An Open Letter to Dan Gilbert

Mr. Gilbert,

First, we the fans of the Cavaliers want to thank you for your letter condemning the actions of LeBron James.  No matter the opinions of the pundits- we appreciate your passion and agree with your statements regarding James.  With that being said there are a few points we would like you to discuss with David Stern:

1. Salary Cap Issues: While David Stern certainly does deserve some credit for the success of the league- the fact is he truly hasn’t helped the game other than broadening the popularity overseas.  Virtually anyone could have rode the coattails of the Bird/Magic rivalry then the phenomenon that was Michael Jordan.  Stern should have forced the players union to give on some of the salary cap issues including following the very successful plan of the NFL.  NBA teams should have the ability to franchise players to assure they have the ability too, at the very least, get market value for players that leave.

2. Free Agency Time Frame: Having free agency after the draft is absolutely ludicrous.  Teams cannot possibly prepare efficiently through the draft without knowing their needs.  Stern needs to clean up the entire process.  It is as ridiculous as the MLB All Star Game deciding home field in the World Series.  In many respects David Stern is as clueless as Bud Selig.

3. Players: The NFL yet again leads all of the major organizations regarding player conduct and accountability.  We ask that you push Stern to create some of the formulas used by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.  Yes, they are very strict but the reputation of the League isn’t good and was only made worse by the free agent scandal labeled the decision.  The NBA must take control of it’s product and image.  The image of the league is that of thugs and heathens.

4. PED Testing: There is little doubt the landscape of the league would dramatically change if performance enhancing drug testing was enforced to the Olympic level.  There are obvious reasons why Stern doesn’t want this too happen.  The league should give it’s players six months notice to clean it up and then drop the hammer.  There is little doubt that a good portion of the league would currently test positive.

5. Officiating: While it is doubtful there are global conspiracies to fix games in the NBA (although it has been proven officials have been on the take), the officiating is absolutely atrocious.  Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals drew incredible ratings and what did the fans get to see?  A game where the officials swallowed their whistles (I.e. “let the players decide the game”) resulting in a wrestling match that ended in a low scoring, 83-79 affair.  This type of officiating limits the skills the game is built upon.

Mr. Gilbert, we hope you take these things to throne of David Stern.  We know you can be a great asset in the massive project to fix the game and protect it’s most valuable resource- the fans.

Regarding the self proclaimed “Chosen One”- we are all now fully aware of what type of person he truly is.  He is without a doubt one of the most self-absorbed individuals in all of sports-a lofty title indeed.  Now James is in his natural surroundings in Miami.  James will fit in well there and prove to be more like Tiger Woods than we could ever imagined.  As previously stated, we appreciate your honesty on James and can only ask for more.  We are intrigued to learn more about a player who not only tanked games but also lacked the common decency to share his “decision” with an organization who treated him very well.  Even more importantly, LeFraud failed to share his decision with teammates whom he  went to battle and shared a locker room with.  This sums up James more than anyone can.  He is a fraud just like Woods and we ask that you bring that all too light-including the stories on the not so lady like Gloria James.

The way this entire fiasco went down doesn’t solely fall on the large ego of James but also on the league, Pat Riley and David Stern.  A fight in the stands in Detroit, drug convictions, hell even murders by players cannot bring down the league; however, the suspicions of games not being played to win or meant to lose changes everything.  Chris Bosh sat out games that had playoff implications, James obviously quit during the playoffs.  Need we say more?  This falls directly on the league and Stern.  Regarding Pat Riley- it doesn’t take a long diatribe to describe one of the dirtiest players in the game.  Pat Riley resigned from his position with the New York Knicks via fax, yeah a fax.  Riley also fired Stan Van Gundy so he could get credit for a title with the Miami Heat.  Riley may be the only human on earth that is more self absorbed than “King” James.

Finally, while we love your passion and appreciate your promise to win a title before the Heat; Cavs’ fans realize this is highly unlikely.  Just promise us you will put your large bank account and your full energy into building a team that will make us proud and will be sustainable.  Although we all hated the Detroit Pistons- we respected their teamwork and work ethic (minus Rasheed Wallace).  Our hope is you build a team like the Pistons, where substance reigns over style.  A team that will worry about winning more than dancing, championships more than Jay-Z and a team that will not be hob-nobbing with the opponent.  Mr. Gilbert- bring us a team that epitomizes the blue collar work ethic of the great state of Ohio.  Also, please make sure LeFraud is barred from all sidelines at The Ohio State University.  I’m sure Coach Tressel will not have a problem doing that.

Kind Regards,
Stemavo Rheulus

PS- If Stern is fining you and the bigoted “Rev” Jessie Jackson is throwing barbs, you are doing something right.

LeFraud James - Why Are We Surprised?

Everyone was surprised by the prima donna, selfish actions of the self proclaimed “King”- looking back there was no reason .  The media whore James drove a Hummer as a student in Akron which placed his team in the limelight for the wrong reasons and jeopardized their wins and titles.  James and his “loving” mother have acted in this manner throughout his career.  However, up until this point, the diva James, has done his best to cover up his true self.

From high school James moved to Cleveland where he held the franchise hostage for seven years.  He didn’t sign the long term deal and often turn his head and even stated “the fans are spoiled by his play.”  Not exactly the words you would expect to hear from real champions like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.  Players at their level lived up to the responsibility and pushed their teammates to get better.  Yes, James turned the franchise around and made it legitimate but he did no more with the team than did Brad Daugherty and Mark Price.

James did lead the team to the 2007 NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Spurs, and consecutive seasons with the best record.  Despite that “The Chosen One” couldn’t finish the deal.  Critics often point to the supporting cast, which may be true, but megastars finish the deal.  Stars play their best on the biggest stage or will their way to a win, see Kobe Bryant.  Instead, James preferred to flirt with Jay-Z and various other “stars” and made sure he hugged his opponent and of course threw his dust in the air.  Not exactly the focus and desire of a champion.  When the rubber met the road and his teammates needed a kick, the King was often too soft or maybe he was just overly concerned about who and what his mom was doing.

In the end- James is a front runner who doesn’t understand the meaning of loyalty or greatness.  He showed no respect by wearing Yankee and Cowboy hats to sporting events in Cleveland, laughing after losses and “recruiting“ other players to his marketing firm.  He seemed more excited about hosting SNL than playing basketball.  James is what he was in high school- an arrogant prick, surrounded by no-name thugs, who will sell himself like an inner city prostitute at a moment’s notice.  The self absorbed James hasn’t changed one bit- he is still a follower with no support structure in place-his father is nowhere to be found and his mom has been trouble throughout - for more information google Gloria James & Delonte West.  Can he control his mom while with the Heat?  It’s probably a safe bet LeFraud will resemble Tiger Woods more than ever in Miami.

James’ method of announcing and making the decision proves who he is.  His legacy is lost and he will be the most hated player in the league.  Quite the transformation your Highness, quite the transformation.  In the end, James did nothing for the city of Cleveland.  Had they not won the lottery and gotten Anthony or Wade, the story would have been the same.  Not only has he broken the hearts of his faithful throng, he did in a way that makes Judas Iscariot look like Mother Teresa.  LeFraud- you are no student of the game-far from it.  The great ones win on their own merit.  Winners don’t chase championships-they earn it…

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

Ohio MMA Update - June 21, 2010

NAAFS: The NAAFS put on Fight Nite in the Flats VI  on June 5th in Cleveland, Ohio. The event saw Chris Lozano from the highly-popular Strong Style Fight Team defeat UFC veteran Jason Dent in the main event and the pro debut of popular women’s prospect Jessica Eye.

Bellator 23: The Bellator Fighting Championship comes to Louisville, KY on June 24th.  Cincinnati will be on full display as natives Chad Hinton and Daniel Straus will do battle in the lightweight division.  The local flare will also include Ron Sparks vs. Dave Hess and John Troyer vs. Brent Weedman in what should be great battles.  The Middleweight and Featherweight tournament finals are the feature match-ups.  In the middleweight division Bryan “The Beast” Baker will battle unorthodox Alexander Shlemenko for a title shot and $100,000.  Although Shlemenko is hard to handle, Baker will be too much.  With a victory Baker would face the incredibly talented Bellator Middleweight Champ Hector Lombard.  The Featherweight final is a fantastic match-up between Pitbull Freire and Joe Warren.  Pitbull is very good but Warren is a top of the food chain wrestler.  His skills on the ground will be the difference.  A victory by Warren will get him a title shot against the undefeated Joe Soto.  Bellator 23 can be viewed on Fox Sports Net live on June 24th.  If you cannot view the event follow my live blog at ProFighting-fans.com.

UFC 115: UFC 115 took place on June 12th featuring Cincinnati’s Rich Franklin in the main event against another MMA legend in Chuck Liddell. With Liddell diving in to try and finish Franklin after trapping him against the cage, Rich connected with a short right to the chin of Liddell for the KO victory despite having broken his left arm a minute into the fight. The complete UFC 115 results are available online.

UFC 115 is underway in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada tonight with former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin facing for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell in tonight’s main event. Franklin, the former math teacher from Cincinnati, makes his first appearance inside the Octagon since his UFC 103 loss to Vitor Belfort, just the 5th of his career in 33 career fights. Liddell meanwhile has not fought since his UFC 97 loss to Shogun Rua. Fans can follow the UFC 115 fight results online as well as a live UFC 115 blog at ProFighting-fans.com.

Cincinnati star Relentless Roger Bowling (7-0) will make his Strikeforce debut on May 21st live on Showtime where he will battle Bobby Voelker.  Voelker is a grizzled veteran with a record of 21-7.  Although Roger has only competed in the tri-state area, rest assured he has worked as hard as any professional fighter in any organization.  He also possesses rare-explosive athletic ability and no doubt will push the pace against Voelker.  It should be an exciting night.  If you cannot watch the event follow a live blog at www.profighting-fans.com/blog.

Profighting-fans.com Senior Writer Nick Russell interviewed Bowling as her prepared for his highly anticipated Strikeforce debut:
NR - How did you get involved in MMA?

RB - I had some amateur boxing, and always loved MMA watching the pioneers of the sport, but I heard about a fight team opening up and began with some amateur bouts. I did well in that bout and after some more amateur fights, I didn’t think the amateur fights were challenging enough for me so I turned to professional fighting.

NR - You train in Cincinnati, Ohio with Team Vision. How did you get in contact with them?

RB - It was me and Dustin (Winterhalt) that came up together. I then was introduced to Rod Housley, who put the money up for the gym, and then started to train with Team Vision. We now have something like twenty professional fighters including Victor O’ Donnell, who was just on The Ultimate Fighter and over 40 active amateurs.

NR - You have had an impressive beginning to you career stopping all seven of your opponents (six in the 1st round). How have you developed since you began and what do you credit for that development?

RB - I can credit that to all of my teammates. I am lucky to be surrounded by great teammates who help me and support me. Also, I am still young and realize that I still have a lot to learn in this sport, but I love it. I really believe that to be a fighter, you either have it or you don’t, and I believe that I have it.

NR - You were signed by Strikeforce awhile back and I know that injuries have been a factor in the past, how do you feel less than 2 weeks out from your Strikeforce debut?

RB - I have actually fought since I signed with Strikeforce back in November. They just have a lot of fighters and it took some time getting a few things worked out.

I feel great. My hand, which I broke awhile back, is now 100% and I can honestly say that this is the best I have ever felt (physically) going into a fight.

> Buy Strikeforce tickets & be sure to check out the great MMA clothing & merchandise and check out the Strikeforce Challengers May 21 fight card & results online at ProFighting-fans.com.

NR - You have finished a couple of notable opponents, TUF 11’s Seth Baczynski and Strikeforce’s Shamar Bailey included. Do you view your May 21st opponent, Bobby Voelker (28 fight vet), a step up in competition?

Roger Bowling sporting Intimidation Clothing’s Spartan t-shirt after his win in February 2010.

RB - I am not taking Bobby lightly at all. I mean, he is up there with Shamar and Seth, and definitely a recognizable opponent, but not really a step up. He is one of those guys that is a grinder, someone that will be there in the last round ready to fight. I actually look at him a lot like me.

NR - What kind of problems does Voelker posses? On the other hand, what holes do you look to expose?

RB - He possess a big heart and is definitely a fighter, he has it. He is also a fighter that I respect totally, but, I do think that I am better than him everywhere. No matter if we are in the stand-up or if the fight is on the ground, I feel that I am better. Wherever this fight goes, I definitely see my hand raised at the end.

NR - I know that you are concentrating on your next fight (Voelker), but, with a victory over the veteran, what do you see as being next for you?

RB - I am focusing on Strikeforce and my next fight for right now. I mean, I am signed for six fights over the next couple of years. They put on an awesome show and are a great organization. I just look to hopefully grow with the company and for now, I’m not going to worry about the UFC or anything else.

NR - Well Roger, I for one look forward to your upcoming bout on the Strikeforce Challengers 8 card on Showtime, and would like to wish you good luck and thank you for the opportunity.

RB - No problem, thanks for the interview and the exposure. If you want another interview later, or after the bout would like to interview, just give me a call. Thanks.

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer

QB Ben Mauk

(Cincinnati Commandos, CIFL) 

 by Todd Patrick Coleman:

As today’s athlete loses touch with reality and history, one begins to wonder if there are any role models left.  I think I found one, and his name is Ben Mauk.  This former UC, Wake Forest and current Cincinnati Commandos quarterback gives his thoughts on several issues and shows why everyone should be pulling for him.  Entering the interview, I had respect for Mauk simply because of what he had to overcome in college.  After completing the interview I found a sense of honor in him and have no doubt that he will succeed at whatever he puts his mind toward.  This young man not only shows appreciation for his family and friends, he holds a special place in his heart for our country.  It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to ask him some questions and I hope that you enjoy what came out. 

TPC- What was your Major at Wake Forest/UC, and why did you choose it?

BM- (Wake Forest) Secondary Social Studies Education.  I love American History and learning about our forefathers.  My father is a high school teacher, so I grew up in the school and have always admired how he has an impact on kids’ lives.

- (UC) Criminal Justice.  I have always been interested in the FBI and decided that this would be a good opportunity to better my understanding of the criminal justice field.  Also, the University of Cincinnati has one of the best Criminal Justice programs in the country. 

TPC- What were or are the differences between the ACC and Big East Conferences, on and off the field?

BM- (On the field) There were many differences for me because I was involved in two very different offensive philosophies.  College defenses tend to be the same, running the same coverages and blitzes, so a lot of times I was focused on the similarities rather than the differences.  For instance, North Carolina State and South Florida are very similar in their personnel and defensive philosophies.

- (Off the field) The biggest difference off the field is the fans.  Many students in the ACC attend games dressed in 3-piece suits and sun dresses as if they’re attending a social event.  Students in the Big East are more apt to paint their chest and face and scream the whole game.

TPC- How frustrating was it to deal with the NCAA, not once but twice, in regards to you gaining additional years of eligibility and what was their rationale for turning you down the second time?

BM- The most frustrating thing about dealing with the NCAA is that the committee who decides whether or not you deserve a MEDICAL hardship waiver for a season of sports is made up of 5 people that have no medical background or medical education or training.  They base their decisions solely off of the information they are provided, without any medical expertise???  The doctor that performed the surgery on my toe after my senior year of high school (before my first year at Wake Forest) is based in Columbus and stated that I would not have been able to participate fully until 9 months after the surgery.  Because he was not a Wake Forest doctor, his statement was thrown out the window.  So the doctor that actually performed the surgery never cleared me to play, but because I passed the basic entry level physical at Wake Forest, I was considered healthy.  The physical had no tests on my toe or ankle; it was the basic “check your eyes, ears, heart” and move on.  Wake Forest couldn’t even confirm who the doctor was that signed off on my physical.  It was just a big mess, and ended up in the end with the NCAA asking my former quarterback coach whether or not he remembered if I was able to play that first year.  Note, the quarterback coach was the Offensive Coordinator at West Virginia, UC’s rival, at the time the NCAA approached him.  I’m sure he was ready to do anything possible to help give me the opportunity to play my 4th year of college football at UC.  It’s not hard to make it through practices as an injured redshirt freshman (you don’t do anything).  My advice to any college athletes is to not be tough if something is bothering you; complain to the training staff as much as possible; and make sure they WRITE DOWN every time you complain.  If you don’t, it will come back to bite you.  I didn’t want to lose my scholarship because I was injured (yes, scholarships are decided upon by the coaching staff if they want to renew it or not every spring), so I made it through practices, however, if called upon to play in a game I would not have been able to protect myself.  You don’t realize how important your big toe is until you don’t have full strength in it.  I wish the NCAA committee would have been medically-trained.

TPC- What attracted you to the Cincinnati Commandos, and has it lived up to your expectations?

BM- The fact that I would be playing with a lot of former teammates and in the city of Cincinnati.  I love it here.  My expectation was to win a championship.  That is still up in the air, but we’re definitely headed in the right direction.

TPC- Has it been an easy transition to the indoor game, and does being back on the field with Goodman, Jackson, and Byrd help?

BM- It is a tough transition because the game is so much faster, but having Goodie, Jackson, Byrd and the rest of my teammates definitely helps.   I just get the ball in our play-makers’ hands as fast as possible.

TPC- What about the Commandos offense makes it so conducive to your game?

BM- Our fast-paced tempo.  It is very similar to the pace at UC, so that part made it an easy transition.  We try to get as many plays off and make it as fun for the fans as possible.  No one wants to come to a game and watch a team stand in a huddle the whole game.

TPC- After watching several of your games, it appears that you guys are clicking on all cylinders.  Does that have more to do with talent or familiarity?

BM- I think a lot of it has to do with familiarity.  I’m comfortable with all of our receivers.  There’s only a limited number of receivers on our team, so we get a lot of reps in practice and have time to develop that chemistry.  Once I get the ball in their hands, their talent takes over and they make plays.

TPC- With one of the CIFL’s best defenses behind you, how realistic is it to think that you guys will run the table and finish the season undefeated?

BM- Well, we’re just taking it one game at a time.  We obviously want to win every game we play, but we keep focus one week at a time.  Once you start looking ahead, you get beat.  We only worry about what we can control, and that is winning games.

TPC- What impact has the Commandos affiliation with the Thank You Foundation had on you or any of the other guys in the locker room?

BM- It has made a huge impact.  We love partnering up with the Thank You Foundation and the support of our troops.  We wouldn’t be able to play, I wouldn’t be able to do this interview, we wouldn’t have any freedoms we have today if it weren’t for them.  It’s not possible to show enough appreciation to the men and women that serve our country.  They are the heroes.

TPC- With the numbers you and the Commandos are putting up in the CIFL, are there any plans to change leagues in the coming years (AFL2, etc)?

BM- I know individually, everyone wants to move up to the next level, and ultimately the NFL.  Playing in the CIFL allows teams to see that we’re still healthy and gives us a chance to send out film from the games to teams at the next level.  As long as you’re still playing, they’re still watching.  As far as the Commandos, I have no idea.  I know you can’t hold back a team that wins every game and has as big of a fan base as we do, but, again, you only worry about what you can control.  For us, that is just winning games.

TPC- Is there any truth to articles stating that you are the Offensive Coordinator at Western Brown High School, and if so, how did you get involved with them?

BM- If I am not playing football anywhere this fall, I will be working as the Offensive Coordinator at Western Brown High School.  I’m excited about the opportunity to work with such a good group of kids.  Brandon Boehm, one of our receivers for the Commandos, coaches there as well so he got me involved.  Shout out to Alex Steele, WBHS’s graduate assistant next fall!

TPC- What are your plans for the upcoming NFL/CFL seasons?

BM- I’m hoping to sign on with someone.  If not in the NFL or CFL, then possibly in the UFL.  Playing professional football is my dream, and while I’m still at a young age, I’d like to try and attain those dreams.  Playing in the CIFL has opened up some doors for me, so we’ll see what happens.

TPC- Who is your agent, and has he made you aware of any teams interest?

BM- Charles Henry Sports Agency, specifically Kelly Cook, works with me.  He is on the phone working his hardest to try to get me to the next level.  Hopefully I have proven I am fully healthy and will get a shot with someone in the near future.

TPC- What charities do you promote, and how can people help?

BM- Right now, I try to get involved as much as I can with the Thank You Foundation.  The biggest thing that people can do is to just keep supporting our troops and letting them know how much we appreciate them.  There’s not a greater adrenaline rush than when military veterans are honored in a public setting.  http://www.thethankyoufoundation.org/   

 TPC- What interest/s do you have that people would be surprised to hear?

BM- I love to read.  I love to read the Bible and American History books. 

TPC- Finally, how will your Bearcats fare in the post – Kelly era, and what are your impressions of Zach Collaros?

BM- As long as Zach Collaros is playing, UC is in good hands.  I know no greater competitor.  Coach Kelly is an unbelievable coach with a genius, Coach Charley Molnar, as his Offensive Coordinator.  They will both always be successful, and fans should be appreciative of their time here.  I believe that Coach Jones, however, is prepared to take UC to the next level, the National Championship level.  It is definitely a good time to be a Bearcat fan.  If we can just get my little brother to get down here after Collaros, it could be a good stretch of 6 years in the national spotlight!

Todd Patrick Coleman 05-13-10

Cavs Chatter

No Matter- Mike Brown Must Go

Mike Brown- Defense wins championships, that is the old mantra that critics and coaches alike go by.  It is a myth.  If you score you win.  Mike Brown was a noted defensive specialist but cannot win in the playoffs.  The fact is the Cavaliers should outscore anyone.-Plain and Simple.  If fired New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank was the coach of the Cavs they would still win 60 plus games.  If the 15 win Timberwolves Head Coach Kurt Rambis coached the Cavs they would still win 60 games.  The bottom line is if you, me the coach of a NCAA Division III school coached the Cavs they would still win 60+ games.  Mike Brown never deserved the Head Coaching position (stated by yours truly upon his hiring).  He is Romeo Crennel. Brown’s players showed no heart, no passion as they were defeated soundly on all hustle stats.  Brown is a bloated defensive “expert” who has no clue on the offensive end.  Mike Brown is a lifer as an assistant coach and should be supplanted as such. The bottom line is if you score you win.  Had the Cavs played like their normal selves on the offensive end (how about some adjustments Potato Head!) they would have won the series.  Like Crennel, Brown has no ideal how to motivate his players and make adjustments.  With or without LeBron James this clown has to go.

LeBron James- James lacked focus and desire throughout the series.  He states he gave 100% but that simply isn’t the case.  James is “new school” where players hug and recruit colleagues to Nike and the like.  The last thing Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan would do is give hugs after a monumental collapse.  They wouldn’t be smiling and hugging or clapping five to the fans.  They would be so pissed that the censors would be in dire straights in fear of “F“ bombs being dropped.  James needs to hate losing too achieve greatness.  Right now he values his business interests and various other hobbies far too much to be a winner.  He needs too hate losing like Kobe does.  So much so that life in general isn’t as good after losing.  Lebron played passive yet again and often looked disinterested.  If he had 45 rebounds it wouldn’t matter, as his scoring is the difference.  James should be ashamed of his leadership and his performance and more importantly his effort and his attitude.  Hurt elbow or not, James should have been leading his teammates and screaming at the like of Mo Williams for his lack of defense and Jamison for his lack of passion.  The bottom line is if LeBron James was totally focused on championships and nothing else, he would have signed an extension mid season to avoid distractions.  Instead he let the drama live which certainly created some discourse during the playoffs.  If he in fact leaves Cleveland, LeBron should be a bigger villain than any that have come through Cleveland- Art Modell included.

Danny Ferry- Ferry has been credited many times for his “strategic” moves.  Yet he didn’t bring Amare Stoudamire nor did he bring leadership.  Ferry has to do much more to bring a title.  The first step is to get rid of the imposter Head Coach Mike Brown.  He needs to bring in elite players and an elite coach who understand what winning is all about.  Ferry—bring a winner to Cleveland-please.

Cleveland fans you have heard it many times before- wait until next year…

Stemavo Rheulus

Cavs Chatter

Inexcusable

The question still remains, “Can the Cavs win a title with Mike Brown?”  The answer is likely no.  Mike Brown proves time and time again that he cannot win big games.  In the playoffs minute adjustments are the key to success, something Brown gets burnt on every post season.  The only thing worse than Brown’s ability with the clipboard is his ability to motivate his players.  For those of you who say the players should be motivated on there own, yada yada yada.  Case in point is the great Phil Jackson who is the chief motivator.  Rest assured he would be on the podium calling out his players if the Lakers put the type of effort in.

Brown’s lack of in game adjustments hurt the Cavaliers in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic.  He refused to adjust from his original game plan as he continued to go under screens giving up wide open three pointers.  The result was a shocking loss despite having the home court advantage.  When the Magic advanced to the NBA Finals to face the Lakers they found an opponent who took away their strength.  Jackson made a point to run the Magic’s long range bombers off of the three point line.  The result was another title by the Lakers.

Yes, the players decide games and the Cavaliers certainly have looked soft and disinterested.  They moped and whined throughout game 2, game 4 and inexplicably in game five.  Mo Williams who laid down in the 2009 playoffs, has lacked hustle and his “defense” is ridiculous.  Most if not all coaches would sit Mo for his lack of effort.  Shots come and go but defense is about energy and desire.  One of Brown’s many questionable choices was to place Anthony Parker on Rajon Rondo which was simply ridiculous.  In summary Cleveland has been out rebounded, out hustled, out coached and most importantly out gutted.

Even if the Cavaliers somehow bounce back and win the series and perhaps a NBA title, the lack of passion is something that is unexplainable.  The Cavliers have a talented roster which is good enough to win a title especially with home court advantage.  No team in the league or even an all-star team should hold the Cavaliers down like the Celtics have.  In the end the Cavs need a coach who has big game experience and has some fire in his belly.  Mike Brown hasn’t and won’t fit the bill.  Coach K, Pat Riley if you are listening…

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

For years, professional football in the state of Ohio has struggled. The Cincinnati Bengals spent nearly a decade as the laughing stock of the NFL and since coming back in 1999 the Cleveland Browns have had just two winning seasons. If there is one thing that every bad franchise can point to for their lack of success it is how their picks from the NFL Draft have fared on the field. For the Browns and the Bengals, there have been many bad drafts and many highly-publicized bad draft picks, and as a result Pro Football Fans has put together their list of the biggest NFL Draft Busts featuring two Browns picks and a single Bengals pick.

In the heart of the Bengals run as one of the worst franchises in the NFL, they drafted Ki-Jana Carter #1 overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. But just three plays into his first preseason game Carter tore his ACL and never returned to his pre-injury form.

For the Browns, since their return in 1999, Cleveland has had just one playoff appearance and just two winning seasons. The major reason for this terrible run? Bad drafts. The Browns took Tim Couch #1 overall in 1999 and followed by taking Courtney Brown #1 overall in 2000 with neither making a major splash in the NFL. Couch was turnover-prone and later had a dead arm while Brown was never the anchor on the defensive line that Cleveland expected.