Are You Ready For Some Football?

Well, last night marked my debut as an Arena Football League fan. I went into the Gladiators first playoff game in Cleveland not really knowing what to expect, but came away thoroughly entertained. The Gladiators' big 69-66 win over the Orlando Predators featured some solid action. And I was more than impressed with the play of our receivers, led by fellow BG alum Robert Redd's 14 catches for 204 yards and 4 TD. And the crowd of nearly 14,000 fans in the Q was much louder and less AFL-obsessed than I had feared. I think most people there were just casual fans like me looking for some good entertainment.

The game was very much in doubt until a big fumble by the Predators late in the 4th as they were marching down the field for the go-ahead score. The Gladiators then capitalized on an 8-yard TD run to seemingly put the game out of reach with 52 seconds left. But in true arena football action, the last minute seemed to last forever. Orlando marched down the field to score again and cut the lead to just three points. And then the Gladiators still needed a throwaway pass on fourth down to burn the final second off the clock. Now they advance to face the Atlanta Force in Georgia next Monday night. I have been converted into a fan now and I will be watching!

Brandon Hefflin recovers a big fumble late for the good guys

Tribe Update: The Indians misery continued last night in Chicago. Jeremy Sowers gave the White Sox a huge 8-1 lead after three innings, and with our sporadic offense and nightmarish bullpen, it was just too much to overcome. They lost 9-7 to now fall 10.5 games out of first and grab sole possession of last place in the Central.

Cavs Update: A couple of big name free agents decided to opt-out of their contracts last night as the NBA free agency period began at midnight. I'd welcome either of them into a wine and gold uniform this season, but obviously they would have to come via sign & trade, and those deals are always tricky. Given our current salary cap situation, don't expect any big free agent signings this summer, it's just not realistic.

Terry Pluto is looking to end the ridiculous sky-is-falling talk of LeBron to New York in 2010. I can't wait to hear this nonsense for the next two years (sigh). WFNY has a great take on the subject, and *gasp* it is actually well-thought and makes sense, instead of what most of the 'experts' in the national media keep spouting out. And LeBron does have a good message for kids this summer, even if he can't wait to bolt from Northeast Ohio ;)