Author: G (Page 31 of 44)

Is Maurice Clarett finally growing up?

July 29, 2005 / G

Maurice Clarett helped the Buckeyes win a National Championship, and then he turned on the school and his former teammates by trying to destroy the program. Fortunately, the NCAA didn’t believe his bullshit and the Ohio State football program dodged a bullet.

Since then, it has been easy to take shots at Clarett, and we’re more than happy to do so, but we have to give him credit for the new contract he signed with Denver. The details are spelled out in a post on The Scores Report. Basically, Clarett will not take any guaranteed money and instead will receive significant performance bonuses. He’s showing he has some balls, and maybe, just maybe, he’s finally growing up.

OSU Football

Ohio State QB Smith did not break NCAA rules

July 25, 2005 / G

Ohio State QB Troy Smith has been cleared of NCAA violations by Ohio State and the NCAA following an investigation over his attendence at a football camp conducted by Steve McNair. This seemed like a very minor incident, so it should be a relief for Buckeye fans that Smith will not have to sit out any more games following the opener. Regardless of whether he starts, the Buckeyes will likely need him against Texas.

OSU Football

Forget the Central

July 17, 2005 / G

The Indians can forget about competing for the Central Dibvision title after suffering a four-game sweep at the hands of the White Sox. Today was a fitting end to the series, as the Indians endured a 4-0 shutout. The Tribe can still pray for the Wild Card, but even that seems remote with the way they are playing. They need to wake up and take care of business with the weak schedule because right now they can’t hang with the White Sox.

Cleveland Indians

Should the Cavaliers trade Drew Gooden?

July 13, 2005 / G

Terry Pluto makes a compelling case that the Cavaliers should now turn their attention to trading Drew Gooden. The main reason is defense. According to Pluto, Gooden just doesn’t get it. He’s more of a scoring power forward, and the Cavs don’t need that now that they have signed Hughes and brought back Z. He’s often a liability on defense, especially against physical power forwards like Elton Brand who can muscle him down low.

Pluto points out that Gooden has one year left on a deal that pays him $4 million next year, which would make him very attractive to teams looking to create salary cap flexibility. Pluto argues that the Cavs should set their sites on a rebounder like Reggie Evans from Seattle, and then let Varejao develop as a player.

Gooden was a decent fit last year, but this team needs some muscle down low. If Ferry gets the right deal Gooden needs to go.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Reviews good on Hughes signing

July 9, 2005 / G

The reviews are coming in and not surprisingly, they are very good. Terry Pluto loves the move. Hughes was his first choice OVER Redd and Allen because he’s the best all around player of the three, with his excellent defense, rebounding skills and ballhandling ability. Yes, he’s not a great three-point shooter, but Pluto correctly points out that the Cavs have many needs, and a complete player is much better for the long-term development of this team. He also notes Hughes’s attitude, noting:

“Some fans need to understand that Hughes is not fixated on being the star. Coming from Washington, he played with Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison — both used to shooting a lot.

Many times, Hughes was the third option in that offense, yet he still averaged 22 points. He still defended. He still rebounded. He still played the complete game.

Name a Cavalier who does all that?”

That pretty much sums it up. So far, so good for Danny Ferry and Dan Gilbert. They may have overpaid a little to get him as Bud Shaw points out, but they had the money and cap room and did what they had to do to land a very good player.