Leadoff with Lee 9.10.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

The New York Mets have signed Tim Tebow to a minor league deal. The Mets announced Thursday the former quarterback will take part in the Instructional League in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He will then move on and play for the Mets Fall league team. Tebow won the 2007 Heisman Trophy at Florida and played on the 2006 and 2008 national championship teams with the Gators. Unfortunately his college career didn't translate to the N.F.L.

- Browns team captains were announced in a team meeting. CB Joe Haden, OL Joe Thomas, LB Tank Carder, QB Robert Griffin III and LB Demario Davis.

The Browns and defensive end Desmond Bryant, who's out for season with a torn pectoral muscle, has agreed to a new contract. Not a extension folks. Desmond Bryant took a pay cut from $6M to $1.25M for this season.

Also, take a look at our fire uni's for week one vs. Philly!  

- Per league sources, former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch maybe eyeing a week 4 or 5 return . Seattle still hold "Beast Modes" rights as he was placed on reserve-retired. The Seahawks would either have to trade,cut or place him on the active roster. I would think Seattle would be more than happy to take Lynch back,especially if his $9M salary would be pro-rated for the year. At the same time the Seahawks can use him as trade bait.

- Bruce Miller, who was released by the San Francisco 49ers this week after his arrest for attacking a father and son, is now facing seven felony charges in connection with the incident. Among the charges included are one count of assault with a deadly weapon (cane), one count of battery with serious bodily injury, and one count of inflicting injury on an elder or dependent adult. He also faces a misdemeanor battery charge.

- Former US Men’s National Team star Landon Donovan will come out of retirement to join the LA Galaxy for the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports. Donovan, 34, retired from Major League Soccer in 2014, after helping LA win their 5th MLS Cup title.

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 1.9.16

By @cleeverizon

- According to Kathy Kinser, the attorney for Johnny Manziel's ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley, Manziel hit Crowley so hard that it ruptured her left eardrum. Manziel is the subject of a criminal investigation into the alleged assault that took place in the early hours of Jan. 30. Crowley spoke with Dallas police on Friday to file the complaint. A Dallas police spokesman said Monday there was nothing new to release. Crowley filed for a protective order last week in Tarrant County, Texas. The order was issued, and Manziel has to stay away from Crowley for two years.

A complete copy of the affidavit can be read HERE.

Numerous athletes and front office personnel have offered to help Manziel or get him help. His family wants him to get help,A&M alum want him to seek help. But how can you help someone who doesn't want to be helped?

- The Browns rounded out their coaching staff Monday. The team has added Rock Cartwright (offensive quality control), Louie Cioffi (defensive backs), Ken Delgado (assistant defensive line), Johnny Holland (inside linebackers), Cannon Matthews (assistant defensive backs), Robert Nunn (defensive line), Eric Sanders (defensive quality control) and Ryan Slowik (outside linebackers) to Hue Jackson's coaching staff.

- A statement released Monday by Philadelphia police said that two off-duty officers, both 40-year-old black men and members of the city's police department, were involved in a fight with four black men, aged 26 through 30, around 2:45 a.m. Sunday in which the two off-duty officers suffered injuries. Police have confirmed to the Associated Press that Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy, is one of the men under investigation. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to publicly discuss the case. The argument took place inside the Recess nightclub in the Old City, started over ownership of a bottle of champagne. Police said that "pushing and shoving" over the bottle led to one of the off-duty officers being knocked to the ground, and while he was on the ground, he was "punched, kicked and stomped about his body and head multiple times by all four suspects." McCoy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not immediately return a message from the Associated Press seeking comment Monday.

The Bills said in a statement Monday that they are aware of the report and are gathering information.

- Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch tweeted out during the Super Bowl that he was hanging it up, LITERALLY. For his career, Lynch will finish with 9,112 career Rush yards, 74 Rush TD  Super Bowl 48 winner. BOUT DAT ACTION BOSS. Monday afternoon his agent Doug Hendrickson confirmed that "Beast Mode" is indeed retiring, while Lynch's now former teammates Russell Wilson and Richard Sherman also tweeted Lynch. 

✌🏿 pic.twitter.com/wesip4IhOR

— Shawn Lynch (@MoneyLynch) February 8, 2016

These past 9 years working for you has been a journey i will cherish and never forget. You are the greatest bro. @MoneyLynch #HOF

— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) February 8, 2016

Honor playing with one of the best running backs of all time! Going to miss sharing the backfield with you 24... #BeastMode @MoneyLynch

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 8, 2016

Salute to my guy @MoneyLynch ... It was an honor sharing the field with you.

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) February 8, 2016

- After going 1-9 over the last ten games, the New York Knicks and Phil Jackson decide to part ways with coach Derek Fisher. Under Fisher this season the Knicks dropped to 23-31 following a 101-96 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Kurt Rambis will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season according to Phil Jackson. Early favorites to land the job this summer would be Golden State assistant Luke Walton and former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.

- ESPN sources say that the Sacramento Kings are going ahead with a coaching change and plan to fire George Karl in the coming days. As one source has told me personally "The players of the Sacramento Kings have turned on George Karl". Which seemed strange considering he is a well respected NBA coach that has more wins than Phil Jackson. The dysfunction started with DeMarcus Cousins and Karl, but it has spread throughout the locker room. As this story unfolds, I will provide more information.

Leadoff with Lee 2.22.15 #ChrisBosh #Perkins #Cowboys #MarshawnLynch

By @cleeverizon

- Miami Heat All-Star forward Chris Bosh will miss the rest of the season with blood clots on his lungs. Bosh was admitted into a Miami hospital after meeting with a doctor Thursday night. His initial test proved to be inconclusive. Further testing took place and showed clots on his lungs. He will be treated with blood thinners for pulmonary embolism. Here is a great article by Alex Kennedy about his experience and the Cavaliers own Anderson Varejao.

- Kendrick Perkins will officially become a Cavalier tomorrow! Perkins accepted the buyout from the Utah Jazz after being traded there on Thursday and with the encouragement from LeBron James, agreed to sign with the Cavs. I can see Perkins help spell Timofey Mozgov and will provide extra depth to the Cavs frontline.

- NASCAR Sprint driver Kurt Busch has been suspended indefinitely for smashing his ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll's head against the wall of his home on September 26, 2014 at Dover International Speedway. Busch appealed his suspension but the ruling was upheld.  He will continue to peruse his return to racing by exhausting every avenue possible. I don't know much about racing but is he really suspended forever or just for a season?

- The Seattle Seahawks have offered running back Marshawn Lynch a contract extension that will pay him $11-$12 million the first year, and $9 million in years two and three. Lynch's agent, Doug Hendrickson, has said the framework of the contract are close but no deal has been reached. The reports of Marshawn Lynch, approaching 29 in April, possibly retiring may have some truth to it, but I can't see Lynch turning down that money. Even though the circumstances are different, Jim Brown retired at 29.

- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson reportedly requested or demanded to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Peterson may be feeling uneasy with the organization following his child abuse case. Dallas would be an ideal location, considering the uncertainty of the future of DeMarco Murray. But before any trade can be made, Peterson needs to be reinstated by the NFL. Peterson was in Minneapolis on Feb. 6 for a hearing in federal court, as the NFL Players Association sued the league in hopes of gaining Peterson's immediate reinstatement. But unless Judge David Doty rules in the NFLPA's favor, Peterson cannot be reinstated until April 15.

- In a fight that will either be billed as 5 years in the making or 5 years to late. Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Paciao is official.

Mayweather announced the fight with Pacquiao via selfie app Shots. With the SD (standard definition) pay-per-view going for $89.95 and HD format going for $99.95, this fight is expected to generated $400 million dollars. While both boxers are expected to make over $100 million apiece, the purse will be split 60-40 with Mayweather claiming the majority. This will be the highest grossing boxing match in history. Floyd Mayweather's record is 47-0, 26 K.O and Pacquiao is 57-5-2, 38 K.O

- Major League Baseball announced Friday their ideas for the pace of play rule changes to help speed up the game. The average baseball game lasts 3 hours and 8 minutes,with most games starting between 7:05pm-7:10. MLB experimented with the speed up rules in the Arizona Fall League and it was found successful in shortening games.

1. Managers must challenge replays from dugout.
2. Batters must keep one foot in box unless an established exception occurs
3. Play to resumes promptly once broadcast returns from commercial break.

Full details on rule changes can be found HERE.

I'm totally for anything to speed up the game of baseball. The Cleveland Indians are also experimenting starting games at 6:05pm in April and May. Hopefully this increases attendance for the early season games, while allowing parents to take their kids to weekday games during the school year.

Leadoff with Lee 1.29.15 #Browns #Cavs #JimboFisher #MarshawnLynch

By @cleeverizon

- Kyrie Irving scored 55 of the Cavs 99 points in their 99-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Stay connected and follow @triple3xthreat on Twitter and checkout TripleThreatCLE.com for our coming feature on the Cavaliers by our own Cliff Gulley Jr. (@CLG2282).

- Former third round pick of the Patriots in 2008 and quarterback Kevin O'Connell, interviewed yesterday for the Browns QB coach opening. O'Connell was a quarterback in 2009 with New York while Mike Pettine was with the Jets. He currently serves as a private quarterbacks coach who worked with Johnny Manziel prior to the draft last year. Brian Hoyer beat out Kevin O'Connell for the backup job to Tom Brady in 2009.  After having O’Connell in to interview for quarterbacks coach job, they have former Florida offensive coordinator Kurt Roper scheduled for today.

- Former University of Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips will join the Browns staff as wide receivers coach. Phillips compiled a 13-24 record at Kentucky and was 0-1 in his only bowl game. He most recently was the wide receivers and recruiting coordinator at the University of Florida, a position he held from December 2012 to June 2014.

- It has been estimated that Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch received about $2.7 million dollars of free advertising. How? During his media sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, he wore his personal brand "Beast Mode" hat to the interviews. The NFL makes it clear to players that they cannot wear brands that conflict with league partners on the field during games and during post game interviews. It's not that his hat conflicts with it's current advertising partners, it's because his hat is unauthorized by the NFL. The league want every little dollar they can find and are mulling the idea of fining Lynch. But if I'm Marshawn, I'm going to say Who cares? Fines for violations of league rules are tax deductible. Fines for violation of public law (speeding tickets) are NOT deductible. By the way, #BeastMode hats are sold out as of last night. Great marketing idea Marshawn!

- Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher has signed a contract extension which run through 2022, worth $44 million dollars. And that's money he will receive before his bonuses and incentives are met.

Check out this list of bonuses:

Fisher will get paid $225,000 in base salary over the course of the season every two weeks until 2022, and will be paid $4,775,000 in "additional compensation" for the 2015 season. The additional compensation total will increase by $100,000 every season until the end of the contract.

Fisher will also make $1.2 million if he stays at Florida State until the contract ends.

If Fisher were to pursue another job, he has a $5 million buyout before Dec. 31, 2016, a $3 million buyout on that date in 2018, and only a $1 million buyout the day after on Jan. 1, 2019.

Fisher also has a plethora of bonuses tied into his contract, earning payments ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 if the FSU football team satisfies the conditions.

Fisher could earn a $100,000 bonus if FSU finishes first in the Atlantic Coast Conference's Atlantic Division and plays in the ACC title game; wins the ACC title game; is a participating team in the College Football Playoff; in any of the CFP bowls games during a year that game does not decide the CFP; and finishes the season in the Top 10 of the final CFP poll.

Fisher earns a $50,000 bonus for FSU's participation in any other bowl game.

Fisher could earn a $200,000 bonus if FSU plays in the national championship game; wins the national championship game; finishes the season with a Top 5 ranking in the final CFP poll; and has an undefeated season.

Fisher could also earn bonuses of $50,000 if he's named ACC Coach of the Year and $75,000 if he is named Associated Press National Coach of the Year.

Fisher also has a $250,000 bonus if he meets goals established by himself, the university president and athletic director for the team's overall GPA, academic eligibility, APR, community service, and observing several other FSU regulations. 

- The Phoenix Open which starts today, and will feature Tiger Woods, sold an additional 200k tickets once he committed to playing in it.

Leadoff with Lee 1.28.15 #Browns #Colts #DunkContest #Cavs

By @cleeverizon

- What will the Browns do with Josh Gordon? What should they do with Josh Gordon? What is Josh Gordon's future with the Browns? What is Josh Gordon's future in the NFL? Should the Browns cut him? There are a lot of questions, but not enough answers at this time. The initial shock of Gordon's failed drug/alcohol test by me was cut him. But then I started thinking to myself "Why cut him?" The Browns should be in no rush to make such a move. The NFL hasn't officially given notice to the Browns, the actual results or notification that Gordon has failed a drug/alcohol test. The league may wait weeks to make the results official to the Browns. It's not certain if top brass have made any attempts to talk to Gordon or his agent about the situation.

Now with that said, what if Gordon and his agent decide to appeal the positive test? What if Gordon's camp argues that he tested positive because he used mouthwash before he took the test? Maybe the league called him at the crack of dawn and told him he needed to test? Gordon simply took a shower, brushed his teeth, used some mouthwash and went straight to the testing location. This may all seem ridiculous and crazy but, remember Gordon tested positive for nano grams of marijuana from second hand smoke. Now the appeals process is exactly how it sounds, a process. It will only take a day or two to complete, but when will the appeal, if it happens, be scheduled? So if he wins the appeal, no harm, no foul. It's business as usual. But if he loses the appeal, do the Browns release him? My answer is NO! Gordon will not be collecting his salary from the Browns, he will not take up a roster spot on the team. He will still be apart of the substance abuse program in the NFL. No team will likely pick him up until the 2016 season. The Browns should retain his rights and see what happens in the 2016 season.

This year's crop of top wide receivers is very shallow. See what's out there for the next year or so. Gordon is still playing under his rookie contract, which is dirt cheap. The last thing I want him to do is sign with the Patriots and live that Patriot life like LaGarrette Blount. So there is no need to make any roster moves with Gordon at this time. R-E-L-A-X

- Former Cleveland Browns and current Colt running back Trent Richardson's suspension for conduct detrimental to the team voids the guarantees of his $3.1 million dollar base salary. Richardson was inactive the last two Colts playoff games and missed the walk through prior to the AFC championship game against the Patriots, due to family emergency. Colts general manager Ryan Grigson told reporters that "Richardson was suspended from the game". "He’s suspended for two games, for personal reasons, so I can’t go into that, but he was suspended". The suspension would void the $3.2 million in guaranteed money that Richardson is owed in 2015, allowing the team to cut him without penalty. Richardson will likely file a grievance.

- Andrew Luck should have a new target to throw the ball to next year in Duran Carter. WR Duron Carter, son of Hall of Fame WR and ESPN analyst Cris Carter, is closing in on an agreement with the Indianapolis Colts.

- In other former Browns moves, The Colts have agreed to a new contract naming Rob Chudzinski Associate Head Coach. Chud was rumored to be a candidate for a number offensive coordinator openings. His deal is for one year.

- At Super Bowl Media Day, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch said, "I'm just here so I won't get fined," to 21 questions & left after 5 minutes. It's said that Marshawn Lynch could have been threatened with a $500K fine if he failed to be available for Media Day. "I'm just here so I don't get fined."

- The Cavs won their 7th straight with a 103-95 over the Detroit Pistons. Kyrie Irving scored 38 points, with 6 assists and 3 steals. LeBron James added in 32 points, 6 boards and 7 assists.

- Finally, the NBA listens to it's fans about the Dunk Contest. They will return to the classic format of the dunk contest at NBA All-Star Weekend (Feb. 13-15) with a two-round event (3 each round) with each dunker performing any dunk without time limits. Fatigue was a real issue making the event a drag on players and fans.

- The Indians announced their non-roster Spring invites yesterday: Francisco Lindor, Jake Lowery, Tyler Naquin, James Ramsey, Will Roberts, Ryan Rohlinger and Jordan Smith.

"I just wrote this so I don't get fined"