The Raven Report: 6.18.14

Welcome to the first ever Raven Report! This is a new addition to our site where I, Raven or better known as @nevarwilliams will chime in with sports news, entertainment news and whatever tidbits I feel like speaking on. So with the introduction out of the way…..


The power that is Mike Trout bashed the Cleveland Indians last night, as he led the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to a 9-3 win Tuesday night. Trout had 3 hits, two of which were home runs, 4 RBI and scored 2 runs in 5 at bats. The brunt of the punishment was taken by Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin. Through 5.1 innings, Tomlin surrendered 11 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), while only having 4 strikeouts. The loss brings the Indians back to .500 at 36-36 on the season. Game 3 of this 4 game series will pickup tonight at 7 PM.

Johnny Manziel agreed to terms with the Browns Tuesday. The rookie agreed to a 4-year contract. Terms were not released, but using the NFL rookie wage scale, it is projected that the deal is to be worth about $8.25 million.

The Browns released wide receiver Earl Bennett yesterday, just one month after signing a one-year, $730K deal. Perhaps the Browns have some good news about Josh Gordon coming soon…?

Former Browns cornerback Eric Wright announced his retirement at age 28. Wright played with Cleveland, the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers in his career.

Quick FIFA World Cup recap: Belgium beat Algeria 2-1, Brazil tied with Mexico 0-0 and Russia tied with South Korea 1-1. Today's games will see Australia vs. Netherlands (Noon), Spain vs. Chile (3 PM) and Cameroon vs. Croatia (6 PM).

In World news, the United States captured Ahmed Abu Khattala, who is the suspected ringleader of the attack in Benghazi.

Lastly, music group OK Go released a fascinating and highly entertaining video for their song "The Writings On The Wall". Using visual tricks, it reminds people of Salvador Dali and Felice Varini. Check it out below!

Leadoff with Lee 5.17.14

Guess what's back? Leadoff with Lee!

Well the Cleveland Browns have been more active than a teenager going through puberty this past week.

-On May 12, the Browns released QB's Vince Young & Alex Tanney, DB Brandon Hughes, DL Brian Sanford and RB Fozzy Whitaker

-On May 13, the Browns inked pro bowl cornerback Joe Haden to a long term deal. Haden has been with the team since being picked 7th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. His new deal will keep him in Cleveland through the 2019 season. It's said that the deal is for $68 million, including $45 million guaranteed.

-On May 15, the Browns signed 2 time pro-bowl wide receiver Miles Austin, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, and former Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett on Thursday.

-On May 16, Cleveland released WR Greg Little. Little had little success after his rookie season when he recorded 61 catches for 709 yards.

-Oh I can't forget about Josh Gordon, who is facing a season long suspension for testing positive for marijuana. This is not the first go round for Josh Gordon, he entered the league in the drug program coming out of college. Then he tested positive for the "Purple Drank". He was only suspended for 2 games with no pay and 2 additional games, but was able to play because the "Drank" wasn't on the banned substance list. Did you notice Josh deleted his twitter account?

-Oh and Johnny Manziel? You mean the guy who put Cleveland back on the map after LeBron left? So word on the street is, Johnny texted the Browns quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains and said "I wish you guys would come and get me.", "And hurry up and draft me because I want to be there" and "I want to wreck this league together". His statements were quickly forwarded to Browns owner Jimmy Haslem and he said "Pull the trigger". Therefore, prompting the trade up with Philadelphia to get Johnny. As I stated before, any first round quarterback will start for the Browns regardless if people say this is Brian Hoyer's job to lose. Act like a backup? Please, this is Johnny Cleveland time now. If it's not, why does he have the #1 selling jersey since he was drafted? Show me the money!

- The Cleveland Cavaliers made interim general manager David Griffin the permanent GM this week. Griffin, who is 41, took over as interim GM on February 6, 2014 when Chris Grant was fired from the position. His first move as GM was....

-Mike Brown was fired as the Cavaliers head coach on May 12. Brown was in his first season of a 5 year deal, in his second stint as Cavs coach. Do you think he cares? No, he's still getting paid about $20 million to sit at home. Did I say show me the money yet?

-Tribe pitcher Danny Salazar was optioned down to Triple A Columbus yesterday. The struggling Salazar is 1-4 with a 5.53 era. Trevor Bauer was brought up to replace Salazar and will make his first start on Tuesday to complete the 25 man roster.

-The Indians got molly-whopped by the Athletics Friday night, 11-1. Oakland put up 8 runs in the second inning on starting pitcher Zach McAllister. The Tribe's lone run cam in the first inning on a Nick Swisher solo shot. Hopefully they can turn things around tonight at 7 PM. Oakland is sending out Scott Kazmir against the Indians Josh Tomlin.