February 22, 2012

Frank: Irving and Gee “Kicked Our Tail”

February 22, 2012 By 1 Comment

Did you not see the game? [Kyrie] Irving and [Alonzo] Gee, they kicked our tail. They willed it back for them. It’s two competitive teams. We’re not 34-0. I mean the other team wants to win too. I thought they took it from us. You have to give them credit. I don’t think we gifted them the win. I don’t think we didn’t compete and didn’t play hard. I don’t think we gave them the game. I think you have to give credit to Irving and those guys.

- Pistons head coach Lawrence Frank following the Cavaliers 101-100 win over Detroit. The Cavaliers fought back from 17 down with Irving and Gee combining for 30 fourth-quarter points.

[Related: Welcome Back, Tristan Thompson]

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Box Score: Pistons 100, Cavaliers 101

February 21, 2012 By 4 Comments

Fascinating game. Kyrie Irving and the rest of the Cavaliers not named Antawn Jamison were sleep walking through 3 quarters. But in the 4th quarter, Kyrie Irving and Alonzo Gee took over this game. The Cavaliers outscored the Pistons 35-23 in the 4th quarter to pull out a nice comeback win.

I remember plenty of LeBron James games earlier in his career where he seemed disengaged and lethargic for 3 quarters only to lead the Cavaliers to wins in the 4th quarter. Kyrie Irving did much the same tonight. He was passive and lacking aggression on the offensive side of the ball for 3 quarters, before finding a way to wake up and score 17 fourth quarter points in leading the charge. These are the kinds of learning experiences you like to see young teams learn. To be a good team, you have to find ways to win games when you’re not at your best or most energetic. That’s what the Cavaliers did in this game. Nice win for the wine and gold.

Detroit

Starters Pos Min FG 3Pt FT +/- Off Reb Ast TO Stl BS BA PF Pts
B. Knight G 35:42 8-12 4-5 4-4 +1 2 5 3 2 1 0 0 3 24
R. Stuckey G 34:28 5-13 0-2 6-8 +6 0 5 5 3 0 2 0 2 16
G. Monroe C 35:00 8-16 0-0 3-4 +5 4 11 7 2 3 1 2 2 19
T. Prince F 33:08 2-15 1-3 2-2 +8 0 6 4 0 0 1 1 1 7
J. Maxiell F 18:09 2-4 0-0 1-2 -14 3 3 1 1 1 1 0 4 5
Bench Min FG 3Pt FT +/- Off Reb Ast TO Stl BS BA PF Pts
Totals 37-95 7-17 19-24 16 44 22 11 9 8 7 23 100
Percentages .389 .412 .792 Team Rebounds: 10
B. Gordon 25:44 7-17 2-3 0-0 -5 0 4 0 2 0 0 2 3 16
J. Jerebko 23:55 4-12 0-2 1-2 +13 5 6 1 0 1 0 2 4 9
B. Wallace 13:00 0-0 0-0 0-0 -6 2 4 0 0 1 3 0 1 0
D. Wilkins 11:45 1-2 0-0 0-0 -4 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2
W. Bynum 9:09 0-4 0-2 2-2 -9 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2
A. Daye DNP – Coach’s Decision
V. Macklin DNP – Coach’s Decision
W. Russell Jr. DNP – Coach’s Decision

Cleveland

Starters Pos Min FG 3Pt FT +/- Off Reb Ast TO Stl BS BA PF Pts
K. Irving G 38:35 8-15 3-4 6-6 -5 1 5 8 6 2 2 1 3 25
D. Gibson G 36:45 2-6 2-5 2-2 -4 0 4 3 1 1 3 0 4 8
S. Erden C 15:56 2-5 0-0 1-2 -7 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 5
A. Jamison F 39:37 11-22 3-5 7-14 -5 4 10 2 0 1 0 0 2 32
O. Casspi F 23:10 3-6 0-1 2-2 -13 1 3 0 3 1 1 1 1 8
Bench Min FG 3Pt FT +/- Off Reb Ast TO Stl BS BA PF Pts
Totals 34-78 9-18 24-32 15 49 23 17 8 7 8 18 101
Percentages .436 .500 .750 Team Rebounds: 12
A. Gee 24:50 5-11 1-3 5-5 +14 5 11 3 1 2 0 1 1 16
R. Sessions 20:40 2-4 0-0 1-1 +11 0 5 7 3 0 0 0 2 5
T. Thompson 20:29 0-5 0-0 0-0 +2 3 7 0 1 1 0 3 1 0
R. Hollins 19:58 1-4 0-0 0-0 +12 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 2
C. Eyenga DNP – Coach’s Decision
L. Harangody DNP – Coach’s Decision
M. Harris DNP – Coach’s Decision
S. Samuels DNP – Coach’s Decision

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Box Score: (9) Ohio State 83, Illinois 67

February 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In a game that was needed to stabilize the team and keep pace in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes shot the lights out on their home floor, controlling the reeling Illini from the very start. OSU, led by Deshaun Thomas’s 19 points and William Buford’s 17, shot 65% as a team and smashed Illinois 83-67. The lone bright spot for Illinois was sophomore center Meyers Leonard’s 21 point, 5 rebound effort. Buckeye big man Jared Sullinger was held to single digits with 9 points while taking just 7 shots, though the Buckeyes didn’t truly need his presence in this one nor did they force much down low. The Buckeyes improve to 11-4 in the Big Ten and remain one game behind the Spartans in the loss column. They take on the Badgers next in the Schott on Sunday afternoon.

 

 Illinois

Name FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast PF Pts
Tracy Abrams 3-9 0-0 0-0 3 3 0 3 6
Joseph Bertrand 1-4 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2
Ibby Djimde 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0
Nnanna Egwu 3-4 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 1 6
Tyler Griffey 1-2 0-1 0-0 1 2 1 2 2
Myke Henry 3-5 0-1 0-0 1 1 0 1 6
Meyers Leonard 7-12 0-0 7-9 1 5 2 3 21
Sam Maniscalco 1-5 1-4 0-0 0 0 2 2 3
Brandon Paul 2-11 0-4 5-6 0 3 3 4 9
D.J. Richardson 4-12 2-8 2-2 2 5 1 1 12
Mike Shaw 0-2 0-1 0-0 0 0 2 1 0
Totals 25-66 3-19 14-17 8 20 11 19 67
Percentages .379 .158 .824

 Ohio St.

Name FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast PF Pts
William Buford 7-9 2-3 1-1 0 2 1 2 17
Aaron Craft 4-5 2-3 1-1 0 5 5 1 11
Evan Ravenel 2-2 0-0 2-2 1 2 1 2 6
LaQuinton Ross 2-3 0-0 1-1 0 1 1 1 5
Shannon Scott 0-6 0-1 0-0 0 3 4 1 0
Jordan Sibert 1-2 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2
Lenzelle Smith Jr. 3-4 1-2 0-1 1 3 3 1 7
Jared Sullinger 4-7 0-1 1-4 0 6 1 4 9
Deshaun Thomas 6-8 2-2 5-6 1 4 0 0 19
Sam Thompson 2-2 0-0 0-0 1 1 0 1 4
J.D. Weatherspoon 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 1 0
Amir Williams 1-2 0-0 1-2 1 3 0 2 3
Totals 32-50 7-13 12-18 5 31 16 16 83
Percentages .640 .538 .667

Game Info

Technical Fouls:
None
Arena:
Value City Arena, Columbus, OH

Filed Under: Headlines

Indians sign IF Guzman to minor league contract

February 21, 2012 By 1 Comment

The Indians brought in 33 year old utility infielder Cristian Guzman on a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp.

Tribe beat writer Jordan Bastian writes:

“Guzman would become the 62nd player in this spring’s crowded Cleveland camp. He would up the list of non-roster invitees to 22 players, including 13 new additions who joined the team on Minor League contracts this winter. Presumably, Guzman would be a long shot for a bench job, though he might also serve as Minor League depth. Guzman played for the Washington Nationals during Acta’s time as manager of that team. The 33-year-old infielder, who took part in Tuesday’s informal practice at the Indians’ facility, indicated that the plan is for him to see time at both shortstop and second base this spring.”

So there’s another player on the pile.

 

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Indians trade De La Cruz to Rangers

February 21, 2012 By 1 Comment

From the Indians:

The Indians traded left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz to the Rangers on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

De La Cruz was designated for assignment on Feb. 13 to vacate a spot on Cleveland’s 40-man roster for recently-signed first baseman Casey Kotchman. The Indians signed Kotchman to a one-year contract worth $3 million earlier this month.

The 23-year-old De La Cruz spent last season with Double-A Akron — his second year at that level in the Tribe’s system. The lefty went 5-6 with a 4.19 ERA in 23 appearances, including 16 starts, in 2011 for the Aeros. De La Cruz struck out 95 and walked 57 over 86 innings.

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Indians’ 2012 Win Total Over/Under Set at 75.5

February 21, 2012 By 13 Comments

The year 2012 is supposed to mark the beginning of the contention window for the upstart Cleveland Indians. Surprising many last season with their hot start, injuries derailed what would otherwise be a successful campaign, ultimately leading to a finish of 80-82.

Which makes the over/under (per Vegas Watch) of 75.5 somewhat disheartening. While this total is not necessarily reflective of where Vegas thinks the Indians will finish (as opposed to a line to stir equal-weighted wagering), the fact that the Wahoos currently slate fourth in the AL Central is not a vote of confidence in the court of public opinion.

Also worth pointing out is the 11.5-game gap between Prince Fielder’s Detroit Tigers and the rest of the AL Central, surprisingly represented by the Kansas City Royals.

[Related: Tribe Offseason Review and What Happens After 2013?]

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Cavs Sign G Manny Harris to 10-Day Contract

February 21, 2012 By 5 Comments

Needing depth at the shooting guard position, the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Corperryale L’Adorable “Manny” Harris to a 10-day contract, a transation confirmed by the team.

Harris (6-5, 185, Michigan) had been named the NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played from February 13-19, becoming the first player in the NBDL to nab the honor twice this season. He had a season-high 46 points (17-of-30 shooting) with nine rebounds, six assists and four steals in 45 minutes in a 136-113 victory over Rio Grande Valley on February 16th. Harris continued his strong offensive play by amassing 36 points (14-of-24 shooting) with nine rebounds, six assists and three steals in 44 minutes to complete the two-game sweep of the Vipers on February 18th.

In 17 games (12 starts) with Canton this season, Harris is averaging 21.4 points on .470 shooting with 7.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 32.9 minutes per game. He is currently third in the D-League in scoring.

Harris will provide depth behind Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson, both nursing injuries. In 54 games through the 2010-11 season, Harris averaged 5.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

[Related: Kyrie Irving to participate in All-Star Skills Challenge]

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Report: Former Buckeye Greg Oden Undergoes Additional Microfracture Surgery

February 21, 2012 By 10 Comments

Undergoing what was supposed to be a procedure to clear debris resulted in yet another microfracture surgery in the left knee of former Ohio State center Greg Oden.

Reported by the Associated Press, the procedure performed in Vail, Colorado established that there had been additional damage sustained by the 7-footer’s left knee. The first-overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, Oden has now had three microfracture surgeries, this latest being the second on this specific knee. The selection, and subsequent misfortune, of Oden will likely go down along side the Blazers selecting Kentucky center Sam Bowie ahead of North Carolina’s Michael Jordan in 1984.

Agreeing to a one-year deal prior to the 2011-12 season, it was hoped that Oden could see the floor for the Portland Trailblazers, but two separate set-backs have derailed his return. Oden, who has not played in an NBA game since Dec. 5, 2009, has appeared in 82 career games for the Blazers, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.

[Related: Varejao’s Injury Changes Cavs Outlook]

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Kyrie Irving to participate in All-Star Skills Challenge

February 20, 2012 By 1 Comment

From the Cavaliers:

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has been named as a participant in the 2012 Taco Bell Skills Challenge to be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 in Orlando during NBA All-Star Weekend, the NBA announced today. Irving joins defending champion Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, John Wall of the Washington Wizards, Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets in the skills challenge.

Irving, the number one overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, currently leads all rookies in scoring (18.3), field goal percentage (.485) and free throw percentage (.846) while ranking second in assists (4.8) and third in three-point field goal percentage (.419) in 30.5 minutes per game through 26 games. He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in the months of December and January.

The 19-year-old point guard becomes the third player in Cavaliers franchise history to be invited to participate in the skills challenge and the first since Mo Williams in 2009. Irving is also set to participate in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 24 as a member of Team CHUCK. Teammate and fellow rookie Tristan Thompson will also participate in the game as a member of Team SHAQ.

The Taco Bell Skills Challenge was introduced at NBA All-Star 2003 in Atlanta and features six players competing in a two-round timed “obstacle course” consisting of dribbling, passing and shooting stations. All players must observe basic NBA ball-handling rules while completing the course. The three players with the fastest times from the first round advance to the finals with the order of competition determined by inverse order of the first round times. At the discretion of the referee, television instant replay may be consulted for clarification of rules compliance.

The Taco Bell Skills Challenge will be televised live nationally as part of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm, which will also feature the Haier Shooting Stars, Foot Locker Three-Point Contest and Sprite Slam Dunk. TNT and ESPN Radio’s national coverage will begin at 7 p.m. EST from Amway Center in Orlando. The 61st NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 26, will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio, and in more than 200 countries in more than 40 languages.

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MLB Free Agent News: Manny Ramirez signs with Athletics

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

For anyone who was hoping to follow up Jim Thome’s swan song in Cleveland with one for Manny Ramirez, you can keep dreaming.  ESPN is reporting that Manny has agreed to a small deal with the Athletics that includes a spring training invitation.

Sources tell (Pedro) Gomez the deal is worth about $500,000. Ramirez is obligated to serve a 50-game suspension without pay before beginning play for the A’s due to violating baseball’s drug policy for the second time. With no rainouts, the first game Ramirez would be eligible to play is June 2 at Kansas City.

I was a proponent of bringing Manny back to Cleveland one more time because I figured it was a cheap way to take a flyer on a right-handed bat.  With the timing of the suspension it would give the Indians a chance to see what they have and see if they needed to play the Manny lottery fifty games into the season.

Make no mistake.  It is the lottery at this point.  Manny Ramirez hasn’t hit in a while and most seem to think he is completely finished as a hitter as he quickly approaches 40 years of age.  Still, $500,000 seemed like a pretty cheap lottery ticket by MLB standards.

Billy Beane and the Athletics are on-board and we’ll see who is right about Manny and his aging process sometime this season.

[Related: MLB News: Cespedes reportedly signs with Oakland A’s]

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Cavaliers climb two spots in latest ESPN power rankings; Pistons jump ahead seven

February 20, 2012 By 3 Comments

We’ve been tracking the progress of the Cavaliers through Marc Stein’s power rankings the last few weeks. Today’s new rankings reveal the Cavs at number 23. The significant mark in this week’s rankings however involves the Pistons at number 20, leap-frogging the Cavaliers for the first time this season. Here’s what Stein had to say about the Cavaliers this week-

“It wasn’t the sort of dazzling drive he delivered to beat Boston and Dallas, but Kyrie’s two FTs with 0.4 seconds left Sunday night to finish off Sacramento marked the third time in Cleveland’s past five victories that the rook — after missing three games due to that concussion — served up the Cavs’ game-winning points.”

And here is his take on the Pistons-

“With a loss to the lowly Nets in its first game of the month, Detroit became the first team in the league to sink to 20 losses this season. Remember that low point? All they’ve done since is go 7-2, which includes two wins over the lowly Nets … but also two wins and 194 points against uber-stingy Boston.”

The Cavaliers and Pistons play each other tomorrow night at the Q. Cleveland leads the season series 1-0.

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Box Score: Cavaliers 93, Kings 92

February 19, 2012 By 8 Comments

Kyrie Irving did it again, folks. This time, it was two free throws with 0.4 seconds remaining after a bone-headed foul by the Kings’ Tyreke Evans, but Irving put the Cavaliers ahead in the waning moments, as he led the team with 23 points in the wine and gold’s 93-92 victory in The Q. The Cavs won this game despite shooting just 36% as a team and scoring 18 fourth quarter points. Tristan Thompson stepped up out of the crowd of big men for his first career double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. For the Kings, the last pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, 5’8″ point Isaiah Thomas, battled Irving all game, matching his 23 points and adding 8 rebounds and 11 assists. Antawn Jamison and Marcus Thornton added 21 points each for their respective teams. Cleveland is now 12-17 and faces Detroit at home on Tuesday night.

Sacramento

Starters Pos Min FG 3Pt FT +/- Off Reb Ast TO Stl BS BA PF Pts
I. Thomas G 42:55 8-16 3-7 4-5 +11 4 8 11 2 0 1 2 3 23
T. Evans G 34:24 5-17 0-1 0-0 -11 2 5 2 3 1 2 1 1 10
D. Cousins C 25:48 6-17 0-0 7-11 -7 5 9 3 4 2 0 2 5 19
M. Thornton F 45:25 8-20 1-6 4-5 +7 1 10 2 3 1 2 1 2 21
J. Thompson F 16:27 1-4 0-0 1-2 +5 3 9 0 0 0 0 1 3 3
Bench Min FG 3Pt FT +/- Off Reb Ast TO Stl BS BA PF Pts
Totals 35-93 4-19 18-25 18 53 21 12 6 7 7 25 92
Percentages .376 .211 .720 Team Rebounds: 11
J. Salmons 19:53 3-7 0-3 0-0 -3 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 6
C. Hayes 18:44 1-2 0-0 0-0 +3 0 5 1 0 1 1 0 4 2
J.J. Hickson 16:00 0-3 0-0 0-0 +6 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 2 0
D. Greene 15:53 2-4 0-1 2-2 -9 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 6
J. Fredette 4:31 1-3 0-1 0-0 -7 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2
F. Garcia DNP – Coach’s Decision
T. Honeycutt DNP – Inactive
T. Outlaw DNP – Coach’s Decision
H. Whiteside DNP – Coach’s Decision

Cleveland

Starters Pos Min FG 3Pt FT +/- Off Reb Ast TO Stl BS BA PF Pts
A. Gee G 41:52 3-10 2-5 1-2 +5 2 9 1 1 3 0 1 1 9
K. Irving G 38:38 8-21 2-4 5-5 -4 0 3 1 4 0 2 2 4 23
S. Erden C 16:06 0-1 0-0 0-0 -13 1 3 3 0 0 1 0 4 0
A. Jamison F 38:42 7-21 2-6 5-7 +11 3 8 3 2 0 1 0 3 21
O. Casspi F 27:08 3-12 0-5 0-0 -5 3 12 1 0 1 0 1 3 6
Bench Min FG 3Pt FT +/- Off Reb Ast TO Stl BS BA PF Pts
Totals 32-89 7-22 22-30 19 56 15 11 6 7 7 23 93
Percentages .360 .318 .733 Team Rebounds: 10
R. Sessions 36:22 5-14 1-2 3-4 +7 1 6 5 1 1 0 2 2 14
T. Thompson 29:55 6-10 0-0 3-6 +4 7 12 1 2 1 3 1 2 15
R. Hollins 11:17 0-0 0-0 5-6 0 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 5
C. Eyenga DNP – Coach’s Decision
D. Gibson DNP – Inactive
L. Harangody DNP – Coach’s Decision
A. Parker DNP – Inactive
S. Samuels DNP – Coach’s Decision
B. Uzoh DNP – Coach’s Decision
A. Varejao DNP – Right Wrist Fracture

Game Info

Technical Fouls:
None
Arena:
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Attendance:
16,812
Officials:
Eddie F. Rush, Kevin Cutler, Bennie Adams
Duration:
2:25

Filed Under: Headlines

NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs Will Look to Move Sessions, Jamison

February 19, 2012 By 20 Comments

With the 2011-12 NBA trade deadline less than one month away, the 11-17 Cavaliers will be in the mix with regard to moving players and acquiring additional assets to aid the rebuilding process. The Plain Dealer’s  Tom Reed feels that two of the most likely steps include trading highly-coveted point guard Ramon Sessions as well as the $15 million expiring contract of veteran power forward Antawn Jamison.

If a trading partner cannot be found for Jamison, the Cavs may cut him free and allow him to compete for a championship once again.

“I believe the Cavaliers will trade Sessions and make an effort to move Jamison by one means or another,” writes Reed. “If they can’t trade him — remember they most likely would have to take salary back — they will buy him out.”

With shooting guards Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson missing considerable time with a variety of injuries, Sessions has provided integral support off of the bench. In 25 minutes per game this season, the slashing guard is averaging 10.4 points and 5.6 assists. Jamison is presently second on the team in scoring, tallying 16.6 points per night.

[Related: NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Interested in Cavs’ Ramon Sessions]

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Box Score: (19) Michigan 56, (6) Ohio State 51

February 18, 2012 By 4 Comments

This Michigan biting back sensation is still a relatively new one for yours truly. The Buckeyes are an offensively confused team right now, and other than Deshaun Thomas, Thad Matta’s guys looked lost and intimidated in a hostile Ann Arbor environment. Trey Burke’s 17 points led the Wolverines to a 56-51 victory in Crisler Arena, which snaps OSU’s six-game win streak over their rivals. Jordan Morgan also battled Sullinger all game, while posting 11 points and 11 boards of his own. Thomas led OSU with 25 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, while Jared Sullinger bounced back a bit in the second half to finish with 14 points and 8 rebounds.  Ohio State is now out of first place in the Big Ten, and they sit one game back in the loss column, along with the Wolverines, behind Michigan State. I’ll have more on this tomorrow, but for now, let’s just say it’s time to sound the alarm in Columbus.

 

 Ohio St.

Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
J. Sullinger 35 6-14 0-3 2-2 3 8 1 3 1 0 2 14
D. Thomas 40 8-13 3-6 6-7 6 13 1 1 0 0 1 25
L. Smith Jr. 28 1-3 0-2 0-0 0 1 2 3 2 0 1 2
A. Craft 36 1-6 0-2 2-2 0 2 3 2 2 0 4 4
W. Buford 40 3-12 0-3 0-2 1 6 2 2 1 0 2 6
S. Scott 4 0-0 0-0 0-2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
S. Thompson 12 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 2 0 1 1 0 2 0
A. Williams 3 0-1 0-0 0-0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
E. Ravenel 2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 19-49 3-16 10-15 12 34 9 14 7 0 13 51
Percentages .388 .188 .667 Team Rebounds: None

 Michigan

Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
Z. Novak 28 3-7 0-3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 6
S. Douglass 38 3-9 1-5 0-0 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 7
J. Morgan 35 5-8 0-0 1-1 2 11 1 0 2 0 2 11
T. Burke 37 6-14 0-1 5-8 1 2 5 3 0 0 2 17
T. Hardaway Jr. 38 4-5 2-2 3-5 0 3 0 4 0 0 2 13
C. Christian 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
E. Smotrycz 18 1-4 0-2 0-0 1 5 1 1 0 0 3 2
M. Vogrich 5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Totals 22-47 3-13 9-14 4 24 8 8 3 0 15 56
Percentages .468 .231 .643 Team Rebounds: 1

Game Info

Technical Fouls:
None
Arena:
Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
Attendance:
12,721
Officials:
Mike Kitts, Ted Valentine, Tom Eades

Filed Under: Headlines

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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