May 23, 2013

Hooray! NFL Network and ESPN agree not to tip draft picks via Twitter

April 22, 2013 by 24 Comments

2013 NFL Draft LogoI was extremely happy to learn that NFL Network and ESPN have decided that they won’t be tipping draft picks via Twitter this week during the NFL draft. Adam Schefter will still be working to break extraordinary news like trades or bold moves, but if there’s just a team sitting in a slot and selecting a guy, Schefter will not be reporting it a minute ahead of time, for example. They’ve also agreed to avoid showing potential draftees on the phone in New York City in order to try and get the pick to the TV audience before it escapes the lips of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. I don’t know if this will work completely to keep from spoiling picks as ESPN and NFL Network can’t control other guys like Jay Glazer who are as plugged in as anyone in the NFL world, but it’s a good idea, I think.

So am I really just advocating for the death of reporting? I don’t think so. I’ve taken the same stance with the NBA draft too, by the way. I just think that while uncovering potential trades and free agency moves is a valuable bit of reporting there’s something really worthless about scooping a live event a mere minute or less before the thing actually happens. If information is measured in value where the amount of time of relevance is determinant of actual value of the piece of info, then info with mere seconds or minutes of “useful” life is decidedly of low value.

All this comes in the same time period where I discussed the value of information on Twitter against the backdrops of the cable news networks with regard to the Boston bombing and subsequent man-hunt. In that case, I prefer the truth and immediacy of Twitter as the events are unfolding. Even taking into account the sheer difference in gravity of the NFL draft and the hunting of a terror suspect, it would seem that what I’m displaying is a hypocritical stance. I guess I’m alright with that in this case. Yes, it takes some work to report on a draft pick before it actually happens, but clearly the entertainment angle is of importance on draft night and shouldn’t be ignored. [Read more...]

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Bill Simmons Twitter suspension, First Take, ESPN and more – WFNY Podcast – 2013-03-15

March 15, 2013 by 6 Comments

WFNY Podcast LogoScott and I decided to talk about the Bill Simmons twitter suspension and ESPN’s lack of comment on it. Not necessarily the normal topic of conversation on the site, but one that we both cared to touch on.

Here’s what else we talked about that I can remember…

  • First Take and the battle of Richard Sherman and Skip Bayless
  • Skip Bayless’ history as a journalist
  • Stephen A. Smith staying out of trouble
  • Rob Parker getting “fired” from ESPN over RG3 comments
  • Numbers Never Lie
  • ESPN as a behemoth corporation that has no singular editorial voice
  • Grantland and how it kind of lives on an island
  • Chris Fedor and his new gig at 92.3 The Fan
  • How hard it is for radio guys to fill four hours and not be hated
  • People taking media personalities too seriously
  • People are humans who should have beers together

[Read more...]

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Indians ranked 28th in ESPN’s “Future” power rankings

February 28, 2013 by 14 Comments

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Despite all of their off-season moves that have fan morale trending upward, a troika of ESPN reporters have given the Cleveland Indians a 29.7 out of 100 in their recent release of “future” power rankings. This score — though an improvement off of their league-worst total in 2012 — represents the third-lowest total in all of baseball.

These rankings, set to list which MLB teams are set up for sustainable success, use a combination of current major league roster coupled with finances, management and mobility. The categorical scores are depicted above.

The Overview
By signing Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher this winter, the Indians made themselves more interesting for 2013, but the long-term future of the club is still in doubt. They don’t have a reliable starter, and their short-term path to winning involves Trevor Bauer, Ubaldo Jimenez and Justin Masterson all pitching like the elite starters their stuff suggests they can be. That’s far from a certainty. — Buster Olney

The Dilemma

They need at least two of Bauer, Carlos Carrasco and Zach McAllister to become rotation stalwarts for them to move forward because they are not in position to sign any top-quality free-agent starters after their spending sprees on Swisher, Bourn and Mark Reynolds. — Jim Bowden

The System
The Indians have shortstops galore — three or four of whom might end up as big league regulars in an optimistic scenario — and a lot of young pitching that’s three or four years away, but short-term help is really limited and they’re very light on corner bats who’ll have big offensive impact. – Keith Law

Only the Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies rank below Cleveland. It’s 1993 all over again.

[Related: The Diff: Market saturation and Indians attendance]

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2013 NFL Mock Draft: Browns continue to be linked to defense

February 8, 2013 by 34 Comments

With ESPN’s resident draftniks releasing their second iterations of their 2013 NFL mock drafts, the Cleveland Browns continue to be pegged with having a strong focus on a pass-rushing linebacker.

Mel Kiper Jr did not waiver from his first mock draft, placing Florida State’s Bjoern Werner as the next big thing to wear Orange and Brown.

The Browns regressed on defense in 2012, and the pass rush was a culprit. This was, by every standard, a bottom-10 unit, and they simply need to add talent. If they want the best player available at this spot, and a guy who fills a void, it might be Werner by the time we get to April. In fact, by then he could be expected to go higher. A late arrival to football, he has a high ceiling, but already has a decent portfolio of pass-rush skills. What’s great about Werner isn’t just the explosiveness as a pass-rusher, it’s also his awareness. He keeps his eyes up and disrupts passing lanes. He’s a good fit for the Browns.

Todd McShay, conversely, has Werner being selected second-overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In turn, he gives the Browns a player on whom many fans have set their collective site: LSU’s Barkevious Mingo.

New defensive coordinator Ray Horton will run a versatile scheme that likely will employ a base 3-4 front, and while the Browns have good depth along the defensive front they need more talented edge rushers. Mingo fits the bill. He is raw, but is the fastest, most athletic edge rusher in the class and could be part as a disruptive perimeter duo with Jabaal Sheard.

The 6-foot-5-inch Mingo has drawn heavy comparison to San Francisco’s Aldon Smith due to his physicality and tenacity. There are, however, questions about his technique. Kiper has him being selected 10th overall by the Tennessee Titans.

Kiper continues to have Gerogia’s Jarvis Jones being taken one spot before Cleveland while McShay him sliding past Cleveland and landing in New York with the Jets who select ninth.

[Related: Cleveland primer for new athletes in town]

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ESPN: Browns’ Gordon and Hughes primed for “breakouts”

January 8, 2013 by 24 Comments

Though his focus will likely be turning to who the Cleveland Browns will be drafting come this spring, two members of the current team make ESPN draftnik Mel Kiper’s list of potential breakout players for 2013 — wide receiver Josh Gordon and defensive tackle John Hughes.

On Gordon:

Technically, he shouldn’t be here, as he was one of the top rookie WRs overall. But it wasn’t until Nov. 18 that he caught four passes in a game. He had rust to work off, and after a 50-catch rookie season, he could be a 1,000-yard guy for years to come with plenty of big plays as part of his repertoire.

And on Hughes:

Billy Winn was the story early on for the Cleveland D-line, filling in for the injured Phil Taylor. But it was Hughes who played really well in the second half. If he has a great camp, he could start next to Taylor on the D-line in Week 1 next season.

While the likelihood of Hughes usurping Athyba Rubin as the starting tackle remains low, it’s refreshing that the two players listed were two of the biggest question marks heading into 2012. Gordon will technically be this year’s second-round selection, so the added benefit of having an NFL season under his belt cannot be overstated. Hughes was universally panned by those with the desire to instantly grade a draft, but if he can prove to build off of his second half, Tom Heckert will be able to add yet another rough-rooted diamond to his résumé.

[Related: WFNY Podcast – Brian Spaeth challenges Craig on Browns and media]

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Werder: Mike Holmgren “willing” to coach again

January 1, 2013 by 7 Comments

Mike Holmgren stands to double up on salary over the next couple of years due to the fact that he’ll presumably still be cashing checks from someone associated with the Browns between outgoing owner Randy Lerner and new owner Jimmy Haslam. According to Ed Werder of ESPN, Holmgren might be looking for a musical chair on the NFL coaching carousel once the music stops.

And maybe he’ll take Tom Heckert with him. It’s been thought that Tom Heckert could end up wherever Andy Reid ends up, but if Mike Holmgren’s going to end up coaching again, maybe he’s a more natural travel-mate for Tom Heckert.

You have to think that Dallas will be on the list of teams even as Jason Garrett’s job was recently reported as being safe.

[Related: WFNY Top 10 Cleveland Sports Stories of 2012: #1 Haslam and Banner Replace Lerner and Holmgren]

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ESPN: Kyrie Irving will be league’s best point guard by 2015

December 27, 2012 by 18 Comments

As if getting the cover of the latest ESPN The Magazine was not enough, the four-letter network out of Bristol, Connecticut continues to rain praise on Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving.

Within an Insider feature penned by Amin Elhassan, the NBA front office personnel director, we find the opinon that the Cavaliers’ star will be the preeminent point guard in all of the NBA come the year 2015.

“I sat down for my first look at Kyrie Irving as a collegiate basketball player. About 10 minutes later, I shut my notebook. ”This kid is clearly wasting his time playing another minute of college ball,” I said to myself.

A few games later, he’d get injured and miss most of the remainder of the season. However, in those few appearances, he was one of the most NBA-ready freshmen I had ever seen, particularly at the point guard position. Two years into his pro career, Irving seems destined for greatness. How great? By 2015, he will be the best point guard in the NBA.

Elhassan applauds Irving’s patience, praises he recognition skills, and lauds his willingness to lead teammates who are far more experienced than he. Scouting breakdowns of Irving’s ability to dribble (or “handles” as the kids say) put them right up there with future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul.

Among the items that could hinder Irving are a weak supporting cast that force him to be a score-first point guard instead of a play-making passer; he is forced to conserve energy on the defensive end, leading to low efficiency totals and an unhappy head coach.

“The longer Irving has to play savior on offense, the longer it will be acceptable for him to give sub par effort on the defensive end, which slows his overall development toward being the best PG in the league,” writes Elhassan.

He later adds that Irving marries the skills of a savvy veteran with the fresh legs of a young player. “Coaches want to coach him and marketers want to pay him — it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the example after which other players will pattern themselves.”

[Related: Win in Washington shows young Cavaliers what it takes]

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Easterbrook: “Don’t cover Greg Little”

October 3, 2012 by 33 Comments

One of the things that every offense seeks is balance in order to keep the defense honest. Play too much blitz? The offense wants to gash you quickly or with draws. Play too run heavy? Offense wants to gash you at the sidelines. Etc. If the Cleveland Browns receiver problem is as bad as Gregg Easterbrook from ESPN seems to think, it could be very difficult for the Browns to find any balance.

TMQ noted in my preseason preview that the Browns were going nowhere until Greg Little stops dropping the ball. At Baltimore, he dropped four passes, including a strike in the end zone; Cleveland had to settle for a field goal. Little dropped a dozen passes in 2011 and already has six drops in 2012. The obvious move for defensive coordinators is to leave Little uncovered and hope Brandon Weeden throws to him.

Certainly there might be a bit of hyperbole in there from Easterbrook, but if Little’s issues are even a percentage as bad as he indicates, it makes the opposing defense’s gameplan much simpler.

[Related: “Cleveland ’95: A Football Life” will be mandatory viewing for me]

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Ohio State – Hype or Hope?

September 12, 2012 by 17 Comments

Given that my last post did not exactly spark the conversation I wanted it to, I decided to take a different approach on topics to stir things up a bit. I understand that WFNY has primarily covered Cleveland sports and Ohio State has taken a back seat to it, but I will figure out a way to get ya, this I promise. You see, I do not love healthy arguments – I crave them. Unless we are talking about politics, I pretty much have a strong opinion on it and my goal is not necessarily to force it upon someone, but to get engaged in enough banter that I can be properly educated on the opposite side purely for perspective. In fact, on several occasions I have taken the opposite stance from which I believe just to hear the opinions and reasoning from someone else. I know, that is probably not healthy but if you knew me you would know that is par for the course.

So with that, I see this Ohio State Buckeye fan-base as having two very definitive sides with their football program. People who believe that they will be wildly successful right out of the gate and will accept nothing less, and those that believe that this team has an uphill battle regardless of the current coaching staff and talent. Go ahead, you are allowed to roll eyes and think that there cannot be a true Buckeye fan out there that would believe the latter, but you would be wrong. [Read more...]

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Ohio State Football to be Subject of ESPN Reality Show

August 2, 2012 by 13 Comments

Via press release, Ohio State fans will get a close-up on the 2012 football season with new head coach Urban Meyer when ESPN debuts a series of All-Access specials beginning August 14 on ESPNU and additional ESPN platforms. ESPN All-Access: Ohio State Training Days will showcase the Buckeyes as they train under Ohio native (Ashtabula, Ohio) Meyer who has returned from a coaching hiatus to lead the team. 

With extensive behind-the-scenes access to on- and off-field play, team meetings and campus facilities, ESPN cameras will introduce players and coaches as they complete grueling pre-season training across six days. Viewers will see four, 30-minute specials on ESPNU (August 14-17), a five-part series across College Football Live Presented by Dick’s Sports Goods and SportsCenter (August 19-24) and a one-hour special on ESPN (August 22).
 
Lee Fitting, ESPN senior coordinating producer, said, “Anytime we can provide behind-the-scenes access inside one of the traditional power programs, it’s a treat for the viewers and the fans. Urban Meyer’s success at Florida and the unique story lines surrounding the Ohio State program will add to the intrigue of this series.”
 
Date Time (ET) Show Network
Tue, Aug. 14 5 p.m. ESPN All-Access: Ohio State Training Days ESPNU
Wed, Aug. 15 5 p.m. ESPN All-Access: Ohio State Training Days ESPNU
Thu, Aug. 16 5 p.m. ESPN All-Access: Ohio State Training Days ESPNU
Fri, Aug. 17 5 p.m. ESPN All-Access: Ohio State Training Days ESPNU
Sun, Aug. 19 4:30 or 11 p.m. SportsCenter ESPN
*Mon, Aug. 20 3:30 p.m. College Football Live Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods ESPNU
*Tue, Aug. 21 3:30 p.m. College Football Live Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods ESPN
*Wed, Aug. 22 3:30 p.m. College Football Live Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods ESPN
  7 p.m. ESPN All-Access: Ohio State Training Days ESPN
*Thu, Aug. 23 3:30 p.m. College Football Live Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods ESPN
Fri, Aug. 24 3:30 p.m. College Football Live Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods ESPN

 

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ESPN: Improved 2012 Browns are still a 4-win team

June 20, 2012 by 85 Comments

Vegas isn’t very impressed with the Browns, and now ESPN’s John Clayton is echoing the sentiments. Clayton doesn’t doubt that Weeden, Richardson and Mitch Schwartz will come in and start. He also recognizes the addition of Brad Childress to the coaching staff. In the end, it isn’t enough for the Browns to make what Mike Holmgren refers to as a “big jump” in the record books.

Despite these additions, there are some major doubts about whether the Browns’ offense will take the necessary step forward because of their wide receivers. Cleveland lacked speed and dependable hands (Cleveland was tied for the most drops in the NFL) at this position last season, and the Browns did very little to change that.

There is some good news for Browns fans if you think the opinion of AFC North writer Jamison Hensley means anything. While he agrees with Clayton’s assessment of the W/L record, he seems to think the way the Browns lose this year will be of an improved nature.

Clayton is spot-on with four wins, although I will put an asterisk by it. The Browns will be a much better team despite not improving on last season’s win total. A challenging schedule, a tough division and a lack of playmakers in the passing game will lead to the fifth straight season of at least 11 losses.

As I’ve stated time and again, I think predicting W/L records is nearly impossible with all the moving pieces and question marks, not just in Cleveland but all over the league. What is encouraging, at least on paper, is that most think the Browns have improved the team year-over-year even if they can’t see the Browns winning a ton of games within an admittedly scary-looking schedule.

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Ohio State Wins ESPN’s Lawsuit Over Public Records

June 19, 2012 by 5 Comments

If you recall a while back, we talked a little bit about the ESPN lawsuit they brought against the Ohio State administration. The basis of the case is that when the Jim Tressel scandal broke, ESPN’s Tom Farrey made repeated requests for information from the University, citing Ohio’s Open Records Laws.

While OSU did turn over much of what Farrey and ESPN requested, some items were withheld by the University with the school arguing that turning over the records would violate FERPA’s student privacy protection guidelines. ESPN wasn’t satisfied with that answer, and took it to the courts to try to get the documents handed over to them.

It was an interesting case with some fairly serious ramifications no matter which way the courts decided. After several months of arguments, the court has reached it’s decision:

The court on Tuesday unanimously ruled that for the most part Ohio State properly shielded records as either protected by federal privacy laws or attorney-client privilege.

The court said in a few cases Ohio State must remove certain names from documents which it then must provide ESPN.

The court also denied ESPN’s request for attorney fees.

This is a big decision, not just for Ohio State, but for all public Universities with high profile athletic departments. While many media outlets were aligning with ESPN in the case, several educational institutions were siding with Ohio State. By upholding Ohio State’s right to protect the privacy of its students, a precedent has been set for similar future cases with other schools.

[Related: ESPN v Ohio State: The Lawsuit and What It Means]

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While We’re Waiting… Browns’ Curious Calls, Cavs’ Departures, Bryce Stowell Emerges

April 28, 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.

Very strong arguments made in this recap of the Browns drafting so far: “Do you know what we found out today? The front office must be pretty content sticking with the likes of Greg Little, Joshua Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi, and Jordan Norwood at wide receiver for another year. … Position-wise, there is nothing wrong with taking a defensive tackle. Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin are the clear starters, but both of them, particularly Rubin, has been overworked in his young career.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs By Nature]

–

Looking back to Thursday night, at least some optimism still reigns: “Giving up three “precious” mid-to-late-round picks for Trent Richardson was easy math. The Browns need quality over quantity, particularly on offense. Getting the best running back in the draft, an impact guy who won’t even turn 21 until July, is more than worth a few picks who would likely serve as depth for their first year or two of service, should they pan out at all.” [Doug/Cleveland Sports Torture]

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Byron Scott’s recent quote hesitation has a former WFNY weekend scribe thinking about what could be the future for two upcoming Cavs free agents: “It was that fourth “if” that had me standing there thinking that maybe it’s possible one of these two guys do come back next season afterall. Hopefully that’s Jamison then, I thought, in a reserve role off the bench where he provides a scoring punch and veteran leadership as a sixth or seventh man on a one-year $5 million deal. Because there’s now way he can be referring to the possibility of bringing Anthony Parker back next season with all those “if’s”, right?” [Brendan Bowers/Stepien Rules]

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Some instant analysis on what it means for the Cavs in winning the coin tosses Friday: “This may not seem like a huge deal, but to me, it is. In my opinion (which could be changed as I watch more and more film as the draft approaches), there are six really good players in this draft. Those players are Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Thomas Robinson, Harrison Barnes, and Andre Drummond. After that, it gets a bit murky. By having a top-6 pick guaranteed, the Cavaliers can draft one of those players if their board is similar to mine.” [Conrad Kaczmarek/Fear The Sword]

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One of my favorite basketball blogs makes a great point about ESPN’s role in stopping tanking: “However, television companies could take another route. They could refuse to put up with tanking. What if after a certain mark in the season (how about the All-Star break, we use it for everything) TV stations are allowed replace “bad games” and the team they replace doesn’t get paid?” [Dre/Wages of Wins]

–

Great to read more about this prospect re-emerging with the Tribe: “It is early, but it looks like Double-A Akron right-handed reliever Bryce Stowell is back to the dominating pitcher he was during the 2010 season. Stowell, 25, has been near-perfect and flat out dominating in the early going at Akron where in four appearances covering 7.0 innings he has yet to allow a run and has given up three hits, no walks, and has 15 strikeouts.” [Tony Lastoria/Indians Prospect Insider]

–

To end today, Kyle Dodson, an incoming freshman offensive tackle from Cleveland Heights, said the recent Sporting News report on Urban Meyer was filled with lies. This quote was particularly poignant: “‘No they did not. I do not know where they come up with these lies; they are probably making them up so they can attract readers for their publication.’” [Michael Chung/The Silver Bullet]

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Round 2 NFL Mocks: Kiper and McShay say WR Stephen Hill

April 27, 2012 by 40 Comments

With Alabama’s Trent Richardson and Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden being the latest additions to the Cleveland Browns, focus turns to the second round where the team will look to address additional needs.

Per ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Scouts Inc’s Todd McShay, the sites have officially been set on the wide receiver position as both analysts feel the Browns will select Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill with the 37th selection. Hill, a player whom many would have been comfortable with had he been selected with the 22nd-overall selection, is one of the few wide receivers who have fallen a bit further than anticipated.

Hill only had 28 receptions last season, but was running in an offense that was focused priamarily on the quarterback option and wishbone formations. He is 6-feet-4-inches tall, has top end speed and excellent length. Per ESPN, he “flashes the ability to make the first defender miss and can rip off a chunk of yards when gets a seam.”

Other players who could be selected include offensive lineman Cordy Glenn, offensive lineman Bobby Massie and wide receiver Reuben Randle. The two linemen would be instant upgrades at right tackle while Randle’s transition to a West Coast Offense has seemingly drawn praise from the Browns front office.

[Related: Browns Select Trent Richardson #3 in the 2012 NFL Draft]

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NFL Draft: McShay and Kiper Peg Browns with Richardson, Weeden

April 25, 2012 by 60 Comments

Cleveland Browns fans who didn’t approve of some of the selections in the recent NFL.com seven-round mock draft can now set their sites on the version compiled by ESPN’s Todd McShay.

In his latest endeavor, McShay has the Browns selecting the following 13 players:

1 (4) Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
1 (22) C0rdy Glenn, OT, Georgia
2 (37) Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
3 (67) Ty Hilton, WR, FIU
4 (100) Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State
4 (118) Sean Prater, CB, Iowa
5 (139) Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
5 (160) Dajohn Harris, DT, USC
6 (204) Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
6 (205) Antoine McClain, G, Clemson
7 (245) Markus Kuhn, DT, NC State
7 (247) Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin

McShay’s partner in NFL Draft crime Mel Kiper Jr. went with his final one-round edition, penning the Browns in with Richardson at No. 4 (citing instant success) and Weeden at No. 22, providing a bit of a corroboration between the two analysts. “If you don’t get Weeden here, you risk losing him,” said Kiper on the Browns potentially not waiting until the second round. 

[Related: Is Jason Pinkston the Browns true plan at right tackle?]

Hey! Come to our draft party!

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Skip Bayless: Take Weeden with the 4th overall pick

April 21, 2012 by 23 Comments

The draft season is the way it is because of speculation, but some guys need to resort to shock-jockery to further stick out among the noise. Skip Bayless, apparently, doesn’t feel like he is getting enough attention and thinks the Browns should select Brandon Weeden with the fourth pick.

It is so ridiculous I would normally just ignore it altogether, but I just couldn’t let this ridiculousness slide.

Feed the troll!

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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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Kiper: Browns to Draft Baylor’s Griffin, Wright

February 15, 2012 by 23 Comments

ESPN’s resident draftnik and hair product connoisseur Mel Kiper released the latest edition (2.0!) of his 2012 mock draft on Wednesday afternoon, and has the Cleveland Browns leaving with a pair of Baylor Bears after the first round.

With the fourth overall selection:

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Given the makeup of the roster, and the fact that they have two first-round picks and can really enhance the level of young talent, I think the Browns are far more likely to look at a young QB prospect than get into the bidding war for a veteran like Manning, or even Matt Flynn. One question I have is whether Cleveland stays at this spot and hopes Griffin is still around, or gets aggressive and moves up to No. 2 and guarantees they get their guy. Given his experience, leadership qualities and overall skill set, I don’t see it as much of a leap for Griffin to be a Week 1 starter in 2012.

And with the 22nd-overall pick, Griffin’s speedy teammate at Baylor.

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Cleveland needs help at wide receiver but may not be able to get it in free agency, and Wright is a player who can provide an element the Browns don’t have right now. The pick makes sense on both need and value. Wright quietly had a season that almost matched Blackmon’s in the Big 12. Greg Little was inconsistent but certainly showed a lot of promise as a rookie, and Wright is a good complement. He’s smaller at about 5-10, 190 pounds, but adds a speed threat this offense really needs. He’ll stretch the field with speed. The Browns need weapons, and Wright fits the profile.

Kiper does state that he’s not allowed to reflect or predict trades. Thus, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon goes second-overall to the St. Louis Rams. The Browns have been rumored to be in the mix for a potential trade-up scenario, but have also been linked to running back Trent Richardson with the forth pick.

Kiper’s colleague Todd McShay also has the Browns selecting Griffin fourth overall, pairing him with Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd.

[Related: SB Nation: Mock Draft Pegs Browns With Richardson, Tannehill]

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Cavaliers Free Fall in Latest ESPN Power Rankings

February 14, 2012 by 6 Comments

For a while there, the Cavaliers were making believers of ESPN’s Marc Stein. Then, of course, the book ends of the starting lineup, Kyrie Irving and Anderson Varejao both got injured, and boy did Stein make them pay for it in his latest power rankings. He dropped the Cavaliers 8 spots from #17 to #25. He writes:

The Cavs got watchable again far sooner than expected … so naturally calamity strikes to fell both Kyrie (concussion) and Varejao (fractured wrist). There’s nothing yet to suggest that the rook is in lasting danger, but the Varejao news is a crusher, since they can neither play him nor trade him now.

Can’t really argue with that too much. There’s no question the Cavaliers are a dramatically different team with Andy than without him, and his absence is going to make the Cavaliers a much worse team. Kyrie Irving’s eventual return will help, but the rookie can’t do it on his own. Right now, he needs Andy.

Until the Cavaliers have both Kyrie and Andy playing at full strength again, their recent threats of relevancy will be subdued back into the abyss.

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ESPN’s Bill Simmons would like Boston to trade for Anderson Varejao

February 3, 2012 by 61 Comments

“…if I were Danny Ainge, I’d offer O’Neal’s expiring, my 2012 no. 1 AND the Clippers’ no. 1 for him.2 Wouldn’t you take your chances with a Rondo-Allen-Pierce-Garnett-Varejao quintet this spring? Or am I just a complete homer?” -Bill Simmons

Ok Sports Guy. I’ll take on your proposed trade.  Here is the offer as you have laid it out.

Cleveland gets: Jermaine O’Neal ($6.226 million), plus Boston’s 2012 first round pick and the Clippers’ 2012 first round pick.

Boston gets: Anderson Varejao ($7.7 million).

Let’s take a hard look at those draft picks first. The Clippers’ pick is technically the lessor of L.A.’s or Minnesota’s pick, but you would have to imagine it would take a few monumental injuries for Minny’s pick to be worse than the Clippers’ pick. Additionally, that pick is top 10 protected this year, so injuries to say CP3 and Blake Griffin would knock them below Minnesota in all likelihood, but also into protected territory. [Read more...]

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