Leadoff with Lee 9.8.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- The New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees have agreed to a contract that will keep him with the Saints for the next two seasons. This deal is very unique to me. It is for five years and it automatically voids to two, and is worth $44.25 million guaranteed,(No trade clause included). The structure of the deal will let the Saints spread the salary cap hit over those five years. Brees led the NFL in passing yards in four of the last five seasons, and six times overall in his 10 seasons with the Saints. It looks like a good deal for both sides. And guarantees Brees will end his career with the Saints.

- Don't call it a comeback, but Tiger Woods announced via his website that he plans to play in the Safeway Open October 13-16,which will also open the 2016-2017 PGA golf season. Tiger who hasn't played since the 2015 Wyndham, also said he plans on playing in the European tour's Turkish Airlines Open in November and the Hero World Challenge. Which benefits his charity the Tiger Woods Foundation. Woods had two back surgeries in 2015 and has been rehabbing ever since. 

- After defeating Bowling Green last week 77-10, Ohio State moved up two spots in the A.P poll from 6th to 4th.

- Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly announced Wednesday that DeShone Kizer will be the starting quarterback against Nevada. Kizer started the game against the Texas Longhorns and played the entire fourth quarter and overtime went 15-24 for 215 yards and 5  touchdowns .He also rushed for 77 yards and a score. Senior Malik Zaire who alternated with Kizer completed just 2 of 5 passes for 23 yards and rushed for 11 yards. "As of now I’m expecting to be the only guy," Kizer said. "The conversation (with Brian Kelly) was just more to let me know I would be the guy. We’ll see how the game goes. From that statement it sounds like Kizer expects to the the starter for the remainder of the season. Like he said "We'll see how the game goes".

- USA swimmers Ryan Lochte ,Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger, and Jimmy Feigen are expected to be suspended today over the Rio gas station incident that took place during the Olympics. Lochte's suspension will be 10 months and he will miss the 2017 World Championships. His suspension is also the longest of the other three swimmers' penalties according to reports. The official announcement will be coming from the  USOC & USA.

Leadoff with Lee 9.7.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- Former Ohio State and current Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott won't face any felony domestic assault charges after the Columbus District Attorney office finds insufficient evidence in the case. When the case first was made public Zeke's dad came out and and said "He's not guilty". And once the investigation from the DA's office was complete, he pretty much said "I told you so". Via Twitter: 

My son has been vindicated! Truth has prevailed! If he had voliated one of OUR core values I personally would have had him charged! #Justice

— Ambassador Elliott (@stacy_elliott) September 6, 2016

The statement from the City Attorney's office in full:

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

On Friday July 22, 2016, Tiffany Thompson, in conjunction with a perviously publicized Columbus Police report, filed an intake complaint with the City Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor Division. Her complaint included allegations of Domestic Violence by her boyfriend, Ezekiel Elliott, on 5 separate occasions. The time period of the allegations encompassed Sunday July 17, 2016 through Friday July 22, 2016.

Ms. Thompson completed the required paperwork and Intake staff conducted an interview where specific details about each allegation were gathered. Witness statements, police reports, and medical records were acquired. Photographs of text messages and visible injuries were taken. Upon completion of the initial investigative phase, the complaint was evaluated by a prosecutor. The evaluation called for follow up with several witnesses and a closer examination of all the evidence presented.

Subsequent to the filing of an intake complaint by Ms. Thompson, the City Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor Division was contacted by both a representative and legal counsel for Mr. Elliott. These individuals were cooperative with the investigation and provided additional information, including witness affidavits and photographs, for review and consideration.

A final evaluation of the complaint for potential charges involved an assessment of the credibility of all identified witnesses based on the accuracy and thoroughness of their statements both standing alone and in comparison to one other. Moreover, there was a careful examination of all injuries and an attempt to determine the source of their cause. Finally, the potential motive, if any, of all parties was examined.

After reviewing the totality of the evidence, the City Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor Division is declining to approve criminal charges in this matter for any of the 5 alleged incidents. This is primarily due to conflicting and inconsistent information across all incidents resulting in concern regarding the sufficiency of the evidence to support the filing of criminal charges.

But obviously Roger Goodell and his inconsistent office released a statement through NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said investigation will "remain under review." 

Damn Zeke, you had it like that?


- You know it's time for the first Browns game of the season when you have 95% of Cleveland media (me included) analyzing the first unofficial Browns depth chart that was released yesterday. And I'm not going to discuss who I think should be starting over who, but the Browns will be starting 3 rookies. LB's Joe Schobert and Emmanuel Ogbah. And the teams 1st round pick WR Corey Coleman.  

But what's most important to me is how many W's we can put on the board this season. We are going to win a few, we should lose and lose a few we should win. Just facts folks.

- Let me get this right, Jared Goff is going from the most expensive number one pick to being inactive? Case Keenum is the Rams starter, while Sean Mannion, who was drafted in the 3rd round, is the backup and Jared Goff, the top overall pick in the NFL draft, is QB No. 3? Either Goff isn't ready or Jeff Fisher is the worst coach in the league. Could be a combination of both. But for the Rams to give up a Ricky Williams sort of trade to draft him is beyond my belief! Makes Corey Coleman to the Browns look good. So far...  

Side Note: Remember it's the Browns vs. Eagles on Sunday. Not the Browns vs. Carson Wentz. The most random quote I heard yesterday was, "This guy loves to play football. This guy is made to play football."

This is a quote from.... wait on it, wait on it , former Browns offensive coordinator and current Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo. Laugh now or Laugh later. You're Welcome!

- The Cavs currently have Jordan McRae, DeAndre Liggins, Eric Moreland, Cory Jefferson, and newly acquired 6'9" SG/SF Markel Brown from the Brooklyn Nets. All are competing for a roster spot on the team. Brown hit 38% from the field last year and he'll likely be no more than the 13th player on the bench if he makes the team. All of the above players mentioned have non-guaranteed deals.

- Have you seen my new ring? Well not my new ring, and not the ring my new ex-wife gave me....YET! But the Cavs championship ring. Reggie Jefferson displayed it on Instagram before taking it down. But if you haven't seen it yet, it's goes hard in the paint!

Leadoff with Lee 8.29.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- On Saturday the Dallas Cowboys announced that QB Tony Romo suffered  a compression fracture of his L1 vertebrae,an injury that could sideline him 6-10 weeks. Head coach Jason Garrett said should return this season. Best case scenario is that Romo returns by week 4 against the Houston Texans. Worse case he returns Oct. 30 vs. Eagles. Once cleared he may need a epidural. Remember in 2014, Romo played with a broken bone in his back.

- The Oakland Raiders have not officially made the move to Las Vegas, but a few trademark filings may serve as a sign for what is to come. On August 20, 2016, the Raiders filed trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the mark “Las Vegas Raiders.” All of the filings, which span a variety of goods and service classifications, were filed with an intent to use the mark in commerce in the future. The Raiders  also have made little to no progress securing a new stadium in the Oakland area and have committed to lining up $500 million toward building a new one in Las Vegas.

Any team relocation needs the blessing of three-quarters of NFL owners, so developers are rushing to prepare their pitch by January, when the owners next meet. Along with releasing renderings of a new stadium in Vegas, proponents also promised it would house UNLV's football team, which has long sought a stadium closer to campus, and hinted that an unnamed Major League Soccer franchise was also interested in using the space. The price tag of the new  stadium is estimated to be about $1.9B

- "I'll continue to sit. ... I'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me, this is something that has to change, and when there's significant change — and I feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way it's supposed to — I'll stand."

Those were the words from San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick 2 days after the media noticed he didn't stand during the National Anthem. But the #MajorKey here is he hasn't stood during the anthem the entire pre-season. The only reason why anyone even noticed was because he was making his first start of the pre-season. Kaepernick continued by saying " There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust," he said. "People aren’t being held accountable for. And that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now." At the end of the day, if something happens, that’s only proving my point. Love it or hate it, I personally think Kaepernick has a point.

- Over the next few days the "cut-man" will be lurking the Browns Locker room and team hotel. Does the team finally cut ties with cornerback Justin Gilbert? But K'Waun Williams maybe on the bubble, he was suspended for 2 weeks and fined 1 game check for conducted detrimental to the team. At the same time Williams is recovering from ankle surgery after having bone chips removed. Will the emergence of Jamar Taylor impact the status of K'Waun? Here go the NFL key dates:                                                     

Sept. 3: Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.   

Sept. 3: Simultaneously with the cut-down to 53, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.                                        

Sept. 4: Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at noon ET.

Sept. 4: Upon receipt of the Personnel Notice at approximately 1 p.m. ET, clubs may establish a Practice Squad of 10 players. No club, including the player's prior club, will be permitted to sign a player to a Practice Player Contract until all clubs have received simultaneous notification via the above Personnel Notice that such player's prior NFL player contract has been terminated via the waiver system.

Sept. 5-9: In accordance with the 2016 Personnel (Injury) Report Policy, each club is required to file a Practice Report with its conference communications contact by 4 p.m. ET, (or as soon as possible after the completion of practice) every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for a regular season Saturday or Sunday game; Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for a Thursday game; or Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for a Monday game.

Sept. 5-9: Each club must also file a weekly regular season Game Status Report with its conference communications contact by 4 p.m. ET (or as soon as possible after the completion of practice) on Wednesday for a Thursday game, Friday for a Saturday or Sunday game, and Saturday for a Monday game. An update must be reported if there is any change in a player's condition after the initial Game Status Report is filed.

- Ohio State names 7 captains for the  2016 season. Which will include all six of Ohio State's returning starters on offense and defense from a year ago. J.T. Barrett, Raekwon McMillan, Pat Elflein, Billy Price, Tyquan Lewis, Gareon Conley and Joe Buger.

Leadoff with Lee 5.6.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- Frank Vogel, the coach who holds the most wins in Indiana Pacers NBA franchise history, will not return at the end of his contract, Larry Bird announced in his end-of-season press conference Thursday morning. "It's time for a new voice around here," Bird said. "Sometimes my job really sucks and this is one of the toughest things I've done because of the respect I've had for Frank. I've had time to think about it and watch the team throughout the year."

Vogel, 42, began his career as the ladder-climbing video coordinator who would do anything to get his foot into the door of big-time basketball. He climbed all the way to the head of the Pacers’ bench, where he held the position for five full seasons after replacing Jim O'Brien during the 2010-11 season. The Pacers made five postseason appearances under Vogel and developed a reputation as one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. Vogel finishes with a 250-181 record in the regular season – more victories than any other NBA Pacers’ coach who held the position. Pacers assistant Nate McMillan and ex-Pacers aide Brian Shaw are two of the first names I hear in to replace Frank Vogel.

- The Cleveland Browns agreed to terms with 11 undrafted free agents, including All-Big 12 linebacker Dominique Alexander, from Oklahoma. Also signing was Texas A&M center Mike Matthews, nephew of former Browns linebacker Clay Matthews.

Here's a listing of all the signed free agents:

Missouri DB, Kenya Dennis
Georgia Tech FB, Patrick Skov
Pittsburgh TE, J.P. Holtz
Miami DB, Tracy Howard
Sam Houston State DB, Mikell Everette
Florida State DL, Nile Lawrence-Stample
West Virginia DL, Kyle Rose
Kentucky DB, A.J. Stamps
Maryland K, Brad Craddock

- The Seattle Seahawks clear $6.5M by placing Marshawn Lynch on the reserve/retired list and create $5M in dead money. Lynch, 29, has two years remaining on his 3-year, $31M contract, which included $12M guaranteed. He would've made a base salary of $9M in 2016 and $7M in 2017. Lynch announced his retirement on February 8, 2016.

- According to the website PennLive.com, former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno was told about Jerry Sandusky's sexually abuse as early as 1976. The new development was discovered in a court order in an insurance case connected to Sandusky's abuse of minors.The same report says an unnamed assistant coach reported separate incidents between Sandusky and unnamed children in 1987 and 1988. This comes after a Pennsylvania judge on Thursday gave convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky a hearing on May 20th to prove his claims that prosecutors lied, withheld evidence and leaked secret grand jury information to find additional victims.

- "You can’t call her, you can’t text her, you can’t email her, you can’t send her any letters or go to where she’s at".

That quote is what Judge Roberto Canas told Johnny Manziel. Canas also asked Manziel if he owns any guns or lives in a place where guns are accessible; both are prohibited under terms of his bond. "No, your honor,” Manziel responded. Johnny Manziel was indicted last month on a misdemeanor assault charge and is accused by Colleen Crowley of kidnapping, hitting and threatening to kill her at a hotel in January. Crowley’s eardrum was ruptured and she lost hearing as a result of the assault, according to her claim. If convicted, Manziel faces up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Leadoff with Lee 3.1.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams is expected to miss at least two weeks with knee injury according to coach Tyronn Lue. The team will reevaluated after that time period and Williams will continue treatment on his knee. Last week Mo visited orthopedist Dr.James Andrews, who diagnosed Williams with chondramalacia under the knee cap.

- The Toronto Raptors will waive former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett in order to sign free-agent forward Jason Thompson. The Raptors gave Bennett a chance this season after he bombed out with the Minnesota Timberwolves last year. The Cleveland Cavaliers made the 22-year-old the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, but he had a historically bad rookie season and was sent to Minnesota along with Andrew Wiggins. 

Bennett hasn't been productive for the Raptors, appearing in 19 games and averaging 1.5 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting just 29.6 percent in 4.4 minutes per game. Anthony Bennett maybe the biggest NBA bust of this decade.

- Former NBA player Michael Beasley was named Foreign Most Valuable Player of the Chinese Basketball Association. Beasley is eligible to be signed by any NBA team and would be playoff-eligible as long as he is signed by the final day of the regular season. He averaged 31.7 points and 13.2 rebounds in his 37 games, with Shandong Golden Stars and they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.   

- NFLPA announced that the 2016 salary cap will be at $155.27 million per team. With that being said here are the official franchise and transition figures:

- Tom Brady and the Patriots agree to a 2 year contract extension,the deal will run through the 2019 season when Brady will be 42 years old. Brady had two years left on his contract, paying him $9 million for 2016 and $10 million for 2017. Immediate details on his 2018 and 2019 are currently unavailable.

- Browns safety Donte Whitner has talked to Tashaun Gipson: "I don't think he's too hopeful he's going to be back" "It would be a blow" if Gipson is gone in free agency.

- The New Orleans Saints released veteran wide receiver Marques Colston Monday with a failed physical designation. Colston, 32, was in the final year of his five-year, $36.3 million contract that included $17.7 million guaranteed. In 2015, Colston appeared in 13 games and caught 45 passes for 520 yards receiving and four touchdowns.

- The Los Angeles Rams are discussing an extension with head coach Jeff Fisher. In his four seasons with the Rams, Fisher’s teams have compiled a 27-36-1 record and have never gone over .500. The Rams finished 7-9 last season which was the third time they’ve won seven games under Fisher.

- Finally, during the halftime of the Clippers game last night, the team unveiled their new mascot: Chuck the Condor. Uhh.... yea.

Leadoff with Lee 2.3.16

By @cleeverizon


Did you really think this was going to end well? I did to be honest.

It was only a matter of time before the Cleveland Browns tossed quarterback Johnny Manziel to the side of the road and said, “Find your own ride.”

The words “his status” and “will be addressed” all but told us that Manziel will be gone when the new season officially starts on March 9. On that day, the salary cap will increase, allowing for Cleveland to get rid of the 23-year-old who many thought two years ago could be the team’s franchise quarterback.

Some fans may ask, why don't the Browns release him the day after the Super Bowl?

The Browns have no salary cap room because they have carried over $18M to the 2016 league year which starts Mar 9th. The Browns will eat $4,624,170 in cap when Manziel is released in March. He has told people the Dallas Cowboys, LA Rams and Kansas City Chiefs are interested in him.

According to league sources, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick wants out of San Francisco after a forgettable 2015 that included on-field struggles that resulted in a benching midway through the season and a coaching change after it. According to sources, the Jets are his preferred destination. If this potential draft day trade happens, there is a possibility that free agent to be Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel may find a home in the Bay area.

Why does this make sense? He was highly recruited out of high school before deciding on Texas A&M. Other offers he received came from Colorado State, Baylor Louisiana Tech, Iowa, Rice, Tulsa,Wyoming and Stanford. Although he was a cornerback/quarterback, Texas wanted him bad. Manziel was originally committed to play for Oregon, he later changed his commitment to the Aggies. The simple connection is Chip Kelly wanted Manziel out of college. So, to me, I'm sure he wants to give him a try in running his offense.

Leadoff with Lee 1.14.16: Cleveland #Browns Sign Hue Jackson

By @cleeverizon

It's official! The Cleveland Browns have a new head man on the sidelines, in former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator, Hue Jackson.

The former head coach and offensive coordinator becomes the team’s 16th full-time head coach, sixth since 2008 and eighth since 1999. He replaces Mike Pettine, who was fired after going 10-22 in his two seasons.

"What a tremendous honor and privilege to be the head coach of the Cleveland Browns and a part of the Dawg Pound," Jackson said. "I'm so looking forward to it and have so many people to thank. Obviously, (owners) Jimmy and Dee Haslam for this opportunity, going through the process of meeting (executives) Sashi Brown and Paul DePodesta. What an exciting time to have an opportunity to work with people like that."Jackson backed out of his scheduled interview with the New York Giants when Haslam called him Wednesday morning and offered him the job. Jackson was supposed to fly to New York and meet with the Giants this morning."If I didn't think we had a chance to do something special here, I wouldn't be here," Jackson said. "There's no question about that."

You ask good questions. I was told Hue made it clear he'd want to move on from Johnny. https://t.co/tkARNfBSyM

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 13, 2016

The Hue Jackson Era in Cleveland will trigger the end of Johnny Manziel and the #Browns. Expect the new coach to move on from the QB.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2016

The hiring of Jackson likely means the end of Johnny Manziel in Cleveland. According to an ESPN source, the topic of Manziel was discussed at length in meetings between Jackson and Browns ownership. In those discussions, Jackson indicated that he would prefer the organization move on from Manziel if he were to become coach, and he was told that would not be a problem."This is what I would say to that. I need to get in this building and have an opportunity to sit down and watch tape," Jackson said. "I don't know Johnny personally. I know who he is, but at the same time, I think I have to give everybody on our football team a fair opportunity to see who they are, to truly learn who they are, and then make decisions from there." 

Johnny Manziel could be released from the browns on Feb. 8, when the NFL waiver period begins.

Jimmy Haslam was pleased to land Jackson after a relatively quick search and also because he apparently was courted by several teams including the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants.

Jackson was so well beloved by Marvin Lewis, he tried to keep him by offering him a path to become the Bengals head coach when he retired. Three Marvin Lewis coordinators in span of two years - Mike Zimmer (Vikings), Jay Gruden (Redskins), and now Hue Jackson (Browns) have now gone on to become head coaches. Both the Redskins and Vikings made the playoffs this year.

During the presser, Haslam said "Let me say this, and I know there's a feeling here, and it's deserved, that this is not a good place to coach, and a lot of it revolves around the owners, but we were pleasantly surprised with the interest in this job, and I think the people recognize the potential that is here in Cleveland," Haslam said. " The Browns are known around the league as having a culture of losing, no franchise quarterback and no stability in the front office.

"This time around, I think we were better organized. Hopefully, the third time's the charm, and I think you learn, hopefully, you learn from previous processes of what you can do better, and I think we'll benefit this time."

The Browns will interview the remaining coaches on the staff to see if they will be a for the team. Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo has met with the newly-minted Los Angeles Rams and also has been linked to the 49ers. DeFilippo is still under contract with the Browns, but I don't think there is a chance that he'd be held on to it if he made it clear he wants out. Green Bay's offensive line coach Mike Solari name has surfaced if DeFilippo is not retained or goes to another team. Jim Schwartz and Love Smith names have been rumored to become the next defensive coordinator. Defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn has already accepted a role with the New Orleans staff.

- Former Nebraska standout and Rams running back Lawrence Phillips was found dead in prison at the age of 40.

Phillips was 6th pick in 1996 NFL draft. He rushed for 1,453 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons for the Rams, the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers in 1996, 1997 and 1999. He added 219 receiving yards and one receiving touchdowns.

- Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills have signed 9-time Pro Bowler Ed Reed as assistant defensive backs coach.

- After losing out on the Hue Jackson sweepstakes, the Giants promoted offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to head coach.

- Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones was hospitalized on after having a bad reaction to K2 aka spice aka synthetic marijuana. The spice is not illegal in the state of Massachusetts. Jones lives near the Foxborough police station and walked there for assistance. Jones was at the Patriots facility at 6:30am the next morning.

Leadoff with Lee 12.27.15 #ArmontyBryant #Browns #Golson #NBAAllStar

By @cleeverizon

Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesman Craig Cvetan said Browns undrafted free agent safety De'Ante Saunders who is on the practice squad was pulled over on I-71 southbound at 2:16 am Christmas morning for speeding,(going 75mph in a 60) and was eventually arrested for OVI. The Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesman said Saunders had a handgun in the car without a permit and his case will be forwarded to the Cuyahoga County prosecutor for review to determine if he will be charged with having a weapon while intoxicated. De'Ante Saunders' passenger Browns OLB Armonty Bryant was arrested for possession of Adderall and couldn't produce a prescription at the time of his arrest. Bryant was not charged, but his case has been forwarded to prosecutor's office for charges if he can't produce a prescription. 

Adderall is a banned substance in NFL if you don't have a prescription.

Bryant could be disciplined by the league and placed in the substance abuse program if he is not in it currently. In May 2013, a week after being drafted by the Browns Bryant was arrested on a DUI charge in Oklahoma. He pleaded no contest. In college, Bryant also pleaded no contest to a felony charge of distributing marijuana in the school zone of East Central University. Armonty Bryant is on probation. Below is a copy of Saunders' ticket has been provided by the OSP, as well as GM Ray Farmer's statement:

Armonty Bryant did not travel with the team and will be inactive for today's game agains Kansas City.

- Florida State quarterback Everett Golson will miss the Peach Bowl against the Houston Cougars while dealing with the death of a family member.

Golson transferred to FSU as a graduate transfer from Notre Dame last spring. Golson was the quarterback when Notre Dame went to the BCS Championship Game vs. Alabama after the 2012 season. He missed the 2013 season because of academic issues and returned in 2014. He finishes 2015 with a stat line of 147-219 passing for 1,778 yards and 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. Sean Maguire will be the starter for the Seminoles.

- A partially torn left quadricep will keep Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin out indefinitely. He underwent a MRI Saturday that revealed the tear. Griffin will have the injury re-evaluated to two weeks to determine the next course of action. Griffin is averaging 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and five assists in 30 games this season for Los Angeles. The five-time All-Star was third among Western Conference forwards in the first returns of All-Star balloting on Friday.

- Speaking of All-Star balloting, here are the early returns for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, to be held in Toronto on February 14:   

- Is your favorite athlete using HGH? Al-Jazeera's new documentary may shock you! Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman and Phillies' Ryan Howard are MLB players linked to same report accusing Peyton Manning of using HGH. Peyton Manning has responded to allegations linking him to a doping ring. "The allegation that I would do something like that is complete garbage and is totally made up making stuff up. Manning continued "It never happened.  Never.  I really can’t believe somebody would put something like this on the air." According to Sports Illustrated legal analyst Michael McCann said "Will Peyton Manning file a defamation lawsuit? Even as a public figure, he'd have a case--unless the report is true." 

Be sure to checkout and follow TV Tonight by @nevaRWilliams on TripleThreatCLE.com and Follow @TripleThreatCLE On Twitter for air time on this documentary.

Leadoff with Lee 11.20.15 #NLMVP #Indians #NHLAllStar #NFL

By @cleeverizon

- Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper has unanimously won the National League MVP award. Harper hit 42 home runs, scored 118 runs and had a .470 on-base percentage, while batting .330. At 22 years and 353 days at the end of the season, Harper becomes the youngest player to win the award since Cal Ripken in 1983, and youngest since Johnny Bench in 1970 for the National League.

- Not to be outdone, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson won the American League MVP award. In his fifth year, Donaldson hit 41 home runs, scored 122 runs and led the American League with 123 RBIs. Donaldson received 23 out of a possible 30 first place votes, besting Los Angeles Angels outfielder, Mike Trout.

- The Cleveland Indians signed former Twins outfielder Shane Robinson and catcher Adam Moore to minor league deals. In 2015, Robinson played in 83 games with the Twins, hitting .250 with a .299 OBP and a .322 SLG in 197 plate appearance. He'll add depth to the outfield as Micheal Brantley recovers from surgery.

Adam Moore spent most of the 2015 season at Triple-A Columbus, but was called up and played in a single game for the Indians on September 30.

- The 2016 NHL All Star Game will introduce a new wrinkle and will be changing into a 3-on-3 All-Star tournament. The tournament format will be comprised of three 20-minute games, played by divisional all-star teams competing for a winner-take-all $1 million prize, the NHL and NHL Players association announced yesterday. Each divisional all-star team will have 11 players: six forwards, three defensemen and two goalies. 

Fans will select one player from each division, without regard for position, in the 2016 NHL All-Star Fan Vote. Each NHL team will have at least one representative. The first two 20-minute games will be the semifinal round, with the Central Division all-stars playing the Pacific Division, and the Metropolitan Division all-stars playing the Atlantic Division. The winners will play for the championship in the third game. This will be the second year in a row the NHL has made changes to the games' format.

- The NFL will appeal the $1B settlement plan it's agreed to pay former players for CTE. If the settlement was to go forward without the appeal it would have covered 6,000 former NFL retired players for 65 years. They would receive an average of $190,000, although the awards could reach several million dollars in the most serious cases, which include young men with Parkinson's disease or Lou Gehrig's disease. Some of the 90 objectors complain that it compensates only a few neurological conditions, and not the depression and mood disorders they link to concussions and CTE. The 3 judge panel is expected to make a ruling early next year.

- For first time this spring, the NFL is expected to allow teams to begin trading compensatory draft picks. NFL owners are expected to approve the change in December at the next meeting. Compensatory picks are awarded in March. Under the rules, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. The number of picks a teams received equals the net loss of compensatory free agents up to a maximum of four. 

Leadoff with Lee 9.23.15 #Browns #Cowboys #BayernMunich #AnthonyBennett

By @cleeverizon

- Former Indians manager Manny Acta has interviewed for the Florida Marlins to land a front office job with the team according to various outlets. Acta served as manager of the Washington Nationals from 2007-2009 and the Cleveland Indians in 2010-2012 seasons. In May, Miami appointed general manager Dan Jennings as manager to replace Mike Redmond, who was fired.

- The Dallas Cowboys place Tony Romo on the injured reserve/designed for return list. The Cowboys traded a 2017 5th round pick in exchange for Matt Cassel and a 7th round draft pick. The Bills saved $1.7M in cap space by trading QB Matt Cassel to the Cowboys.

- The Browns sign LB Cam Johnson to practice squad. He previously has played with 49ers and Colts. To make room the Browns released DL Kelcy Quarles from the practice squad.

- Sunday's announce crew for CBS' Raiders vs Browns game will be Carter Blackburn and Chris Simms.

- Former Browns WR Terrelle Pryor worked out for Jets Tuesday. According to scouts close to the situation. Pryor reportedly turned in a 4.2 and a 4.3 in the 40 yard dash.

- Anthony Bennett and the Minnesota Timberwolves agree to a injury settlement On Tuesday. The Timberwolves will owe Bennett the difference between his new contract and the $5.8M he is due this season once he clears waivers. The Portland Trailblazers are nearly $13 million below the NBA's league's salary floor, so claiming and signing Bennett would clear waivers by 5pm Thursday and would be no issue.

- The Cleveland Cavaliers have hired Oakland University assistant coach Brandon Weems as a scout. Weems played with LeBron James in high school at SVSM.

- Robert Lewandowski comes off the bench and scores 5 goals in 9 minutes for Bayern Munich. In the second half, Lewandowski checked in at the 46th minute and, in the 51st minute, scored a goal. Sixty-three seconds later, he scored another. About 2 1/2 minutes later, he had a hat trick. A little over two minutes later, he had a fourth goal. A little over three minutes later, he had a fifth goal.

Leadoff with Lee 9.21.15 #Manziel #Browns #Cowboys #Buckeyes #TigerWoods

By @cleeverizon

- This should be a interesting week in Cleveland sports talk. We have two quarterback controversies brewing in sports. The highly debated players for the Browns will be McCown vs Manziel and for Ohio State Jones vs. Barrett.

The funny thing is, the underdog, Johnny Manziel, performed better than the three other quarterbacks, (McCown DNP concussion protocol). Both quarterbacks from Ohio State seem inconsistent, inaccurate and unprepared on Saturday. Manziel posted a 133.9 quarterback rating while going 8-15, for 172 yards and two touchdowns. While his numbers may not be as good as Marcus Mariota on the other side 21-37 for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns(29.7 QBR) or as eye popping as Tom Brady's 3 touchdowns and 466 yards passing. Manziel came into yesterday's game looking prepared, accurate and was consistent through the entire game, unlike Jones and Barrett for the Buckeyes.

Now do you stick with Manziel for the remainder of the season? Or if McCown is out of the NFL's concussion protocol do you go back to the savvy vet? McCown is your bridge quarterback right? He can still be a great teacher for Manziel working as his backup. That's what you wanted him to do right? Show him how to be a leader on the field and in the locker room. Help him learn how to read defenses and and call out line protections. I will say Johnny Football isn't a finished product yet and will be a work in progress. So let the kid progress and give him that on the job training he needs. With a good running game, special teams and stopping the run on defense, you only need Manziel to manage the game and not throw interceptions, (hold on to the ball too). Lets see what Johnny has and leave him in there. You might be surprised. 

- According to multiple reports Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant will miss up to 12 weeks with a broken bone in his foot. Bryant underwent surgery last week but needed a bone graft which requires a longer recovery time. Bryant broke his fifth metatarsal in his week one game versus the New York Giants. A screw was inserted to speed up the healing,but also needed a bone graft and transplant of tissue. His new recovery time is 10-12 weeks.

- Ohio State sophomore cornerback Damon Webb has been suspended indefinitely from the team for a violation of athletic code policy. The team announced his suspension prior to Saturday's 20-13 victory over Northern Illinois. The exact violation of the athletic code has not been verified as of yet but we do plan to have more information about the subject sometime midweek.

- Indians Triple-A affiliate the Columbus Clippers have won the International League championship. The victory for the Clippers clinched their 10th International League championship, and their 3rd since becoming the Tribe's Triple-A affiliate in 2009. (They won it in 2010 and 2011.)

- The Milwaukee Brewers will hire 30 year old David Stearns as their new General Manager today according to multiple sources. Sterns worked the past three seasons as assistant general manager for the Houston Astros and two years as the director of baseball operations for the Cleveland Indians before heading to Houston. The young executive also worked for the commissioners office after graduating from Harvard in 2007 from 2008-2011. His duties in Houston included contract negotiations, player evaluations and he also helped oversee the Astros' player development,scouting and analytics departments.

- After battling multiple injuries over the past 3 years, Tiger Woods is done until the 2016 golf season. Woods underwent a second microdiscectomy on his back on September 16th,and his second back surgery in two years. Tiger Woods had a small disc fragment removed that was pinching a nerve in his back. The surgery was labeled a complete success and Woods will return ready for the 2016 season.