Displaying items by tag: WAKR

The long, winding road for reinstatement to the NFL has taken a positive turn for Josh Gordon as he is now back with the Cleveland Browns for the 2016 season.

Scott Petrak from the Elyria Chronicle Telegram joined Brad Russell on his show Monday to talk about Gordon's reinstatement and if coach Hue Jackson will keep him in the fold.

 "I'm pretty sure they're going to bring him back after the four-game suspension," he says.  "I think from the start, he's it's always about the guys he's hanging around with and it's been all about his decision making."

Gordon is allowed to play in the preseason and participate in training camp.

The Indians have been swept by the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend, and with Aroldis Chapman now off the table, the Indians could be in the market for a reliever.

Matt Loede from NEOSportsInsiders.com joined Brad Russell Monday to talk about the possibilities that the Indians could be bringing in some new talent in the pitching department and possibly in other areas as well.

"There's still players out there," Loede said. "Andrew Miller is still a viable option, and I don't think this is over by a longshot."

The Tribe may also be looking for a catcher as well, with the struggling Yan Gomes being out with a shoulder injury and some decent contributions from Chris Jiminez and Roberto Perez.

After the Indians got swept in Baltimore this past weekend, and with Aroldis Chapman going to the Chicago Cubs, could the Indians make a play for Yankee reliever Andrew Miller?

Medina Gazette/Elyria Chronicle Telegram Sports Columnist Jim Ingraham joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the Tribe and their possible thoughts heading into the trade deadline.

"I think Miller is the next obvious guy to bring in and I wouldn't hesitate to put (Bradley) Zimmer or (Clint) Frazier on the table," he said.

"Anytime you have a chance to win a World Series, you take it because those opportunities don't come around very often."

The Indians will be playing a two-game set with the Washington Nationals starting Tuesday after an off-day today.

For the full interview with Jim, click here.

Embattled Browns wide reciever Josh Gordon has been given another shot at trying to turn his NFL career around, and some say it could be his last shot.

Steve King from BrownsDailyDose.com joined the Sam Bourquin Show Monday to talk about Gordon's meeting with NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell, and what that reinstatement means for not only Gordon himself, but the Browns organization.

Gordon is suspended for the first 4 games of the 2016 season. He's spent a limited of time on the field due to repeat violations of the league's drug policy during his time in the NFL.  He is eligible to participate in the Browns' preseason games and in training camp.

For the full interview with Steve King, click here.

Two of the Indians' best and brightest prospects are one step closer to their dream of becoming big-league ballplayers.

Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer were called up to AAA Columbus Sunday night, and Akron RubberDucks Manager Dave Wallace was the one to give the two young men the good news.

Wallace joined the Sam Bourquin Show Monday afternoon to talk about the guys being called up. He said that moment was gratifying for him as a manager and seeing young men being able to realize their goals.

"That's part of the job, that's the most rewarding the most gratifying," he said. " It was a very cool moment last night, two really special kids not because of their talent, but their character and who they are, and I couldn't be more proud of either one of them."

For the full interview with Manager Dave Wallace and Sam Bourquin, click here.

The city of Charlotte has lost the 2017 NBA All-Star Game due to a state law affecting the LGBT community.

Erik Spanberg from Charlotte Business Journal joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the fact the city lost the game and the chance that they might have another opportunity to host the annual NBA showcase.

 He talked about the immediate reaction from the city and folks surrounding the news when it came down earlier this week.

"It's not suprising, but it's a disappointment for everyone here in Charlotte."

The game could possibly be relocated to New Orleans for the 2016-17 basketball season.

For the full interview with Erik, click here.

The Norton Panthers have a new athletic director in the fold, and with the changes going on with the district and some new facilities going in place, he knows he'll have an exciting challenge on his hands.

Don Shimek, the new Athletic Director joined Sam Bourquin Friday to talk about the new job.  With the renovations and things taking place, he knows that there's a lot of moving pieces and parts there.

 "There's quite a bit that's going on there," Shimek said. "They're going to to be moving to a new high school in December, and there's a lot of construction going on to meet those needs."

Shimek comes to Norton from the North Canton school district.  The Panthers compete in the Portage Trail Conference.  He says that it's a competitive conference with a lot of tradition.

"There's a lot of great coaches, super kids, and great community support to provide the best kind of facilities and the best kind of opportunities for kids in the Norton district."

For the full interview, click here.

Brad's college football preview takes a trip down to Waco, Texas as we preview the Baylor Bears ahead of the 2016 season.

Suzanne Halliburton from the Austin American Statesman joined Brad Thursday to talk about the Bears, who have had a offseason they'd like to forget with Art Briles being dismissed and the program coming under scrutiny for off the field issues.

Halliburton says with Jim Grobe at the helm, they still have a shot at being one of the Big 12's better teams.

"They're just very, very talented across the board on offense," she said. "Offensive line is going to be an issue, but it will be like it was a few years ago when they outscored people 50-40."

The Bears return Seth Russell at quarterback and Shock Linwood at running back, and are coming off a 10-3 season.

Tommorow, Brad will head up to Ann Arbor and preview the Michigan Wolverines. 

One local fighter has hit the big time as he has signed a deal to fight in the UFC.

Medina native Joe Gigliotti joined Brad Russell on Thursday to talk about this latest step in his career.

 When asked about how he got to this point in the sport of mixed martial arts, Joe said people get to notice you once you get your name out there.

"You kind of just build your brand and work your way up," he said. "It's crazy and it still hasn't hit me yet."

Gigliotti lives and trains in Gilbert, Arizona and grauated from Medina in 2011.

Joe adds his name to that list of Ohio fighters that are making a statement like Stipe Miocic, who won the heavyweight championship, Jessica "Evil" Eye, among others. He says Ohio is starting to build their UFC brand, but Arizona is one of those states that is more established in the MMA world.

Doubt him if you will, but the newest (and smallest) Cleveland Cavalier is out to prove some people wrong.

Kay Felder, the Cavs 2nd round pick out of Oakland University joined Brad Thursday to talk about his venture and recap his impressive summer league performance in Las Vegas.

One of the biggest takeaways he took from the Vegas Summer League is the day-to-day grind of the NBA and the work it takes to keep your body in shape.

"The rest you need to get, the treatment you need to do to your body," Felder said. "I just have to stay agressive at all times, not necessarily just scoring, but staying agressive."

Kay was drafted 54th overall out of Oakland, and his head coach with the Golden Grizzlies Greg Kampe called Felder a "5'9 Dominique Wilkins" due to his explosive leaping ability.

One of the topics that many Akron residents have been thinking about for the last few years is what will be the next use for the former Rolling Acres Mall site on the city's west side.

Akron Beacon Journal writer Rick Armon joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the possibility of the former mall being used as a sports complex to add the city of Akron to the ever-growing youth sports tournament industry.

Armon said that the decision regarding the land is one of the biggest that city leaders will be facing in the months to come, but it certainly won't be an easy one.

"I don't know that I see it going forward," Armon said. "There would be a lot of hoops to jump through."

According to Armon, developers came to Akron City Council with plans of developing the land for a multi-sport complex at the former mall site, which has been vacant since 2008.

For the full interview with Rick Armon and Sam Bourquin, click here.

The WWE Corporation will be facing a class action lawsuit from many former wrestlers citing the company is responsible for the numerous head injuries they sustained in the ring.

Jim LaMotta from PW Mania and Fightbooth joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the suit and when we might be able to see action from either side.

 LaMotta says that the process will drag out in court, but on the surface, this looks like a familiar story.

"This is probably nothing more than a money grab at this point, I highly doubt there will be a payout."

Some of the wrestlers named in the suit include Joe "The Animal" Laurinitas, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka amongst many others.

For the full interview with LaMotta, click here.

College football is right around the corner and Brad took a look at some of the top teams across the country.

Coming in at #15 according to college football guru Phil Steele's Top 25 is the USC Trojans, who went 8-6 last season.

Scott Wolf from the LA Daily News and InsideSoCal.com joined Brad to talk about USC and their prospects for next year.

He said one of the key positions for the Trojans in 2016-17 is quarterback, with the graduated Cody Kessler now in the NFL with the Browns, the Trojans will have a couple of young guys battling for the job.

"There's still an open competition between Max Browne (junior) and Sam Darnold (red-shirt freshman), and while Browne is the more experienced guy, Darnold might be the most talented guy," he said.

Clay Helton also has a wealth of talent at the skill positions and he's looking forward to getting a shot with the Trojans in 2016.

 "He's well liked by the players, and it'll be interesting to see if he can lead a team against a very tough schedule," Wolf explained.

Tomorrow, Brad will take a look at the Baylor Bears.

With the shoulder injuries sustained by Cleveland Indians Yan Gomes and Michael Brantley, a lot of people are concerned and have questions about shoulder injuries as it relates to baseball.

Dr. Nilesh Shah from Summa Health System joined Brad Russell on Wednesday to talk about the injuries to both players and how they can best work through them, and get back out on the diamond.

With Brantley, he had surgery on his labrum in the offseason, and now his bicep tendon is giving him problems. Shah said in addition to rest,  Brantley's got to attack rehabiliation like a fastball over the plate.

"A lot of it is really agressive rehab to help stabilize the shoulder joint, which he has been doing," Shah said. 

With catcher Yan Gomes, who is out 4-6 weeks with a separated shoulder,  Shah says there's many different grades of separations, and it could be a differing timetable on his return.

"It's just a matter of getting his strength back, getting his range of motion back," he said.

For this week's edition of Tee it Up Tuesday, Brad went down to the valley to take a hack at Brandywine Country Club on Akron-Peninsula Road.

Alex Marshall joined Brad Russell to talk about the course, the history, and some of the amenities surrounding it.

 "We have 18 holes it's a championship course with our back 9 dug into the Cuyahoga Valley," Marshall said. 

Riverwoods is located on 5555 Akron-Peninsula Road, part of the 2016 Players Golf Card.

Former GlenOak Golden Eagle Bri'onte Dunn has been dismissed from the Ohio State football team due to a violation of team rules.

Tim Shoemaker from 11 Warriors spoke with Brad Russell to talk about Dunn's dismissal and what the running back depth will look like for Urban Meyer's team.

Shoemaker said that his career never really materialized with the Buckeyes, during his four years with the program, but this year was supposed to be the year, but that will not transpire.

"It was a violation of team rules, that's all the school is saying right now," Shoemaker said. 

Dunn will be eligble to play immediately due to already having graduated.

Another local athlete will be taking part in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Green High School graduate Kelsie Ahbe joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about her latest venture going to Brazil representing the country of Canada to compete in track and field as a pole vaulter.

When asked about how she felt when she was chosen to go to the Olympics,  she said it was an unbelievable experience.

"I'm pumped, I just feel really lucky to have this experience," she said.  

Ahbe said her dream of being in Olympics has changed over the years, but she says she's excited to compete against the best in the sport of pole vaulting.

Kelsie is currently training in Nashville, Tennessee before she heads to Rio in August.

The Cleveland Indians are looking to bounce back after a 7-3 loss to the defending World Champion Kansas City Royals Monday night at Kaufmann Stadium.

Matt Underwood, Indians play-by-play television announcer for SportsTime Ohio joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the Tribe and what they are going to look to do against KC tonight.

Underwood says the Indians need a power arm right now and that GM Chris Antonetti isn't sitting on his hands right now.

"I think the Indians are understanding of where they are right now,  they're in first place, and I think they need to make a move, he said.

The Indians and Royals will play at 8:15pm tonight Pregame starts at 7:37 on 1590 WAKR.

For Matt's full interview, click here.

Former GlenOak standout Bri'onte Dunn is no longer with the Ohio State football program after a violation of team rules according to the university.

High School football guru Tim Rogers joined the Sam Bourquin Show Tuesday to talk about where the former Golden Eagle running back might land now that he's no longer a part of Urban Meyer's team.

"I'm sure he wants to play someplace, and I'm sure he will find a place to play," Rogers said.  "He proved he could play in the Big 10 and I know some MAC teams will be interested."

Bri'onte was expected to get some early playing time this season with inexperience at the running back position with youngsters Mike Weber and Curtis Samuel in the fold.

Dunn had played sparingly with the Buckeyes during his four years with the program and had already earned his degree.

He is eligible to play immediately.

With Yan Gomes being out 4-6 weeks with a separated shoulder, many questions have arisen with the catcher position, will the Indians make it work with a platoon system, or will they make a move?

Matt Loede from NEOSportsInsiders joined Brad Russell to talk about that question and more Monday.

He says they don't necessarily need to make a move.

"I think they're going to stay pat with Chris (Jiminez) and Roberto (Perez)," Loede said. "I think those two will hopefully hold the fort down, and what you lose defensively, you could make up for in offense."

For the full interview with Matt click here.

The Cleveland Indians are at the top of the division and heading into Kansas City after taking the series from the Twins over the weekend in Minneapolis.

Zack Meisel from Cleveland.com joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the club and what they might be doing with the lineup.

 Manager Terry Francona said around 4pm Eastern that Yan Gomes would be placed on the 15-day disabled list and Roberto Perez will join the big league club after being activated from the 60-day DL.

For the full interview with Zack, click right here. The Indians and the Royals will play at 8:15pm at Kaufmann Stadium in Kansas City.  Coverage begins on 1590 WAKR at 7:37 p.m.

After a storied career with Canton Central Catholic, Doug Miller will be the new athletic director and head baseball coach of the East Canton Hornets.

Miller joined Sam Bourquin Monday to talk about the new gig and what being a Hornet means to him at this point in his baseball journey.

''I love the community and I remember over the years some of the sports we played East Canton in, they were very competitive," Miller said. "It's a great fit."

He also said the community supports the district and their athletics as well, creating a positive environment within the East Canton cluster.

Miller joins East Canton after 700 wins in 34 years of coaching  with the Crusaders, where he won three state titles.

For the full interview with Coach Miller, click right here.

One of the game of golf's most prestigious tournaments is going on, and as play continues in Scotland through Sunday, American golfer Phil Mickelson is in the lead, braving 25 mph winds at Royal Troon.

Golf writer for SB Nation Emily Kay spoke with Brad Russell on the Average Sports Show to talk about the tournament, Phil's play, and the state of the game as we get closer and closer to the Olympic Games in Rio.

 "Here's this guy who's 46 years old and he's showing the youngsters how it's done," Kay said. 

He's currently at 10 under heading into Saturday, with a one-stroke lead over Henrik Stenson of Sweden. Mickelson has won 8 majors in his career.

The Cleveland Indians are ready to head into the second half of the season and Chris Assenheimer from the Elyria Chronicle Telegram joined Brad Russell in the Average Sports Show to talk about the Indians and if they need to make any moves to solidify their spot amongst the AL's best teams.

The Indians have a three game set with the Minnesota Twins starting tonight on 1590 WAKR as Carlos Carrasco takes on Erwin Santana at Target Field in Minnesota. First pitch is at 8:10 with pregame starting at 7:37pm. 

Derby week culminates on Saturday with the annual running of the Soap Box Derby Championship Race at Derby Downs.

President and CEO of the Soap Box Derby Joe Mazur joined Aaron Coleman to talk about all that's going on down at the Derby and what's kept it going in Akron for the past 79 years.

He says it's been a team effort all the way around with the staff and especially the volunteers.

"There are hundreds of volunteers here in the past week just helping and hundreds of volunteers in the community and from around the country," Mazur said. "There's a lot of passion for our program."

Championship Day starts tomorrow at 8am with racers from all across the country and the world converging on Derby Downs with hopes of capturing a World Championship.

For more information on the Derby and the championship race tomorrow, go to www.soapboxderby.org.

One former STVM grad and University of Akron grad is giving back to his community and spreading his love of the game of basketball to the youngsters in the area with a three day basketball camp starting on Monday.

Dru Joyce III, former point guard for the Fighting Irish and current pro player in Europe took some time to come to the studio to talk about the Give N Go Basketball Camp going on at LeBron James Arena at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.

Dry says this camp is all about teaching the fundamentals and enjoying the game.

"I think right now it's important to at a young age to learn the skills because when you learn the skills and fundamentals, you can enjoy the game of basketball," he says.

The camp is open to 3rd-8th grade boys and girls and there is still a limited number of spots available for the camp, and registrations are accepted at the door Monday morning. For more information, click here.

Dru has played in Europe the last 8 years after completing a stellar career at the University of Akron and at STVM. He says that he's picked up a lot of his coaching style and love of the game from his dad, Dru II.

"I know I wouldn't be where I'm at at right now if it wasn't for those older adults and my dad who helped me along the way."

Warriors forward Draymond Green has been in the headlines recently regarding an alleged altercation at a bar in East Lansing with a former Michigan State football player.

Dave "Mad Dog" DeMarco from 730 The Game WVFN in Lansing spoke with Brad Russell to talk about the latest on Green and what's next for the Spartan alum.

 "I think a lot of people drew a correlation with guys losing their cool on the court and him losing his cool in this situation," DeMarco said. "I think this a whole lot of something about nothing, it was just two guys that had a disagreement."

Green was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of assault in connection to the incident.  Jermaine Edmondson, who was alleged to be in the altercation with Green, has transferred from Michigan State.

In light of Isaiah Crowell's Instagram post and the fallout from that unfortunate decision, many people are asking questions as it relates to social media and what steps can one can take to make sure they don't make a similar mistake.

Julie Cajigas UA Communications Instructor joined Brad Russell to talk about these issues and more.

She says that people who are in the spotlight post something controversial, no matter if they take it down, it still lives on.

"It doesn't matter if it's up for 30 seconds, someone can screenshot it and share it," she said. "Ethically it puts someone in a very bad situation."

Crowell apologized for the post via Facebook video. He has said he was going to donate his first game check to the fallen Dallas Police Officers fund.

Cajigas said that athletes need to know the powerful nature of social media when they get drafted or picked up by a professional team and to be mindful of what they post and who may be affected by it.

The Cleveland Browns are never out of the news, even in the offseason.

Fred Greetham from the Orange and Brown Report joined Aaron Coleman in the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the apology issued by Browns running back Isaiah Crowell as it relates to his offensive Instagram post as well as the injury to Desmond Bryant and the addition of Chad Johnson to the coaching staff for training camp.

On Crowell's situation, Fred said while the act was descpicable, you have to take him at his word.

"If Hue Jackson and the organization thinks it's sufficient, then it's sufficent," Greetham said. "He's going to be on a short leash from here on out."

Desmond Bryant also was in the news for tearing a pec muscle recently and undergoing surgery which will put him out for the 2016-17 season.

Fred says there's going to be a competition for his spot in the defensive end rotation moving forward.

For the complete interview with Fred, click here.

Jim Berdysz from Scout.com joined Aaron Coleman in the Sam Bourquin Show as he assessed the Cleveland Indians' season thus far as they head into the second half of the season Friday night.

The Tribe will be going up against the Minnesota Twins this weekend at Target Field.

Berdysz said the bullpen is one of the biggest concerns moving forward, but the outlook is positive for the Indians as they hold their 6.5 game lead in the AL Central.

He says with the return of Michael Brantley to the lineup in the near future, they will have more offensive firepower.

"He's been the most impactful Indian they've had in the lineup the past two years, so it'll be great to have him back in the lineup."

Berdysz says the Royals will be the Tribe's biggest foe within the division and you can't count them out because of their talent and the fact they are the defending World Series Champions.

For the full interview with Jim, click here. 

One of the all-time great NBA players retired this week with little fanfare, something that shouldn't be a surprise to those who know of him and know him best.

Tim Duncan has called it quits after a 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, which included 5 championships and two league MVP awards among countless other achievements.

Former 13-year NBA vet and World Champion with the Spurs Antonio Daniels joined Aaron Coleman and Ben Genet to talk about who Duncan was as a player and as a person.

When asked what's the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Duncan's name, Daniels said "NBA Champion, best power forward of all time."

"He was a great person and a great teammate," Daniels said. "He was very unselfish and put the best interests of the Spurs ahead of his own."

For the full interview with Antonio Daniels, click right here.

The Eastern League All-Star Game at Canal Park is upon us and some of Double-A's best and brightest young stars will be on display tonight here in Downtown Akron.

Manager of the Akron Rubber Ducks Dave Wallace, who is managing the Western Division All-Stars joined Brad Russell and I from the ballpark earlier this afternoon.

He said he was excited to be a part of this unique experience here in Akron, and he knows this is a special time not only in his baseball career, but in the careers of the youngsters playing here tonight.

"It's a celebration of baseball here in Akron. it showcases guys who are going to be playing at the big-league level someday, and I'm excited to be a part of it.

The Indians are heading into the All-Star game in first place in the AL central and when the Tribe are rolling, fans are excited ,and they hope that excitement continues as the Tribe takes on the Yankees tonight at Progressive Field.

Tribe broadcaster Jim Rosenhaus joined Brad Russell and Aaron Coleman at Progressive Field Thursday to talk about the team's chemistry and how they've been taking care of business in the first half of the season.

 He says one of the pleasant surprises of the season has been Jose Ramirez, who's done everything the team has asked of him, and easing the pain of not having Michael Brantley in the lineup for quite a few games.

The Indians are 51-33 on the season, including a 14 game winning streak, the best in team history.

 The Tribe and the Yankees will play at 7:10 with the first pitch on 1590 WAKR.

The Indians are looking good heading into the All-Star Break and with the New York Yankees coming in to town, the Tribe are looking to gain some momentum by picking up a few wins over the Bronx Bombers before the Midsummer Classic.

Indians' VP of Public Affairs Bobby DiBiasio joined Brad Russell and I at Progressive Field Thursday afternoon ahead of the Indians and Yankees game, and he said he was pleased with where the Indians are heading into the break.

One of the key elements to the Tribe's success has been the play and enthusiasm of 22-year-old All-Star Francisco Lindor and what he's brought to the table. DiBiasio says he's been living up to all the expectations.

"We're so happy for him to get the all-star nod," DiBiasio said.  "He's our shortstop, he's the man, and it's great to see him achieve this early in his career."

The outbreak of heroin continues to spread, and it is happening in our own backyard. In the Akron area, there were 15 reported overdoses on heroin in a ten-hour span. Senator Rob Portman joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to talk CARA, the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act. Portman has been passionate about this issue, and has been looking to get it passed with a bipartisan effort. The Ohio senator wants to educate people, both addicts and non-users, about the dangers of opiates, as heroin overdoses have become the number-one accidental death in the state of Ohio, losing five or six people a day on average. Portman warns of the dangers of pill overdose, as four out of five heroin addicts were exposed to the opiates from prescription medication. In Ohio, according to Portman, there have been about as many heroin overdoses already in 2016 than there were in all of 2015.

Free Agency has created quite a buzz so far with the signing of Kevin Durant by the Warriors, and Al Horford by the Celtics, and many others.

The main question in South Beach and Northeast Ohio respectively is whether or not Dwyane Wade will end up in Cleveland or if he will finish his career in Miami.

Sports Director Mike DiPasquale from WSVN-7 in Miami joined the Average Sports Show to talk about what Wade's mindset might be.

"The Cavaliers are intriguing" Mike says. "I think right now they're going to get it done with the Heat, but I could be wrong."

 Wade has played his entire 13-year career in Miami, and has won three championships with the club. He averaged 21 points last season. 

One of the main discussions going on in the sports world is where will Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will land as a result of free agency.

Cleveland has been mentioned as one of those potential destinations, and Rick Noland from the Medina Gazette spoke with Sam Bourquin Wednesday to talk about the likelihood of Wade coming to the champion Cavs, or spending the rest of his career where it began 13 years ago in Miami.

"They (the Cavs) don't have the money to get this done," Noland said. "When all is said and done he's going to go back to Miami."

Wade and James, who are close friends off the court, won two championships with the Heat during their days in South Beach, when they teamed with Chris Bosh to form one of the league's Big 3. 

As the 2016 Rio Olympics approach, one University of Akron track and field athlete will look to make his mark in Brazil later this August.

Clayton Murphy joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about his accomplishments and his aspirations of running in an Olympic Games.

He won the Olympic trials in the 800 meters on Monday and ever since then, he's been getting ready for Rio.

"When I crossed the line Monday, it was an overwhelming feeling, and it's starting to sink in a little bit."

The 21-year-old Murphy hails from New Paris Ohio, outside of Dayton.

When asked about if he ever thought the Olympics would be a possibility, he said it became real during the past 12 months.

"Track really started to go well,  and I really had large aspirations to run well in the trials and be at the Olympics in August."

For more with Clayton Murphy and his Olympic bid, click here. 

The Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era has come to an end after Durant has departed OKC for the Bay Area to join the Golden State Warriors.

Sports Director of KOKH -TV Myron Patton joined Sam Bourquin Tuesday to talk about the pulse of the fans out in Oklahoma City, and how people felt about the superstar leaving to join the Dubs.

"People were upset," Patton said. "I think shock is the biggest word to describe how people felt."

Many people liken Durant leaving to when LeBron James famously (or infamously) took his talents to South Beach in 2010.

Patton says as far as the Thunder themselves as a team, they have to make sure Russell Westbrook, another All-Star, stays put next offseason when he becomes a free agent.

For more with Myron Patton, click here.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, coming off of the NBA Championship, are looking to get back to that elite level and could be adding some new pieces to try and get back to the mountaintop.

Sports columnist Brian Dulik from the Medina Gazette joined the Sam Bourquin Show Tuesday to talk about the Cavs and what possible moves could be made, despite not having a lot of money to spend.

The Cavaliers have already parted ways with center Timofey Mozgov and Matthew Dellavedova via free agency, and the rumors have already started as far as Dwyane Wade leaving Miami to come to Cleveland and reunite with LeBron James on the hardwood.

"The Heat need Wade more than he needs the Heat organization," Dulik stated.

Wade and James teamed together in Miami to win a pair of championships with the Heat.

For the complete interview with Brian Dulik, click here.

After much speculation and courting from other NBA teams, Kevin Durant has decided to join the Golden State Warriors after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Vern Glenn from KPIX-Channel 5 in the Bay Area spoke with Sam Bourquin Tuesday to talk about the move and how it makes the already-formidable Warriors even better.

"It's all everyone's talking about out here," Glenn said. "I thought he was going to stay with OKC, but at the end of the day, he wants a chance to win a championship.'

Durant announced his decision via the Players' Tribune on July 4.  The 4-time scoring champion and the Thunder lost to the Warriors in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals after racing out to a 3-1 lead before Golden State took control.

For the full interview with Vern, click here.

The second round of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational was a solid one for Australian Jason Day, who is currently in the lead at 4 under par.

Day spoke with the media Friday after his round,  and despite some windy conditions early on, he was pleased with his performance on the South Course.

He shot a 69 on Friday, leaving him in sole posession of first heading into Day 3. David Lingmerth of Sweden is behind him at 67.

The world's #1 golfer heading into the tournament at Firestone, Day says he's focused on making sure he stays at that elite level.

Jason's played in the Bridgestone Invitational in previous years, and he knows he just has to play his game in order to be in the conversation down the home stretch.

"I really want to win this tournament, it's been one of the tournaments on my radar for a very long time, and I'm hoping I'm there by Sunday."

Day tees off at 2 p.m. Saturday, where he'll be paired up with (David) Lingmerth.

Day One of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational was a successful one for American William McGirt, who shot a 64 in the first round.

McGirt spoke with the media Thursday after his round to talk about his solid start.

"It was a good solid day all around," he said. "Drove it pretty well with the exception of the tee shot on 18."

William knows a little bit about this tournament and some of the past winners, Even though it's early, it's a list he'd love to be on.

The North Carolina native won the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio in early June.

When asked if there's any similarites between Firestone and Muirfield Village in Dublin, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus, McGirt said he likes both of the courses, which are more traditional in nature.

McGirt has a three stroke lead over  three players including Jason Day, who is the world's number one golfer.

It's coming. The snap of the ball, the crack of the pads, and the roar of the crowd. College football season is just around the corner and the nation's top teams are looking to get into the College Football Playoff and capture a national championship.

College Football insider Phil Steele, owner of Phil Steele Publications joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the upcoming season and some of the top teams heading into the 2016-17 season.

Phil said that despite losing some top-tier talent, the Ohio State Buckeyes will be strong once again, and the Big 10 will continue to be competitive, including the Nebraska Cornhuskers, under the direction of second-year head coach Mike Riley.

For the full interview with Phil, click here.

Kevin Durant. Al Horford. Dwight Howard. Those are some of the biggest names on the free agency circuit this summer, and for a lot of teams, those three gentlemen, plus a few more names could help organizations on the cusp of getting back to a title.

Eric Pincus Senior NBA writer from Basketball Insiders joined Brad Russell in the Average Sports Show to talk about some of the big names out there, and where they could be potentially playing ball next season.

When it comes to Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant, he says the best fit for him is staying in OKC, even though there's plenty of suitors for him.

"I think he's going to stick around one more year, see what Russell Westbrook is going to do, and then he'll make a decision to either stay long term or go somewhere else."

The Cleveland Indians are red hot as they look to sweep Atlanta and continue their winning streak, which currently stands at 11 games. 

A titan in the coaching world passed away this morning, leaving a legacy of winning, touching lives, and making other people better.

Pat Summitt, the longtime coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers women's basketball team died this morning at the age of 64 after battling early onset dementia.

One of her former players, Vonda Ward joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about Summitt as a coach, mentor, and mother figure to numerous people throughout her remarkable life.

"It's hearbreaking," she said. "It (the disease) just takes a person's mind and they're not there anymore."

Vonda played at Tennessee from 1991-1995. As a highly recruited player in high school, she distinctly remembered Pat Summitt walking through the door as a high school senior.

"She had a way of commanding respect, but was the most caring person, you had the utmost respect for her."

Summitt won eight national titles as the coach of the Lady Vols and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

For the full interview with Vonda, click here.