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OSU faces a “no win” situation

February 22, 2006 / Bob

The Ohio State University has a tough couple weeks ahead of them. Thad Matta and his Buckeyes are playing their best basketball of the year. The Bucks are heading toward a Big Ten championship and a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

The school, on the other hand, is facing possible sanctions, removing past awards, and a large financial setback. Seth Davis of SI lays out the endless scenarios, with one being OSU losing both Matta and their star studded recruits. Let�s all hope the NCAA does the right thing here and doesn�t punish the players.

OSU Basketball

Cavaliers begin second half on the right note

February 22, 2006 / John Blake

The Cavaliers put forth a strong performance in their first game back from the break, beating the Orlando Magic 105-92 Tuesday night at the Q. The loss extends the Magic�s losing streak to seven games and 11 of 12. The Cavaliers displayed a collective effort offensively with three players scoring more than 20 points. Fresh off his spectacular MVP weekend, LeBron James led the charge with 26 points and 9 assists. Zydrunas Ilgauskas was not far behind, adding 24 points and 13 rebounds. Sasha Pavlovic, who has had some up and down games since replacing Larry Hughes in the starting lineup, finally broke out, scoring a career-high 21.

Being a big Pavlovic fan myself, it was great to see him play like he did tonight. He has the ability to shoot the three and with his size and athleticism, he can get the basket and score. While it is highly unlikely that he�ll average 20 points for the remainder of the season, hopefully this game will help build his confidence. We�re going to need him in the last 29 games to help take some of the pressure off LeBron, especially if Ferry doesn’t make a move.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Browns need a good decision.

February 21, 2006 / Bob

The Cleveland Browns are preparing for free agency and this year�s draft. They will concentrate on leadership and experience. If the Browns draft an offensive or defensive lineman, look for them to sign a veteran free agent at wide receiver. This past year, free agents and draft picks played a major role in shaping the team.

I like the way Phil Savage handles himself publicly. He is open and honest when evaluating players and their future with the team (i.e. Antonio Bryant). The fact that we may have Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow back to start the season makes you wonder if concentrating on the defense should be a number one priority in the draft. The Browns have a pretty strong offensive line and durable back in Rueben Droughns. The addition of another top notch free agent would make their O-line very similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers. As an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, I see similarities with Phil Savage and Jim Tressel. Michigan and Pittsburgh are the key opponents, and beating them should be their number one concern.

Phil came to Cleveland and one of the first things he stressed was that you have to �believe you can win�. The Browns and their fans have a long way to go in that category. Savage answered every question asked in a recent conversation, but still didn�t tip his hand on the draft. I believe defense should be our main concern, but that being said I�ve always agreed with taking the �best guy on the board� regardless of the position. Let�s just hope our number one pick can make it through a full season without a major injury.

Cleveland Browns

The Indians need to win first…

February 20, 2006 / Bob

I was reviewing the Cleveland Indians’ 2006 schedule to determine how many games are going to be nationally televised this year. This number is a good indication of what the experts think of the Tribe for the upcoming season. So far, the baseball world believes Cleveland is a middle contender, as they tentatively have the Tribe slated for a handful of games on the national stage.

While reviewing this, I wanted to see how many games my local cable company was covering (Comcast) or my families (Adelphia) and as of today the answer is none. That�s right, zero.

I attached the article so fans understand that the Indians are asking us, the fans, to call our cable companies to petition for airing the games on cable. Fox Sports Network announced that the Indians were �ridiculous� in their demands to keep the team on their station. Did I miss something, or are the Indians still an �up and coming� team that need fan support? The organization really can�t be trying to squeeze money out of these networks before they are even winning, can they? That being said, it�s time for the Dolan family to put up or shut up. This city needs an owner that believes in winning by spending money. I know I have said this at least ten times, but do we really have to call our cable company to plead or should the Dolans put some money into this team and PROVE their worth? I think we should all call THE INDIANS and demand they start making the playoffs before wanting more money to watch games on TV.

Cleveland Indians

Cleveland rejoices James winning MVP; let’s keep it going!

February 20, 2006 / Bob

The Cavaliers joined together to celebrate LeBron James being named the best player in the All-Star game last night. Coach Mike Brown, GM Danny Ferry and the players showered James with praise and compliments.

I believe Brown and Ferry should be on the phones and wire trying to improve this team. If we believe that MVP LeBron can carry this team for the whole second half of the NBA season, we�re kidding ourselves. Let�s not relive the collapse by the Indians at the end of the baseball season. I want to win and I want to win now!!

They only way that will happen will be to make some changes. Larry Hughes is hurt and will not return until the playoffs begin, at the earliest. The Cav�s have proven they can play with Indiana, Detroit and Miami. I continue to read how Drew Gooden gives us a constant double/doubles, this should be a given with LeBron roaming the court. Damon Jones is still building a new Q with all the bricks he continues to throw at the rim, even though he is the self proclaimed �best three point shooter� in the league. And excuse me for not getting excited over Stephen Graham, there�s a reason this is his third team this year.

I�m a Cleveland fan and I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope we finally have an owner (unlike the Modells or Dolans) that has the drive to get us there.