TRIPLE THREAT CLE: Carmelo Anthony

Showing posts with label Carmelo Anthony. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Podcast 9/26/17: On the Browns & NFL Week 3, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade & More

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Podcast 9/12/17: On The Browns & NFL Week 1, Indians Streak, Kobe, NBA Rankings & CFB Week 3

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

You can now download the latest episodes of "TripleThreatCLE.com's Podcast"!

Subscribe to us, on New Cleveland Radio iTunes here!

DOWNLOAD: On Browns & NFL Week 1, Ohio State's Loss, Indians Streak, Kobe & NBA Rankings (9/12/17)

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DOWNLOAD: On the Browns & NFL Week 1, College Football and special guest Zac Jackson (9/6/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Browns Moves, Cavs/Celtics & College Football Kickoff (8/30/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On LeBron James, Browns Preseason, QB Rankings & More (8/16/17)
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DOWNLOAD: Browns Preseason, Cavs Uniforms, All-Time Uniforms & TV Reboots (8/9/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Kyrie Irving and Sports Hall of Fames (8/2/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Kyrie Irving's Trade Request, LeBron's Power & The Cavs (7/2417)
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DOWNLOAD: On Kirk Cousins, LeBron James, Unappreciated Players & Fast Food Chicken (7/19/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On MLB All-Star, Young Stars & Bad NBA Contracts (7/12/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On NBA Free Agency, Chauncey Billups & Our 3-on-3 Teams (7/5/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Chris Paul Trade, Phil Jackson, NBA Moves & Lavar Ball (6/28/17)
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2017 Episodes Of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show
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2016 Episodes of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Podcast 6/28/17: On Chris Paul Trade, Phil Jackson, NBA Moves & Lavar Ball

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

You can now download the latest episodes of "TripleThreatCLE.com's Podcast"!

DOWNLOAD: On Chris Paul Trade, Phil Jackson, NBA Moves & Lavar Ball (6/28/17) / SoundCloud Stream Here
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2017 Episodes Of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show
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2016 Episodes of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Radio Show 4/19/17: On Cavs & NBA Playoffs, Carmelo v Phil, Grasshoppers and More

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Krunch Time With Katelin: NBA Trading Deadline Predictions

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The NBA trading deadline is one of the most hectic time of the sporting year. And this year is looking like one for the ages. Dating back to January there have been a number of moves that could change the state of teams not just this year but in future years. Starting with the Kyle Korver to Cleveland deal, Serge Ibaka to Toronto, and the surprise post All-Star game Demarcus Cousins trade to New Orleans to play along side Anthony Davis. But that's all in the past and now its time to make some predictions for what's to come in the next 48 hours.

1. Carmelo Anthony doesn't get traded:
It seems unlikely that the Knicks: A. Finds a deal that benefits them going forward. B. The deal involves a contending team for Carmelo to join. The team the holds a ton of assets for a trade like this is the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have the expiring contracts and the potential top draft pick a team like Knicks would want for someone like Melo. But when it comes to the Celtics I don't see Melo waving his no-trade clause to go to Boston. If reports are true, Melo would only waive his (NTC) for Cleveland (play with LeBron) or the Clippers (play with Chris Paul).

2. The Timberwolves make a Deal involving Ricky Rubio:
Rubio is a solid point guard, but with the way the T-Wolves play spacing becomes an issue. Rubio's inability to shoot the three consistently ends with defense clogging the paint when defending Rubio. And it doesn't help when their frontcourt; Wiggins, Anthony-Towns, and Dieng all have the same strengths of getting into the paint and finishing. Plus with the season-ending injury to Zach Lavine the T-Wolves now have a giant hole at shooting guard. A trade of Rubio to the Cavs for Iman Shumpert has been speculated for a bit since it fits a need for both teams but I don't see the Cavaliers making a trade like this...or one at all.

3. The Cavaliers keep things "Status Quo":
Like I stated in my article "What Should the Cavs Do Now with Kevin Love Out 6 Weeks?", "Status Quo" just means keeping an open roster spot for a player who is a free agent or someone who has their contract bought-out after the deadline. With the injuries to Love and J.R. Smith the Cavs should focus on getting healthy and learn how to play with the players they have now. We seen it take a month or so for Kyle Korver to fit into the Cavs offense and vise-versa. This shouldn't but much of a surprise and fans should think of Korver as their trading deadline acquisition.

4. The 76ers Deal Jahlil Okafor for a Backcourt Player:
With the emergence of Joel Embid the 76ers now have an overstock of frontcourt players. Per reports Okafor was almost dealt to Portland and was rumored in trade talks to New Orleans. The 76ers lack a young shooter guard, and lets keep it 100... Nik Stauskas isn't a starting shooter guard in the league. As of right now teams interested in Okafor are the Indiana Pacers and the Phoenix Suns. So maybe that means Brandon Knight is on the move again.

5. The Knicks Trade Derrick Rose:
If the Knicks trade anyone the smart money seems to be on Rose...and like stated earlier the T-Wolves are seeking to trade away Rubio. Minnesota's head coach Tom Thibodeau is reportedly pushing for a trade that would bring Rose to Minny. It seems unlikely but the contracts aren't too crazy to be worked out and the Knicks might want to get whatever they can for the former MVP.

6. Orlando Trades one (or more) of their Backcourt players:
The Magic are in a mist of a rebuild...again. And they have a number of player who would seem to fit on multiple playoff teams. D.J. Augustin has played on three playoff teams in his career and its been in a backup role. Augustin is known as a three point shooter who can create his own shot at times and his contract is only $7.3 Million and at the age of 29 the four year deal shouldn't be any cause of concern for teams trading for him. C.J. Watson is older at 32 but like Augustin has playoff experience some teams would want in a backup guard. His contract isn't as bad as Augustin's two years at $5 Million per year. And lets not forget about Jodie Meeks. Meeks is in the last year of his deal

7. Boston Trades for Jimmy Butler:
This one is a long shot but the Celtics should buy into this year and make a big splash. Butler playing along side of Thomas and Horford should give the Cavs an actual series. I'm not saying they could beat the Cavaliers but a Boston vs Cleveland Eastern Conference finals should be an entertain series. The Bulls future is questionable and with the signing of Rondo and Wade they were rushed into contending when in reality that wasn't their plan. So trading Butler for the Brooklyn Nets' pick (which should be a top-4 lock) and expiring contracts is a great place to rebuild.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Radio Show 2/8/17: On Super Bowl 51, Hall of Fame, Carmelo Anthony & Grammys

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

On Carmelo Anthony, the Cleveland Cavaliers & the New York Knicks Dilemma

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

While watching the Cavaliers take on the Wizards on Monday, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News comes out with an article "LeBron pushing Cavs to acquire Carmelo Anthony even if it includes Kevin Love: Sources". I usually take articles like this with a grain of salt. And hell, even LeBron called Isola and his article "trash". But this article and many reports of "Melo to the Cavs" got me thinking. How would Carmelo fit on the Cavs...and why in the world would the Knicks want Kevin Love?

Now we all have an idea how Carmelo would fit on this Cavalier team. Whether he or LeBron move to the power forward and the Cavs play small ball going forward. Also the addition to Melo would give the Cavaliers another ball dominate shot creator they've been lacking since the "Big 3" teamed up in 2014. But my questions to the idea of Melo for Love (or anyone on the Cavs) is why?

This team took a year and a half to understand how to play together. They had to fire their coach mid-season last year and are just over a calendar year in coach Lue's system. A system which uses Love's strengthens, which we can see by his stats (19.9 PPG 11.1 RPG 38% from three and shooting 15 shots per game, which is up by three from the previous two years in Cleveland) and being named as an All-Star. Love is also one of the top scorers in the first quarter (putting up 34 points earlier this year which is a NBA record). The way Lue tries to get Love going early is a spark the Cavs use day in and day out and it keeps the opposition honest throughout the game, knowing Kevin Love can take over at any point. And let's not forget to mention Love's ability to rebound which is one of the best in the league. His play next to Tristan Thompson only helps the Cavs ability to play with so many shooters. If the Cavs only had Thompson and Frye as 'true" front-court players it would force LeBron or Melo to attack the boards a lot more which could limit the Cavs in transition both offensively and defensively.

Adding Melo to a lineup with Kyrie Irving and LeBron only seems to look good on paper or on NBA 2k. Melo or LeBron aren't the spot-up shooters Love his and aren't the type of players who would consistently play down in the post like Love does. Sure, adding Melo would help in a number of ways. LeBron could take over as point guard of the second unit and give that second unit a legitimate scoring threat. And it could ease LeBron going forward, the Cavs could cut James' mins the rest of the season and in future years. But, it would still force LeBron to play inside more, which could hurt him more than what he's playing now. I understand LeBron would love to play with one of his best friends but trading for Melo seems to be a "robbing Peter to pay Paul" type of situation. Yes, adding another elite scorer is never a bad thing but let's not discredit Kevin Love and what he does. This team finally knows how to play together and they showed us all that its a championship team without a "playmaker" outside of Kyrie and LeBron. So why would they make such a drastic change mid-season.

The most complex part of this deal is Kevin Love on the Knicks. I just don't understand the thinking adding him. The Knicks already have multiple front court players. They just drafted Kristaps Porzingis 4th overall last year to be their guy paired to Melo, but without Melo and adding Kevin Love does that mean Porzingis will move to Center permanently? Spacing wise it might work out with both Love and Porzingis switching back and forth in the post but they'd still be lacking a Scorer can create for himself and teammates.

And its just not the Porzingis factor. The Knicks gave Joakim Noah a 4-year/$72 million deal this past off-season. And with his inability to stay healthy this season its not like Knicks have teams lining up to trade for him. Speaking of Noah's injuries, his replacement Willy Hernangomez has played really well in Noah's absences. Hernangomez is another young front-court player who was drafted last year. The Knicks traded two second round picks to get him and in his rookie season this year has averaged 6&5 in 15 minutes per game. And I didn't mention Kyle O'Quinn who's on his second year of a four year deal he signed in 2015.

So why all the love for Love in New York? Is it just to get Melo out of town or is it to potentially trade Love this upcoming off-season? Whether the answer to that question is one or the other, or a combination of both, Cavs and Knick fans should be extremely surprised if a deal is even made at all.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Leadoff with Lee 2.13.16

By @cleeverizon

How would you feel if the Celtics and Cavaliers were involved in a 3-way trade centered around Kevin Love and Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony?

In this scenario, Love would be dealt to Boston, while Anthony would need to waive his no trade clause in order to head to Cleveland. The Knicks get draft picks, and possibly Timofey Mozgov?

According to the New York Daily News' Frank Isola, there has been a discussion of this possible trade. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday and Knicks president Phil Jackson is exploring ways to upgrade the 23-32 Knicks and get them back in the playoff race. Trading Anthony would signal a complete rebuild centered around 20-year-old Kristaps Porzingis.

Sounds good for 'Melo and Boston, but how does this make the Cavs better in an already crowed front court? And why would the Knicks or Celtics want to help a team not only in the Eastern Conference but a team in the same division (Atlantic)? Just remember two things Cavs/NBA fans, this is "silly season" for the NBA and NFL right now. And if this wasn't All-Star weekend for the NBA, this wouldn't be a story. What other sport is making headlines this weekend? Silly Season at its best!

- The Houston Rockets are said to be working on trades involving center Dwight Howard. Howard is expected to exercise a opt-out clause in his contract and become a free agent this summer. He is seeking a max deal hoping to cash in on next years NBA cap money which will increase. He averages 14.6 points and 12 rebounds per game.

- Matt Forte's career with the Chicago Bears has officially come to an end. The Bears have informed the running back he will not be re-signed. Forte has been with the club since 2008 and is the Bears second all-time leading rusher, behind Walter Payton.

- Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant was indicted Wednesday on two counts of felony drug possession (adderall and oxycodone), stemming from a traffic stop on Interstate 71 Christmas morning with former Browns practice player De'Ante Saunders, who was driving Bryant at the time of the traffic stop. Saunders was indicted for improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a felony was released from the team in December.

Bryant could be facing a suspension by the NFL under the personal conduct policy and also possibly the performing-enhancing drug policy since he didn't a prescription. Adderall falls under the PED policy, and Joe Haden was suspended for four games in 2012 for testing positive for the stimulant. An NFL spokesman said in an email response, "the matter will be subject to review under the relevant policies".

- Browns running back Duke Johnson has been named AFC North rookie of the year. Johnson may have only recorded 379 yards on the ground, but he had 61 receptions for 534 yards receiving, giving him 913 yards from the line of scrimmage.

- This season, the NCAA Tournament will go back to calling the field of 64 starting on Thursday and Friday the "First Round," while calling the Tuesday and Wednesday games the “First Four”. NCAA spokesman David Worlock said, "The Thursday-Friday games will be known as first and second rounds, so there’s no more, quote-unquote, 'third round.'"

The Thursday and Friday games (First Round) will be known as the Round of 64, with the Saturday and Sunday games (Second Round) labeled as the Round of 32. The Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four remain unchanged. The NCAA Tournament will begin on March 15 with the first game of the “First Four.”

- Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has expressed interest in having Reliant Stadium in Houston host the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said 'No decisions have been made on the future of the Pro Bowl. We anticipate making a decision this spring.' 'We have received interest from cities in the U.S. and from around the world.'

- The NCAA Football Rules Committee has proposed several rule changes that would take effect in the 2016 season which include: Low blocks outside of the tackle box, Hits on players who have given themselves up by sliding feet first after a run, deliberately tripping ball carriers and also giving instant replay officials more responsibility on determining targeting and helmet to helmet hits that may have been missed by the officials on the field. The potential changes will be heard by Playing Rules Over site Panel on March 8th.

- The Ohio State Buckeyes have 14 NFL Combine invites the most of any college this year followed by: Notre Dame: 10, Alabama: 9 UCLA: 9 Auburn: 8 Florida: 8 Georgia: 8 Clemson: 8 Oklahoma: 8. And remember if Noah Spence wasn't dismissed from Ohio State that number would be 15.

- Kevin Kiley of 92.3 The Fan announced his resignation after discussing his comments made about the Buffalo Bills promoting a female to a special teams coaching job. He also stated he placed his resignation back in November and will be done at the end of February. Kiley was not on the Friday morning show and was replaced by J.G Spooner.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Leadoff with Lee 10.31.14

By @cleeverizon

The atmosphere in Cleveland was electrifying yesterday. If I didn't know any better, you could have told me it was game 7 of the NBA finals and I would have believed you. It was a Cleveland Cavailier and Lebron James media day. International media, social media, local media... it was all about King James and his homecoming. But the New York Knicks stood in his way. The Cavs lost to the Knicks 95-90. Lebron James was obviously nervous and out of sync with the team. He was 5-15 scoring 17 points but also 8 uncharactoristic turnovers. Kevin Love had a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. The Cavs turned the ball over 19 times, which the Knicks turned into 26 points. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks shooting 9-17 for 25 points. The Cavs face the Bulls tonight who defeated the Knicks by 24 Wednesday night.

But let's relive this moment

The Cavs and Tristan Thompson are likely to sign a contract extension today. The 4th pick of the 2011 NBA draft will make $5.4 million this year under his rookie contract. His new deal is expected to be 4 years between $40-$48 million over that period. If no extension is signed by Friday, he will play for the qualifying offer of $7.15 million dollars for the 2015-2016 season and then become a restricted free agent.

Anderson Varejao is also expected to agree to a 3 year $30 million dollar contract extension with the Cavs today.

The NCAA sent out a simple tweet regarding Todd Gurley and the University of Georgia's appeal of Gurley's suspension. Which simply states: The membership committee upholds Todd Gurley suspension upon appeal. He will be eligible to play again November 15.

Last night, the Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10 to kick off Week 9 of the NFL season. Drew Brees went 24/34 for 297 yards throwing 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Saints running back Mark Ingram rushed 30 times for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns to go along with Jimmy Graham's 7 catches for 83 yards and a TD. Panthers QB Cam Newton finished with 10/28 passing for 161 yards with 1 rushing touchdown. Next week's Thursday night game will see the Cleveland Browns travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.

Monday, July 14, 2014

The Raven Report 7.14.14: NBA Free Agency & More

-As everyone knows, LeBron James announced Friday that he is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers. James has agreed to a two-year, $42.1 million deal with the team with the goal of re-signing with the Cavs before the 2016-17 season when a new television contract is expected to create a large jump in value of the maximum.

As part of the deal, James will have an option to become a free agent next summer but is fully committed to the Cavs long term.

Depending on how the new television contracts are put together, the salary cap is supposed to leap to as high as $80 million in 2016. There is also uncertainty with the current collective bargaining agreement starting in 2017, another reason James wanted to keep his long-term options open when it comes to the structure of his contract.

Because of James' off-court earnings, which top $40 million per year according to some estimates, allows for him to take some short-term risk to maximize long-term earnings.

As for the rest of the free agent movement, it goes as follows:

Carmelo Anthony agreed to a 5 year, $122M deal to stay with the New York Knicks
Chris Bosh agreed to a 5 year, $118M deal to stay with the Miami Heat
Dirk Nowitzki agreed to a 3 year deal to remain with the Dallas Mavericks
Pau Gasol agreed to 3 year, $22M with the Chicago Bulls
Luol Deng agreed to a 2 year, $20M deal with the Miami Heat
Gordon Hayward agreed to a 4 year, $63M offer with Charlotte that was matched by Utah. He will return to Utah.
Chandler Parsons agreed to a 3 year, $46M deal with the Dallas Mavericks
Nikola Mirotic will come from Real Madrid to sign with the Chicago Bulls for 3 years, $17M
Isaiah Thomas signed with the Phoenix Suns for 4 years, $27M
Mario Chalmers re-signed with the Miami Heat for 2 years, $8M
Trevor Ariza agreed to a 4 year, $32M deal with the Houston Rockets
Paul Pierce signed with the Washington Wizards for 2 years, $11M
Caron Butler is expected to sign a 2 year, $9M deal with the Detroit Pistons
Chris Anderson agreed to re-sign with the Miami Heat
Kirk Hinrich re-signed with the Chicago Bulls
Richard Jefferson agreed to a 1 year deal with the Dallas Mavericks
D.J. Augustin agreed to a 2 year, $6M deal with the Detroit Pistons
Vince Carter signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for 3 years, $12.2M
Nick Young re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for 4 years, $21.5M
Jordan Hill re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for 2 years, $18M
Devin Harris agreed to a one year deal with the Dallas Mavericks
Brian Roberts signed with the Charlotte Hornets for 2 years, $5.5M
Anthony Morrow will sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder for 3 years, $10M
Greivis Vasquez re-signed with the Toronto Raptors on a 2 year, $13M deal
James Johnson agreed to a 2 year, $5M deal with the Toronto Raptors
Steve Blake agreed to a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers
Beno Udrih agreed to a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies
Marvin Williams agreed to a 2 year, $14M deal with the Charlotte Hornets
P.J. Tucker signed a 3 year, $16.5M deal with the Phoenix Suns
Kent Bazemore signed with the Atlanta Hawks for 2 years, $4M
Matt Bonner re-signed to a the San Antonio Spurs with a 1 year deal

-Germany won the 2014 FIFA World Cup! It's the 4th World Cup title for the Germans. Mario Gotze scored the game-winning goal in the 113th minute of extra time.

-"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" made an estimated $73 million this weekend domestically, making it the number 1 movie of the weekend. The sequel to 2011's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is looking to be on its way to gross over $200 million this Summer.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Leadoff with Lee 7.6.14

-OH MY JOSH! Browns receiver Josh Gordon was arrested early Saturday morning in Raleigh, North Carolina for driving while impaired. Gordon was driving 50 MPH in a 35 MPH speed zone. Upon being pulled over, the officer detected the smell of alcohol coming from Gordon's person. Gordon admitted to having 3 mixed drinks and the breathalyzer was givin. Gordon blew a .09, the legal limit as in most states is a .08. Gordon was released after a $500 bond. The bond was posted by a convicted felon Haydn "Fats" Thomas. Gordon is due in court on August 28th. Now a lot of people are saying trade him. Josh has "NO" trade value at this time. Some people are saying cut him. Why cut him if he is going to face a suspension in the first place? It's not like you have to pay him. I'm saying help him! Say he is suspended for one year for example, he can return in the 2015-16 season and he will only be 25 years old. Why cut him and run the risk he cleans up his act signs with another team and dominates the league as he did in 2013-14? I mean he "only" led the NFL in receiving yards last year and was voted the number 16 best player by his NFL peers for the NFL's top 100 players.

-The Cleveland Cavs are looking to clear cap room so they can offer a max contract to sign LeBron James and another max player. Cavs swing man Jarrett Jack is on the trading block along with a 2015 draft pick to sweeten the pot. The Cavs signed Jack to a 4 year $25 million dollar contract last summer.

-The LA Lakers are prepared to offer Carmelo Anthony a 4-year $97 million dollar contract. But it appears that Melo will stay in New York as they can offer him a 5-year $129 million dollar contract. Both are max contracts that are available to Anthony as per the NBA collective bargaining agreement.

-Elyria, Ohio native, former Elyria High School Pioneer, and current Ohio State red shirt freshman defensive lineman Tracy Sprinkle was arrested early Saturday morning for drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and rioting at a bar in Lorain, Ohio. As of 10:00 pm Saturday night, Sprinkle was still being held in Lorain City jail. With Urban Meyer on vacation, it is not known if Sprinkle has been suspended or otherwise punished. An Ohio State spokesperson has told the Columbus Dispatch that the university is aware of the situation. Tracy Sprinkle was a 3 star defensive end and early enrollee in OSU's class of 2013 before red shirting last year. A new report from the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram states that "information provided by police incorrectly stated that he [Sprinkle] was found with heroin."
Per the latest report from Chronicle-Telegram, Sprinkle was arrested and charged with possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and rioting/failure to disperse. Sources close to the Sprinkle family expect the drug charges to be dropped stemming from this incident. According to The Lantern, Sprinkle is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Ohio State has not yet commented publicly on the situation.

-The Indians improved their record to 42-44 with a 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals yesterday at Progressive field. TJ House had a great outing pitching 7 1/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 9 hits striking out 3 and no walks. Michael Bourn left the game in the 9th he felt his hamstring tighten up. The Tribe will know more about his status today but I expect them to scratch him from Sunday's lineup to allow him to rest his hamstring. Corey Kluber, 7-6 on the season with a 2.99 ERA, will start for the Tribe today as they face Danny Duffy, who is 5-7 with a 2.60 ERA. First pitch is at 1:05 today at the "Pro" as the Indians look to win the series.

-At UFC 175, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey defended her undisputed UFC women's bantamweight championship, getting a TKO versus Alexis Davis in just 16 seconds in the first round!

Chris Weidman also defended his UFC middleweight championship, besting Lyoto Machida by unanimous decision. Both men put it all out there, having a great fight, an all out brawl that lasted the full 5 rounds.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Leadoff with Lee 7.3.14

-The Cleveland Indians rallied in the 8th inning to beat the Dodgers 5-4 in L.A. After being behind 3-2, the Tribe scored 3 times to take the lead and keep it. Trevor Bauer got the start going 5 2/3 innings giving up 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 2 strikeouts and 2 walks in a no decision. Bryan Shaw got the win with the Tribe's rally and Cody Allen recorded his eighth save of the season. The Indians went 4-4 on their recent road trip and return home Friday to start a three game series with the Kansas City Royals.

-The Cavs have met with restricted free agent small forward Gordon Hayward. It is believed the Cavs will offer him a max contract of $15 million per season, but there are some conflicting reports that say otherwise. Hayward averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the Utah Jazz last season.

-Former Cavs guard CJ Miles visited the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night and was offered a contract Wednesday afternoon. Miles and the Pacers agreed to a 4 year deal worth $18 million dollars. NBA contracts can't officially be signed signed until July 10th.

-Free agent forward Carmelo Anthony was in Chicago Tuesday, and visited the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks Wednesday. Amoung the people who met him in Houston Dwight Howard, James Harden, coach Kevin Mchale and Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler were there to help pitch the Rockets to Anthony. Guard Jeremy Lin would have to be traded to clear enough cap room to sign Melo. Lin tweeted a bible verse yesterday morning and was feeling disrespected by the Rockets as they showed Anthony wearing a number 7 jersey, the same number Lin wears currently. Carmelo Anthony will meet with the LA Lakers today.

-What will happen with the Heatles? Lebron James is reportedly looking for a max deal. Chris Bosh is looking for a deal upwards of 15-18 million and not the rumored 12 million. Dwayne Wade won't get a max deal because he can't stay healthy. Miami targeted center Marcin Gortat and Kyle Lowry, who both re-sign with their current teams in Washington and Toronto, respectively. So what does that do to the big 3? How can they improve and get the key free agents they need to make it past the Spurs next year? All these questions will be answered once Lebron James returns from vacation and figures out what the best option is for him. There is no way they can bring in free agents if LBJ signs the 5 year max contract and if James doesn't sign one Bosh won't get one either. That's if they choose to stay in Miami. So what will they do? Could this be Lebron's homecoming? We shall see..

-New Orleans Saints hybrid tight end Jimmy Graham lost his appeal on being franchise tagged as a wide receiver rather than tight end. Graham played two-thirds lined up as a wide receiver in 2013 rather than on the offensive line as a traditional tight end. Graham will be paid under the tight end franchise tag at $7 million per year as opposed to the wide receiver tag which would have paid him $12 million per year.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Leadoff with Lee 6.23.14

Y'all been waiting for the return? A new Leadoff With Lee? Well, here we go!

-Carmelo Anthony is leaving New York, he ain't coming back. Anthony, 30, has informed the New York Knicks that he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent. There are many rumors saying that LeBron James will stay in Miami and the big 3 will take a pay cut to take on Carmelo. We shall see how this one plays out, as Chicago, Dallas and Houston are also in play.

-There have been new teams, but not much movement on the Kevin Love trade front. Denver, Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers have suggested offers, and even a 3 way trade in the Lakers case to acquire the All-Star power forward. Perhaps he gets traded on draft night this Thursday? Perhaps during the start of free agency in July? Or maybe not until the trade deadline in February. Who knows at this point what Minnesota will settle for.

-Kyrie Irving will still be in C-Town...I have been told he will take his this city and draft pick to get some free agents on the budget ,

-Bitter and short. The Indians blew an opportunity to inch closer to the Detroit Tigers this weekend by getting swept. Shameful.

I don't want to talk Tribe or Browns at this point because I have more about the Browns, Tribe to come this week. More info and updates when news breaks to me.

-The United States Men's National Team ended up in a draw Sunday afternoon against Portugal at 2-2. The U.S. gave up the game tying goal with less than 30 seconds left in stoppage time. For the U.S. to advance in the World Cup, they will need to win or draw vs Germany on Thursday morning (11:30 AM). But if they lose to Germany, they can advance with a Ghana/Portugal draw or have the goal differential tiebreaker over the Ghana/Portugal winner.

-US Women's soccer star Hope Solo was arrested over the weekend after an alleged domestic disturbance at her home involving her sister and 17 year old nephew. She's currently being held without bail, pending charges of domestic assault. In 2012, her husband, former Seattle Seahawks player Jerramy Stevans, was arrested on domestic violence the day before the couple's wedding.