May 19, 2013

NFL News: Browns sign Cleveland-native Brian Hoyer to two-year deal

May 16, 2013 by 8 Comments

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly inked a two-year contract with quarterback Brian Hoyer according to Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio.

Hoyer was released by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week, immediately leading to speculation that the Browns would attempt to scoop up the 27-year old due to a longstanding link between the player and Browns general manager Mike Lombardi. When Lombardi was a member of the media and Hoyer was a member of the New England Patriots, the newly hired executive consistently spoke highly of the Cleveland, Ohio native.

Graduating from St. Ignatius, Hoyer took his talents to Michigan State where he would then go undrafted in 2009. He has since had stints with the Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cardinals. Hoyer got the first start of his NFL career in a Week 17 loss to the 49ers last season. With Brandon Weeden all but locked in as the starter, e is expected to compete with Jason Campbell for the Browns’ backup job heading into Week 1. This signing will likely spell the end of Thaddeus Lewis, a holdover from the Pat Shurmur era in Cleveland.

[Related: In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense]

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MLB News: Indians option Nick Hagadone to Columbus; Pestano nearing return

May 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The Cleveland Indians have optioned left-handed relief pitcher Nick Hagadone to Columbus on Thursday, a move that is believed to be in anticipation of Vinnie Pestano’s return from the 15-day disabled list.

On the season, Hagadone—one of Terry Francona’s favorite relievers heading into the season—has an ERA of 7.20 largely thanks to a month of May that saw the 27-year-old allowed seven runs over the course of five games; opposing batters had an OPS of 1.145 over this span. The hard-throwing lefty had a solid start to his season with the Tribe, but fell off of the table over the course of the last few games.

Pestano, placed on the disabled list earlier this month with right elbow tendinitis, has made eight relief appearances for Cleveland, posting no record and a 2.25 ERA (2 ER/8.0 IP). His last appearance came in Game 2 of the Indians’ April 28 doubleheader at Kansas City. Pestano worked a scoreless inning Wednesday in a rehabilitation assignment with the Lake County Captains. He is eligible to return from the disabled list on Thursday but will likely be activated prior to Friday’s game against the Seattle Mariners.

[Related: Carlos Santana’s Coming Out Party]

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NBA Draft: Cavaliers interview CJ McCollum, Ben McLemore at combine

May 16, 2013 by 6 Comments

Lehigh guard CJ McCollum and Kansas guard Ben McLemore told reporters that they were each interviewed by the Cleveland Cavaliers at this week’s NBA Combine.

McCollum, a 6-foot-3-inch guard out of Canton, Ohio, will likely be a top-10 selection due to his scoring abilities and high-end quickness. Boasting incredible efficiency (49.5 percent from the floor, 84.9 percent from the line, and 51.6 percent from three-point range).  McCollum averaged 23.9 points, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game during his senior season at Lehigh.

Many Clevelanders may remember McCollum’s run in the 2012 NCAA Tournament where he helped Lehigh get past the Duke Blue Devils. He is considered to be a bit of a tweener guard that is also recovering from a foot injury which he suffered in early January. It wasn’t long ago that he was found at the bottom half of most big boards, but McCollum has moved up considerably following workouts and interviews.

McLemore is a 6-foot-5-inch shooting guard who has drawn comparisons to Ray Allen. Highly athletic with a smooth jump shot, many feel that McLemore could be the best player to come out of the 2013 NBA Draft class. The 20-year-old averaged 15.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game at Kansas in 2012-13. Kansas Coach Bill Self described McLemore as the most talented kid he’s ever coached.

The Cavaliers, conversely, were not one of the teams to interview Georgetown small forward Otto Porter Jr., a player whom they are widely considered to be interested in with the first of their two first-round selections.

[Related: Waiters vs. Barnes: Comparing Players, Teams, And Situations]

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Brandon Weeden opens Browns OTAs as No. 1 quarterback

May 16, 2013 by 12 Comments

Despite various attempts to suggest the contrary, Brandon Weeden has opened Cleveland Browns Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as the starting quarterback.

ESPN Clevland’s Tony Grossi reports that Weeden, while he may have merely been given the job due to a lack of serious alternatives and could very well be on a one-year audition, is firmly running with the first team while Jason Campbell and Thad Lewis are second and third, respectively.

“The Chudzinski-Turner offense – a vertical passing game played off a power running game – would seem to be an ideal change for a team that invested first-round draft picks last year in Weeden and Trent Richardson,” writes Grossi.

Earlier this week on WKNR’s Cleveland Browns Daily , Weeden said to host Vic Carucci, “I looked at (receiver) Greg Little walking in and said, ‘What do you think?’ And he’s like, ‘This is fun.’ That’s what we want. We want to go out and have fun. Usually as a receiver and a quarterback, that’s dropping back and slinging it around a little bit. That’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna throw the football down the field. We’ve got guys that can go get it. It’s fun to come to work every day.”

With the Browns adding slot recievers Davone Bess and David Nelson, they are giving Weeden the weapons they feel he needs to flourish in an offense that arguably suits his skill set better than the one employed by former head coach Pat Shurmur.

In 2012, the strong-armed Weeden threw for nearly 3,400 yards, but did so with a passer rating of 72.6 with an average of 6.55 yards per attempt. He has been working out for the large part of the offseason, including private work with former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke.

[Related: In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense]

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NFL News: Josh Cribbs signs with Oakland Raiders

May 15, 2013 by 11 Comments

The Oakland Raiders have agreed to terms with Josh Cribbs, formerly of the Cleveland Browns Browns.

On Tuesday, New York Jets general manager John Idzik said that Cribbs’ knee was still not fully healed coming off meniscus surgery, but the Raiders have apparently decided they would sign the NFL record-holding return specialist regardless of perceived issues.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to prove myself yet again,” Cribbs tweeted. “Fresh start, new team, new chip on my shoulder!!! Love [you] Cleveland but now it’s #catalinawinemixer.”

Cribbs, 30, will play his first season in the NFL for a team not named the Browns. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and  became one of the league’s best return men. He has been to three Pro Bowls and was named to two All-Pro teams during his tenure in Cleveland. Just last week, it was rumored that Cribbs could potentially return to Cleveland, but this failed to gain any traction.

The specifics of his contract with the Raiders are unknown at this time. Credit to him for the Step Brothers reference.

Update: In a statement made to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Cribbs said the following: “I am going to be for them until we play them. They are great fans. I love them just as much as they love me. I hope they win this year. I hope they get the job done and reach greater heights. I hope they root for me as a player and I will be rooting for them from afar.”

[Related: Pat McManamon talks Browns, Chuck Klosterman, AOL FanHouse, new media and Fox Sports Ohio]

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NBA News: Cavs’ Waiters, Zeller named to All-NBA Rookie teams

May 14, 2013 by 23 Comments

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Dion Waiters and center Tyler Zeller have been named to the 2012-13 All-NBA Rookie first and second team, respectively, the NBA announced on Tuesday.

Waiters received 21 first-team votes and eight second team votes (for a total of 50 points) while Zeller received 15 total points (three first-team and nine second-team votes) from the NBA’s 30 head coaches, who were asked to select five players for the first team and five players for the second team, regardless of position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players on their own team. Two points were awarded for first team votes and one for second team votes.

ALL-NBA Rookie“I’m honored to receive an award like this and it makes me hungry to keep working hard and focus on taking the next steps to improve my game,” said Waiters. “I can’t wait to get back to work with my teammates and Coach Brown, though, because I’m excited about what our potential can be as a group.”

Waiters averaged 14.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steal in 28.8 minutes per game this season. Among all rookies, he ranked second in points per game, fourth in assists per game and fourth in steals per game. Waiters won the NBA’s Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month award for February and also participated in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge at the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend where he posted 23 points on 11-12 (.917) shooting from the field. He was one of three rookies to have a 30-point game this season and had 14 games of at least 20 points on the year. Waiters made more field goals and free throws than any other Eastern Conference rookie this year.

Zeller averaged 7.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 26.4 minutes per game this year. He also shot .764 from the free throw line, the second highest among all rookie centers. Among rookies with at least 70 games played, he ranked first in offensive rebounds per game (2.1), second in defensive rebounds per game (3.6), second in total rebounds per game, second in blocks per game and seventh in points per game. He recorded seven double-doubles, which was tied for fourth among rookies. As a starter (55 games), he averaged 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 block in 28.1 minutes per contest. Zeller also participated in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge at All-Star Weekend, scoring four points.

“My rookie year gave me a great opportunity to learn and grow and understand what it takes to be a pro, so this is a very nice honor,” said Zeller. “I’m excited to keep working and improving with my teammates because we know we can grow as a team next season and that’s the most important thing.”

[Related: Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room: Nerlens Noel]

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Elias: Indians’ Masterson, Kipnis join the record books

May 14, 2013 by 7 Comments

Justin Masterson struck out nine batters and went the distance in a 1-0 win over the Yankees in the first game of Monday’s doubleheader. Per Elias Sports Bureau, the only other Indians pitcher who authored a complete-game 1-0 victory against the Yankees with at least that many strikeouts: Bob Feller. Rapid Robert did so in 1946 via a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium where he had 11 strikeouts.

Masterson also became the first Indians pitcher to record multiple 1-0 CG shutouts in the same season since 1989 when left-handers Bud Black and Greg Swindell both accomplished the feat twice, as Masterson also pulled the trick back in a 1-0 walk-off win on April 12 vs. Chicago. Black recorded wins on June 16 vs. Kansas City and Sept. 12 vs. Detroit, while Swindell’s victories came on May 28 vs Baltimore and June 7 at California. With six wins already this season, Masterson is now tied with Boston’s Clay Buchholz (6-0), Texas’ Yu Darvish (6-1) and Tampa Bay’s Matt Moore (6-0) for the A.L. lead – one behind Washington’s Jordan Zimmerman for the MLB lead. Masterson also leads the Majors with 63.0 innings pitched

When Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis’s turned a David Phelps 2-2 fastball into a 414-foot first-inning home run, it accounted for the only run of the Monday’s Game 1. It was the first time in the Indians’ 113-year history that they won 1-0 with a home run in the first inning. Two other teams defeated the Yankees by that score on the strength of a first-inning home run: the 1910 Tigers on a home run by Ty Cobb, and the 1965 Angels with a homer by Albie Pearson.

Kipnis now has five home runs on the season, all of which have come in the first inning of their respective games.

[Related: Tribe splits with Yanks in front of larger-than-expected crowd]

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Francisco Lindor could be MLB’s top prospect by end of 2013

May 14, 2013 by 6 Comments

Two separate MLB scouts have reportedly told Yahoo! Sports baseball columnist Jeff Passan that Cleveland’s Francisco Lindor may end up being the most highly-touted prospect in baseball by the end of 2013.

Profar, as referenced, is presently baseball’s highest-rated prospect accross many independent mediums. A product of the Texas Rangers’ farm system, the 20-year-old has flown through the team’s farm system thanks to his big-league ready glove and the offensive skill set to eventually be a star.

Lindor, conversely, is still playing in high-A ball, but the 19-year-old appears primed to take the next step as he is putting up a slash line of .333/.406/.471 while walking 16 times compared to just 14 strikouts 1 . Lindor’s ability in the field is also touted as big-league ready, but the team wants him to continue to work on his ability to produce at the plate.

Entering the 2012 season, Lindor was ranked 14th overall by MLB.com. Drafted in the first round of 2011, the switch-hitting Lindor grew up idolizing former Indians infielder Roberto Alomar.

[Related: How good of a starting prospect is Danny Salazar?]

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  1. This all while being in the midst of a 4-for-24 over his previous seven games [back]

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Yan Gomes, Miracle Worker

May 13, 2013 by 12 Comments

Yan Gomes Chris Perez

As the Cleveland Indians clawed their way to a 4-3 extra-inning win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday afternoon, Tribe faithful rejoiced that the Wahoos were atop the leader board in the AL Central with Mother’s Day in the rear view mirror. Sure, the Indians were able to top the Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics, but it was what they did against the Tigers and their infinite payroll that would matter. Once the Comerica Park visitor’s clubhouse cleared and various streaks were discussed—what with the Tribe winning 15 of their last 20, several wins being of high-leverage fashion—one such run that should be a story line is that of reserve catcher Yan Gomes.

[Read more...]

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D’Qwell Jackson, Chris Gocong and Eric Barton join Athlete Ally

May 10, 2013 by 7 Comments

Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and former teammates Chris Gocong and Eric Barton have become ambassadors for Athlete Ally, an organization dedicated to ending homophobia in sports, the trio announced via press release on Friday.

Per the release, the addition of these three new Athlete Ally Ambassadors is part of an ongoing effort to empower professional athletes to help make sports a welcoming environment for all. Former Browns linebacker and Athlete Ally Ambassador Scott Fujita directly helped grow the movement in Cleveland with these new additions.

“I believe that everyone should be treated the same,” said Jackson. “That’s my thought as a person and as a teammate. Joining Athlete Ally is my way of letting it be known that I would respect any teammate – gay or straight – it just doesn’t matter.”

Chris Gocong, a member of the Browns for the past two seasons prior to being released earlier this spring, added that  Fujita was a “pioneer” in the movement to create an inclusive environment in the NFL. ”I feel it is my duty to help continue that work as the league moves from tolerance to acceptance,” he said. ”I want to support any athlete to feel more comfortable and confident being himself.”

As Athlete Ally Ambassadors, Jackson, Gocong, and Barton join the NFL contingent of Fujita, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Chris Kluwe, Donte Stallworth, and  Connor Barwin, as well as tennis greats Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish, NBA star Kenneth Faried.

[Related: What’s the opposite of transparency?]

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What’s the opposite of transparency?

May 10, 2013 by 85 Comments

“My feeling is that we need to present a different picture of this organization. It’s been stale. It has not done well. I don’t think people view the Browns in a positive light. My perception from the outside was that the Browns just weren’t successful. They weren’t energetic or forward-thinking. I’m not afraid of transparency. Most of what we do here — there’s no secret to it.”

Paranoia

On Monday, there was much consternation to be had. Not only had Terry Pluto been the subject of a complete hack job, it was reported that the Cleveland Browns listed their draft sheet not by position or grade, but alphabetically. Debate ranged from incompetence and baseless speculation to blind benefit of the doubt—maybe the Browns had multiple draft boards; the report, however, stated nothing of the sort. The end result was a discussion surrounding how the debates surrounding the unknown could be silenced if the Browns had taken our pro bono advice, an output typically reserved for overpaid consultants and advisory firms.

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Dion Waiters: Mike Brown says I’m a starter in this league

May 9, 2013 by 8 Comments

I just met with Coach Brown. Everything we talked about so far is great. We shared stories about one another. I can’t wait to get out there and play for him. He said that he loved my game and that I have a lot of potential to be a special player in this league. He loves a person who plays with a chip on his shoulder—the type of attitude I have, he loves every minute of it. He definitely did his homework as he knew things about me before I could even say something. [...] I’m a starter in this league. Coach and I talked about it—he said it himself. He also said I could play the “one.” Coming off of the bench, those were my college days.  

— Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Dion Waiters in an interview with 92.3 The Fan’s Anthony Lima. Waiters says that his knee is in good shape and that he has spent a good portion of the offseason working on his jump shot, focusing primarly on his balance and not fading away from the hoop.

[Related: Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room: Alex Len]

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NFL fears Pilot Flying J lawsuits could drain Jimmy Haslam, undermine Browns

May 8, 2013 by 28 Comments

Several team officials are reportedly saying they believe it may be extremely difficult for Jimmy Haslam III to keep his ownership of the Cleveland Browns. CBS Sports’ Mike Freeman reports that, because Haslam may be “ensnared by a myriad of lawsuits and legal actions,” Haslam could experience a significant drain to his finances, preventing him from keeping the team he purchased less than 12 months ago.

Haslam, and his family company Pilot Flying J, is the target of several lawsuits which stem from alleged practices of fraud and deceit. The FBI has been probing Haslam’s truck-stop company and has alleged massive impropriety based on targeted cost-plussing of select clients. A 120-page affidavit recently stated that Pilot Flying J sales employees withheld fuel price rebates and discounts in an attempt to boost company profitability as well as personal sales commissions. If Haslam loses the suits or is forced to settle for large sums, the league is concerned that he will not be fit to own an NFL franchise.

“This is more worrisome than people know,” said one team official who has familiarized himself with Haslam’s situation. In turn, sources tell Freeman that it may only be a matter of time before Haslam is forced to sell the Browns.

Haslam continues to claim his (and his company’s) innocence with regard to the allegations. He recently apologized to the city of Cleveland, stating that he is very embarrassed by the recent fallout. “We feel badly about it, and we’re very comfortable we’ll work through this situation,” he said.

[Related: Where is the line drawn with character concerns?]

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NFL News: Josh Cribbs believes return to Cleveland is possible

May 8, 2013 by 30 Comments

Could Josh Cribbs return to Cleveland? The veteran wide receiver and Pro Bowl return man apparently thinks it is possible.

Brent Sobleski from The Orange and Brown Report says that Cribbs, a free agent, could stick with the Browns in the event that the money and role would be agreed upon. The team is reportedly showing interest in keeping the fan favorite in a Browns helmet, but what the “role” each side wants remains to be seen. The team has recently added wide receivers Davone Bess and David Nelson to fill the slot role, and appears ready to have Greg Little and Josh Gordon on the outside. Factor in that Norv Turner’s offense places emphasis on the tight end and Cribbs spent a good portion of last season pleading for more touches, and it seems as if the player would have to compromise more than the team.

As mentioned in a recent WFNY column, Cribbs has recently put his Cleveland-area home up for sale, but fell out of favor with the Arizona Cardinals when he reportedly failed a physical. The Cardinals later drafted LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu to help their return game, leaving Cribbs on the outside looking in.

In 2012, Cribbs caught seven passes for 63 yards and zero touchdowns. He averaged over 27 yards per kickoff return, but has not run back a kickoff for a touchdown since 2009.

[Related: Where is the line drawn with character concerns?]

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Former Buckeye Orlando Pace named to College Football Hall of Fame

May 7, 2013 by 1 Comment

Former Ohio State All-American offensive tackle Orlando Pace will join former Cleveland Browns quarterback Vinnie Testaverde as members in the newest class for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Pace, the 24th Buckeye player to make the Hall, is considered one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football history, finishing fourth in the Heisman voting in 1996. Winner of the Rotary Lombardi Award in 1995 and 1996, Pace became the first ever player to win the award twice. He was the offensive lineman since 1972 to finish in the top-four in the Heisman vote, the winner ultimately being Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel.

Pace started every game–38 in all–between 1994-96 before bypassing his senior year to enter the NFL Draft where he was selected first-overall by the St. Louis Rams. Pace went on to a 13-year career in the NFL where he was a member of the Rams’ 1999 Super Bowl championship team. He protected the blind side and cleared running lanes for the NFL’s MVP for three consecutive seasons (Kurt Warner in 1999 and 2000 and Marshall Faulk in 2001). Pace was named All-Pro five times and he was voted into seven Pro Bowl games.

“I don’t know how you could play the position any better than [Orlando] did,” said former Ohio State head coach John Cooper. “He was just a fantastic football player. “He was the best.”

Pace did not allow a sack in his final two years at Ohio State.

[Related: Ohio State five-star recruit says God wanted him to play for the Buckeyes]

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Where is the line drawn with character concerns?

May 7, 2013 by 15 Comments

armonty-bryant-mugjpg-487a2f287eb2968bDespite the misery and perpetual seasons of loss along Lake Erie, one of the long-lasting laughs Clevelanders have been able to muster comes at the expense of the Cincinnati Bengals and their penchant for acquiring players with off-field issues. The list of individuals who traded in their black-and-white stripes for those of the black and orange variety is well documented—last year’s undrafted free agent linebacker Vontaze Burfict is just the most recent. But somewhere along the way, the Cleveland Browns have started to dip their toe in to the ocean of questionable characters. While some have panned out, the last few weeks in Brownstown have undoubtedly been littered with…

When Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski sat up at his makeshift podium following the team’s selection of Barkevious Mingo with the sixth-overall pick in this year’s draft, he applauded Mingo’s insane athleticism, but also ensured that the masses became aware of impending pass-rushing linebacker’s top-flight character. Before a question was even asked, Chudzinski waxed impressed.

“The thing that stood out to us was the kind of person that he is,” Chudzinski said of Mingo. “He has outstanding character, extremely highly recommended from the people down [in Louisiana] that you talk to. He’s an extremely impressive young man.”

[Read more...]

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Ohio State five-star recruit says God wanted him to play for the Buckeyes

May 7, 2013 by 13 Comments

This past winter, leading up to National Signing Day, Georgia recruit Vonn Bell was said to be deciding between playing for Alabama, Tennessee or The Ohio State University. The five-star recruit surprised many when he opted for Columbus over the warmer confines of the SEC. As it turns out, Bell may have had a little bit of guidance in making his decision.

From the AJC:

I didn’t really have any secrets. I kept everything all open with everybody. But about the biggest secret was probably keeping it secret (about Ohio State) until signing day. The first two days (before signing day), I just woke up out of my dreams. Me and God just had a conversation. He said ‘I want you go to Ohio State.’ Then I just knew ever since then. That was probably the longest time I ever kept a secret, those two days.

He just woke me up in the middle of my sleep, and I just heard ‘Ohio State’ in my head. I just listened to it, and stuck with it. Ohio State was in my heart. I didn’t know (which college I was going to sign with) until then. I asked God to give me a sign, and He gave me a sign. I woke up the middle of the night.

Bell went into Signing Day as the fourth-best safety in the country, a top-35 recruit overall. In addition to Alabama and Tennessee, the speedy play-maker turned down Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Notre Dame.

[Related: While We’re Waiting… What a night in Cleveland]

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MLB News: Indians send Vinnie Pestano to the 15-day disabled list

May 6, 2013 by 3 Comments

The Cleveland Indians announced tonight that the club has placed right-handed pitcher Vinnie Pestano on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow tendinitis. To take Pestano’s place on the 25-man roster, the Indians have recalled left-handed pitcher Nick Hagadone from Triple-A Columbus. Hagadone (No. 50) is scheduled to be in uniform for Monday night’s four-game series opener against Oakland at Progressive Field.

Hagadone, 27, has made eight relief appearances for Cleveland this season, posting no record and a 2.45 ERA (2 ER/7.1 IP) during his first stint with the Indians from April 12-30. He was optioned to Columbus following his last outing for the Tribe on April 30 vs. Philadelphia (1.0 IP, 2 BB). Hagadone has also tossed 4.0 scoreless frames across four relief appearances for the Clippers.

Pestano, 28, has made eight relief appearances for Cleveland, posting no record and a 2.25 ERA (2 ER/8.0 IP). His last appearance came in Game 2 of the Indians’ April 28 doubleheader on April 28 at Kansas City (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R-ER, 2 BB). Prior to Monday’s game, Indians manager Terry Francona stated that Pestano would be available to pitch this week after several games of rest.

Pestano will be eligible to be activated on May 16, as Hagadone’s recall falls within a 10-day period of his most recent active date on the Major League 25-man roster (April 30). MLB rules stipulate that Pestano’s DL placement must be back-dated to May 1, or the day after Hagadone’s option to Columbus.

[Related: Tribe Weekend Recap: Streak ends, but series Tribe takes series]

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MLB News: Indians’ Ryan Raburn named AL Player of the Week

May 6, 2013 by 5 Comments

Cleveland Indians utility man Ryan Raburn has been named American League Player of the Week for the week encapsulating April 29-May 5.

Raburn batted .591 (13-for-22) with four home runs, nine RBI, one double and five runs scored over five games to notch his first career weekly honor. He is the first Indian to garner the A.L. Player of the Week Award since Asdrubal Cabrera on April 11, 2011. Among Major League hitters for the period, Raburn led in batting average, slugging percentage (1.182) and total bases (26), was tied for first in on-base percentage (.591) and base hits, was tied for second in homers and was fourth overall in RBI.

On Monday, the 32-year-old Raburn turned in a career-high-tying four hits, including a pair of homers and four RBI as Cleveland rolled to a 9-0 shutout victory over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, marking the start of the team’s recently concluded six-game win streak. Ryan, an eight-year veteran in his first season with Cleveland, became the first Tribe batter with consecutive multi-homer games since Travis Hafner on July 19-20, 2004.

Cast aside by the Detroit Tigers (and their fan base), Raburn has been scorching hot since center fielder Michael Bourn suffered a lacerated finger against the Chicago White Sox earlier in April. Raburn, 32, is hitting .344/.382/.594 (.976 OPS) on the season.

[Related: Tribe Weekend Recap: Streak ends, but series Tribe takes series]

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NFL News: Browns’ draft pick Armonty Bryant arrested on DUI charges

May 6, 2013 by 25 Comments

Cleveland Browns seventh-round draft pick Armonty Bryant was arrested Friday morning in Ada, Oklahoma, and charged with driving under the influence, according to a police report.

The Ada News reports that Bryant was pulled over late Friday night and refused a breathalyzer. The arresting officer reported smelling alcohol on Bryant’s breath and asked him to step out of the vehicle. When asked if he’d had anything to drink, the report said Bryant initially denied it. The officer administered sobriety tests at the scene and said Bryant reportedly had difficulty with several of the steps. Bryant then admitted to having “a few drinks earlier in the evening.”

The officer claimed that, after 10 attempts at administering a breathalyzer, Bryant just “puffed his cheeks and acted like he was blowing into the Intoxilyzer.”

Jail records show Bryant had posted his $500 bail and was checked out of the Justice Center at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

On the third day of the 2013 draft, the Browns drafted Bryant in the seventh round (No. 217 overall) despite his off-field baggage. Bryant was suspended for three games in 2012 after being arrested on the practice field in October due to charges of selling $20 of marijuana twice to an undercover officer. Following his selection, Bryant said he was grateful for the Browns taking a chance on him and vowed to stay out of trouble.

“Now that I’ve gotten that second chance, I feel like I won’t let anyone down,” said Bryant. ”I won’t let myself, the people around me or the Cleveland Browns down. I appreciate them for taking this chance on me.”

An athletic defensive end, Bryant was largely considered a low-risk selection with a high potential reward if he were to stay focused.

“We are aware of the incident and are now in the process of collecting more information,” Browns vice president of media relations Neal Gulkis said in a statement. “We will not have any further comment.”

[Related: Browns thoughts on Terry Pluto, ProFootballTalk, “black boxes,” and draft strategy]

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