May 23, 2013

Luke Harangody goes legend against Wizards, then back to D-League

April 15, 2012 by 8 Comments

I’m fairly certain that no player has ever led his team in both points and rebounds during an NBA game one night, and then been sent immediately down to the NBA’s Developmental League that following morning.

That is until Luke Harangody did as much for the Cleveland Cavaliers this weekend.

Harangody played for the Canton Charge on Friday. He was called up Saturday to start in place of Antawn Jamison, who was ruled out of last night’s game so he could take a break or something, and now Luke is on a plane back to Springfield to help push the  Charge further towards D-League playoff glory.

No matter what happens from here though, there’s no undoing the chapter he wrote last night in the legendary tale of Gody.

I set the over/under for total points scored by Luke Harangody at 13.5 last night just prior to tip-off. I had a feeling that Gody was about to get 14, and after I put that out on Twitter I received ten over picks and nine unders. Needless to say, Luke proved at least nine people wrong last night.

He scored an efficient 16 points on 6 of 11 shooting in 37 minutes of work, going way over that line of 13.5. He also grabbed 10 rebounds, had 2 steals, and his big league team go the 98-89 road win. Pretty solid work for the first start of your NBA career. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Benches Clear, Indians Win, and Cavs beat Wizards

April 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Shin-Soo Choo wins it late for Tribe:  ”The Indians stood up for Shin-Soo Choo on Saturday and Choo reciprocated by standing up for his teammates as well. Choo’s game-winning, two-run double off Greg Holland snapped a 10th-inning tie and lifted the Indians to an 11-9 victory on a wild night that had the Cleveland right fielder cast as the central character in a topsy-turvy plot.

When Choo was hit by Jonathan Sanchez pitch in the third inning, it triggered a crazy chain of events, which included both benches emptying twice, three Cleveland ejections and a Kansas City rally from a seven-run deficit to force extra innings. But in the end, Choo’s bat proved the difference in keeping the Indians from the growing possibility of a demoralizing loss.

Cleveland led 9-2 when the Royals gained momentum against a bullpen that faced a long night after starter Jeanmar Gomez was ejected for hitting Mike Moustakas in the third. That development came after Sanchez had hit Choo. Last year, Choo was hit by a Sanchez pitch in San Francisco and suffered a broken left thumb.

Yuniesky Betencourt’s solo homer off Vinnie Pestano tied it at 9 in the eighth, but Choo saved the night with his big blow against Holland. Chris Perez worked a clean ninth for the save.

“Always we try to win the game, but especially tonight,” Choo said. “We have to win the game.”  [MLB.com / Robert Falkoff]

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Gody and Casspi fuel win for Cavs over Wizards:  ”James Singleton’s 19-foot jumper to start the fourth quarter tied the game at 73, the first tie since the score was knotted at 22 at the end of the opening quarter. The Cavaliers responded to the pressure on consecutive possessions with a corner 3-pointer from Luke Harangody and a 3-point play from Omri Casspi, who made the hoop with the harm. Those buckets sparked a 16-7 Cleveland run, giving the Cavs an insurmountable 89-80 lead with under six minutes to play.”  [Truth About It / John Converse Townsend]

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On Johnny Damon and the Indians:  ”Strange as it may be to acknowledge, here we are in mid-April (a little over 7 months after making the Ubaldo deal that seemed to signal a new aggressiveness at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario) talking about a Johnny Damon signing that still hasn’t been formally announced, with a wildly player-friendly contract attached to it. It was merely five games into the 2012 season when the team reached out to a 38-year-old player, essentially as a rental for about a month or so, that hadn’t been signed and who is willing to accept a base salary of $1.25M because he represented something potentially better than anything else they had in the system or brought in during the off-season.

Now, don’t take that to mean that Damon isn’t an upgrade to the Tribe roster as it exists right now, but it certainly conveys the idea that the Indians are (still) unsatisfied (and rightfully so) with their LF configuration. They hate the internal options enough (both top-side and in AAA) that we’re talking about Johnny Damon, after wasting a couple of days earlier in the off-season dissecting Bobby Abreu…and I’m glad we have Damon instead of Abreu. While this signing shouldn’t come as a total surprise as we watched talk and Tweets for the latter part of Spring Training that the Tribe was attempting to find an OF anywhere, actually bringing in a player like Damon is telling about what the Indians think of the internal options and how his signing brings the organizational failure to come up with a “Plan B” past Grady this off-season and to draft/develop a suitable corner OF for too long under some pretty hot lights.

In terms of how it affects the current roster, I can’t decide if this signing is an indictment of Brantley and what they think of him, a continuation of the search to find an OF not named Shelley Duncan, or an instance of throwing something up against the wall and hoping it sticks. Regardless, it smacks of desperation and when you throw the alleged contract terms on top of that stink of desperation, as well as possibility that he won’t even be ready to play for a couple of weeks and you start to see the corner that the Indians had painted themselves into by not coming up with a “Plan B” for the inevitable Sizemore injury during the off-season.”  [The DiaTribe / Paul Cousineu]

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Indians ejected early last night against Royals:  ”The Cleveland Indians opened up an early lead and chased Kansas City pitcher Jonathan Sanchez from the mound after just 2.2 innings pitched, but because of a wild inning, will now be forced to play without three vital cogs for the remainder of the night.Cleveland manager Manny Acta, third baseman Jack Hannahan and starting pitcher Jenmar Gomez were each tossed from the game by umpire Gary Darling in the bottom of the third inning after Gomez hit Kansas City third baseman Mike Moustakas with a pitch. Gomez left the game without yielding a hit and throwing just 20 pitches.

The altercation on the field came a mere minutes after the Indians knocked home five runs in the the top half of the inning and forced Sanchez to the bench. Designated hitter Jose Lopez was the catalyst, and plated a pair of runs on a double in just his second game in the starting lineup this season. With Gomez forced to the locker room, Cleveland is hoping that last year’s 12-game winner Josh Tomlin will be able to protect a slight lead into the middle innings.” [SB Nation / Dave Ryan]

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Rock and Roll legends in CLE last night:  ”Green Day, there to induct GNR, got things off to a crushing start with “American Idiot’s” “Letterbomb” as Billie Joe Armstrong exhorted the crowd to “stand up…This is f—ing rock ‘n’ roll! This is not a f—ing party — this is a celebration, motherf—ers!” That set the tone for a night that mixed musical fireworks with warm and emotional speeches, putting plenty of heart in rock ‘n’ roll and reveling in past glories to, as Armstrong also said, “know where you f—ing come from.”

So Bette Midler choked up as she remembered the late Laura Nyro as “the very essence of New York City, really, not in the gritty, real sense but in the passionate, romantic, ethereal, maternal sense. She would take the most ordinary people in the most ordinary situations and spin them into heroic figures…” Carole King noted that the “most fervent wish” of the late Don Kirshner, receiving the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-performers, ”was to be inducted in this iconic institution”; his widow, Sheila, noted that Kirshner would have turned 77 on April 17 and considered the induction “the best present he could’ve received.” Fortunately, Johnny Meeks of Gene Vincent’s Blue Caps — one of the six backing bands/vocal groups being inducted years after their frontmen — was there to be inducted the day before he turned 75.

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea let the tears flow freely as he thanks his mother, producer Rick Rubin and others — and recalled playing street football with former GNR drummer Steven Adler when they were teenagers together in Los Angeles. Bandmate Anthony Kiedis, meanwhile, thanked his longtime friend and cohort for helping him to get clean. And Ronnie Wood, Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones each paid tribute to the late Small Faces members Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane.”  [Billboard Music / Gary Graff]

 

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April 14th, 1992: Cavs beat Bulls 115-100, prep for postseason push

April 14, 2012 by 1 Comment

Twenty years ago today, Brad Daugherty scored 21 points on 7 of 9 shooting while leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 115-100 home win over the Chicago Bulls. Daugherty also grabbed 9 rebounds that day, and completely dominated Bulls center Bill Cartwright who was only able to score 4 points on 2 of 8 shooting in response.

Five other Cavaliers players finished that game in double figures too, including Mike Sanders with 16, Hot Rod Williams with 15, and Terrell Brandon who came off the bench to score 14 points as well. Larry Nance also finished with 14, and second year pro Henry James from St. Mary’s University added a dozen points too.

The visiting Bulls were led by Scottie Pippen, who finished with 24, and were forced to play this game without Micheal Jordan. Three point specialist Craig Hodges finished with 12 points in assist of Pippen, while BJ Armstrong and Horace Grant each added 11.

The Cavaliers starting backcourt of Mark Price and Steve Kerr finished with 9 and 8 points respectively also, and Danny Ferry exploded off the bench to add 2 points of his own in 23 minutes for Cleveland as well.

Unfortunately for the Cavs though, they’d end up losing to the Bulls three more times that season from there. After the April 14th win over the Bulls, the Cavaliers would then lose to Larry Johnson and the Charlotte Hornets, before closing out the regular season by beating Reggie Miller and the Pacers, along with Rumeal Robinson and the Hawks in finishing with a record of 57-25.

In the postseason, the Cavs would then beat the Nets in 4 games, and the Celtics in 7, before losing to the Bulls in 6. Those New Jersey Nets were led by the late great Drazen Petrovic, and that Celtics team was led then by Reggie Lewis with an aging Larry Bird coming off the bench. The Bulls had Jordan though, he’d be back for the playoffs, and they’d beat the Cavaliers again just like every other time they played.

Except for on April 14th, 1992 that is.

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Cavaliers recall Luke Harangody from Canton Charge

April 14, 2012 by 1 Comment

Gody’s back. The Cleveland Cavaliers announced today that they have recalled forward Luke Harangody from the Canton Charge.

He was sent down to Canton on March 6th, and since then dominated the D-League by scoring 19.4 points per game in 16 regular season starts. He shot over 41% from three down there too, and grabbed 12.6 rebounds per game as well.  He helped the Charge to a playoff win last night while going 6 of 12 from the floor to finish with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists.

He’s available for tonight’s game against the Washington Wizards.

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While We’re Waiting…OSU heads to Final Four, and Jamison could re-sign with Cavs

March 25, 2012 by 9 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Buckeyes outlast Syracuse, head to Final Four: “Lenzelle Smith was a stone cold killer in the 2nd half with 16 of his 18 points after taking an early shot to the head and Sullinger overcame early foul trouble (7 min 1H) to add 15 of his 19 in the final 20 minutes as the Buckeyes imposed their will on a foul plagued Syracuse squad that too often settled for quick shots.

After Brandon Triche bombed a triple capped an 8-1 run cutting the OSU lead to 55-54 with 6:46 left, Sullinger scored five straight points and Smith drained a trey giving OSU a 62-55 lead with 3:16 to play. The Orange could get no closer than 70-67 when they were in foul mode and and the Buckeyes just kept stroking free throws.

The Buckeyes owned the glass 37-22 with Willie Buford (9) and Deshaun Thomas (9) leading the way. Sullinger added seven. And how bout Amir Williams? Much love to that kid tonight.

Forced into nine first half minutes after Sully and Ravenel had picked up two fouls apiece, Williams gave the Buckeyes three points, four boards and two blocks in an insanely clutch stretch. He did miss three of four free throws and turned it over twice but to be thrown into that situation – hat tip to you kind sir.

Aaron Craft fouled out with :49 left but was his normal pesky self with five points, four boards and four assists. He was also once again the clear leader on the court ordering players around, shouting encouragement including a well placed, “Amir! Dunk that MF’r”.  [Chris Lauderback / Eleven Warriors]

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Celebrating a trip to the Final Four from Louisville:  ”The most improbable, incredible and fulfilling three-week run of my life as a U of L basketball fan has resulted in the Louisville Cardinals being the first team to punch their ticket to New Orleans and the Final Four.  Celebrate however you will this evening, but please, please celebrate. Again, we all deserve this. Let’s win this whole thing. Go Cards.”  [Mike Rutherford / Card Chronicle]

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Options for Browns at WR: “Now that we have your attention, and you’ve picked yourself up off the floor, we are in no way advocating that the Browns draft Keenum. System guys like Keenum don’t fit in the NFL, just look at Colt Brennan’s career if you forgot that fact. But the thing is, Keenum wasn’t out there on offense all by himself. Someone had to be catching all those passes. And that’s where the Browns come in as they need all the playmakers they can find on offense. The Cougars have a trio of senior wide receivers that put up big numbers in 2011

  • Patrick Edwards, with 89 receptions for 1,752 yards and 20 touchdowns
  • Tyron Carrier, with 96 receptions for 958 yards and five touchdowns
  • Justin Johnson, with 87 receptions for 1,229 yards and 12 touchdowns

We wouldn’t want the Browns to use a first- or second-round pick on one of these guys, not with Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Kendall Wright potentially available, but Edwards, Carrier and Johnson clearly can catch the ball when it’s thrown to them. The guy that intrigues us the most is Johnson. At 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, he has NFL size, comparable to current Browns wide receiver Greg Little and Notre Dame’s Floyd, who are both listed as 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds.” [Red Right 88]

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Antawn Jamison could be back in Cleveland next season:  ”With that being said, it’s not totally out of the question that they re-sign Jamison to a cap-friendly contract starting around $5 million. The Cavs would have to be clear with the 6-foot-9, 235-pounder that they are committed to Tristan Thompson as being the starter at power forward next year.

If Jamison would agree to come off the bench and continue to mentor young players like Thompson, it wouldn’t be totally outlandish for him to return.  If he thinks he can still earn a starting job elsewhere, go to a team that has a good chance at going deep into the playoffs or get paid way more than the Cavs would be willing to offer, then wish him luck and send him on his way.

The Cavs could be a playoff team — should be, actually — next season if a consistent wing scorer and another quality big are added to the mix. Jamison loves playing for the Cavs. They love having him. It might make more sense than one realizes for him to return.” [Bob Finnan / The Morning Journal]

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Here’s where I said yesterday the Buckeyes would beat Syracuse by seven points:  ”Even in this tournament, Aaron Craft, William Buford, Deshaun Thomas, and Jared Sullinger haven’t all had good to great games at the same time. If they can tonight though, despite everything that’s happened this season, they go to the Final Four.  Personally I think it happens, and I got the Buckeyes winning by seven tonight.”  [WFNY]

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Louisville beats Florida, punches ticket to Final Four

March 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

You might not have had this in your bracket, but Samardo Samuels had it in his. Louisville headed to Final Four after beating Bradley Beal and the Florida Gators on Saturday.

Recap from the AP via USA Today:

Rick Pitino nudged out Billy Donovan for a spot in the Final Four on Saturday when his Louisville team finished the game on a 23-8 run for a 72-68 victory over Florida in the West Regional.

Chane Behanan hit the go-ahead basket with 1:04 left for fourth-seeded Louisville, then after two Cardinals free throws, Florida’s Bradley Beal and Erving Walker each missed chances to tie.

The seventh-seeded Gators (26-11) fell in the regional semifinals for the second straight year, while Louisville (30-9) will go to the Final Four for the ninth time, and the second under Pitino

Russ Smith led Louisville with 19 points and Behanan had 17. The Cardinals played the final 3:58 without point guard Peyton Siva, who fouled out.

The Gators shot 8 for 11 from 3-point range in the first half but didn’t make one in the second.

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Preview: Ohio State and Syracuse for a trip to the Final Four

March 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Deshaun Thomas can score on anybody, but he may not necessarily be able to score on everybody. What I mean by that is, he won’t be able to beat that Jim Boheim Zone Defense by himself tonight, but I do expect him to be the main reason why it gets all blown up.

As opposed to traditional zone busting, which usually comes with the three ball first, I really feel like Tank Thomas and Jared Sullinger can exploit the Fab Melo-less frontline of Syracuse and create shots all over the floor for Aaron Craft and William Buford specifically.  Inside out, as opposed to outside in, or something like that. Tank and Sully will need to continue to play off one and other like they have throughout this tournament in order to do so however.

Against this zone defense particularly, Craft will need to get the ball into Thomas at the high post to start the offense. From there, Thomas and Sullinger will need to go to work. Once the double teams come they’ll need to find scorers, if it doesn’t, they need to finish strong at the rim. Craft and Buford can’t get caught watching those guys work in there though either, they have to be ready to catch and shoot when that ball comes back out. They’ll need to get the shooting performance that they each had last round against Cincy out of their heads from the jump though, and come out tonight ready to be the scoring threats they can be. If Sully and Tank keep playing like they have been, Craft and Buford will be wide open, and I expect them to capitalize. [Read more...]

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Aaron Craft’s brother deploys for Afghanistan today as OSU faces Syracuse

March 24, 2012 by 5 Comments

Aaron Craft’s brother Brandon Craft deploys for service in Afghanistan as member of the US Army today, as Ohio State prepares to play Syracuse with chance to advance to Final Four.

This from Doug Lesmerises of the Plain Dealer earlier today:

This is today for the Craft family: one son trying to reach New Orleans, while the other is headed to Afghanistan.

“We have an opportunity like this to play in the Elite Eight,” Ohio State sophomore point guard Aaron Craft said Friday, “but it gives you perspective on some things. We fight for a basketball game but he’s fighting for something bigger than all of us.”

He is Brandon Craft, Aaron’s older brother, a member of the Army who will deploy today from Fort Lewis in Washington, fulfilling an assignment that had been delayed for several weeks by a knee injury suffered during training. After a knee injury several years ago ended his football career at Findlay University, Brandon Craft enlisted as his younger brother was entering Ohio State in 2010.

“He was always around athletics as much as Aaron was,” their father, John, said Friday. “I think being in the Army and being part of that kind of team helps fill the void.”

Thanks for your service, Brandon. Be safe.

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While We’re Waiting…OU falls short in OT and Cavs lose to Magic

March 24, 2012 by 7 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Ohio University’s tremendous run falls short in OT:  ”Ohio trailed 29-22 at the half as it shot just 22.9 percent in the opening stanza. The Bobcats trailed for the entire first half and were behind by as many as 15 points in the opening 20 minutes.

Coming out of the locker room, North Carolina opened up up a 10-point lead (37-27) at the 17:26 mark, but Ohio responded as they went on an 11-2 run to trim the Tar Heels’ lead to just one at 39-38 with 13:54 to go in the game. Ohio hit three 3-pointers during the stretch – two of which came from Offutt.

The Bobcats took their first lead of the game at the 8:30 mark of the second half following a 3-pointer from Kellogg. From that point, no team would lead by more than four points for the remainder of regulation. The game featured six ties in the final 8:30.

Ohio held a four-point lead with 3:49 to go in the game, but North Carolina fought back and grabbed a 63-61 advantage when Reggie Bullock connected on a trey with 42 seconds remaining. Offutt responded with a game-tying layup at the other end and drew a foul on the play. He was, however, unable to convert the free throw.

Taking possession with 26 seconds left, North Carolina worked the clock down under 10 seconds. Harrison Barnes then drove the lane, but Offutt clocked the jumper try. Cooper came up with the loose ball and launched a desperation half-court shot for the win. It drew rim but did not fall.

In the second half, Ohio outscored North Carolina 41-34, while holding the Tar Heels to just 38.7 percent shooting. UNC dominated overtime as Ohio failed to register a field goal and was outscored 10-2.

Tyler Zeller led North Carolina with 20 points (and career-high 22 rebounds). Joining him in double figures were Bullock (17 points, 10 rebounds), John Henson (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Barnes (12).” [MAC Report Online] [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Obama wants Vernon Davis in Chicago and Iverson wants to play

February 19, 2012 by 4 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Obama wants Vernon Davis: “49ers tight end Vernon Davis has become one of the team’s most important players.  If President Obama has his way, Davis will be playing for another team. The Chicago Bears.

At a recent fund-raising event in California, Davis spoke to supporters about Obama.  And then Obama spoke about Davis.

“I want to thank Vernon Davis for being here. If you want to come and play for the Bears, you are welcome to do it,” Obama said, according to KNTV-TV (via NFL.com).” [PFT / Mike Florio]

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Latest on Allen Iverson:  ”Jorge Hernandez was certain Allen Iverson would put basketball on the map in Venezuela—up until this morning. Hernandez, co-owner of Guaros de Lara in the Venezuelan League, was to introduce Iverson todays the team’s new point guard. Playing alongside Smush Parker, Iverson would bring unprecedented attention to Guaros.

“Everything was ready for his debut on Wednesday,” Hernandez told Venezuelan sports newspaper, Lider en Deportes. But Hernandez spoke too soon.

At 9 a.m. this morning, Hernandez received a call and was told that Iverson “does not want to leave the United States.” Speculation is that Iverson’s legal problems are keeping him in US for the time being.

Iverson’s most recent return to basketball has been bumpy to say the least. The Lakers considered signing Iverson this year, but Iverson dismissed L.A. when they asked him to play in the D-League first.”  [SLAM / Ryne Nelson]

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Jeremy Lin’s financial influence: “The power of Jeremy Lin seems to know no boundaries. He is boosting ticket prices across the NBA. He might be the impetus for a deal between Time Warner and MSG. And maybe most impressively, he triggered a sell-out at the Air Canada Center for the New York Knicks game against the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night when the Linsanity show hit the road. Yes, a sell-out for the 9-21 Raptors who got a first-hand look at the movement sweeping the globe when Lin buried a three-pointer with 0.5 seconds left to win the game.

But when does Jeremy Lin get paid for giving the Knicks and NBA a shot in the arm? His contract this season became fully guaranteed this week and is worth $762,000. He’ll earn 80% of that as the NBA lockout trimmed the 2011-12 season to 66 games from 82. Lin’s only endorsement deal is with Nike which pays him little. Most NBA shoe contracts are for very small amounts of cash or just merchandise for all but the game’s stars.

Last month we looked at the NBA’s top-earning players in terms of salary and endorsements led by Kobe Bryant at $53 million. The cut-off for the top 10 was $22 million. All of these players are veterans and earn playing salaries of at least $15 million.”  [Forbes / Kurt Badenhouse]

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Happy belated to Jim Brown:  ”Arguably the greatest football player to ever live, former Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown turned 76 today.

The Hall of Famer finished his NFL career with 12,312 rushing yards and 106 touchdowns in nine seasons. He was an 8-time rushing champion, 9-time Pro Bowl selection, 8-time First-Team All-Pro selection, 3-time MVP, and won the NFL Championship in 1964.

While he no longer serves a role within the organization, and left in somewhat ugly fashion, he still remains the greatest player in Cleveland Browns – and perhaps NFL – history.

Brown also shares his birthday with Michael Jordan, making February 17 quite possibly the best day to be born with dreams of becoming a professional athlete.” [Dawg Poud Daily / Steve DiMatteo]

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Trying To Move On After Cavaliers Get Smashed By Heat Again

February 18, 2012 by 10 Comments

The game itself was a complete let-down. It was boring, there was no real effort coming from the Cleveland side, and as soon as it started it was over. After Dwyane Wade made a free throw six minutes in, the Heat led 21-2. It ended 111-87, with the Cavaliers down 24, and the loudest cheers of the night from the home crowd came following each time the Cavs battled back to momentarily cut “the diff” to under twenty.  Super exciting stuff.

Kyrie Irving and the Cavs get smashed by Heat

I’m not sure there’s too much deeper meaning to found in this Cavaliers loss either. Other than the fact that they had no real chance at all to compete heading in without Anderson Varejao I guess. Maybe they collectively knew that too I suppose, and maybe that had something to do with them not actually competing also. Who knows, who cares. Even if they did play a collectively perfect game last night, they probably would’ve lost anyways. So on to the next one.

But before I can get to that next game on Sunday at home against the Sacramento Kings, there’s a few things I have to first admit. Or mention, or just tell you here because I felt like I needed to tell somebody. I found myself reading Woj’s article last night as the Heat lead ballooned to twenty and then thirty points multiple times. I actually read every word in the report three times to be honestly specific.  I’m not sure if that’s a weird thing to do, it probably is, but I did it.

The reason was because the whole thing completely just blew my mind. Not just Woj’s report, but that report as an exclamation mark after the events that proceeded it. Fox Sports Ohio’s Sam Amico reported this first a month ago. Then LeBron James opens his mouth, backs up every word, and even adds more to the already bizarre narrative. Then Woj comes in does what he did. LeBron denied it, nobody believes him, things got weird. [Read more...]

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ESPN Uses Racial Slur To Describe Jeremy Lin’s First Loss

February 18, 2012 by

ESPN’s mobile site used the headline “Chink In The Armor” last night in recap of Jeremy Lin’s first ever NBA loss. On Sportscenter, ESPN employees also used the same phrase on the show. Awful Announcing has that screen grab and video, and below are some of their thoughts on it.

Awful Announcing: “But my thought here, and I understand it’s just my opinion, is that this is pretty inexcusable given that ESPN.com is a huge platform with a lot of built in processes, people involved, and higher standards.

The usage of this very common saying is not racist itself if you just go with its surface meaning.

However, the worst racial slur you could call someone of Chinese or Asian descent would be “chink” and while it has dual definitions unlike most other slurs, it’s just all too convenient that it shows up here. At face value, the headline certainly makes sense.  But the dual definition of that word essentially ensures that if published, their would be a s— storm. Now there is.”

Then this from ESPN’s editors:

“Ed Note: ESPN did indeed release a statement early Saturday morning profusely apologizing for the headline.  The statement reads in full:

“Last night, ESPN.com’s mobile web site posted an offensive headline referencing Jeremy Lin at 2:30 am ET. The headline was removed at 3:05 am ET. We are conducting a complete review of our cross-platform editorial procedures and are determining appropriate disciplinary action to ensure this does not happen again. We regret and apologize for this mistake.”

ESPN.com Editor in Chief Rob King also took to Twitter to apologize, saying this with a link to the statement:

“There’s no defense for the indefensible. All we can offer are our apologies, sincere though incalculably inadequate.”

ESPN certainly recognizes the gravity of the mistake and took the necessary steps to show contrition, but the question still needs to be answered how in the world THAT headline was published.”

**UPDATE**

Comments have been disabled on this piece. Apologies to regular readers who have learned the comment policy and family friendly environment we strive for here at WFNY. The comments here today have been atrocious and not appropriate. For those who will no doubt ask about freedom of speech, I assure you that you are free to start your own website and spew venom as you will. That is your right. We have the right to run our website the way we wish. Thanks for your cooperation.

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While We’re Waiting…on trading up for RGIII and LeBron’s return to CLE

February 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

McShay says Browns will have to trade up for RGIII: “The Cleveland Browns have the fourth overall pick, but that won’t be high enough to draft Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said in a conference call Thursday.

He believes the Browns must trade up to the No. 2 pick if they want to select the Heisman Trophy winner. And, if Cleveland doesn’t do it, McShay expects another team to leapfrog the Browns for RG3.

“I think he’s every bit worth the [No. 2] pick,” McShay said. “I’ve got him as the third prospect overall in this class, and I think that if the Browns want him, they need to move up and get him. I’ll be surprised if he lasts until four, and I’ll be even surprised if he gets to No. 3 because I think that No. 2 pick is up for public auction. I think the Rams are going to get a good deal to move back and can still get a player they want at tackle or wide receiver. And if it’s not Cleveland, then it’s probably going to be Washington [at No. 6] right behind them leapfrogging Cleveland to get up to No. 2.”

McShay said the Browns might be able to trade the fourth overall pick and their second-rounder (No. 37) to the Rams in exchange for the No. 2 selection. But, according to the draft value chart, the Browns would have to trade both their first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 22 overall) and their sixth-rounder to the Rams to move up to No. 2.” [ESPN / Jamison Hensley]  [Read more...]

Filed Under: General

Joe Paterno Passed Away Today, He Was 85

January 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Legendary Penn State University Coach Joe Paterno died today at the age of 85:

“Joe Paterno, the longtime Penn State coach who won more games than anyone in major college football but was fired amid a child sex abuse scandal that scarred his reputation for winning with integrity, died Sunday. He was 85.

His family released a statement Sunday morning to announce his death. “He died as he lived,” the statement said. “He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been.

His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community.”

Source: TIME

Filed Under: Headlines

Cavaliers Get Smashed In Atlanta, Have Lost Last Three By Seventy-Six Points

January 22, 2012 by 19 Comments

On Tuesday Stephen Curry did not play for the Golden State Warriors when they traveled to Cleveland. On Friday Derrick Rose didn’t play in Cleveland either, and on Saturday All Star Center Al Horford was sidelined for the Cavs visit to Atlanta as well.

After being 6-6 this past Monday, the Cavaliers dropped each of those three games by 10, 39, and 27 points respectively. In the words of Martin Lawrence back in 2003, stuff just got real.

Real adversity that stared this Cavaliers team and coaching staff directly in the face with each of Joe Johnson’s game high 25 points last night. Each of Jeff Teague’s 14, Marvin Williams’ 12, as well as each of fifty-eight year-old Jerry Stackhouse’s 6.

It was that many Hawks who finished the night scoring 11 or more points for the game too, with 12 Hawks in total having scored, and this laugher was never close. Not exactly the performance you’re looking for after getting humiliated at home the previous night by 40. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Kiper Says Browns Draft RGIII, And Previewing Today’s Title Games

January 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com

With the 4th Pick, Mel Kiper says Browns take Robert Griffin III: “If a team moves ahead of the Browns for Griffin, they also could be in play for Blackmon, or even the guy I have at No. 5, Trent Richardson. However, the questions on Colt McCoy’s ceiling as a starting NFL quarterback are getting louder, and if the Browns don’t go after a solution such asMatt Flynn, a quarterback certainly could be in play here. Griffin made big strides this past season, particularly with his deep accuracy. He is a big-time athlete at the quarterback position but has developed a very good pocket presence and the ability to read the game, and his big arm comes with a nice touch on intermediate throws. He is a leader and has intangibles that should really impress evaluators during the draft process.” [Mel Kiper / ESPN] [Read more...]

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Chicago’s Bigs Completely Dominate Cavs As Bulls Win By Thirty-Nine

January 21, 2012 by 3 Comments

I walked into the Bulls locker room just prior to tip-off on Friday because I wanted to say what’s up to Brian Scalabrine. When a living legend is in town it’s always good to at least stop by and say hello.

Prior to doing so, I was pretty sure the Bulls front-line was going to present some match-up issues for the Cavaliers last night. It wasn’t until I was actually standing there though, looking around the room at just how many super-athletic and extremely tall bigs the Bulls currently employ, that I realized the Cavs had no chance whatsoever of winning the game. I ended up talking to Scal and told him good luck tonight, because I knew he was about to get some serious burn.

He did too, because well before the game was technically over, the Cleveland Cavaliers had already been blown completely off their home floor by the visiting Bulls. The starting combination of Bulls’ Forwards (Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer) alongside their Center (Joakim Noah) finished with totals of 48 points, 32 rebounds, and 6 blocked shots for the game. They each played less than three quarters worth of minutes too. In the process, they helped their squad win the Points In The Paint battle 50-28 overall, out-rebounded the Cavs as a team by 16 (54-48), and they led by as many as 42 points late in the 4th quarter before Scal went in and did work. [Read more...]

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Jim Tressel In Mix As Candidate For Indianapolis Colts Head Coaching Job

January 21, 2012 by 3 Comments

According to WishTV8.com, two more names have surfaced as candidates to be Colts next Head Coach. One of those names belongs to a sweater vest wearing former coach of The Ohio State University:

“Sources tell 24-hour News 8′s Chris Widlic that game day consultant and former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel is in the mix.

Meanwhile, the NFL Network is reporting that the Colts also want to talk to former Vikings’ head man Brad Childress. He and general manager Ryan Grigson have ties from their days in Philadelphia.

Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray had his formal interview with the team about the vacancy. The 49-year old has spent the last 15 years with a handful of teams after a successful NFL playing career. Other candidates include Saints offensive guru Pete Carmichael and Bengals defensive coach Mike Zimmer.”

Source: WishTV8.com

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While We’re Waiting…Fausto Apologizes, Tribe Trades for Slowey, And On Cavs Last Rebuild

January 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com

On Tribe’s deal for Kevin Slowey: “The Cleveland Indians haven’t had the most exciting offseason in the history of the franchise, though things are certainly changing. Pitcher Fausto Carmona was arrested for actually being Roberto Hernandez Heredia on Thursday and, to follow that up Friday, the Indians traded for Kevin Slowey from the Colorado Rockies.

Slowey doesn’t elicit quite the response that Carmona’s false identity scandal did, but the former starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins shouldn’t be the worst thing to happen to Cleveland’s pitching staff this season. Slowey’s started 90 games in his career, compiling 39 wins and 29 losses despite an 0-8 season with the Minnesota Twins last year.

To acquire the 27-year-old Slowey, the Indians shipped Zach Putnam to the Rockies,according to Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi.”  [Scott Schroeder / SB Nation] [Read more...]

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Possible Suspension and League Review Reported In Response To Harrison Hit On McCoy

December 11, 2011 by 25 Comments

I was at the game on Thursday in Pittsburgh, seated approximately twenty rows from the top of the stadium.  Our seats were on the opposite side of the field from where the Harrison hit on McCoy took place.

Without assistance of binoculars, the jumbotron, or slow motion replay from our living rooms, we all stood completely silent after McCoy was leveled.  My friend next to me then said, “I think Colt McCoy just got killed.”

Obviously he survived without any known major injuries at this time, and thank all things good for that.  But that was the way that hit felt inside the stadium, standing nowhere near the field of play.

I’ve never seen a hit like that before, and I had a hard time bemoaning the interception Colt then threw a handful of plays later as a result.  I couldn’t believe the kid was even standing, let along playing.

I don’t mean to say that in an attempt to infer any type of judgement on Harrison, McCoy as a Quarterback, or the Browns coaching staff for allowing him to go back out there and play afterwards either.  That was just my perspective on things from Section 517, Row X, seat number 2, for whatever little that may be worth.

Earlier today, Adam Shefter tweeted that the NFL is considering suspending Harrison for that hit on Thursday: [Read more...]

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