM) Mike (Lombardi) said you have to prepare yourself for any possibility,'' he said. "You don’t want to under-evaluate probably what everybody would agree is the most important position on the field. We are just trying to be very thorough about everything. There are quarterbacks in this draft who are intriguing and we will have make an evaluation between now and next Thursday just how intriguing. Other teams will be doing the same thing so you will see what’s available where. But we are not going in it with a focus other than to continue to build the team, especially at the key positions that we think really good teams are strong at and move forward that way.''
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - Joe Lynch, whose career spanned nearly four decades and included more than 500 victories, has resigned as boys basketball coach at Strongsville. Lynch, 69, has spent the past 15 years at Strongsville and his teams compiled a 210-129 record. He began his career at St. Peter Chanel, where his teams went 323-167 in 23 seasons.
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - Joe Lynch, whose career spanned nearly four decades and included more than 500 victories, has resigned as boys basketball coach at Strongsville.
Lynch, 69, has spent the past 15 years at Strongsville and his teams compiled a 210-129 record. He began his career at St. Peter Chanel, where his teams went 323-167 in 23 seasons.
One of the most highly-respected and well-liked coaches in the area, Lynch left Chanel to become athletic director at Strongsville after the 1991 season and became the basketball coach seven years later. He retired from his athletic director position in 2007 but remained on as coach. He has spent 47 years in education.
"It is a sad day for high school basketball in Cleveland," said St. Ignatius coach Sean O'Toole. "But, I am happy for Joe because he has put his time in. The guy is a Cleveland high school basketball legend. He was the guy everyone looked to when trying to build a program. He has been a role model for many of us. He did things and he did them right. He was always about the kids. Always. We will miss him."
Lynch's 533 victories — against 296 losses — ranks him in the top 25 all-time in Ohio and in the top 10 among Northeast Ohio coaches.
"I've been thinking about this seriously for the last couple of weeks," said Lynch, who coached Chanel to its first appearance in the state semifinals in 1991.
"I've reached the point where there are some other things I would really like to do, like travel and spend time with my grandchildren. It's become more and more difficult to coach in today's atmosphere. I just don't have the same energy or enthusiasm for the job."
Lynch was chosen as The Plain Dealer's coach of the year in 2006 after leading Strongsville to its first Elite Eight.
In typical Lynch fashion, he pointed to those around him for his success.
"I have been very lucky throughout my career," he said. "I have had great kids and great assistant coaches, both at Strongsville at Chanel. It has been a great ride but the demands of the job have changed. It can be a 12-month-a year deal."
Athletic director Paul Moses said in an email that the district, caught up in a seven-week teacher's strike, would follow normal procedures to fill the vacancy.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
trogers@plaind.com, 216-999-5169
On Twitter: @TimRogersPD
Breaking down this weekend's series with the new member of the AL West in Texas.
Where: Minute Maid Park.
When: Friday through Sunday.
TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WMMS FM/100.7; WTAM AM/1100.
Pitching matchups: Indians RHP Brett Myers (0-2, 8.82 ERA) vs. Astros RHP Lucas Harrell (0-2, 5.63), Friday at 8:05; LHP Scott Kazmir (--) vs. RHP Philip Humber (0-3, 2.89), Saturday at 7:05 p.m.; RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (0-2, 11.25) vs. LHP Erik Bedard (0-1, 7.04), Sunday at 2:05 p.m.
Season series: First meeting. Astros lead, 10-8, all time.
Indians update: They went 1-2 against Astros last season. Series took place June 22-24 in Houston. Myers posted quality start in loss to White Sox last Sunday (six innings, two runs). Kazmir will make his Indians debut. Jimenez is coming off one of the worst starts of his career in a loss to Boston on Tuesday (1 2/3 innings, seven runs). He earned the victory against Houston last year with a strong performance (6 2/3 innings, four hits).
Astros update: They are 4-11. They have lost five in a row, including a three-game sweep by Athletics in road series that ended Wednesday. Pesky 2B Jose Altuve is hitting .365. He was 2-for-10 against Indians last year. Injuries: Indians -- RHP Josh Tomlin (elbow), RHP Blake Wood (elbow) and RHP Frank Herrmann (elbow) are on 60-day disabled list. C Lou Marson (neck), LHP Scott Kazmir (rib cage) and CF Michael Bourn (right index finger) are on 15-day DL. 2B Jason Kipnis (left elbow) is day to day. Astros -- LHP Travis Blackley (shoulder), RHP Josh Fields (forearm) and OF Fernando Martinez (left oblique) are on 15-day DL. RHP Alex White (elbow) is on 60-day DL.
Next for Indians: Trip continues with three games at White Sox beginning Monday.
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam today responded to the FBI's contention in documents that his company, Pilot Flying J, has engaged in a fraud scheme for "many years."
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam - whose travel center company the FBI has said engaged in a fraud scheme for "many years," issued a statement on Thursday in response to the reporting of documents filed in federal court Thursday.The documents say Haslam knew about the fraud committed by top sales officials at his family business, Pilot Flying J, in which employees targeted unsophisticated trucking companies through a rebate program. Federal documents unsealed today also say he was present for discussions about the rebate fraud activities.
Here is Haslam's statement:
“I read the affidavits and I understand more clearly the questions the federal investigators are exploring. I maintain that the foundation of this company is built on its integrity and that any willful wrongdoing by any employee of this company at any time is intolerable.
“We will continue to cooperate with the federal investigation and continue our own investigation in these allegations. I value the relationships we have with our customers, our vendors and our team members across this country and regret that they have to go through this with us, but I trust and believe their faith in this company and its principles has never been misplaced.”
Cameron is looking to improve on last season when he caught 20 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown. Watch video
BEREA, Ohio – Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner were the ones who picked new head coach Rob Chudzinski. It only seems like tight end Jordan Cameron made the call.
His new boss is a former college tight end who loves to involve tight ends in the offense, especially in the vertical game. His new coordinator, Norv Turner, shares a similar philosophy on the position.
Cameron enters his third NFL season playing for a Browns coaching staff that has worked with a pair of future Hall-of-Fame tight ends who are converted basketball players – just like he is.
“It’s awesome,” Cameron said as the Browns concluded their first minicamp Thursday. “Obviously, (Chudzinski) knows the importance of the tight end . . . He knows the little things, the little nuances of the position. His hands are everywhere. He’s coaching up everyone. He definitely knows what he’s doing. He’s proven.”
As he watches other teammates such as outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard and defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin adjust to new schemes and positions, Cameron grasps the opportunity that appears perfectly suited for him.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end acknowledges the circumstances could produce a breakout season for him. He caught 20 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown a season ago while working behind Ben Watson and Alex Smith. The Browns allowed both players to depart via free agency, while signing veterans Kellen Davis (Chicago) and Gary Barnidge (Carolina).
But unless the Browns draft a tight end – certainly a possibility with a number of good ones available – Cameron heads to training camp as the first option at the vital position.
Chudzinski was asked Tuesday if Cameron has the makings of a “top” tight end.
“Well he’s not ready right now, we are working through that with him,” the coach said. “He is learning the offense obviously. This is an offense that has featured tight ends, and tight ends have always been a big part of it. He has the skill set that fits and he has had a good couple days.
“It’s a learning process right now and he has to keep progressing, but we feel good about him and where he is at.”
Cameron wants to shed the label of “former basketball player” the way Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez and Jimmy Graham have successfully done. Chudzinski and Turner have ties to Gates. Tight ends coach Jon Embree worked with Gonzalez in Kansas City.
Embree has encouraged Cameron to contact Gonzalez about playing the position. The tight end will do so this summer, he said.
Cameron trained through the offseason at a Los Angeles-area facility with former USC teammates and said he has felt no lingering symptoms from a concussion that sidelined him for the final two games last season.
He’s excited about learning a new offense that has him lining up in multiple positions including the backfield. Chudzinski’s schemes call for tight ends to run seam and crossing routes.
Cameron’s enthusiasm is palpable in talking with him about his chance. Does he envision himself as the Browns' starting tight end?
“That would be a goal of mine,” he said.
No updates: Haslam, whose truck-stop service company is the subject of a federal investigation for fraud, arrived in Berea on Thursday to begin predraft analysis with coaches and management. He was at facility, but not made available to reporters.
Hours before allegations of fraudulent activity were made public, Banner was asked for an update on Haslam and the Monday raid on his Knoxville, Tenn.,-based company.
“Jimmy made a statement the other day and there’s not much I can add to it,” Banner said. “He’s here today, he’s here tomorrow which was the plan all along. Browns operations are same as they always have been; will be the same.
"As he expressed he’s very confident, it will take some time, but it will work out and that they have done nothing wrong. Beyond reiterating what he said there’s nothing we can add.”
Brownies: Guard Jason Pinkston (blood clot) and receiver David Nelson (knee surgery) did not participate in any of the three days of practice. Pinkston should be ready in several weeks, Chudzinski said. ... The Browns' first OTAs are set for May 14-16.
The NFL schedule for 2013 was released tonight. Here's how the Cleveland Browns' 2013 opponents look heading into the NFL Draft.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NFL schedule for 2013 was announced tonight, and the Cleveland Browns now know which teams they will play, where, and on which days.
As previously reported, the home games will be against the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The away games are against the Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs.
Here is a quick look at how the Browns' 2013 opponents look heading into next week's NFL Draft, with last season's record in parentheses:
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8, MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-9)
Last season: For a change, Dolphins won't be making switch at coach or quarterback. QB Ryan Tannehill played well as rookie in 2012, and first-year coach Joe Philbin won favorable reviews even though Miami endured fourth consecutive losing season. Despite signs of progress, 28-0 loss at New England in finale underscored large talent gap between Dolphins and AFC East champions. Dearth of playmakers was biggest problem. No Miami WR scored more than one touchdown in 2012, reflecting lack of a pass-catching deep threat. Offense ranked 27th in yards, and defense tied for fourth worst in takeaways.
They need: OT, CB, DE, G, RB, OLB, S, TE.
They don't need: QB, C, DT, ILB.
Possible first pick: OT D.J. Fluker.
Outlook: GM Jeff Ireland has been criticized for past picks, but he's never gone into draft with so much flexibility. Dolphins have 11 picks, including five in first three rounds, and expect to significantly upgrade roster. They made several moves in free agency to help WR corps, signing Mike Wallace, top pass catcher available, and Brandon Gibson, and TE Dustin Keller. Also re-signed WR Brian Hartline. But LT Jake Long departed, further weakening shaky OL. Dolphins might use first-round pick on OL for the third time in six years.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 15, AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (10-6)
Last season: Ravens won Super Bowl despite finishing with ho-hum record and losing four of last five games. In postseason, they beat Indianapolis, Denver and New England before defeating San Francisco 34-31 to win second world championship. Although Baltimore traditionally relied on defense to win, in 2012 Ravens set franchise record with 398 points and averaged 31 points per game in playoffs.
They need: S, FS, OT, ILB, WR.
They don't need: QB, RB, G.
Possible first pick: LBs Manti Te'o, Kevin Minter.
Outlook: Ravens have 32nd pick in first round, but GM Ozzie Newsome has knack for finding a gem in latter stage. Last time he had final pick in first round, he snagged TE Todd Heap. Baltimore has 12 picks, so expect Newsome to make trade or two or three. He also has several holes to fill, most notably linebacker (due to retirement of Ray Lewis and departure of free agents Dannell Ellerbe and Paul Kruger). Safety and wide receiver are also priorities.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 22, AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (10-6)
Last season: Surprised NFL, and even themselves, by riding Adrian Peterson's 2,097 yards rushing to a spot in the playoffs after 9-23 record over previous two years. Lost to Green Bay in wild-card round.
They need: WR, MLB, DT, CB.
They don't need: RB, OT, QB, S.
Possible first pick: WR Keenan Allen, LB Te'o.
Outlook: By trading moody WR Percy Harvin to Seattle, Vikings have extra first-rounder, No. 25. But by trading Harvin, they also have bigger hole at WR even after shelling out to sign ex-Green Bay standout Greg Jennings. West Virginia WR Tavon Austin is Harvin-type slot player, but if he's gone the well-rounded Allen could be good fit. Just as important is finding starter at middle linebacker. Ogletree of Georgia could be available if off-field problems prompt a slide. Te'o would bring plenty of scrutiny after girlfriend hoax saga, and his speed is question mark, but his toughness and Notre Dame pedigree could be too much for Vikings to pass up.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 29, CINCINNATI BENGALS (10-6)
Last season: Reached playoffs for second year in row as wild card and lost to Houston in opening round for second straight season. QB Andy Dalton struggled in big games down stretch, especially 19-13 loss in Houston. Defense was among league's best, finishing sixth in yards allowed. Cincinnati went into offseason determined to keep roster intact for run at franchise's unprecedented third straight playoff appearance. Bengals have shown they have enough talent to reach playoffs as wild card, but yet to show they're good enough to compete with best once they get to postseason.
They need: Tackle (with RT Andre Smith -- an unrestricted free agent -- still unsigned); RB, S, LB, CB.
They don't need: QB, K, P, DT.
Possible first pick: OT Fluker, T Watson, S Vaccaro, S Matt Elam.
Outlook: Focus will be more on who's already in Cincinnati rather than who joins Bengals. Dalton and young receivers who complement star A.J. Green have to show a lot of improvement to get Bengals over biggest hurdle: no wins in playoffs since 1990. Coach Marvin Lewis is 0-4 in playoffs with Cincinnati. If Dalton can't get them deeper into playoffs, it'll be time to considering a change.
THURSDAY, OCT. 3, BUFFALO BILLS (6-10)
Last season: Money didn't buy much for Buffalo. High expectations that came with free-agent DE Mario Williams signing six-year, $100 million deal were quickly dashed after Bills bumbled to eighth consecutive losing finish and missed playoffs for 13th straight year. Revamped defense was porous. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick-led offense sputtered. It led to another offseason of wholesale changes with Chan Gailey fired and replaced by Doug Marrone, team's fifth coach since 2001.
They need: QB, WR, LB, OL.
They don't need: RB, DL.
Possible first pick: WR Cordarrelle Patterson, DE/LB Barkevious Mingo, DE/LB Jordan, Oregon, G Chance Warmack, Alabama.
Outlook: Outlook: Grim, as usual. Though defense has talent and is expected to be better under new coordinator Mike Pettine, Bills in midst of yet another start-from-scratch rebuilding project under Marrone. Front-office belief is Bills' fortunes won't turn around until they identify and groom franchise-caliber quarterback -- a position that's not been secure since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired after 1996 season. Fitzpatrick is gone, replaced by inconsistent and injury-prone Kevin Kolb, or Tarvaris Jackson.
SUNDAY, OCT. 13, DETROIT LIONS (4-12)
Last season: Flopped to humbling finish with eight straight losses one year after ending 11-season postseason drought.
They need: OT, DE, OLB.
They don't need: QB, RB, DT.
Possible first pick: OT Fisher, DE Ziggy Ansah.
Outlook: Lions lost all four starters on edge of offensive and defense lines. LT Jeff Backus retired and RT Gosder Cherilus left in free agency to sign with Indianapolis. DE Cliff Avril signed with Seattle as free agent and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch was released. Detroit signed speedy RB Reggie Bush because it seems unlikely RB Jahvid Best will be cleared to play because of concussions.
SUNDAY, OCT. 20, AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (11-5)
Last season: Overcame 2-3 start to win second straight NFC North title before getting run over by QB Colin Kaepernick and San Francisco 49ers in second round of playoffs.
They need: TE, RB, DE, S.
They don't need: QB, CB, G, WR.
Possible first pick: TE Tyler Eifert.
Outlook: For first time in a while, Packers have plenty of draft needs, even if it doesn't necessarily mean GM Ted Thompson will stray from his strict focus on best players available. After losing Tom Crabtree and bringing back Jermichael Finley on one-year contract, Packers could use sure-handed, tough, versatile athlete like Eifert, 2012 Mackey Award winner as top college TE. Without any proven, healthy young RBs on roster, however, Packers could be tempted by Alabama RB Eddie Lacy at No. 26.
SUNDAY, OCT. 27, AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-14)
Last season: What didn't go wrong? They matched worst record in franchise history, had player involved in murder-suicide during season, and went through nasty fan rebellion that resulted in team owner Clark Hunt cleaning house after it was all over. Romeo Crennel has been replaced by longtime Eagles coach Andy Reid, and longtime Packers executive John Dorsey took over for general manager Scott Pioli.
They need: OT, DE, QB, LB, WR.
They don't need: CB, TE.
Possible first pick: OT Luke Joeckel.
Outlook: Chiefs traded second-round pick and third-round choice next year to San Francisco for QB Alex Smith, so it's unlikely West Virginia's Geno Smith goes No. 1. More likely is LT Joeckel, who would eventually replace disgruntled franchise player Branden Albert. But without consensus top choice, Chiefs could try to trade down and pick up additional picks to aid in massive rebuilding job.
SUNDAY, NOV. 3, BALTIMORE RAVENS (see above)
SUNDAY, NOV. 10, BYE WEEK
SUNDAY, NOV. 17, AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (see above)
SUNDAY, NOV. 24, PITTSBURGH STEELERS (8-8)
Last season: Steelers failed to reach playoffs for first time since 2009 and needed win over Cleveland in last game to avoid coach Mike Tomlin's first losing season. Injuries took toll, none bigger than fractured rib of QB Ben Roethlisberger that blunted momentum of 6-3 start. He missed three games -- Pittsburgh lost two of them -- and wasn't the same when he returned. Nor were Steelers. GM Kevin Colbert insists team is not in transition, but departure of WR Wallace, DB Keenan Lewis, RB Rashard Mendenhall and LB James Harrison suggest otherwise.
They need: OLB, RB, WR, S, CB.
They don't need: OL, QB.
Possible first pick: LB Jones, WR Patterson, S Kenny Vaccaro
Outlook: Steelers need help all over place. Wide receiving group behind Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders is either aging or inexperienced. Jason Worilds, tabbed as Harrison's replacement, is largely unproven and RBs Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman have yet to show they can stay healthy for extended periods. Pittsburgh is also tight against salary cap, putting even more emphasis on finding handful of impact players in this draft.
SUNDAY, DEC. 1, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-14)
Last season: Worst season in franchise history led to firing of GM Gene Smith and coach Mike Mularkey. New GM Dave Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley are in charge of total rebuild, which included parting ways with about two dozen veterans. Need more talent everywhere.
They need: CB, DE, QB, OT, LB, S.
They don't need: Punter in third round. Team was mocked for drafting Bryan Anger with 70th overall pick last year.
Possible first pick: DE-OLB Dion Jordan, OT Joeckel, QB Geno Smith.
Outlook: Jaguars sent entire front office to Smith's Pro Day, but many believe it was smoke screen to hopefully entice trade partner for second overall pick. If Jags can't trade down and garner more selections, versatile Jordan would seem like perfect fit to upgrade inept pass rush.
SUNDAY, DEC. 8, AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-4)
Last season: Patriots had NFL's most productive offense, finishing with 34.8 points and 427.9 yards per game. Defense was second in league with 41 takeaways. But they lost AFC championship game in own stadium 28-13 to Ravens, who went on to win Super Bowl. TE Rob Gronkowski missed that game after he re-broke left forearm previous week against Houston. Tom Brady threw for 4,827 yards, 34 touchdowns and just eight interceptions and Wes Welker tied for second in NFL with 118 catches. But 13 points Patriots scored in AFC title game were their fewest since 16-9 loss to Jets in 2009. Young RBs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen had good seasons, secondary improved after allowing many big plays early in season.
They need: DE, OLB, DB, WR.
They don't need: QB, TE, RB.
Possible first pick: DE Damontre Moore.
Outlook: With Brady and improving young defense, Patriots should remain solid contenders after going eight seasons without Super Bowl championship. Welker, NFL leader with 672 receptions over past six seasons, will be missed after signing with Denver. Patriots chose not to re-sign Brandon Lloyd, their second leading wide receiver last season, but added Danny Amendola, Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins. Addition on defense last year of draftees end Chandler Jones, LB Dont'a Hightower, CB Alfonzo Dennard and S Tavon Wilson, plus trade for CB Aqib Talib, should make Patriots even stingier. They need more pressure on quarterbacks, though. But with coach Bill Belichick back for 14th season in weak AFC East, they have legitimate shot at reaching another Super Bowl. But not likely to get much help from draft with just five picks.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15, CHICAGO BEARS (10-6)
Last season: Bears won seven of first eight games, only to stumble late for second straight year and miss playoffs. That cost Lovie Smith his job, with Marc Trestman replacing him as coach. They also parted with eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher after his contract expired and they couldn't agree on new deal.
They need: OL, LB, WR, CB.
They don't need: RB, PK.
Possible first pick: LBs Alec Ogletree, Arthur Brown, Manti Te'o; DE Datone Jones, OT Fluker.
Outlook: Any number of ways Bears could go given all their needs. General manager Phil Emery wouldn't mind trading down, but whether they stay at No. 20 or not, Bears could use help on offensive line and at linebacker -- even with additions of LT Bushrod, G Matt Slauson and LBs James Anderson and D.J. Williams. There's also issue to address at quarterback given Jay Cutler's expiring contract and lack of an heir apparent if this becomes his final season in Chicago.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22, AT NEW YORK JETS (6-10)
Last season: Things went bad in a hurry for Rex Ryan's Jets as they couldn't figure out a way to effectively use Tim Tebow and their two best playmakers -- CB Darrelle Revis and WR Santonio Holmes -- went down with season-ending injuries in consecutive weeks. They actually had chance at playoffs late in season, but lost last three games as QB Mark Sanchez was awful and was benched. GM Mike Tannenbaum was fired a day after season ended.
They need: OLB, S, TE, G, WR, RB.
They don't need: C, LT, K.
Possible first pick: DE Mingo, DE/OLB Jordan, DE Ansah, CB Milliner.
Outlook: New York has lots of holes to fill and new GM John Idzik has said he wants to build core through draft. Revis possibly could be headed to Tampa Bay for package of picks, including Buccaneers' first-rounder at No. 13 overall. Ryan would love to add pass rusher, especially if he loses Revis, making Mingo, Jordan or Ansah likely top targets. Milliner could also be guy if Jets go after immediate replacement for Revis. Sanchez remains on team as likely starter mostly because of hefty contract, but New York could look at drafting his successor -- maybe Smith or EJ Manuel -- with extra pick in the first round (if Revis is traded) or in second.
SUNDAY, DEC. 29, AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (see above)
- Capsules compiled by AP
Browns will host Buffalo for a prime-time game on Thursday, Oct. 3 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One of these days, maybe there really will be no place like home for the Browns.
For the 14th time in the past 15 seasons, the Browns will open the season at FirstEnergy Stadium, when they host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.
The Browns are 1-13 in openers since their return, and the Dolphins, who went 7-9 last season, haven't won one since 2010. The last time the Browns won an opener was a 20-3 victory over the Ravens at home in 2004. They went 4-12 that season.
This will mark the first time the Browns open the regular season against the Dolphins and the team's first home opener against Miami since 1992.
"Our coaches and players are eagerly anticipating that opening kickoff against Miami as we continue to build our team this off-season," said Browns coach Rob Chudzinski in a release. "Having four of our first six games at FirstEnergy Stadium will allow our fans to create a distinct home-field advantage for our team, and I expect the Dawg Pound to be barking early and often.
• Breaking down the 2013 schedule | Complete NFL schedule
"Finishing the season with four divisional games over the final eight weeks, with three of our last four games on the road, will give us an exciting challenge that I know we will be ready to face."
The lineup features one prime time game, as the Browns face the Bills at home on Thursday, Oct. 3 on NFL Network. The matchup will mark the first time the Browns have hosted a prime time game since a 13-6 victory against Pittsburgh on Dec. 10, 2009.
"Opening the regular season at home against the Dolphins will be great for our fans and our football team," said Browns CEO Joe Banner. "It also should be exciting for our fans to have a home prime time game, where their passion can be seen by a national television audience. We look forward to giving Browns fans a tremendous gameday experience every time they enter FirstEnergy Stadium in 2013 and for many years to come."
The Browns will close out the season Dec. 29 at Pittsburgh.
The Browns will face the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens in Weeks 2 and 9, marking the fifth time in six seasons they've faced the defending Super Bowl champions.
Preseason schedule (home games in CAPS)
Aug. 8: ST. LOUIS RAMS (WKYC) 8 p.m.
Aug. 15: DETROIT LIONS (WKYC) 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 24: at Indianapolis Colts (WKYC) 7 p.m.
Aug. 29: at Chicago Bears (WKYC) 8 p.m.
Regular season
Sun., Sept. 8: MIAMI DOLPHINS (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 15: at Baltimore Ravens (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 22: at Minnesota Vikings (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 29: CINCINNATI BENGALS (CBS) 1 p.m.
Thur., Oct. 3: BUFFALO BILLS (NFLN) 8:25 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 13: DETROIT LIONS (Fox) 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 20: at Green Bay Packers (CBS) 4:25 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 27: at Kansas City Chiefs (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 3: BALTIMORE RAVENS (CBS) 4:25 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 10: BYE
Sun., Nov. 17: at Cincinnati Bengals (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 24: PITTSBURGH STEELERS (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 1: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 8: at New England Patriots (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 15: CHICAGO BEARS (Fox) 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 22: at New York Jets (CBS) 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 29: at Pittsburgh Steelers (CBS) 1 p.m.
Cord Phelps is playing second base Thursday against Boston lefty Jon Lester. Jason Kipnis, who has not played since April 12, is working through a left-elbow issue.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis, in what he and the club hope is the final step before his return to action, completed a full batting practice session Thursday afternoon at Progressive Field.
Cord Phelps played second base against Boston lefty Jon Lester on Thursday. Kipnis, who has not played since April 12, is working through a left-elbow issue.
During BP, Kipnis swung hard and hit liners all over the field. He launched a half-dozen balls into the seats.
"There was some soreness, which I expected, but overall it felt good,'' he said. "I was able to swing without restrictions.''
Kipnis stopped short, though, of declaring himself a lock to play Friday night when the Tribe opens a 10-game trip in Houston. His most recent injury has taught him what he already knows: Don't take anything for granted.
"Right now, at this moment, I feel like I'm good enough to play Friday,'' Kipnis said after BP, which for him ended about 5:20 p.m.. "But we'll see how the elbow reacts to this activity. I won't know my status for sure until the morning.''
Kipnis experienced pain in the right elbow in spring training. It flared up again earlier this season. Once the right elbow began to calm down, the left began to bark. Of all the injuries Kipnis thought might crop up in his career, those to the elbow were down on the list. He is listed as day to day with "soreness.''
"I don't know what's going on with my elbows,'' he said. "I don't know what caused the problem with either one. I wasn't doing any different exercises or preparing any differently. But it's happened, so we're trying to get through them now to make sure they're healthy. It's better to take the time off now, this early in the season, and get them right instead of having to go in and out of the lineup and keep re-injuring them.''
Kipnis is hitting .125 (4-for-32) with two RBI.
The Chiz Kid: Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall entered Thursday hitting .200 with one homer and six RBI in 11 games. He was 2-for-14 with one homer and five RBI against lefties. The homer came against reigning AL Cy Young Award winner David Price on April 7 in Tampa Bay.
Manager Terry Francona said he spends "a lot of time'' deciding when to sit Chisenhall against lefties. Chisenhall, 24, is Cleveland's hope for the present and future at third.
"(It's about) trying to balance his development and us winning,'' Francona said, adding that Chisenhall's struggles can be traced to swing mechanics.
"All spring, he was thinking left-center,'' Francona said. "Not necessarily wanting to hit the ball there, but being lined up so he could cover the plate. He did it extremely well. As he continued into the season, his batting stance started to close off more and more and more. I don't think he realized it.'' Tribe hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo has worked on getting Chisenhall more back to even.
"For Lonnie to set his sights on left-center is great, but I think it suddenly became a little more physical also,'' Francona said. "For him to get to the ball and square it up, he needed to get it this much more out front than he normally does. It affected his timing. He actually got himself into some positions where it didn't look like he had a real quick bat -- and he has as quick of a bat as anybody you're going to see.''
No excuses: The back end of the Tribe bullpen -- specifically, setup men Joe Smith and Vinnie Pestano and closer Chris Perez -- has not had much fluidity to its workload.
Perez entered Thursday with one save in two opportunities and had pitched in four games. Smith and Pestano each had pitched five times, not all in high-leverage situations.
"Come July or August, I'm sure I'll be sitting there saying, 'Oh, man, I need a day,''' Smith said. "In the bullpen, you'll have those weeks when you don't pitch much. And you'll have ones when you get run out there every day. It's just part of the gig.
"Every year you go through this -- whether it's just one guy in the bullpen or a couple. You just need to find a way to keep yourself sharp because when you go in a game, everybody expects you to get outs, regardless.''
Smith said that, if he does not pitch for two days, he will throw 10-15 pitches off the mound early on that third day.
Masty takes hit: Wednesday night, Justin Masterson allowed four runs on 11 hits in five innings of a 6-3 loss. His record fell to 3-1 and his ERA rose from 0.41 to 1.67.
Thursday, Masterson said he did not watch video from the game, which, for him, is not unusual, win or lose.
"My pitches were just missing something,'' he said. "They weren't quite as good as they had been. Just a tick. I'm not saying (the Red Sox) wouldn't have put balls in play like they did, but I needed more against them. And when I made good pitches, they executed well.''
Browns will try to improve on last season's 5-11 record, and a combined 23-57 record over the last five years.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns will open their 2013 season with a home game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 8.
That and the 15 following games will answer the question of whether the Browns can improve on their 5-11 record of last season; whether they can begin to turn things around after going 23-57 over the last five campaigns.
The Browns will play home and away games against their AFC North rivals: the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Baltimore and Cincinnati posted 10-6 regular season records in 2012, and Pittsburgh was 8-8. Their combined 28-20 record produced a .583 winning percentage. Not counting their games against each other, the Ravens, Bengals and Steelers were a combined 22-14, .611.
The other 10 opponents on the Browns schedule won a combined 70 games and lost 90. That winning percentage is elevated somewhat by games played between those teams.
The Browns schedule, with the home games in capital letters:
Sept. 8 MIAMI DOLPHINS
Sun., Sept. 15 at Baltimore Ravens
Sun., Sept. 22 at Minnesota Vikings
Sun., Sept. 29 CINCINNATI BENGALS
Thur., Oct. 3 BUFFALO BILLS
Sun., Oct. 13 DETROIT LIONS
Sun., Oct. 20 at Green Bay Packers
Sun., Oct. 27 at Kansas City Chiefs
Sun., Nov. 3 BALTIMORE RAVENS
Sun., Nov. 10 BYE WEEK
Sun., Nov. 17 at Cincinnati Bengals
Sun., Nov. 24 PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Sun., Dec. 1 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Sun., Dec. 8 at New England Patriots
Sun., Dec. 15 CHICAGO BEARS
Sun., Dec. 22 at New York Jets
Sun., Dec. 29 at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Lakers tied Houston and Chicago with identical 45-37 records, so the NBA will conduct a random drawing to determine draft order.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Though the Cavaliers lost their season-ending game and their coach one day later, they scored a small victory in the NBA Draft.
Emphasis on small.
Because the Los Angeles Lakers qualified for the playoffs, Cleveland will acquire the Lakers' 2013 first-round draft choice. That draft pick was acquired through a trade that delivered Ramon Sessions to the Lakers in 2012.
More specifically, through trades, the Cavaliers held picks from Sacramento (top-13 protected) and Miami (top-10 protected) and the Lakers (which was moved to Phoenix, top-14 protected).
That's the good news. However, because of the Lakers' five-game winning streak to end their season, they finished 45-37. That's also the same record with which Houston and Chicago finished the season.
Consequently, the NBA will hold a random drawing tie-breaker Friday, NBA spokesman Tim Frank said, to determine which order those three teams will draft in the June 27 draft.
What once was a pick as high as No. 15 now could be anywhere from 18-20, depending on the outcome of the tie-breaker drawing.
The free agents: The Cavaliers expect to have about $18 million in salary-cap space to spend on free agents this summer. First, though, it's worth looking at the potential free agents on their own roster, and their chances of returning to Cleveland.
• Omri Casspi: A restricted free agent, Casspi saw limited playing time this season and is unlikely to return.
"I just want to play, more than anything," Casspi said. "I've been ready this season. I've been ready to play when I got the opportunity. I love it here. I love Cleveland. I've been two years here. The organization is phenomenal. I just didn't play much, and I want to play. If I have an opportunity to play, that's where I want to go. If it's here, that would be wonderful. I'd love to come back. I love the city. The fans have been great. We'll see what happens."
• Wayne Ellington: The shooting guard acquired from Memphis via mid-season trade is a restricted free agent and the most likely to return. Ellington averaged 10.7 points on 43.9-percent shooting here. "This business is crazy, so you never know," Ellington said. "I had a really good time here in Cleveland, I enjoyed my time and I think the feeling's mutual."
• Daniel Gibson: The veteran shooting guard has spent his entire seven-year NBA career here, and when asked if he'd like to return, Gibson said, "Without a doubt. This is home for me. Whatever the front office decides, I'm definitely looking forward to an opportunity to play here."
However, injuries limited Gibson to 46 games and 5.4 points per game.
• Shaun Livingston: Veteran point guard who saw his career rejuvenated while playing for Byron Scott, who was a huge supporter. Likely to go to the highest-bidding team.
"I had a good journey this year," Livingston said. "I learned a lot, built a lot of character. You just have to kind of play it out, see what happens. I'm very thankful to the organization and the city for receiving me and being receptive of my play."
• Marreese Speights: The power forward/center acquired in a trade with Memphis has a player opt-out that will make him a free agent, and is likely to go to the team that offers him the most money.
"I just want to win," Speights said. "When you win, everything's good; the city's good. When you lose, a lot of things don't go your way. I just want to win and develop more as a player and a pro."
• Luke Walton: Averaged more minutes (17.1) points (3.4) and assists (3.3) than he has in six seasons, the 33-year-old could be a role player somewhere in the NBA.
"I loved my time in Cleveland," Walton said. "I really did. I enjoyed my teammates a lot, the management I really enjoyed the coaches. So, yeah, man. I'd like to be back in Cleveland. But there's a lot that's going to happen between now and the time where I know where I'll be next year."
Injury updates: Dion Waiters said he plans to avoid off-season surgery on a loose cartilage fragment in his left knee. "I feel good," Waiters said. "I've never had surgery and I don't plan on getting one."
Anderson Varejao, who is recovering from quad surgery and a blood clot, said he recently went off blood-thinner medication and hopes to soon reach a point where he can resume contact drills.
"I just want to stay healthy," Varejao said. "That's my goal for next season. I'm kind of right now happy that this season is over after all that I went through. But I'm also excited for next season and I can't wait. I want to have a healthy season and I'm looking forward to that."
LeBron? A strange Tweet sent Thursday from the Cavs' official Twitter account (@cavs) had some fans wondering what had happened to the roster in a day. The text of the message read, "@lebronjames addresses the media on locker room clean out day." However, the link directed users to a photograph of Varejao talking to reporters.
The Cavaliers said they were investigating how the mention of LeBron James found its way into the Tweet, and were looking into whether the account had been compromised. James's Twitter account is @kingjames, anyway.
Former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said he had not been contacted by the Cavs, who fired Byron Scott on Thursday. But Brown said he would listen if the Cavs called.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said he had not been contacted by the Cavs, who fired coach Byron Scott on Thursday.
But Brown, a close friend of GM Chris Grant's, said he would listen if the team did call.
"If anybody calls, you have to listen,'' Brown, who was fired by the Lakers just five games into this season, said in a telephone interview Thursday night. "I'm not rushing to get back to [coaching]. Whether it's the Cavs situation or anybody else, it has to feel right for both sides.
"If they call, I wouldn't hang up the phone. I'd definitely listen to what anybody has to say. But then you have to decide if it's the right situation for myself, my family and the organization.''
Brown,a defensive specialist who was the 2009 NBA coach of the year, is the all-time winningest coach by percentage in Cavs history, with a 272-138 record in five seasons and led the team to its only NBA Finals appearance in 2007 in LeBron James' fourth season.
Brown was hired by the Lakers in 2011 to replace the retiring Phil Jackson and led the Lakers to a 41-25 lead in the strike-shortened 2011-12 season, then was let go when the team started 1-4 this season. He is owed about $8 million from the Lakers.
Once he was fired by the Lakers, Brown and his family decided to move back to the Cleveland area. His wife, Carolyn, has good friends here. His oldest son, Elijah, played basketball at St. Edward and just signed a national letter of intent at Butler. His youngest son, Cameron, has developed into a fine football player and wanted to come back and attend Westlake High School and then Ohio State.
Wednesday night, Jason Giambi became the third oldest player in Indians franchise history to homer.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Heard and seen before Thursday's series finale against the Red Sox.
Clubhouse confidential: Jason Giambi, 42, is settling into his role as grizzled veteran on the Indians. Wednesday night, he became the third oldest in franchise history to homer.
"It makes me laugh," he said of the distinction. "I don't think of myself as that old. I know I am, but I don't think of myself that way. I remember, when I first got to the big leagues in Oakland, (Mark) McGwire and (Terry) Steinbach and all those guys would call me 'Kid.' They'd tell me to enjoy it because it's going to go by fast. I was like, 'What do those guys know?' And now here I am. I'm that guy."
Giambi connected off Boston right-hander Alfredo Aceves for his 430th career long ball. It came in his second start for Cleveland.
"I'd been excited where my swing was," he said, "given the time I'd missed at beginning of the year. When I got in there that first game [Sunday], I didn't quite know where I'd be. I took a lot of confidence from it because I was barreling the ball. It's nice to get some results and get the first one out of the way."
Giambi's homer was the second half of a back-to-back with Nick Swisher.
"In our careers, I always kind of missed Nick," he said. "He came up in Oakland when I left, he came over to New York when I left. He kind of carried on that tradition in Oakland after I left, with the long hair and scraggily face. We'd never been teammates, so we were excited. It's a big deal to us to be able to play on the same team."
Finally: Lefty Scott Kazmir said Thursday afternoon that he is all set physically for his Saturday debut against the Astros in Houston. Kazmir, who will come off the disabled list after nursing a rib cage injury, was born in Houston.
Stat of the day: Giambi ranks 43rd on MLB's all-time homers list.
Terry Pluto believes Stan Van Gundy is a guy the Cavaliers would love to interview. Then again, so will other teams.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A few scribbles after a busy day for the Cavaliers.
1. The last time the team had a coaching opening, Dan Gilbert chased Tom Izzo. Lucky that didn't happen -- the Michigan State coach would not have lasted three months as the pro game with a young team would have driven him back to college. The finalists became Brian Shaw and Byron Scott. You can be sure that Shaw will be on the short list again. But the early leader may be Stan Van Gundy. Hard to know if the former Orlando coach will be interested, but the Cavs definitely would like to talk to him.
2. Van Gundy has a career 371-208 record (.641) in Miami and Orlando. He was 37-29 in his final season (2011-12) with the Magic, taking the hit when Dwight Howard couldn't decide if he wanted to stay or go. In the end, Howard forced a trade. General Manager Otis Smith and Van Gundy were fired.
It was similar to what happened when LeBron James was deciding if he'd stay here. Coach Mike Brown and General Manager Danny Ferry departed, and James left anyway for Miami.
3. The Cavs want a coach who emphasizes defense and has a track record of success, according to General Manager Chris Grant. Well, they had one and fired him after he won 66 and 61 games in his last two seasons. Fans know his name -- Mike Brown, who had a .663 winning percentage in four seasons with James. Brown was fired after a 1-4 start in his second season with the Lakers. He has $8 million left on his contract and is moving back to Cleveland. Yes, he is on the list.
4. Under Brown, the Cavs too often had an ugly, stagnant offense with James dribbling and four other players standing. In 2008-09, they were 66-16 and had a decent offense when John Kuester served as coordinator.
5. It's possible the franchise may go for someone who has never been a head coach before -- perhaps Miami's David Fizdale. But I sense an experienced coach who is strong on defense is desired. Gilbert and Brown would have to work out some issues for that to happen. But I believe Van Gundy is a guy they'd love to interview. Then again, so will other teams.
6. The Cavs like a stat called "defensive efficiency." In Scott's three seasons, they ranked 29th and 26th twice. The team says no team has won a title without being in the top 15. Van Gundy's lowest rating was 13th in Orlando, and twice had teams in the top three. The best such season for Nate McMillan (478-452 career) in 12 years was 13th. Only three times was he in the top 15. Six times, he was 24th or lower. Hard to know if that fits what the Cavs want.
7. After Scott was fired, Kyrie Irving told reporters: "I feel like a piece of me is missing. ... I'm trying to get over the loss of my basketball father." He could have helped the situation by at least making a sincere effort to defend on the court -- and backing Scott off it in the final weeks of the season. Instead, his defense remained indifferent, at best. The first time he was asked about wanting Scott to return, he refused comment.
8. Even if Irving had immediately backed his coach, Scott probably still would have been fired. The front office was discouraged by the lack of defense and wanted to change the approach. If the players think Scott was demanding, Van Gundy is same blunt style. His defensive scheme is stronger, but both are old-school coaches.
9. Consider that Varejao and Daniel Gibson are the only players left from when Scott was hired. Remaining from the opening day of the 2011-12 season are Irving, Tristan Thompson, Omri Casspi, Varejao and Gibson.
10. Since the fall of 1999, the Browns have gone through six coaches and Rob Chudzinski is No. 7. The man who replaces Scott will be No. 8 in that same time frame. Other NBA teams have the same type of coaching turnover.
Cleveland Indians are swept by Boston Red Sox in three-game series at Progressive Field.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Given the varying degrees of controversy surrounding the Cavaliers and Browns, and the reality that both are now in off-seasons, the Indians have a window of opportunity to make Cleveland a "Tribe Town.''
They are bobbling the ball.
Yes, it is early -- very early -- in the season. There is plenty of time to recalibrate. But the Indians could have used a better start through 14 games to generate some buzz.
The Indians slipped to 5-9 after the Red Sox prevailed, 6-3, Thursday night behind left-hander Jon Lester. A paid attendance of 12,936 watched the home team lose its fourth straight.
Fans finally got to enjoy decent weather. First-pitch temperature was 81 degrees, although it did get decidedly cooler as the night unfolded.
• Final Red Sox-Indians box | Scoreboard | Standings
Boston (11-4) completed a three-game sweep for its sixth consecutive victory. It had not won six straight since April 23-28, 2012.
Lester (3-0, 1.73 ERA) allowed the two runs on four hits in seven innings. He struck out five and walked one. Lester is 4-0 in eight career starts at Progressive Field, having struck out 57 in 48 1/3 innings.
The Indians don't face an American League East opponent again until May 13. Given the results from a heavy dose of the division that ended Thursday, a break is what they need. The Indians are 3-8 against the AL East, including five consecutive defeats.
The Indians do not return home until April 30, when they open a two-game series against Charlie Manuel's Phillies. Their three-city, 10-game trip begins Friday in Houston. Tribe fans can only hope that, by the next homestand, their club has visited the service garage and gotten a tuneup.
The Red Sox outscored the Indians, 19-8. They trotted out good starting pitchers, good relief pitchers and professional hitters.
The Red Sox took a 1-0 lead in the second. Cleanup man Mike Napoli led off with a triple to right against right-hander Zach McAllister. Napoli did not hit the ball all that hard, but the wind kept pushing it into the wall. The carom shot past Ryan Raburn.
Daniel Nava grounded the first pitch into right for an RBI single.
The Indians tied it in their half. Mark Reynolds led off with a ground-rule double to left. The ball struck the foul line beyond third and eluded Pedro Ciriaco. Reynolds advanced to third on a flyout and scored on Mike Aviles's grounder to Ciriaco.
With Red Sox on second and third and two outs in the third, McAllister fanned Napoli, who swung through a fastball.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia gave Boston a 2-1 cushion with a laser into his team's bullpen in the fourth. McAllister's full-count fastball tailed onto Salty's swing plane. The previous pitch was close, but Mike Winters called it a ball.
The Red Sox scored once in the fifth, Dustin Pedroia punching a single to right to drive in Shane Victorino. The Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs, but McAllister bowed his neck and got Jonny Gomes to ground to first.
The Indians pulled within 3-2 in their half. Aviles led off with a double, moved to third on a grounder and scored on Drew Stubbs's grounder to second.
Cord Phelps's fielding error set up a three-run seventh for Boston against relievers Nick Hagadone and Bryan Shaw.
Lefty Andrew Miller relieved Lester to begin the eighth. Later in the inning, Carlos Santana had an RBI single off Koji Uehara. Nick Swisher struck out with runners on second and third.
She is inducted into school's Hall of Fame three days after completing the Boston Marathon, her 20th marathon as a sober runner.
MENTOR, Ohio – Pam (Virant) Rickard probably would have been a terrific runner at Mentor High. She was more concerned with great big hair -- in the late 1970s, big hair was a big deal to some girls. Running would have made her hair sweaty. She was afraid of what some people might think.
“Fear is a bad motivation,'' she said Thursday, after speaking with students at the school.
Today, Rickard is a great runner and she still has great hair – long, dark and full – and it gets pretty messy sometimes. It's a sign that she is working daily to replace fear with honesty and openness in a life now focused more on others than herself.
Rickard's running accomplishments aren't measured so much in finish times and medals, though for her age, now 50, she has done quite well. She has won her age group at numerous marathons and ultra-distance races, including last year's Gobi March, a seven-day, 155-mile trek across the China desert.
It's what Rickard has done with running, and what running has done for her and her fellow recovering addicts she now serves, that caught the eye of the Mentor Alumni Association. She was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame on Thursday, appropriately, three days after completing the Boston Marathon – her 20th marathon sober, 27th overall – and a day after celebrating her seventh anniversary of sobriety.
This has been a long, emotional week, with many more miles and challenges ahead. She spoke to three Mentor High classes Thursday about the explosions at the Boston Marathon, as well as her alcohol addiction and continuing recovery.
“One of the (students) said, 'I wish my mom was like her!,'" Mentor French teacher Kristen Dickerson said in an email. “I invited them all to Chapin Forest next weekend to see her run (in the Outrun 24-hour Trail Race). I hope they come. Pam is an amazing woman, and they could learn a lot from her. I know I have.''
Rickard finished the Boston Marathon 20 minutes before two explosions killed three people and injured more than 100 others Monday. She was away from the incident when it occurred, but still rocked to the core. While locked down at a local YWCA with other runners, she remembered something she learned in alcoholism recovery, and what she preaches to others today.
“It struck me that light will withstand darkness and darkness will not withstand light,'' she said. “(The attack) was dark and evil and cowardly, and nothing will bring back those lives and limbs people lost, but the light that comes from it is that we still have a choice about how we are going to live our lives after it. Let's not let it fade away and get lost in small ways of living.''
Rickard, who lives in Rocky Mount, Va., with her husband Tom and three daughters, still runs in Northeast Ohio often, and has combined running and recovery into a “dream job.'' She is paid to run and talk, two things she does with unending energy. She is a vice president and ambassador for Runwell, a national non-profit foundation that promotes partnering sports with addiction treatment and encourages anyone involved with addictions, including family and friends, to get involved in sports.
Rickard said of the $100,000 raised last year, a total of $10,000 was awarded to recovery centers at the Edna House for Women in Cleveland and the Packard Institute in Akron.
Rickard's own pivot from years of alcohol addiction to sobriety reached what she thought at the time was a peak, the New York City Marathon, in 2007. Her journey from a Virginia jail serving 90 days for her third DUI to the marathon a year later was featured in former Plain Dealer colleague Liz Robbins' wonderful book, “A Race Like No Other.''
(In the interest of full disclosure, I first met Rickard and her husband, Tom, while in college when we were colleagues and friends at the Ohio University Student newspaper, The Post. Decades later, we recently reconnected on Facebook.)
Rickard's running days were far from over when she finished in New York. She discovered she loved, as Robbins put it, “pounding the roads on sober soles'' because she felt all was well with her soul.
One marathon followed another, then ultra-marathons, 24-hour races and crossing deserts and mountain ranges.
On Saturday, she'll run the famously challenging Blue Ridge Marathon as a double – she'll run the course twice, beginning at 2:30 a.m., before returning to Northeast Ohio for the Outrun 24-hour Trail Race in Kirtland on April 27.
These are mere training runs for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a 100-kilometer race with 20,000 feet in elevation gain across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps this August.
It leads to some obvious questions. Has her alcohol addiction been replaced by a running addiction, and is that bad? As someone whose career now involves working with other addicts, she gave it careful consideration.
“Now, if I am addicted to running, it depends on how you define the word. I work in the field, I know there's a medical definition, a physical component,'' she said. “But if you're talking about it in the slang term, then I might say I could be addicted to running, but I'm using the power for good instead of bad. If I don't get a run in, I don't feel bad, and the old me would have.''
Rickard needs to be in the spotlight to accomplish some of her fund-raising goals, but she knows that, like the kid consumed by her appearance, the attention can't be her motivation.
“I don't want it to be about me, but I want to be used as a vehicle, and that's hard for me to figure out,'' she said. “My message is, live in truth.''
Rickard said she was grateful Mentor alumni recognized her journey.
“I'm grateful for the honor, and I'm coming at it almost backwards, almost because of my fall,'' she said.
Like a marathoner with one more hill to climb, the fall is followed by an ongoing, and challenging, rise toward grace.
