Lane Adkins

Some will say many things happen for a reason. At times we look at a situation and analyze it to the death. Too bad, in most cases we only see what we want to see.

Confused? Not as much as I am, but here goes.

LeBron James has helped elevate the Cavaliers into a respected, competitive team. James has been the heartbeat for a team which lacks the overall talent to succeed against the highest level of competition for an extended period of time. While many in the media may note he hasn't played well in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, I would be the first to agree he has struggled. Now, would James' play appear better if the supporting cast was able to consistently hit an outside jumper? Probably so, but this is James' moment to define himself and elevate this team, he is the proclaimed leader. In game four, James should command the ball in the low-post and take it to the Spurs, there is nothing left to lose. If anything in this series, he hasn't been nearly aggressive enough. Take it LeBron, this ball is yours.........

Browns' wide receiver Braylon Edwards is generally a good guy. A bit immature, he has displayed the tendency to rub those around him the wrong way at times, due to his actions and mannerisms in and around the team. Now, can his off-season generosity and caring carry over to the locker room and practice field? I believe it will, or he is talking one hell of a good game and I hope he also worked on holding onto the football this off-season.........

What is the major reasoning behind the lack of backing for legalized gambling in the State of Ohio? I'm not talking about full-blown casino type gambling, but how about some slot machines? By the way, the State of West Virginia is permitting counties in the state to vote on card tables (this has passed in two of three county votes thus far) being added to establishments such as the Mountaineer Resort. Also, does the Ohio Lottery still claim a significant portion of the sales help school districts? You can bet, there is a powerful interested party with personal interests in mind at the forefront, opposing legalized gambling establishments in Ohio........

After watching the Sopranos come to an end Sunday night, I was left wondering what the deal was when the screen went black. I certainly though my television feed went out. Well, after sifting through the carnage left by an ending which did not resolve many expectations, I was satisfied with the conclusion. Actually, one was left to believe what they wanted in the ending, and I thought the ending was an unexpected twist to a tale which lived a season or two, too long.........

The Indians' lack of overall team speed, consistent fundamentals, and pitching (4th and 5th starters as well as the back of the bullpen relievers) is going to cost this team dearly in the second-half of the season. Sure, a 38-26 record looks good today, or does it?. Joe Borowski and Roberto Hernandez scare the hell out of me............

If you are a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, you have to like the news he will be driving for Rick Hendrick Racing in the 2008 season. Many fans would have liked to seen Earnhardt drive for Richard Childress Racing (Jr.'s father, the late Dale Earnhardt raced for and won six of his seven championships), but Earnhardt Jr. chose the most consistent organization in racing, teaming with Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Casey Mears. The one thought that bothers me is, why should Earnhardt Jr. have to leave the company (Dale Earnhardt Incorporated) his late father founded to get the opportunity to race with the best equipment and technology in the business. As well as having to pay his step-mother (Teresa Earnhardt) millions of dollars for a stake in the company that was created to establish and ensure the future of the elder Earnhardt's children?..........

Lastly, I have been doing some research regarding knee replacement surgery. Being a likely candidate, I wanted to know as much as I could about the different type of replacements, quality, etc. I was shocked when reading how far behind we are in the U.S., in comparison to Europe when it comes to the dynamics of replacement knees, including the cost, durability, and functional aspects of the replacement knee. While not getting into the deep details, if I were a wealthy man, I would be in Europe tomorrow to get my knee done. Only due to the B.S. politics which engulfs the health care industry/field, in this country..........

Later,

LA

The last few years have been some of the best as well as some of the worst in my life. No, this is not going to be one of those blogs were the soul is laid out there, this is what it is and who I am and I speak what comes to mind.

Beside family, the sports world has consumed a great portion of my life. Being a native Clevelander (via Miami, Florida at the rousing age of two-years), only a Clevelander or Cleveland sports fan would understand 'true' frustration.

Recently, I had the opportunity to read a truly putrid article from FoxSports regarding suffering sports cities. Not wanting to compromise my journalistic integrity, I'll save my FoxSports rant for another day. But, as duly noted in Barry McBride's "Apologizing For Our Corporate Cousins" blog, it is so noted in a hapless creation of writing, the author, know as Jeff Gordon (and I thought Jeff Gordon raced in NASCAR, donning a car of rainbow colors) has no clue about suffering, nor has he lived the Cleveland reality.

All I can say is, 19 freaking 48, where has that magical pitching staff gone? Down with the invincible Colts in '64, paging Dr. Ryan, Dr. Ryan please bring some magic back to the Erie shores, don't forget to pickup Jim Brown and Gary Collins. The "Miracle of Richfield", Joe Tait is the best to ever call a game, while the deal during the season to bring center Nate Thurmond to town catapulted this team, "BINGO".

Get it, Mr. Gordon, all we in Cleveland can do is relive memories of the past, as the sports franchises in this city have floundered at an alarming rate. We have had some moments of promise, such as the Indians run of the 90's (we did lose a couple World Series'), the Browns in the mid-to-late 80's (a few bad memories offset the excitement these teams generated to the fans and city) and who could ever forget the Cavaliers of the 90's, which were Michael Jordan away from being a championship.

All I can say to Jeff Gordon is, "You haven't felt the pain of the Cleveland fan, and Buffalo? You must be kidding me."

While away (working for theInsiders, which became Scout, then taken over by what many consider the evil empire, FoxSports) from the immediacy of theOBR (formerly BerniesInsiders), I have remained close to the inner-workings of the Cleveland sports scene. Having the opportunity to return and discuss football, the passion of Cleveland Browns football is something my time away with the corporate giants could never match.

Speaking directly about the Browns, this is a team which has the opportunity to become very good in the next year or two. Phil Savage has this organization on the right path, with the state of this roster upon his arrival, patience should be granted to him and his staff, they are making some solid moves.

Outside of the defensive line, the Cleveland defense could be one of the better units in the league. Safety Sean Jones and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley displayed All-Pro caliber traits last season, while cornerback Leigh Bodden linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, and safety Brodney Pool appear to be solid.

The offense scares me though. New coordinator Rob Chudzinski will need time to get his scheme in place and I worry about the play at the quarterback position coming out of the gate. Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson do not excite me, though the selection of Brady Quinn should give hope to all Browns fans. I do not for one second have any reservations he will not become a solid, if not spectacular player in this league. People I talk with, those with immense experience, as players and evaluators are not concerned about the 'mechanics' issues raised by those prior to the draft.

Also, one final thought. The hell with Art Modell!

Catch ya after the Cavaliers game and final Sopranos episode, Sunday night!

Lane