• Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
  • Consider registering! Fewer and higher quality ads, no emails you don't want, access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Even if you just want to lurk, there are a lot of good reasons to register!

Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Sort by date Sort by votes
ABJ

8/16/06

Jets send Suggs back to Browns

Trade canceled after rusher mysteriously fails physical

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - As far as the Browns trading Lee Suggs...
Never mind.
The New York Jets told the Browns on Tuesday morning that Suggs failed his physical -- even though Suggs played in the Browns' preseason opener and he has not missed a practice in training camp or offseason workouts.
``Medical opinions can vary from team to team,'' General Manager Phil Savage said in a statement. ``Obviously, this is one team's opinion.''
Now Suggs heads back to Cleveland to compete with William Green for the backup spot to Reuben Droughns.
``Kind of a sad situation for him,'' Droughns said.
Defensive back Derrick Strait goes back to New York; the Browns wound up signing free agent Jeremy Lesueur for secondary depth.
Coach Romeo Crennel said the Jets did not give a reason for Suggs failing his physical -- NFL trades are almost always conditional on players passing -- and even left open a bit of mystery.
No doubt the Browns will be watching to see if the Jets acquire another back soon.
``You could probably fail a lot of guys in the NFL on physicals because of injuries they have sustained,'' Crennel said. ``Doctors who have experience in football can see how serious an injury is and whether or not a player can play with it. I don't think there is an NFL football player who hasn't had some sort of injury.
``Their medical staff felt that they didn't want whatever Lee had.''
Suggs had reconstructive knee surgery and shoulder surgery in college, and sustained injuries to his neck, ankle, thumb, shoulder and toe with the Browns.
Crennel did not rule out the possibility that the Jets just changed their mind on the trade, saying: ``I'm not ruling anything out.''
``We have a whole series of tests,'' Jets coach Eric Mangini said. ``We were very thorough with the process and (Suggs) just didn't pass those tests as other players have in the past. The tests are the same thing we give our draft picks and any other free agents that we bring in.''
Crennel said he would call Mangini to inquire about what happened. The two coached together with the New England Patriots.
The team expects Suggs back today, but Crennel admitted Suggs could choose not to return.
``He doesn't have to come, but if he doesn't come, I could fine him because he is still part of my team,'' Crennel said. ``I don't think he has any ill will toward me or this team.
``I think he will come in and compete for that (backup) running back spot.''
Asked if Suggs would feel wanted in Cleveland, Crennel went to his matter-of-fact Rolodex and said: ``If we didn't want him, we'd cut him.''
Word that the Jets failed Suggs does not help the Browns if they want to trade him elsewhere. Crennel pointed out Suggs has practiced every day, but he admitted any team that wants Suggs will call the Jets to see what they found.
The trade falling through was the latest in what has been a pretty bizarre training camp.
The Browns have lost their starting center on the first day, and saw his backup retire suddenly. They have lost two of their top three cornerbacks and their right tackle to injuries. And they used a free agent signed July 29 as the starting center in the exhibition season opener.
``It's been a different type of camp, hasn't it?'' Droughns said.
``You can't say it's like that on every team,'' wide receiver Braylon Edwards said, ``but that's life. In times of adversity, that's when your true colors come out.''
``There have been some things in this camp, but I don't look at them as bizarre,'' Crennel said. ``Things happen. There are bizarre things that happen in football. If you've been around football for a long time, you see quite a few of them. Other things will happen before it's all said and done.
``We have a football team and we're getting ready to play a game.''
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
ABJ

8/16/06

Season weeks away, but Browns' losses piling up

By Terry Pluto

<!-- begin body-content -->Talkin' to myself about the Browns...
Q: Is it healthy to talk to yourself about a football team?
A: The Browns would make any sane person talk to himself.
Q: Meaning?
A: Meaning here's a fan base just waiting for a reason to cheer. They finally get a GM/coach situation that can work and has a clue of what it takes to win -- and this!
Q: This?
A: They trade Lee Suggs to the New York Jets, only the Jets say he failed their physical. Granted, Suggs can pull a muscle or bruise a knee just by waking up in the morning and yawning real big. But the Browns say that Suggs is absolutely, positively healthy. That he has not missed a practice this summer or in any of the minicamps. He ran hard (and fairly well) in Thursday's exhibition game.
Q: So even when Suggs is healthy, he's hurt?
A: Apparently that's what the Jets think.
Q: Do things like this happen often?
A: Just follow this team for a few years and you'll be ready to lie down on a sofa and start mumbling about The Drive, The Fumble, The Move and assorted physical maladies found only in the back of the most advanced medical dictionaries.
Q: Now you sound like the ``woe is me'' attitude that General Manager Phil Savage says has infected Browns fans.
A: This team hasn't even played two exhibition games, and Ross (not Ryan) Tucker is the starting center. He was a backup interior lineman fighting to make the team in New England, and he starts here. He starts because LeCharles Bentley turned one way, his knee went another, and down for the season went the Pro Bowl center. No one even hit him hard! Ross Tucker starts because Bob Hallen was either too hurt, too discouraged, or for whatever reason, didn't want to play.
Q: Didn't the Browns do their homework on these guys?
A: Bentley missed two games in the last two years. Hallen not only passed the Browns' physical, but physicals for other teams that considered him as a free agent. He played nine games last season, no serious injuries.
Q: Are you saying...
A: I'm not even close to being finished. Last year, they signed Gary Baxter, a talented cornerback. In three years, he missed ZERO games in Baltimore. He came to the Browns, and missed the 2005 opener with a concussion. He played five games, then went down for the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Missed 11 games last year.
Q: So you mean...
A: Just shut up. I'm still venting. This year, Baxter ``tweaked'' his knee in camp. When you hear the word ``tweaked,'' think ``amputation.'' Nothing with the Browns is ever ``tweaked.'' It's spindled and mutilated.
Q: Are you done yet?
A: I'm just getting started. Baxter wasn't supposed to play in the preseason opener last week, but did -- for a few minutes. He pulled the other pectoral muscle and is out for a few weeks. He's 27 years old! Why do I have to keep writing the words PECTORAL MUSCLE? Why do I think I need to go to medical school to cover the Browns?
Q: You're just making too much...
A: Too much? TOO MUCH?! I'll tell you what is too much. LeCharles Bentley is 27 years old! Guys like Bentley and Baxter are supposed to be in their primes. When they play somewhere else, you can run them over with a Hummer and they bounce back up. They come to Berea, a fan sneezes and the next thing you know, a player needs X-rays. They have a priest standing by in case they need someone ready to administer the last rites.
Q: It's not that bad...
A: Not that bad? I'll give you bad! Solid right tackle Ryan Tucker (knee) is out at least for a few more weeks. So is dependable cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, another knee problem. I asked a member of the Browns front office about a kid named Isaac Sowells, their fourth-round draft choice. I got a dissertation about high ankle sprains. He got one a few weeks ago, and he's out for a few more weeks. Which brings me to Rob Smith...
Q: Who?
A: The center from Tennessee who sweats so much that some of the quarterbacks kept fumbling the ball. No matter, he's got a high ankle sprain, too. At least that happened in the preseason game. I mean, these guys keep getting hurt, and the Browns don't even have physical practices. I keep fearing that Charlie Frye will be abducted by aliens, or that Kellen Winslow will fall off his tricycle.
Q: Don't panic, it's early, they still have nearly a month until the opener.
A: That's exactly what I'm afraid of.
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->
Click to expand...

ABJ

8/16/06

Notebook

Edwards hits spot for Browns

Receiver says progress at camp is `on target'

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Receiver Braylon Edwards continues to be pleased with his progress as he returns from reconstructive knee surgery.
Edwards took part in Tuesday's practice with pads, and Sunday he took part in both practices.
``So far, so good,'' he said. ``We're still on target with where we want to be.''
Edwards will not play Friday night against the Detroit Lions, and he said the team is debating whether he should play at all in the preseason. The next step, he said, will be to take off his knee brace and play in a game.
In a training camp where some news has been disappointing, Edwards' return has been the bright spot. And he knows he can provide a lift to the offense with his return.
``That's what I was brought here to do,'' he said. ``I was brought here to make plays. You get me out there alongside Joe (Jurevicius), Dennis (Northcutt), Steve (Heiden), Kellen (Winslow), Reuben (Droughns) in the backfield -- we can do some things.
``We can be dangerous.''
Offense's turn
Coach Romeo Crennel had the offense run a lap after it had 10 men in the huddle on consecutive plays.
``I gave them a little leeway the first time,'' Crennel said. ``I was trying to be nice.''
The second time, he made them run. Sunday, Crennel had the defense run a lap for the same mistake.
Brownies . . .
With Derrick Strait going back to New York because the Jets said Lee Suggs failed his physical, the Browns signed defensive back Jeremy LeSueur. LeSueur played at Michigan. He spent last season with the Jets and the year before with the Denver Broncos, who drafted him in the third round.... Cornerback Antonio Perkins wound up missing practice because of a strained groin muscle.... Crennel said he did not know who would start at cornerback opposite Leigh Bodden.... The starters might play the entire first half.... Tackle Nat Dorsey hurt his ankle in practice; it's not known how serious it is.... The Browns practice once today at 2:30 p.m.
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->
Click to expand...

ABJ

8/16/06

Ephraim reportedly facing suspension

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Alonzo Ephraim will not be the Browns' starting center on opening day -- or the first month for that matter.
Ephraim will be suspended by the league for violating the substance-abuse policy, according to league sources.
Ephraim will miss the first four games, the sources said.
The Browns cannot comment on a player's drug test, or the suspension, which will be announced only if Ephraim makes the final roster.
The suspension is for a failed test with a previous team, but it's not known where.
According to sources, the Browns did not have the complete information about the suspension before Ephraim signed July 29.
The team knew there could be issues about him, but did not get the information until the week after he signed. He was the first center on the team's emergency list, and was signed after the injury to LeCharles Bentley.
The team did not expect he would ever play, but he was thrust into action in the first preseason game with the sudden retirement of Bob Hallen.
This week, Ross Tucker has taken a lot of snaps with the first team, and he's expected to start Friday against the Detroit Lions.
A year ago, Michael Jameson served a similar suspension, and the Browns kept him as a ``54th player.'' The team could do the same with Ephraim, then decide when the suspension ends whether to put him on the active roster. His play the remainder of the preseason will determine if he fills that ``54th player'' role.
The suspension continues what has been a wacky training camp -- especially at center.
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
Canton

8/16/06

Browns: Life is what you make it
Wednesday, August 16, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]By Steve Doerschuk repository sports writer [/FONT]


BEREA Dennis Northcutt’s life is a bittersweet irony, with him on the edge of the spotlight and his older brother stuck in a cell.
He thanks his brother by phone, by mail and during the prison visits that could go on and on.
His brother is serving a life term owing to a gang background, capped by an attempted murder conviction.
The Browns wide receiver says he was headed for his own life of violence and crime in Los Angeles. He escaped by reviling how such a life ruined his brother.
It hit home the day his brother was bleeding in his lap from a bullet to the head. The brother lived and healed but got caught back up in hell.
Northcutt got out, took a scholarship at the University of Arizona, parlayed it into a Browns career entering its seventh year.
“My brother and a cousin were full-time gang members,” Northcutt said. “I was in that life, plain and simple.
“It was a life where you saw people shot in the head right next to you, where there was peer pressure to rob stores or beat up people.”
Northcutt soberly says he was lucky, that he could have been the older brother.
“If he didn’t go through it first,” he said, “I would be in jail or under the ground.”
He says he reminds his brother about Jesus during the prison visits, says what he can, does what he can. He helps care for his brother’s four daughters. The youngest is 7, the oldest turns 16 in four days.
“The girls stay with their own mothers,” Northcutt said. “I’m not their father. I tell them I’m just a very good uncle.”
Northcutt has had an up and down but uninterrupted pro career. As a receiver, his yardage dropped from 806 in 2004 to 441 in 2005. As a punt returner in 2005, he kept his reputation as one of the league’s best, even in losing two touchdowns to penalties.
He has had a strong 2006 training camp, including Tuesday’s catch of the day, a ball he tipped to himself deep over the middle in traffic.
At age 28, he figures to stick around the league a while longer, but even if he doesn’t, he will have made more than $10 million playing football.
He seems sincere about attempting to be a difference-maker off the field.
He represented the team this week in a partnership with U.S. Marshals and the Gang Resistance and Training Program.
He spoke to school-age kids Tuesday at the team complex.
“Some feel the only route out is for them to sell drugs,” Northcutt said. “I tell them: That’s nowhere but down the wrong path. ... Always tell yourself, ‘I believe in myself. I will make it out.’ ”
Northcutt worked in tandem with U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott.
“I was so impressed today by what I heard coming out of Dennis’ mouth,” Elliott said. “I think he got through to a number of kids.”
Northcutt has always said his background makes football seem easy, even though he is one of the skinniest players in the NFL at 171 pounds. “Ain’t nobody shooting at me,” he said. “When I get jumped, I’m wearing shoulder pads.” Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Click to expand...

Canton

8/16/06

BROWNS REPORT
Wednesday, August 16, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]STEVE DOERSCHUK[/FONT]


BROWNS REPORT
Edwards update
Wideout Braylon Edwards said he isn’t sure whether his recovery from knee surgery might lead to playing in the preseason finale Aug. 31. “It’s been tossed back and forth,” Edwards said. “I can’t say that much. We just don’t know if it’s worth it. We’re battling back and forth, the four of us. You can imagine who the other three are.”
Edwards added, “Definitely not this week.”
But soon, he hopes.
“I definitely think my return could help a lot,” Edwards said.

More injury updates
Cornerback Antonio Perkins’ bid for the nickel back job has been set back by another injury. The second-year pro was on the exercise bike Tuesday, nursing what Head Coach Romeo Crennel called a groin injury. Perkins had made big strides over his rookie year before losing practice time to a hamstring problem recently.
Right tackle Nat Dorsey is nursing an ankle problem. He and Kirk Chambers have been trying to emerge at right tackle in the absence of Ryan Tucker, who probably won’t be back from a knee injury until Aug. 31.

Extra points
Newly acquired defensive back Jeremy LeSueur, a cornerback, gave a quick review of his former Michigan teammate, Edwards: “His leaping ability is amazing. He has great hands, and he goes up and gets the ball at its highest point. I know he had the injury, but he looks pretty much the same.” The Browns’ entire offense was ordered to run a lap Tuesday, two days after the defense had to do the same thing, for the same offense — too few players on the field. “That was good,” running back Reuben Droughns said. “It means we all need to work together.” Inside linebacker Chaun Thompson is almost all the way back from a calf injury, but Crennel was evasive as to where he stands in his competition with rookie Round 2 pick D’Qwell Jackson.


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
CPD

8/16/06

BROWNS INSIDER

<H1 class=red>Edwards works on catching up

</H1>

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Tony Grossi

Plain Dealer Reporter

Braylon Edwards' recovery from January knee surgery is proceeding on schedule, he said, but it's unclear whether the flashy receiver will appear in a preseason game.
"That's something that's been tossed back and forth," he said after Tuesday's practice. "We don't know if it's worth it or it's not worth it.
"I'm feeling a lot better now. We're still being cautious with it. We still haven't pushed it too far. We're on target where we want to be."
On Sunday, Edwards participated in two practices on the same day for the first time. He said his repetitions are up to three to five plays in a row.
His next milestone may be removing the brace he wears on his repaired right knee. And then playing in a game, "whether it's preseason or regular season," he said.
Coach Romeo Crennel said the team is pleased with Edwards' progress.
"Once he gets enough reps with the team and we feel he's made good, solid progress, then we may put him in a situation where he has to take a hit," Crennel said. "That will be one of the big issues, taking a hit and getting up."
The always-upbeat Edwards insists the Browns' offense will come around once all the pieces are in place.
"I definitely feel confident with the things we're doing in practice and with our attitude. I'm not worried," he said.
Listen up:
Receiver Dennis Northcutt spoke to about 40 students from Cleveland, East Cleveland and Warrensville Heights after practice about the importance of finding role models in their lives. Northcutt's visit was part of the Browns' partnership with the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program.
Northcutt, who grew up in inner-city Los Angeles, related the experiences of his brother, who was a full-time gang member now serving a life prison term.
"I was able to learn from my brother's experience and not follow the same path," Northcutt said.
Welcome aboard:
When the trade for Jets cornerback Derrick Strait fell through, the Browns signed defensive back Jeremy LeSueur. To make room, they waived receiver Brent Little.
LeSueur was a third-round pick from Michigan of Denver in 2004. He played with the Jets last year. He was a teammate of Edwards with Michigan.
"We made each other better," LeSueur said.
Click to expand...

CPD

8/16/06

BROWNS
Suspension of disbelief for center


Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter

Yet another setback to the center position has befallen the Browns.
The team has been notified by the NFL office that Alonzo Ephraim will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league substance-abuse policy, said two sources.
The violation occurred in 2005 while Ephraim was with Miami, said one of the sources, and carries over to the Browns. It would have to be Ephraim's second violation to merit a suspension, according to the league substance abuse policy.
"That explains why he was out there [available] in the middle of July," said the source.
Neither the Browns nor a league official would comment, citing the substance-abuse program's confidentiality clause.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league does not announce suspensions until the player has a chance to appeal. Until then, Ephraim will be able to practice and play in preseason games.
Curtis Stephens, Ephraim's agent listed with the players association, could not be reached for comment.
After practice on Tuesday, Ephraim said he had no comment about the situation.
"I'm just practicing and trying to get better," he said.
The Browns were not aware of Ephraim's pending suspension when they signed him on July 29 because of the haste to get him into camp and a communication snafu with the league office.
At the time, the team just learned that starter LeCharles Bentley would be lost for the season with a torn patellar tendon. The Browns needed a body to take repetitions at the position with the second and third teams.
Ephraim's role with the club expanded dramatically when Bob Hallen, Bentley's replacement, abruptly walked out on the Browns on Aug. 7. Ephraim ascended to the starter's role and made the start in the exhibition opener in Philadelphia on Aug. 10.
By then, the Browns had traded with New England for Ross Tucker, who is now the team's fourth No. 1 center. Ephraim's performance in Philadelphia was impressive enough for the Browns to keep him on hand for the duration of preseason, and possibly beyond.
Ephraim was not notified of the suspension until the team returned from Philadelphia, a source said.
The Browns had a similar situation a year ago when safety Michael Jameson was notified of a league suspension during training camp but stayed with the team. Jameson continued to work out with the club during his suspension in case a need arose for him. The Browns terminated Jameson's contract when his suspension was lifted.
Although Ephraim is listed No. 1 on the team's current depth chart, Tucker will start the second exhibition game Friday against Detroit.
Ephraim's pending suspension makes it imperative for the Browns to still acquire another center before the regular season begins Sept. 10. Thus, the Browns will open the season with two centers who were not with them when training camp began.
Rob Smith, an undrafted rookie center who was playing behind Ephraim, suffered a high ankle sprain in the Philadelphia game and is out indefinitely. The only other center on the roster is Mike Mabry, who was signed as a free agent on Aug. 6.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4670
Click to expand...

<TABLE class=cwe cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 bgColor=#696c73 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=412 rowSpan=2><TABLE height=412 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=412 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=412>
browns_b.jpg

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD width=5 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=193><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (DOMUsed) { document.write( '
\n' + '
forum

' + '<s></s>');}else { document.write( '<form name="imgInfoForm">' + '<textarea name="imgInfoText" rows=5 cols=30 wrap="virtual"></textarea></form>\n');}</SCRIPT>
Linebacker Willie McGinest, center, runs a drill with Clifton Smith as their coach, Mike Haluchak, watches. Tuesday, August 15, 2006
spacer.gif

<S>David I. Andersen/The Plain Dealer</S>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE class=cwe cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 bgColor=#696c73 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=412 rowSpan=2><TABLE height=412 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=412 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=412>
browns_c.jpg

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD width=5 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=193><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (DOMUsed) { document.write( '
\n' + '
forum

' + '<s></s>');}else { document.write( '<form name="imgInfoForm">' + '<textarea name="imgInfoText" rows=5 cols=30 wrap="virtual"></textarea></form>\n');}</SCRIPT>
Wide receiver Joe Jurevicius smiles at a friend he spotted on the sidelines as he got ready for a drill. Moments later, Joe tossed the friend a practice ball. Tuesday, August 15, 2006
spacer.gif

<S>David I. Andersen/The Plain Dealer</S>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE class=cwe cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 bgColor=#696c73 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=412 rowSpan=2><TABLE height=412 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=412 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=412>
browns_e.jpg

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD width=5 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=193><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (DOMUsed) { document.write( '
\n' + '
forum

' + '<s></s>');}else { document.write( '<form name="imgInfoForm">' + '<textarea name="imgInfoText" rows=5 cols=30 wrap="virtual"></textarea></form>\n');}</SCRIPT>
Two days ago, the defense had to run a lap around the field because they had only ten men on the field for a play. Today, the offense had to run a lap for the same reason. Tuesday, August 15, 2006
spacer.gif

<S>David I. Andersen/The Plain Dealer</S>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE class=cwe cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 bgColor=#696c73 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=412 rowSpan=2><TABLE height=412 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=412 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=412>
browns_f.jpg

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD width=5 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=193><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (DOMUsed) { document.write( '
\n' + '
forum

' + '<s></s>');}else { document.write( '<form name="imgInfoForm">' + '<textarea name="imgInfoText" rows=5 cols=30 wrap="virtual"></textarea></form>\n');}</SCRIPT>
Kellen Winslow Jr. listen to tight ends coach Ben Coats in between plays. Tuesday, August 15, 2006
spacer.gif

<S>David I. Andersen/The Plain Dealer</S>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE class=cwe cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 bgColor=#696c73 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=412 rowSpan=2><TABLE height=412 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=412 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=412>
browns_g.jpg

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD width=5 rowSpan=2> </TD><TD width=193><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>if (DOMUsed) { document.write( '
\n' + '
forum

' + '<s></s>');}else { document.write( '<form name="imgInfoForm">' + '<textarea name="imgInfoText" rows=5 cols=30 wrap="virtual"></textarea></form>\n');}</SCRIPT>
After practice, Dennis Northcutt talked with 40 youths from the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.) about the importance of getting an education and staying out of trouble.
spacer.gif

<S>David I. Andersen/The Plain Dealer</S>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
OSUBasketballJunkie said:
I have never heard of a team losing 3 consecutive players at the center position before the regular season even starts......:(
Click to expand...

if you want to split hairs, it's 3.5 as cleveland allegedly had a trade worked out with miami for seth mckinney, and before the deal was finalized he was lost for the season with a back injury. Even the thought of getting traded to cleveland gets guys hurt.
 
Upvote 0
More dangerous occupation?

Center for the Cleveland Browns - or - drummer for Spinal Tap?
Discuss among yourselves.

Worrying won't help Ross Tucker. His fate is sealed now. Charile Frye just needs to make sure that he's not under center when his center spontaneously combusts.
 
Upvote 0
Dispatch

8/17/06

Suggs trying to figure out what happened
Flunked physical with Jets stuns him

Thursday, August 17, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


BEREA, Ohio — Lee Suggs appeared dazed and confused yesterday, teased with a great opportunity only to have it snatched away.
Earlier this week, Suggs had a chance to be the starting running back for the New York Jets. Yesterday, he was back with the Cleveland Browns as a possible third-stringer.
Such is life for Suggs.
The hard-luck tailback surprisingly failed a physical, prompting a sudden return to practice yesterday in a Browns uniform. Perhaps the most surprised person of all was Suggs.
"I was shocked," he said. "I practiced this whole training camp, did all the conditioning stuff. I passed the physicals here and everything was fine. I went up there and it was something different. So, yeah, it was surprising."
Suggs said he feels as if he’s 100 percent and as healthy as he has ever been. The Jets, on the other hand, didn’t think he was even healthy enough to join their team.
Neither the Browns nor Suggs were notified why he failed the physical, but the Jets reportedly were leery about a past knee injury. Suggs suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2001 while at Virginia Tech and missed all but one game that season.
Suggs was not treated with much respect by the Jets during the process. He said he never spoke to a coach, never received an explanation and didn’t get the bad news until an intern told him on the way to the team’s dormitory.
Suggs then had to practice with a team that gave him away just 48 hours earlier.
"How do you think it was? You all think about it," Suggs said of the situation. "But I still have friends here and I get a lot of support from my teammates. That’s what makes it easier."
Browns coach Romeo Crennel spelled out the difficult situation once Suggs rejoined the team.
"I told him things happen in this NFL and sometimes there is an explanation for them and sometimes there’s not," Crennel said. "It’s just one of those things that happen. I told him, as far as I’m concerned, we are back to where we were when he left out of here: He is still competing for a running back spot, and let’s go to work."
The running back situation is once again crowded. Suggs is competing with William Green and Jerome Harrison for the backup job behind starter Reuben Droughns.
Such circumstances can hurt a player’s confidence or motivate him to play harder; Suggs thinks it will be the latter. He said his belief in his ability to play in the NFL has never been shaken despite having never had a healthy season among his three with the Browns.
There is still a chance Suggs could be traded. The Browns obviously are interested in moving him.
"It’s all over the league that I failed my physical," Suggs said. "Now people probably think something is wrong when I feel perfectly fine."
[email protected]
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
Dispatch

8/17/06


BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Tucker last Brown standing at center

Thursday, August 17, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>
20060817-Pc-D3-0800.jpg
</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>MARK DUNCAN ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Ross Tucker, preparing to snap the ball to Charlie Frye yesterday, is the only Browns center eligible to play beyond Friday. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


BEREA, Ohio — Recently acquired Ross Tucker has suddenly become the man of the hour for the Cleveland Browns. Tucker has been thrust into the spotlight after four centers were lost to a wild series of circumstances in training camp.
LeCharles Bentley suffered a knee injury on the second day of practice, Bob Hallen retired amid controversy, Rob Smith injured an ankle, and, most recently, Alonzo Ephraim was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s substanceabuse policy.
That leaves Tucker, acquired last week in a trade with the New England Patriots, as the last center standing. Barring a trade, he will be the team’s starting center this season and will get his first start for the Browns in Friday night’s exhibition game against Detroit.
"This isn’t my first rodeo," Tucker said. "I’ve started 24 games and I don’t know how many preseason games. So this is a good opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to going out Friday night and showing what I can do."
Tucker, a Princeton graduate, has appeared in 42 games with four teams since 2001. He made seven starts for Dallas in 2002 and 17 for Buffalo in 2003 and 2004 but played in only one game, as a reserve, for New England last season.
Ephraim will play Friday and practice with the team during the regular season, but he can’t rejoin the active roster until Oct. 2.
Crennel said Ephraim will not be cut and will remain with the team during his suspension. The team will decide on Ephraim’s future when the suspension is lifted.
Ephraim deflected questions regarding his suspension.
"Really, that stuff is not my concern," he said. "I’ve got so much on my plate to make sure I go out and play every week and just focus on trying to make this team."
Brownie points

Tackle Nat Dorsey (ankle) and cornerback Antonio Perkins (groin) missed practice yesterday and probably will not play Friday. . . . Outside linebacker Willie McGinest (elbow) is questionable. . . . Reserve cornerback Ralph Brown will start opposite Leigh Bodden. Brown, who signed earlier this month, is a seven-year veteran.
[email protected]
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top