Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Browns should honor Myles Garrett trade request, and let him take fans with him

Published

2 months ago

February 4, 2025

Cleveland Browns should honor Myles Garrett trade request, and let him take fans with him

I have always been a contract guy, meaning if you sign a contract you honor it. But even with two years left on his $125 million extension, Myles Garrett should be able to leave Cleveland and take anyone with him who wants to go, including the fans, because, frankly, does anyone still want to be with the Browns?

Cleveland is a loser organization, and I say that having grown up many moons ago as a diehard Browns fan. Red Right 88 nearly did me in. The Drive actually did. I died that day. Then came “Die Hard II, The Fumble,” when toothy John Elway ripped my heart out and stomped it for good measure.

It actually was a relief when the Browns left for Baltimore. Did it hurt? Of course, but their exit was more of a dull ache than stabbing pain. And at least the orange and brown would not be able to set me up with hope only to dash it on the lakefront breakwall.

Art Modell is considered a monster for moving the team, and he slimeballed the departure for sure, but back then the Browns were at least respectable. Sometimes even admirable.

Now? Two words. Deshaun Watson. Two more. Jimmy Haslam. If those names don’t make you wince, you’re probably a Steelers fan. Speaking of Pittsburgh, I remember thinking Haslam was just what the Browns needed when he bought the team in 2012. He had been a minority owner of the Steelers, and many of us figured if the Rooney family accepted him, he had to be OK. Little did we know the Rooneys blessed his departure for good reason.

Haslam is a billionaire, which at the time he bought the team was a bonus more than what seems now to be a prerequisite of NFL ownership. He had money to spend, or burn. Turns out burn was more like it. The Browns are 54-110 (.329) under Haslam’s ownership.

Jimmy owned Pilot Travel Centers, but last year sold his remaining 20% stake in the company, six years after the Feds began snooping into his business to investigate whether he ripped off gasoline customers. Interestingly enough, Haslam also gets accused of ripping off the Browns paying customers by putting an inferior product on the field. A case also could be made that the Browns committed fraud by having the audacity to charge for Johnny Manziel jerseys.

But I digress. The point is the Cleveland Clowns, Charlie Browns or whatever name you want to call a team that defines haplessness, are not worthy of Garrett’s continued employment. And the big fella from Texas knows it.

Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, requested a trade Monday, explaining that “While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”

Myles Garrett ranks hgh among best Browns defenders

A perfect way to say you want out. And any Browns fan who blames him for asking to be traded hasn’t been paying attention to the ineptitude surrounding Haslam’s team. Cleveland – the franchise, not the city – does not deserve to keep Garrett, whose 102.5 sacks are the fifth most by any player in his first eight seasons. His 14 sacks this season ranked second in the NFL and made him the first player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to record 100 career sacks before turning 29. It is no stretch to suggest Garrett is the best defensive player in Browns history.

Garrett said in December he did not want to go through another rebuild, which is where Cleveland is after going 3-14. Watson’s return at quarterback is uncertain, which is just as well, given the accused serial massage-ynist has been a $230 million guaranteed bust. With or without Watson, the Browns need a new QB, and Garrett is not willing to wait around for the second coming of Patrick Mahomes, or in the Browns’ case, given their bone-headed draft decisions, Pat Sajak.

Fifteen years ago I wrote a column urging Browns fans to jump ship because the Browns no longer deserved your allegiance. Go root for a winner for a change. That was before Haslam bought the team. Now? I wouldn’t blame Cleveland fans if they begged Garrett to take them with him wherever he goes.

But wait, the Browns’ front office vows Garrett isn’t going anywhere. They refuse to trade him. We’ll see how long that lasts, but for now it feels unfair, signed contract or not, to not let No. 95 go free. He deserves better. The Browns don’t.

As for that other Haslam-owned team – the Crew

The Crew are not winning friends or influencing people to climb aboard the Black and Gold train.

The team just sold their best player, forward Cucho Hernandez to Real Betis of Spain’s La Liga in return for a transfer fee of about $16 million. That’s a lot of money, but as our Michael Arace writes, it will be nearly impossible to replace the 25-year-old with a player of similar talent.

Hey, it’s a business. I get it, but this business is doing its best to make loyal fans feel like second-class cheerleaders.

First, Crew majority owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam moved the team’s regular-season game against Messi Miami from Columbus to Cleveland, where on April 19 a city that lives for the Browns, loves the Guardians and occasionally looks up to notice the Cavs, will welcome … MLS. Certainly, a multitude of Crew fans from Columbus will make the trek. But why should they have to? (Answer: greed. Huntington Bank Field holds more than three times as many spectators as Lower.com Field).

And now Crew fans don’t even get to see Messi against Cucho. Or Cucho against anyone, except when streaming La Liga matches. Talk about a double whammy. Again, business is business. But it just feels like Crew fans are the ones to suffer, which is bad for business.

Listening in

“It hurt my heart as a Mavs fan.” – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, lamenting the trade that sent Luka Doncic from Dallas to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Off-topic

Some people watch the NFL RedZone, preferring to view scoring highlights to sitting through an entire game. I get it, because I’m the same way with episodes of Seinfeld. I used to watch the entire show, but lately have switched to watching hilarious snippets on Instagram. Am I contributing to the short-attention-spanning of society? Guilty as charged.

roller@dispatch.com

@rollerCD

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Cleveland, OH

Suspect set house on fire during standoff in Old Brooklyn

Published

2 hours ago

March 26, 2025

Press Room

Suspect set house on fire during standoff in Old Brooklyn

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – One person was taken into custody after a standoff and a fire in the city’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood.

The situation at a house in the 4600 block of Bader Ave. began around 10 p.m. Tuesday when Cleveland Police Second District officers went to the home to search for a man wanted for multiple felony warrants.

Cleveland Police said officers were given consent to check the home, but as they approached the rear staircase, the suspect threatened to shoot if they continued.

Officers retreated and attempted negotiations, but the suspect refused to surrender and barricaded himself inside, making threats about a shootout and possessing explosives.

SWAT officers and the Bomb Squad were called to the scene and officers said as SWAT entered the home, the suspect set the fire and fled out the back.

After a brief foot chase, the suspect was arrested at 3:06 a.m. Wednesday.

His name has not been released.

Cleveland Firefighters said they fought the blaze from the exterior, due to concerns of possible traps or explosives inside.

Damage is estimated at $80,000.

Police added five cats and two dogs are believed to have died in the fire.

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Cleveland, OH

‘Spring into Love!’: City Dogs Cleveland in full bloom with 100+ dogs reduces adoption fee to $21

Published

14 hours ago

March 26, 2025

Press Room

‘Spring into Love!’: City Dogs Cleveland in full bloom with 100+ dogs reduces adoption fee to

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – City Dogs Cleveland said the kennel is full again with more than 100+ “amazing dogs who would love to blossom in homes of their own.”

So, now’s the time to “Spring into Love with CITY DOGS!”

To help getting as many precious pups paired up as possible, City Dogs has reduced adoption fees to just $21 from Friday, Mar. 28 through Sunday, Mar. 30.

“We have lots of dogs coming in our door everyday and we hope to have a big adoption weekend!” City Dogs Cleveland stated. “We’re all excited for spring, so why not enjoy it with a new best friend?!”

Not only will you have the best time this springtime with your new four-legged best friend, the adopt fee also includes:

microchip
county license
basic vaccinations
spay/neuter surgery
and of course, a lifetime of love!

Walk-ups are welcome between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

CLAIM YOUR DOG

City Dogs Cleveland wants to get lost dogs back to their owners.

Click here to see all of the lost/found dogs in the kennel.

The Cleveland kennel is located at 9203 Detroit Ave., and can be reached at 216-664-3069.

“If you don’t reach someone live right away, PLEASE leave a voicemail as these are checked regularly,” City Dogs insisted. “If you know anyone who is missing a pet, please have them check the kennel ASAP!”

ADOPT

If you would like to adopt one (or more!) click here to see the precious pups just waiting to be part of your family.

For those who can’t make the adoption event or want to avoid a potential wait, click here to set up a meet and greet with the dog who is pulling on your heartstrings from the photos.

FOSTER

Even if you aren’t able to adopt at this time, but still have some room in your home and heart, you can click here to learn about fostering a dog.

“It will save a life, but isn’t a lifelong commitment,” City Dogs Cleveland stated.

VOLUNTEER

If you only have room in your heart and your schedule, become a volunteer!

The City of Cleveland said volunteers can help with:

dog walking
events
fostering
transport
social media and networking
photography
training
and more!

Email citydogs@city.cleveland.oh.us or call 216.664.3069 for more information about future volunteer opportunities.

DONATE

For those who are unable to adopt or foster at this time but still want to help, the kennel is always in need of monetary and item donations, like the dogs’ favorite chew dogs.

“Providing the dogs with in-kennel enrichment is so important when our facility is so full,” City Dogs Cleveland stated.

You don’t even have to go to the store or stop by the kennel to drop off your donations!

Just purchase these items from the City Dogs wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and they will be automatically delivered to the kennel.

Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Amazon wish list.

Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Chewy wish list.

‘Spring into Love!’: City Dogs Cleveland in full bloom with 100+ dogs reduces adoption fee to $21(City Dogs Cleveland)

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Cleveland, OH

Are Previous Game Concerns Real Issues for MSU?

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Press Room

Are Previous Game Concerns Real Issues for MSU?

The Michigan State Spartans are preparing for a Sweet Sixteen match-up with the Ole Miss Rebels this Friday as they look to continue their run in the NCAA Tournament.

This will be the second time the two teams have faced off in their program’s history, with the Spartans taking the only other game. Coincidentally enough, that game came in the second round of the Big Dance in 1999.

Chris Beard’s Rebels are currently playing excellent basketball, coming off of a dismantling of the Iowa State Cyclones in the Round of 32. It will take MSU’s A-plus game to move on to the Elite Eight.

However, Tom Izzo’s team has not played its best basketball despite winning both games by solid margins. The Spartans have struggled in a few key areas that could come back to bite them against the Rebels if they are not careful.

MSU has not been particularly sharp when taking care of the basketball. The Spartans have committed 20 turnovers through their first two tournament games.

New Mexico’s aggressive defense often forced the ball out of MSU’s hands on Sunday evening, which is something that cannot happen against a stingy Beard-coached team.

Ole Miss ranked eighth out of all tournament teams in turnovers forced with 14.2 per game. MSU must hold onto the basketball, or the Rebels will convert on its mistakes.

Another issue that has come up in these two games has been the Spartans’ free-throw shooting. A reliable team in the regular season, the Spartans have struggled at the line through their first two games.

MSU has connected on 34-of-49 free-throw attempts, good for 69.4 percent. Izzo’s team hit on almost 78 percent of its free throws in the regular season, so this drop in efficiency has been concerning.

Of course, the Spartans have struggled from beyond the arc all season, but the issue looked especially glaring against the Lobos. MSU hit just 4-of-15 3-pointers, something that cannot happen against a Rebels team that has hit on 49 percent of its attempts this postseason.

Outside of the 3-point shooting, these issues are fundamental concerns that will drive Izzo crazy. He will harp on them this week to ensure his team does not struggle with them on Friday night.

Quite simply, MSU cannot afford to, or they won’t see the Elite Eight.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan NationWHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

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