The same week that the Cleveland Browns made it into the national news for the wrong reasons once again this offseason, I received an email to deposit money for 2015 season tickets!?! I’m serious. I can’t make this up.
This after CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora wrote a piece suggesting Browns owner Jimmy Haslam trading the franchise for the Tennessee Titans:
There was a positive story as well, however. After the local and national ridicule the club garnered following the logo and helmet color change (or lack thereof), safety Donte Whitner was chosen to participate in a Nike photo shoot promoting the new uniforms the team will debut this season. Sworn to secrecy about specific details of the changes, Whitner did throw us a couple of bones.
Best jerseys in the league! Hands down! 9 different color combos! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
It’s nearly April which means the most exciting time of the year for Browns fans is approaching. That’s right. The NFL draft! We now know where the Browns will be drafting in each round as well as the league announced the draft order this week. Of course it’s expected that the Browns will lose at least one of their mid round picks due to the incompetence of their GM Ray Farmer, who was texting coaches during games and was caught when former OC Kyle Shanahan most likely turned whistleblower. Anyhow, here are the picks as they stand as of right now:
Now I know the prospect of Josh McCown as the Browns starting quarterback doesn’t sound exciting at all, but in all honesty this dude is hard to not root for. He is extremely intelligent and will put the team needs before any of his personal goals, even if that means being a teacher to Johnny Manziel (If the entitled frat boy makes it to the playing field). McCown was interviewed on ESPN Cleveland by Tony Rizzo Wednesday and came across as a genuine, all class individual. If you missed the interview, do yourself a favor and take a listen to the guy that will most likely start the season as your starting quarterback:
Spraying champagne while floating on a blow up swan sounds like fun for a 22 year old doesn’t it? Of course it does. I mean, who wouldn’t call that a fun day? Jokes aside, for a guy that was angry about being passed up until the 22nd pick of the draft, Johnny Manziel sure is acting like that really didn’t bother him after all.
The apologists say, “He’s just doing what any young guy would be doing.” Really? Is Manziel the only 22 year old that was drafted into the NFL last month? I don’t think so.
Then there’s this one. “We are seeing Johnny doing these things because the camera’s follow him around.” Let me be the whistleblower here for all the naïve people that believe this nonsense. The reason why Manziel gets the attention he’s receiving is because he’s putting himself in the position to allow it to happen. If any of the other top quarterbacks in the league were acting in the same manner as “Johnny Football” their faces would be all over the internet and news outlets everywhere as well. The fact of the matter is, the other quarterbacks AREN’T doing the things that Manziel is doing, therefore the cameras AREN’T following them.
For the record I have no problem with players going out and having a good time. I’m all for it. When Josh Gordon or Joe Haden are partying on W. 6th St in the Warehouse district it’s not a big deal. Want to know why? Because they’re not quarterbacks!
Quarterbacks are treated differently than other players in the NFL, as they should be. They’re a rare breed. A top notch QB can be all the difference between a contender and a pretender. They’re supposed to be boring off the football field. We don’t want a quarterback that is getting headlines nationally every week for doing things away from the game. There are four top level QB’s in the league (Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers). When is the last time we’ve seen any of them acting in the same manner that Manziel does? I’ll answer that for you. Never.
To put it simplistically, Manziel needs to grow up and start acting like he wants to be a starting quarterback in the NFL and not the president of a college fraternity. Enough of the money signs. Enough of the poppin’ bottles. Enough of traveling coast to coast every weekend when his team is in the middle of their off-season workouts.
Manziel wanting to blow off some steam after a rigorous season just finishing up would be understandable, but to do so in the middle of off-season workouts? That just adds to the immaturity he’s shown since winning the Heisman Trophy after his redshirt freshman year. It hasn’t even been a year since he was kicked out of the Manning Passing academy. Or how about how he had to broadcast to the world how he couldn’t wait to leave College Station because of a parking ticket he received.
Head coach Mike Pettine and General Manager Ray Farmer should have a heart to heart with Manziel or he’s just going to be another “bust” that had the talent, but threw it away because his mind wasn’t sturdy enough.
Various reports have the Browns signing Ryan Aplin as an undrafted free agent, while others say that he has not signed. Here is a report on him just in case he does sign with the Browns and you want to have some more info on him.
Working for one of the leading college football companies in the country, Phil Steele Publications, gives me great information on players. The following is some of the information that I’ve gathered on the newest Cleveland Brown QB.
Ryan Aplin – 6’1″ 205 pounds. QB – Arkansas St Red Wolves
Coming out of high school Aplin wasn’t heavily recruited. Phil Steele ranked him as the #287 high school QB. Not only was Aplin a football standout, but he was also named All-Conference on the baseball diamond as well.
After redshirting as a true frosh, Aplin got his opportunity as a redshirt freshman. He played in 9 games, starting 3, and finished with 889 passing yards, completing 65% of his passes with a 3-6 touchdown to interception ratio. He rushed for 253 yards, averaging 4.0 yds/carry.
Hugh Freeze took over as the offensive coordinator during Aplin’s sophomore season. Things started slowly as Aplin was forced to sit out the spring practices after rehabbing his shoulder following off season surgery. He was named the starter in the summer and started all 12 games on the year. Aplin was responsible for 70% of Arkansas State’s total offense and threw a touchdown pass in all 12 games. For the season Aplin threw for 2,939 yards, completing 62% of his passes with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 477 yards on 138 carries (3.5 avg) with another 11 rushing touchdowns. In setting numerous school passing records, Aplin was named the 1st Team All Sun Belt Conference QB.
Freeze took over as head coach in Aplin’s JR season and it was a bit of a surprise when he mentioned that Aplin wasn’t guaranteed a starting spot. Not only did Aplin keep the starting QB job, but he was also named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year. Again Aplin, who started all 13 games, set numerous school passing records and finished with 3,588 yards, completing 64% of his passes. The lone downfall was his TD to interception ratio which was a modest 19-16. He also ran for 588 yards with 10 rushing td’s.
For his senior season, Aplin had to learn a new, but somewhat similar system. Hugh Freeze took the Ole Miss job and noted offensive genius Gus Malzahn took over as the new head coach. Malzahn was the College football coordinator of the year when he orchestrated Auburn’s potent offense with Cam Newton under center en route to a National Championship.
Despite a new offense, Aplin was nearly perfect in Arkansas State’s spring game. He threw for 313 yards and 4 touchdowns, completing 79% of his passes. He was named to the O’Brien and Walter Camp watch lists and didn’t disappoint. Again staring all 13 games, Aplin won his 2nd straight Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year award. He went to on to finish with 3,342 passing yards, completing a career high 68% of his passes. He also rectified his touchdown to interception ratio from his JR season, finishing with 24 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. He wasn’t asked to rush as much, but still finished with 438 yards and 6 more touchdowns on the ground.
Despite his success in the college ranks, Aplin will have his work cut out for him to make the roster. Arkansas State ran an up tempo offense that relied on the short passing game. He also doesn’t have a big arm.
He did have major success for a small program and was coached by two of college football’s greatest minds, so that can never be a bad thing. He can scramble if he needs to and is a proven winner.
Safety Jamoris Slaughter didn’t expect to hear his name called during the NFL draft. The Browns made the surprising pick of drafting the Notre Dame product with the 175th pick. The reason the pick was surprising was because Slaughter only played in 3 1/2 games last year after tearing his Achilles tendon.
Working for one of the best college football companies, Phil Steele Publications, allows me access to great information on every player. Here is our “player card” on the Cleveland Browns newest DB, Jamoris Slaughter.
Slaughter entered college as a very highly touted recruit out of Georgia. Phil Steele ranked him as the #35 overall DB coming out of high school. He ran a 4.5 40 as a prep player.
After redshirting his true frosh year, Slaughter played in all 12 of Notre Dames games as a redshirt frosh, starting one of them (CB). He played both FS & CB and was noted as one of the better tacklers on the team, finishing with 14 of them.
Slaughter came into his Sophomore season needing to impress new head coach Brian Kelly. A lot of times new coaches want to play their own guys, but Slaughter gained 10 pounds over the offseason and did indeed impress Kelly in the spring practices with his downhill tackling ability. He played in 11 games, starting 5 of them at free safety, but was hampered by heel and ankle injuries, which cost him his starting job. Slaughter finished with 31 tackles, 3 pass break ups, and 1 interception.
In the offseason entering his Junior season, Slaughter had surgery due to bone spurs in his ankle. He was declared the starter after summer practices and played in all 13 games, starting 9 as a free safety. Slaughter finished with 45 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 2 pass break ups, and 1 interception.
Slaughter entered his Senior season with Notre Dame realizing how important it was for him to be on the field. He got some work at CB during spring practices and was getting work as an OLB in certain packages in the summer. He stared the first three games at safety before tearing his Achilles tendon on the first snap of the 2nd half against Michigan State. He finished with 8 tackles and 1 pass break up.
The NCAA denied Slaughters request for a 6th of eligibility in February.
Obviously it remains to be seen how Slaughter will respond after his season ending injury from a year ago, but when on the field, he’s a versatile player and a steady tackler.
After LB, the most pressing need for the Cleveland Browns was at the CB position. The Browns spent their 3rd round pick on the player they hope will fill that need, Leon McFadden. Who is Leon McFadden you ask? I’m here to help. Working at one of the leading college football companies in the world, Phil Steele Publications, allows me access and info on players that you might not get otherwise. Allow me to share.
McFadden was actually recruited as a WR coming out of high school. Although not a highly recruited prospect (Phil Steele had him ranked as the #542 WR in the country), McFadden came in right away and made an impact for the Aztecs. He was moved to CB during the summer practices and started the 1st 5 games of the season. He was their only true frosh to play in all 12 games and finished with 26 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception and blocked 2 kicks. While he only started 1 game out of the final 7, he was listed #2 on the depth chart at CB at the end of the season.
Heading into his Sophomore year, McFadden put on 15 pounds and had a tremendous season. He started all 13 games and finished with 55 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss, 12 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions. He also returned 5 punts, averaging 9.2 yds/ret. He was named 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf.
After his stellar Sophomore season, McFadden didn’t slow down as a Junior. He put on 8 pounds of muscle in the offseason and there was even talk of him playing both ways (WR). He stayed strictly on the defensive side of the ball and again started all 13 games, finishing with 46 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 15 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions. Teams tended to avoid McFadden, but he still earned 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf, becoming the 1st Aztec to accomplish back to back 1st Tm accolades since ’00-’01!
McFadden thought about making himself eligible for the draft after his JR season, but thought otherwise after it was suggested he’d be a 5th round selection. He made the Nagurski and Thorpe watch lists and finished with 61 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 12 pass break ups, 3 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns, including a 96 yarder) and 1 forced fumble, again starting 13 games. He earned 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf for a 3rd straight year!
His height maybe a bit of a question mark, but he has the speed and mental makeup to be the corner that the Browns need opposite Joe Haden. McFadden played in every game in his college career (51) and started the last 39 of them.
With a name starting with “Bark” was it really a question where Keke Mingo would end up? All kidding aside, the Browns drafted a solid player that will provide instant relief on the defensive side of the ball.
Working at one of the top college football companies in the country, Phil Steele Publications, allows me unprecedented information about players. I wanted to share what we have on our Keke Mingo “player card.”
The 6-5, 240 pound DE/OLB was not only a standout on the gridiron in HS, but also a track stud, where he was a sprinter in the 200 & 400 meters! Phil Steele ranked him as the #13 overall LB in the country when he signed with LSU.
After redshirting his True Freshman year, he gained 26 pounds and was moved to DE. He flashed unbelievable speed (4.5 40) & athleticism (35.5″ vertical) for a guy his size. He played in 13 games, starting 1 as a redshirt frosh, showing tremendous speed off the edge. He finished with 35 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 4 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 6 pass break ups and was named to the All-SEC Frosh team.
Entering his Sophomore season Keke earned LSU’s offseason Leadership award along with their spring award. Head coach Les Miles said “He’s got safety & OLB speed.” He played in 14 games, starting 5 and finished with 46 tackles, 8 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 11 QB hurries (5 in the SEC Champ game alone), 2 pass break ups and was named 2nd Tm SEC.
Entering his Junior season, which would be his last, Keke again earned LSU’s offseason Leadership award & the MVP of the Spring award. He was named to the Nagurski, Bednarik, and Lombardi watch list. He played in 13 games, starting 10 and finished with 38 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 12 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, 3 pass break ups and again earned 2nd Tm SEC.
The Browns are not just getting a solid football player, but a great person who is a leader off the field as well. I really like the pick and Browns fans, you should be excited!!
1. One of the games I charted two weeks ago was the Tulsa vs Tulane matchup. While the game went entirely Tulsa’s way, Devon Walker, a DB from from Tulane suffered a broken neck on the last play of the first half. It was reported that he actually stopped breathing before being revived. I ask that you all pray for Devon, a former walk-on, who worked his tail off to become a scholarship athlete. Tulane has also set up a Devon Walker fund at: http://www.tulane.edu/devonwalker
2. That leads me to a game that I charted last week between Nebraska and Arkansas State. After having his pulse checked during the first half, Bo Pelini was taken to the hospital during halftime as a precaution. While he checked out fine, it served as a reminder of the grind these coaches go through. I know most of them make a TON of money, but still, it shouldn’t be at the benefit of your health. Money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t buy health.
3. The Texas Longhorns may be ranked #12 in the latest AP poll, but in no way are they the 12th best team in the country. Yes, they defeated an overmatched Ole Miss squad by the score of 66-31, but their defense gave up way too many big plays, coupled with a 100 yd kickoff return on special teams.
4. The most underrated coach in College Football is WKU’s Willie Taggert. And it’s not even close. He’s turned the Hilltoppers completely around and he doesn’t need to use the gimmicky uptempo, spread offenses that so many college coaches use these days. He is doing it with a smashmouth, westcoast, run orientated brand of football taught to him first by Jack Harbaugh, and then by Jim Harbaugh. After his playing days were over at WKU, Taggert was an assistant under Jack at his alma mater, then an assistant under Jim at Stanford. And i’m not saying it because of his win over Kentucky. I was more impressed with his ability to hang with LSU last year and Bama this year. The 35-0 loss to Bama was completely misleading. WKU was only outgained by 100 total yards. The score was so lopsided due to Bama forcing 4 turnovers. Oh yeah, and then there’s this. WKU had 6 sacks on the so called “greatest OL in college football!” I can see Taggert taking over for Derek Dooley at Tennessee in the very near future.
5. The Cleveland Browns are heading in the right direction. I know they are 0-2, but they have had a legitimate chance to win each game. This is a team that was considered by many as one of the 5 worst in the league this year. While many were upset after the opening loss to the Eagles, I wasn’t. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I don’t like the fact that they lost, but come on and be realistic. Did you even think they were going to make it a game leading into the season? The fact that they hung with one of the upper echelon teams in the NFL shows that they aren’t the pushovers they have been. They then answered that with a game on the road against the Bengals where they were an onside recovery from a final drive to tie the ball game.
6. The Cleveland Indians must have new ownership if they are ever going to compete for a World Series Championship. I really don’t need to expand on that point at all.
7. My beloved Ohio State Buckeyes will finish with the best record in the Legends division of the B10 this year. I know they didn’t look so hot versus Cal last week, but Urb will right the ship and their real only competition, Wisconsin, is not the Wisconsin team that you are used to seeing. If you think the Buckeyes have struggled, look at the Badgers barely escaping with wins at home against Northern Iowa & Utah State, and losing at a not so talented Oregon State squad.
1. I told you last week, to take a Cleveland Browns win, no matter how ugly it is or was. Memo to Browns offensive coordinator Brian Dabol, when you are facing the worst rush defense in the entire NFL, like you were last week, Peyton Hillis has to have more than 21 carries. I know, Hillis had three fumbles, but I’d much rather take my chances feeding Hillis the rock, then relying on Jake Dellhome and his three yard passes. There were two different drives in the second half, in which the Browns went three and out, that drove me freaking nuts. Can you guess what the play calls were for those drives? I’ll fill you in. First down – Pass. Second down – Pass. Third down – Pass. I’ll just fill you in on what happened on fourth down. Punt.
2. Has anyone regresses more rapidly than JJ Hickson of the Cleveland Cavaliers? I mean, at the beginning of the season he was one of the few bright spots on the team. He seemed like a guy that was “untouchable” when talking about players to trade. Now, the guy seems lost on the court and isn’t even making plays on the offensive end. I don’t think the Cavs should give up on him just yet, however. He’s still a young player that is learning a new system. I think he can still be a solid offensive NBA player.
3. Bernard Hopkins will become the oldest boxer to ever win a true championship when he defeats Jean Pascal this weekend for the Lineal Light Heavyweight Championship of the World. The odds are stacked against Hopkins; He’s nearly 46 years old, will be fighting on Pascal’s home Canadian turf, and is coming off a lackluster performance over Roy Jones Jr in April. It doesn’t matter. Hopkins is at his best when people start counting him out. I think this will be his last great performance in the ring. Showtime is televising it.
4. It’s funny that Terrelle Pryor said that if he were playing in the spread offense, he would “dominate.” Here’s an idea Terrelle, stop shot putting the ball, make better decisions, and dominate in a pro-style offense so you can improve your draft status. And while you’re at it, give another Rose Bowl type performance against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. Do that, and many of the “Haters” will start supporting you again.
5. We will get to see just how good Cleveland State is when they go on the road to take on West Virginia on Saturday. This will be the best team that Cleveland State will have played this season and it is on the road. Head coach Gary Waters will have his team ready and in years past, where Cleveland State has sometimes gone into games like this with “Big Eyes,” I don’t think that will be the case. The most significant matchup will be in the paint between Aaron Pogue and Kevin Jones. If Pogue can control that matchup, CSU will remain unbeaten.
6. When Cleveland Indians and Major League Baseball great Bob Feller was taken into hospice care last week, I knew the time was coming, but didn’t want to think about it. After learning of Fellers passing last night I was in shock. This is a man that I’ve personally spoken to before and is a living legend. Please go and read all of the articles on this great man. Go to every major sports website and read about him. He’s an all time great who lost nearly four years of his prime while serving America during World War II. A great pitcher, but an even greater American. And he had to pass away while Larry Dolan owned the Indians. Damn you Larry Dolan. Damn you.
There isn't a better player that will ever put on a Cleveland Indians uniform
7. I still think it’s crazy that freshman are for the most part the best players in college basketball. Ohio State’s Fabulous Frosh Jared Sullinger earned his second Big Ten Player of the week award in the first four weeks of the season. He leads the second ranked team in the nation in scoring and doesn’t seem to mind the adjustment from high school to college ball. He will win the Big Ten Player of the Year award.
8. Arrive to Christmas concerts and recitals early. If you are just a tad late, you are stuck in the back and won’t see anything. My son had his Christmas concert last night at St. Anthony’s and I got there about 5 minutes before it started. I was stuck in a pew in the back of the cathedral and missed out. Couldn’t even see him.
9. Colt McCoy should be the starter for the rest of the season and I’m happy to see that Eric Mangini has listed his as such. Despite improvement in the team, it appears that Mangini is going to be on the outside looking in when the coaching reviews happen after the season. Mangini should be coaching the Cleveland Browns after this season. The team is headed in the right direction and this organization needs some stability in the worst way.
10. There are some Cleveland Boxers in action. Raynell Williams and Terrell Gausha are fighting tonight in World Series of Boxing matches. Both won their first bouts two weeks ago. Heavyweight Ray Austin is going up against former Olympic Gold medalist Odlanier Solis from Cuba on Saturday in Miami. The winner gets a shot at titlist Vitali Klitschko. Michael Moore improved to 6-0, 4 KO’s after a first round knockout Tuesday night in Texas.
11. Go see “The Fighter” which hits theatres this week. It’s the true story about “Irish” Mickey Ward and the struggles he had to endure while also being a damn good professional prizefighter. You will be amazed if you don’t know the story behind this man. The only bad thing about it is it doesn’t go into the epic trilogy that Ward had with the late Arturo Gatti. SMDH. Why are you still reading this? Go see it!!
12. Amir Kahn and Marcos Maidana put on what essentially will be voted as the fight of the year this past Saturday on HBO. What an epic back and forth battle featuring everything you look for in a prizefight; knockdowns, drama, blood, and of course excitement! If you missed it and have HBO, go check it out on the HBO On Demand channel. Hopefully it will turn you into a boxing fan, if you aren’t one already.
13. Congrats to The University of Akron Zips soccer team as they won the College Cup and were crowned National Champs!! Ohio featured the High School National and College National Champions in Soccer this year!! If you have kids, you understand my excitement for soccer.
1. When the Cleveland Browns win a game, no matter what it looked like, take it. Don’t complain about it. Don’t say they didn’t deserve it. Don’t say they were lucky. Again, take it. The Browns have lost so many games over the years that left us fans in disbelief so just take a deep breath and enjoy the fact that the Cleveland Browns won a game.
2. The Cleveland Cavalier fans have more heart than any of the players that play on the squad. What a bunch of bitches those players are. Every single one of them. Instead of playing grab ass with players on the opposing team, mix in a physical foul once in a while. The Cavs are obviously one of the less talented teams in the NBA, so they have to make up for it in heart and playing physical. The problem is they have no heart, and the players don’t know how to be physical. There is a difference between being physical and being dirty. I’m saying to play physical.
3. Wladimir Klitschko was set to defend the Heavyweight Championship of the World this weekend. That was until he tore a pectoral muscle earlier this week. Reports say he tore it while working the punching mitts. I don’t buy it. I’m going to say that he and his girlfriend Hayden Panettiere were practicing cheers to revive her Hollywood career and he hurt himself after they did some crazy acrobatic maneuver.
These two don't look akward together do they?
4. The biggest surprise players on The Ohio State University Buckeyes this football season were Boom Herron and Brian Rolle. Sure, both players were well-known coming into the season, but had underachieved in prior years. Herron proved to be a tough player inside the tackles and was the most consistent offensive player of the season. Rolle, an undersized linebacker, stepped up and showed the playmaking abilities that the Buckeyes were looking for when they recruited him out of Florida. Herron will be one of the top running backs in the country next season. The most disapointing players? Terrelle Pryor and Cameron Hayward. Pryor continued to be inconsistent as a quarterback and didn’t capitalize on his near perfect Rose Bowl game from last year. Heading into the season he was the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, however, he failed to even make first or second team quarterback in his own conference. Cameron Hayward passed up first round riches to play in the NFL last year to come back and play his senior year. A commendable act no doubt, but he should have dominated this year. There were games when you didn’t even hear the announcers mention his name. Sure, he was double and triple teamed much of the year, but if your Cameron Hayward, you’ve gotta find a way to make plays. I’m being extremely critical here, because Heyward still had a solid year, but a player of his stature didn’t have the type of dominating season that was expected.
5. I’ve said it before, and i’m going to continue to preach it. THE BEST BASKETBALL IN THE CITY CONTINUES TO BE PLAYED BY THE CLEVELAND STATE VIKINGS! They are 11-0 and are on the cusp of being ranked in the top 25. Don’t get caught up in their ranking. Just know that head coach Gary Waters and his staff are concentrating on getting them ready for postseason play. Also Norris Cole, who has already been named athlete of the week twice in the Horizon League this season, is more fun to watch than anyone on the Cleveland Cavalier roster.
6. It’s great to be a Cleveland Indians fan right now. I mean, while Boston is picking up Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, and the Yankees on the verge of signing Cliff Lee, the Indians are promoting Snow Days at progressive field and getting close to signing Nick Punto. Nick Punto!! Punto is a stud at 33 years old and coming off a monster year in which injuries limited him to playing 48 games, but he hit an astounding .238!! I’m camping out for my Tribe tickets already. Damn you Larry Dolan. Damn you.
7. While Jared Sullinger, Jon Diebler, and William Buford get most of the attention and accolades for The Ohio State University Buckeye basketball team, the heart and soul of the team is David Lighty. The Cleveland native leads the team in scoring, and is averaging career highs in assists and steals. What you won’t see in the box score is the defensive intensity he brings as well as the hustle plays that he makes on the court by tipping balls and frustrating opposing players.
8. If you have a bad lower back like I do, get an inversion table. The thing works wonders. Takes every ounce of pressure and removes it from your back. Simply amazing.
9. I know its early, but TJ Ward and Joe Haden remind me an awful lot of the Frank Minnifield and Felix Wright combination. What a backfield. Keep it up guys.
10. There are two Cleveland boxers that are participating in the World Series of Boxing. For those that don’t know, the World Series of Boxing is an amateur boxing league that follows professional rules. There is no headgear, no shirts, and rounds are scored on a ten point must system. The fights last five rounds. The two Cleveland boxers are Raynell Williams and Terrell Gausha. They both participate on the Team from Memphis called the Memphis Force. Both were victorious in their opening bouts. The bouts are televised on Versus.
Raynell Williams during his first bout with Memphis.
11. I heard that there is going to be a new Top Gun movie coming out. Please say it isn’t so!! First The Karate Kid was remade, and now Top Gun? SMDH.
12. There is excellent boxing on this weekend. Both Showtime and HBO are giving fans their money’s worth. Showtime is showing its Bantamweight tournament bouts, featuring four of the top six bantamweights in the World against each other, while HBO is focusing on the Jr Welterweight division, with three of the top ten Jr Welterweights in action.
13. The University of Akron Zips soccer team has made it to the Final Four of the College Cup. They are on their way to back-to-back National Championships!
1. I’m getting tired of every so called “expert” talk about second half adjustments and play calling every time the Cleveland Browns lose a game. I’ve got an idea, how about the other team just made more plays at more crucial moments?
2. If no one showed up to the Q to witness “Quitness” on Thursday, wouldn’t that be the ultimate bitch slap back? I mean, I don’t want to be anywhere near that Arena during the game. If everyone followed suit, LePrick would notice just how important he really is.
3. There isn’t a classier boxer in the world than Ring Magazine number 1 ranked Super Middleweight and former USA Olympic Gold Medal winner Andre Ward. He wore trunks dedicated to Showtime blow-by-blow announcer Nick Charles as he battled cancer earlier this year, and after his hard fought decision over Sakio Bika on Saturday, he gave a shout out to North East Ohio Native Kelly Pavlik to let him know that he was in Ward’s prayers as the former Middleweight Champion is undergoing alcohol rehabilitation.
4. Certain things in life are undeniable. Death. Taxes. And of course The Ohio State University Buckeyes beating Michigan while winning another Big Ten Championship and securing another BCS Bowl bid.
5. The best basketball in the City continues to be played by the Cleveland State Vikings and it’s not even close. They are off to the best start in School history at 8-0, and begin Horizon League play this week. I’m shocked that the Wolstein Center crowds have been non-exhistant. Truly embarrassing if you ask me.
6. I’m dropping down $25 to play in the snow at Progressive Field. There will be more sounds of joy this winter in that ballpark then what was heard all year during the baseball season. Damn you Larry Dolan. Damn you.
7. Jared Sullinger has continued to impress me despite being double and triple teamed continuously down on the block. He has three double-doubles already, which is the second most by a Freshman behind UK’s Terrence Jones. Can I get a Buckeye versus Wildcat matchup in the tourney this year??
8. It’s simply not worth staking out overnight to get Black Friday deals. Wait it out and you will find deals that are just as good on Cyber Monday from the comforts of your own home.
9. Jake Delhomme should put the football down and pick the clipboard back up. As much of a veteran as he is, I’m still astonished at the decision he makes with the football. INT after INT. He’s like a poor man’s JaMarcus Russell.
10. Kelly Pavlik was reportedly in rehab ten days before his fight with Sergio Mora. Ten days. Pavlik was winning the fight before suffering his second cut over his eye and therefore, unable to see punch’s coming his way. This is astonishing given how much Martinez’s stock has risen. Had Pavlik been on the straight and narrow, he would have destroyed Martinez and would be on everyone’s pound for pound list. Sad story about Pavlik. Knowing him personally makes it even more difficult for me. I wish him the best and hope he comes back.
11. The biggest pet peeve in the world is getting ready to park in a parking space at the grocery store and when you’re just about to pull in, there’s a empty shopping cart in the way. SMDH.
12. Manny Pacquiao isn’t fighting Juan Manuel Marquez again. At least not next. The reason? Marquez will beat him.
13. Despite not scoring a goal in Barcelona’s 5-0 thrashing of Real Madrid, my boy Lio Messi set up David Villa for two perfect goals and was the Man of the Match, drawing six fouls and controlling the middle of the pitch
Now I know the prospect of Josh McCown as the Browns starting quarterback doesn’t sound exciting at all, but in all honesty this dude is hard to not root for. He is extremely intelligent and will put the team needs before any of his personal goals, even if that means being a teacher to Johnny Manziel (If the entitled frat boy makes it to the playing field). McCown was interviewed on ESPN Cleveland by Tony Rizzo Wednesday and came across as a genuine, all class individual. If you missed the interview, do yourself a favor and take a listen to the guy that will most likely start the season as your starting quarterback:
Castro's Kingdom 