In a police report obtained by 92.3 The Fan, Dekalb County officials say a suspect is “unknown at this time” but they are looking at robbery as a potential motive based on witness statements. They are also investigating the possibility that the crime may have been committed by someone McMillan knew.

Current Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson remembered McMillan fondly prior to receiving the ‘Dino Lucarelli Good Guy’ award for the 2012 season from the local chapter of the Professional Football Writers of America at the 34th annual Browns Backers banquet in Akron Monday evening.

“He was a good teammate,” Jackson said. “He wouldn’t harm a fly. When he was here with the Browns he developed relationships with big Ted Washington and Willie McGinest and it was a blast being in that locker room with Dave.

“It’s just unfortunate. It’s sad news. He was too young and too good of a guy.”

Former Browns linebacker Andra Davis called Jackson Sunday with the news.

“Right now we’re just trying to find out whatever news we can to see when the service is,” Jackson said. “I’ll be down there to pay my respects.”

Police say McMillan was shot while exiting his pickup in front of a residence in Decatur. A witness alleges in the police report that McMillan was being chased by an unknown man before hearing shots ring out.

The suspect remains unknown and at large according to authorities.

The Browns drafted McMillan in the 5th round of the 2005 draft. The former defensive end at the University of Kansas spent 3 seasons with the Browns as a backup outside linebacker and special teamer.

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That’s how Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner feels when it comes to depth at quarterback.

Last week the Browns added intrigue and depth to the position by signing Cleveland native Brian Hoyer to a 2-year deal.

“There have been more stories written about Brian Hoyer being a Brown over the last 4 months than probably any player in history,” Turner joked prior to speaking at the 34th annual Akron Browns Backers banquet at Tangier in Akron Monday evening. “He was released and was available. He’s a guy that’s been with some good teams in backup situations. He’s played very little football but I think we do like his skillset.”

Hoyer is the 4th quarterback currently on the roster and he is likely 3rd on the depth chart in front of Thaddeus Lewis but behind Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell.

Whether or not 3 or all 4 survive through training camp is another story and a decision that Turner is glad he doesn’t have to make anymore.

“I’m going to coach those guys and give my opinion,” Turner said. “I think that you need to go with 3 quarterbacks. I think if you don’t you’re playing with fire.

“It’s too valuable of a position and you need quarterbacks.”

Turner was asked to assess the Browns’ situation under center with the addition of Hoyer last Friday.

“I think we have 3 talented guys,” Turner said. “Brandon is a 1 year player in the NFL that did a lot more good things than people give him credit for. I like his composure and the way he competes. He’s worked awfully hard and has to be one of the hardest working guys on our team right now and so you say ‘I hope there’s a big upside.’

“Jason has played 9 years in the league. He’s proven he can win in the league. He’s proven he can play. When he’s been with good teams, he’s played better than when he’s been with bad teams, which is what I’d say with a lot of guys. And then with Brian, you’ve got a guy that’s been a backup in some good situations. He really hasn’t played enough to know where he’s at, and we like the way he throws the ball. We like a lot of things about him.”

The Browns new brass – CEO Joe Banner, GM Michael Lombardi and head coach Rob Chudzinski – have played the Weeden card close to the vest but Turner’s comments Monday evening were the most complimentary words heard since January.

While Turner appears to be in Weeden’s corner, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy has plenty to prove as a sophomore and it’s too early for Turner to form a definitive opinion.

“We’ve actually had 3 practices where we’ve been able to go against our defense,” Turner said. “So it’s hard for the opinion that you initially have to change over 3 practices. He’s got a big arm, he’s very intelligent, makes good decisions, he throws the ball up the field the way we would like to but he’s very accurate underneath.

“He’s like all of our guys; he’s learning a new system. We have a lot of work to do, all of us – coaches, players, quarterbacks but I think we’ve made progress over the last 7 weeks.”

Weeden threw for 3,385 yards and went 5-10 as a rookie. He also looked like a round peg being driven into a square hole when it came to being wedged into former head coach Pat Shurmur’s west coast offense.

“I would not talk about system with any guy,” Turner said. “Good players play. They play in any system, and they play when they’re comfortable. What happened to Brandon, Brandon was in here with a very young group of guys. So when you have a lot of young guys and they’re trying to feel their way together, I think it’s hard. I think all those guys having a year together, including Brandon, will help him a great deal.

“But Josh [Gordon] has had a year. Greg Little has had a year. Trent [Richardson] has had a year. Some of the other guys have had some exposure. Jordan [Cameron] has gotten a little bit more exposure. Now he’s in the middle of having a good offseason. So all of those things have to be what help us get better.”

What will be interesting is to see how the snaps are divided amongst the 4 quarterbacks as the offseason progresses.

Weeden needs all the reps he can get. Hoyer and Lewis too. Campbell is the lone veteran among them but even he is learning a new offensive system and could use the work.

“If you have a veteran quarterback who has played a lot, you can kind of take care of him and limit a little bit his reps,” Turner said. “That’s one of the reasons having a guy like Jason Campbell — he’s played so much you hope maybe once we get going with everything we’re doing he doesn’t need as many reps as maybe a young guy does.

“But my experience with young quarterbacks, a guy that’s in his second year, you need all the reps you can give him.”

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Visit Brendon’s web site: www.BrendonAyanbadejo.net

6:23 - The Indians continue to win, having won 17 of their past 21 and taking the first 3 of 4 against the Mariners this past weekend. Kiley and Booms discussed the red hot Tribe and the excellent managing by Terry Francona so far.

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7:22 - Brittney Griner, the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft, came out saying Baylor officials urged her and other gay athletes to not publicize their sexual preference. Kiley and Booms discussed this story about Baylor’s policies, which Kiley understood, but pointed out the hypocrisy of Baylor by recruiting Griner, who admitted she was gay during the recruitment process.

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7:43 - Amber Boyd, a basketball player from Baldwin-Wallace who is gay, called in to talk about her experiences as a gay athlete at a Christian school. Amber, who attended the Catholic Regina High School, and was one of Goat B’s players, talked about her friends and families acceptance of her and the church’s response to her.

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8:44 - Tony Zarrella, the sports director at 19 Action News and host of Tailgate 19, came on the air this morning to talk about the red hot Indians, who have won 17 of the past 21 games.

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9:05 - Baltimore litigator and Cleveland native, Paul Flannery, stopped by the studio this morning and talked with Kiley and Booms about Jimmy Haslam and Pilot Flying J’s legal troubles.

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Hoyer, who came to terms on the deal Thursday evening, passed his physical before officially signing Friday.

“Brian brings experience and a solid reputation to our squad,” head coach Rob Chudzinski said. “We are looking forward to getting him out on the field.”

The addition of Hoyer raised some eyebrows – including those of Brandon Weeden, who once again has 3 other quarterbacks to work with.

“I can’t say I wasn’t surprised,” Weeden said Friday afternoon at the Cleveland Browns Foundation 14th annual golf outing at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River. “I was surprised, but that’s the nature of the beast. It’s part of this business and if you start worrying about it, that’s too much to worry about. That’s my mentality going forward.”

As for the direct effect the signing will have on him – Weeden isn’t sure and isn’t wasting time worrying about it.

“I have no idea,” Weeden said. “I’m worried about me.”

Weeden threw for 3,385 yards, 14 touchdowns and 17 interceptions as a rookie that resulted in 5 wins last season. He’s doing his best to not to let the constant questions and the 2 offseason additions distract him as he tries to retain his starting job this season.

“I realize I didn’t play as well as I could’ve last year,” Weeden said. “I know how hard I’ve worked to become a better player off the field and training and whatever may be. I’m not worried about the other stuff. I’m confident in my abilities and I have a lot of confidence in the guys around me.”

Campbell, who also signed a 2-year contract as a free agent this offseason, wasn’t surprised by the move because most teams have 4 quarterbacks on hand for training camp.

“It’s the NFL,” Campbell said. “Things are going to happen and signings are going to take place. You have to worry about what you can control and that’s going out and working hard each and every day to learn the offense and put your best play on the field when it’s time to play.”

It’s expected that Hoyer enters as the third quarterback on the depth chart and he will compete with Jason Campbell for the back up role – but in competition, anything is possible.

“My mindset is to get better every day,” Campbell said. “Control the things that I can control and continue to work hard, continue to strive to get better, continue to learn this offense.

“Competition, I think, makes everyone better and not just at the quarterback position.”

The Browns also have Thaddeus Lewis on the roster in addition to Weeden, Campbell and now Hoyer.

Hoyer, who is a Cleveland St. Ignatius graduate and grew up in North Olmsted, was released by Arizona on May 12.

The former Michigan State Spartan was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2009 where he served as the backup to Tom Brady until he was released on August 31, 2012.

“He played with Tom Brady and he’s got a wealth of knowledge being around great coaches and great players,” Weeden said. “It’ll be great for our quarterback room and for the rest of the guys.”

Hoyer also had a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In 4 seasons, Hoyer has appeared in 15 games where he has completed 57 of 96 passes (59.4%) for 616 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

“He’s a good player,” Weeden said. “He’s been in a couple of stops so he’s kind of gotten a taste of a few different areas. That brings a lot of knowledge because you’re around a lot of different football minds. That brings a lot as far as bouncing ideas off of each other, talking through things and anytime you can do that it’s always a positive.”

To make room on the roster for Hoyer the Browns waived tight end Garret Hoskins, who was signed as an udrafted free agent from Michigan State following the draft.

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Renee Harvey, vice president of community talked about this year’s outing, the philanthropic efforts of the Cleveland Browns Foundation and the help they receive from players, coaches and staff with events year round.

7:05 - Yesterday the Browns signed former Michigan State and St. Ignatius quarterback Brian Hoyer. Kiley and Booms discussed Michael Lombardi’s opinions about the Cleveland native Hoyer, and what it does to the quarterback situation for Brandon Weeden and the Browns.

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7:44 - Booms and Goat B went head-to-head in the Kiley and Booms Idiot Pop Quiz, squaring off in trivia about the film Stripes.

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8:22 - San Francisco Giants pitcher Jeremy Affeldt corrected a clerical error by the Giants, returning $500,000 dollars to the team. Kiley and Booms discussed the integrity and decision made by Affeldt, and whether he should have corrected their mistake, or kept the money?

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8:43 - Tony Zarrella, the sports director at 19 Action News and host of Tailgate 19, came on the air this morning to talk about Jeremy Affeldt returning $500,000 to the Giants and the Browns signing of Brian Hoyer.

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9:44 - And of course, it’s Friday, 9:40 a.m. and that means it’s the best of the week with In Case You Missed It.

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Hoyer agreed to a 2 year deal while Jackson will receive a 1 year contract.

Hoyer, who is a Cleveland St. Ignatius graduate who grew up in North Olmsted, was released by Arizona on May 12. The former Michigan State Spartan was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2009 where he served as the backup to Tom Brady until he was released on August 31, 2012. Hoyer also had a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In 4 seasons, Hoyer has appeared in 15 games where he has completed 57 of 96 passes (59.4%) for 616 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

Hoyer immediately gets thrown into the quarterback mix which already consists of Brandon Weeden, Jason Campbell and Thaddeus Lewis.

Jackson spent the last 2 seasons with the Browns after signing as a free agent in 2011 from Green Bay.

He was placed on injured reserve prior to the 2011 campaign and appeared in 2 games last season where he rushed for 54 yards on 8 carries and caught 2 passes for 20 yards.

The contracts have not been signed yet because the Browns must make 2 roster moves to make room for Hoyer and Jackson on the roster.

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The same day that his first child, Martha Jane, was born Pinkston was cleared to return to the football field.

Thursday Pinkston was seen by reporters practicing for the first time since he left an Oct. 14 game against the Cincinnati Bengals with flu-like symptoms.

“It feels great to be out here, it feels great to be in a Browns jersey doing drills,” Pinkston said. “It’s been a great week for me.”

After returning to practice the following week after the game, Pinkston became very ill and was hospitalized where doctors discovered he had a blood clot in his lung ending his 2012 season and possibly putting his football career in jeopardy.

“It definitely crossed my mind,” Pinkston said. “What could I do for 7 months – just sit on the couch and take medicine to keep my blood right but it definitely crosses your mind no doubt about it.”

Pinkston was on a very specific diet that didn’t even allow him to eat vegetables as to not interfere with the medication.

Pinkston, who been off blood thinners for over a month now, started the first 22 games of his career until his ailment was discovered. He’s anxious to get back with a fresh start.

“I know how close we are here,” Pinkston said.

He worked with the second-team offense Thursday but doesn’t plan on remaining with the unit because he wants his job back.

“I want to just get back on the field and get a starting job,” Pinkston said.

Not Rushing Mingo: First round draft pick Barkevious Mingo wasn’t with the first team defense Thursday afternoon but fear not – it’s just May.

Defensive coordinator Ray Horton isn’t the least bit worried about Mingo or his progress learning his swarming defensive scheme.

“We’re not putting any timetable on him [to start],” Horton said. “On tape we saw an explosive player and now he’s learning some things that are new to him. There’s a learning curve for him.

“We want him to be a dominating football player.”

Horton noted that Mingo spent most of his time at LSU with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end and now he’s being asked to stand up and work at outside linebacker.

Change Of Venue: Guard Shaun Lauvao spent the first 3 years of his career on the right side of the line but Thursday he switched over and practiced on the left side.

“We are moving guys around at the guard position,” Chudzinski said. “[Jason] Pinkston has been back. Just this week is his first week back so he is not getting the normal amount of reps. We will slowly work him into it. We are working all the guards at all the different spots.”

Special teamer and cornerback Johnson Bademosi switched to free safety with the second-team defense. With a shortage at free safety and reviewing game film, Chudzinski thought the move would be a good one.

“He is a good football player, obviously on special teams,” Chudzinski said. “He is aggressive, good tackler and he goes 100 miles per hour on that. We felt like from an athletic and physicality standpoint, that it would be worth trying to look at him at safety. We know that he has played corner and can play corner.

“That is some of what we are trying to do out here now, is put some guys in some spots that they may not necessarily have been in before and just take a look at them.”

With his multi-front attacking defense, Horton is not shy about changing players’ roles.

“It’s part of the hybrid defense,” Horton said. “We’re moving guys around that are athletic players.”

Starting Off: Although it was the first practice in May, here’s how the Browns lined up on each side of the ball for the first reps of team drills Thursday.

Offense: QB Brandon Weeden; RB Trent Richardson; WR Josh Gordon, Greg Little; TE Jordan Cameron, Kellen Davis; Offensive line: LT Joe Thomas, LG Shawn Lauvao, C Alex Mack, RG John Greco, RT Mitchell Schwartz.

Defense: LDE Ahtyba Rubin, NT Phil Taylor, RDE Desmond Bryant; LOLB Paul Kruger; ILB Craig Robertson, D’Qwell Jackson; ROLB Jabaal Sheard; LCB Joe Haden, RCB Buster Skrine; SS T.J. Ward; FS Tashaun Gipson.

Roll Call: Offensive tackle Chris Faulk, free safety Jamoris Slaughter and wide receiver Cordell Roberson did not practice and started the day on the bikes and did light exercises on the side. As expected, receiver David Nelson was not on the field as he continues to rehab from his ACL injury last season.

Third round pick Leon McFadden remains in school at San Diego State University and was not on hand this week. Mcfadden is expected to battle with Buster Skrine and Chris Owens for the starting right cornerback job. Running back Robbie Rouse, tight end Travis Tannahill and receiver Keenan Davis are also still in school and will return next week after the semester concludes Chudzinski said.

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Not with so much at stake for him professionally.

Weeden, who received the first reps with the offense, admitted that Thursday’s practice – the first OTA session in front of reporters – was his worst showing of the week.

“My third day was probably not as good as my first 2 days,” Weeden said. “Day 1 and day 2 [I had] completions everywhere. Today, completion-wise we weren’t where we were the first 2 days. We weren’t functioning like we were as an offense but the first 2 days we were flying around, we were making a bunch of plays – not that we didn’t today.

“Guys are getting it and understanding it. We’re moving around and playing fast.”

Head coach Rob Chudzinski is finally getting a true look at Weeden in action on the field as opposed to just watching film from last season

“You get to know about him, how he picks things up, how he translates and that’s what we want to see is how he is translating to decision making on the field,” Chudzinski said. “That’s what we are looking at right now at this step. Obviously, things are slowed down up front a little bit so you are not getting the total pass rush. It’s not completely 100 percent guys going against each other.”

Weeden is aware that veteran Jason Campbell, who completed a few nice deep balls to Josh Cooper, Jordan Norwood and Travis Benjamin, was brought in to push him for the starting job.

“We haven’t talked much about [competition],” Campbell said. “Whatever reps you get you compete at a high level. There has not been a lot of talk about it. We’re all out here trying to get better. We have a great offensive coordinator in Norv Turner and coach in Rob Chudzinski. They are two offensive minded coaches and my role is to learn the offense and try to get better every day.”

Even with Campbell’s presence there is no one that is pushing Weeden harder than himself.

After a day of workouts, meetings and film study he spends his evenings reviewing the ins and outs of Norv Turner’s playbook at home with his wife Melanie, who helped him last year navigate the tongue twisting terminology of then coach Pat Shurmur’s west coast offense.

“Me and my wife have been spending too many hours studying,” Weeden said. “It’s been crazy but it’s been good. I feel comfortable with what we’re doing.”

He hopes that hard work not only is noticed but is rewarded by retaining the starting job not just this year but in the years to come by making the Browns coaching staff, front office and ownership believe that he really is ‘the guy.’

“I hope so,” Weeden said. “I hope they see not only what I’m doing out here but the way I’m handling myself working and spending time studying and doing all of those other things. This means a lot to me. It’s my job and I take it seriously.

“I want to be the guy. I want to build off of last year. I think we’re going to be a better football team in a lot of ways and I want to be a part of it and prove to them that I am that guy and make this team better.”

During Thursday’s practice, Weeden conferred with Turner often to correct mistakes – be it footwork, receivers routes or making sure he hit the proper window with the football and on time – regardless if the pass was completed or not.

“He was coaching,” Weeden said. “I think that’s great. I think that’s the way it should be because, trust me, I acknowledge what he’s done and I’m a sponge. He’s really good at what he does and he’s right 100 percent of the time.”

Turner’s new vertical offense, which was on full display for the 2-hour long session, appeals to Weeden and he feels that he’s already light years ahead of where he was a year ago at this time despite learning a whole new system.

“I’m way ahead of the curve,” Weeden said. “This offense kind of makes more sense to start with.”

Weeden tuned out talk about the starting job being up for grabs this offseason as well as the organization deciding not to draft another quarterback in April.

“I didn’t really read into it one way or the other,” Weeden said. “I wasn’t really too concerned with it. I was up here the days before the draft and the days after the draft preparing just like I have every other day. I’ve been drafted twice and you never know what’s going to happen in a draft. You can’t put all of your eggs in one basket.

“I wasn’t concerned with it. It was probably my least concern.”

Despite the misfires Thursday, the tempo, deeper routes and being in the shotgun more have made him much more comfortable.

So has his supporting cast.

“I’ve got really good guys around me,” Weeden said. “I think Josh Gordon is coming into his own, Greg [Little] is playing great and obviously adding Davone Bess, guys like that. [I've got] 5 guys up front that can protect me – as a quarterback that’s how confidence comes about when you have guys around you that can make plays for you.

“My confidence in those guys is through the roof right now.”

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Podcast:

6:05 - The Indians found their bats and regained their winning ways by beating up on the Phillies and Cole Hamels 10-4. Kiley and Booms discussed the Tribe and their “4-headed Mariano Rivera” in the bullpen, and where, if any, is this team’s weakness?

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6:43 - Browns owner Jimmy Haslam’s troubles with his company, Pilot Flying J, seem to multiplying, as more trucking companies file lawsuits over the rebate scandal. The most recent development is that former director of the FBI, Louis Freeh, is now working with the wronged trucking companies.

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7:22 - The Legal Eagles, Avery Friedman and David Lynch, called in to give their expert opinions on Jimmy Haslam, Louis Freeh and OJ Simpson’s plea for a new trial.

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7:44 - Every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:40 on Kiley and Booms, it’s the game show that is sweeping the nation: Ahead or Behind! You can see today’s list used in the game here.

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8:22 - With the Indians playing well, but in the midst of a 5+ year playoff drought, and the Browns owner embattled in the legal troubles, the guys asked the question of the morning: would you rather the Tribe make the postseason this year, or for have all this trouble with the Browns go away?

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9:44 - Chris Van Vliet, entertainment reporter for 19 Action News, called in to talk about Star Trek: Into Darkness and the rest of the summer movie blockbusters this year.

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While admitting there were mistakes in handling of the rebates, Haslam maintained that he “absolutely” did not know of any of the alleged cheating on those rebates. He said there were 400 companies that were eligible for a manual rebate and that 250 of those had some kind of adjustment that they are looking into. He also said that his own independent investigator arrived at the headquarters earlier this week to delve into the potential wrongdoing by his company.

Haslam said there were two goals for Pilot Flying J going forward. He wants to make any wrongs right with those trucking companies effected, including money and interest, and he wants to restore trust. Today’s press conference comes one day after news surfaced that former FBI Director Louis Freeh agreed to work with trucking companies that have filed suit against Pilot Flying J.

Pilot Flying J, the nation’s largest diesel fuel retailer, has been alleged to have bilked customers out of rebates.

Plaintiffs attorney Mark Tate confirmed to WBIR-TV in Knoxville and to the Plain Dealer in Cleveland on Wednesday that Freeh has agreed to work on the lawsuit filed after federal agents raided Pilot’s headquarters last month.

Jimmy Haslam bought the Browns last year. He is the brother of Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.

The FBI alleges members of Pilot’s sales team deliberately withheld rebates to boost Pilot profits and pad sales commissions. No criminal charges have been filed.

A Knoxville judge last month rejected a claim in the civil lawsuit that Jimmy Haslam was tampering with potential witnesses by contacting trucking companies and offering to reimburse them for any unpaid rebates.

Haslam was scheduled to speak at a transportation conference in Indianapolis on Thursday. Haslam was expected to take questions from the audience, but not from the media.

Freeh’s firm last year issued a 267-page report for Penn State on the university’s handling of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. He has also worked for the New Orleans Saints in response to the NFL’s bounty probe; and investigated corruption allegations for FIFA.

A Pilot spokesman said the company had no comment on who was involved in the lawsuit.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Cribbs has signed a 1-year contract with the Oakland Raiders.

CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora was first to report the news. Cribbs along with his agent J.R. Rickert confirmed the signing via Twitter.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to prove myself yet again! Fresh start, New team, New chip on my shoulder!!!! Love u Cleveland but now it’s #catalinawinemixer 2013RaiderNation,” Cribbs tweeted.

Cribbs underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee to repair a torn meniscus this offseason and failed a physical in March after coming close to terms with the Arizona Cardinals.

He visited the Raiders last week along with the New York Jets and Giants as well as Detroit Lions.

Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Browns in 2005, Cribbs appeared in 3 Pro Bowls and amassed over 12,000 combined return yards in 8 seasons in Cleveland. His 8 kickoff returns for touchdowns are tied with Leon Washington for the most in NFL history.

Cribbs is fifth in NFL history in career kickoff return yardage with 10,015 yards and combined kickoff and punt return touchdowns with 11. He ranks sixth all-time in combined kickoff and punt return yardage with 12,169 total yards.

Numerous coaching staffs of the Browns failed to figure out to use Cribbs offensively over the years.

After catching a career high 41 passes in 2011, Cribbs’ offensive reps were limited last season and he caught just 7 passes for 53 yards.

He totaled 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and 7 touchdowns and rushed 128 times for 753 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Browns in addition to his special teams work.

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Cribbs underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscuson this offseason and that procedure has prevented him from landing a new job so far.

Within the last week Cribbs has visited with Oakland, the NY Giants, Jets and Detroit Lions.

According to Connor Orr of The Star-Ledger, Jets general manager John Idzik said that Cribbs knee isn’t fully healed.

Read the full story from Orr HERE.

Cribbs reportedly had an agreement in place with Arizona in March but did not pass his physical at the time and was supposed to retake it at a later date once his knee healed.

Podcast:

The Cleveland Browns signed defensive back Akeem Auguste, punter T.J. Conley, defensive lineman Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, defensive back Abdul Kanneh and linebacker Ausar Walcott, the team announced Monday.

The Browns also waived 5 players – defensive back Kevin Barnes, wide receiver Mike Edwards, defensive lineman Paipai Falemalu, punter Jake Schum and defensive back Ricky Tunstall.

Below are the bio’s for all 5 players which were furnished by the Browns.

A four-year letterman at the University of South Carolina (2008-10, 12), Auguste appeared in 43 contests with 22 starts. He totaled 133 career tackles, one interception, 10 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one sack. Born October 10, 1989, the 5-10, 185-pound Auguste is a native of Hollywood, Florida and attended Chaminade-Madonna High School and Fork Union Military Academy.

Originally signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009, Conley spent training camp with the Jets in 2009 and 2010 before emerging as the team’s starting punter in 2011. He appeared in all 16 games in 2011, booting 92 punts for 3,926 yards (42.7 average) with 32 punts inside the 20-yard line. Conley spent training camp with the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. A four-year letterman at the University of Idaho (2005-08), Conley led the NCAA in punting (47.4 average) as a senior. Born August 29, 1985, the 6-1, 215-pound Conley is a native of Walla Walla, Washington, where he attended DeSales High School.

Originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Jean-Baptiste spent four weeks on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad last season. A four-year letterman at Baylor University (2008-11), he appeared in 49 games with 21 starts and totaled 94 career tackles, five sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. Born March 8, 1989, the 6-1, 330-pounder is a native of Houston, Texas, where he attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

Kanneh spent two seasons at New Mexico Highlands University (2011-12), where he totaled 107 career tackles and nine interceptions, with four returned for touchdowns. He also returned 21 kickoffs for 425 yards (20.3 average) with two touchdowns and 13 punts for 215 yards (16.5 average), while also blocking five kicks. Born September 9, 1990, the 5-10, 185-pound Kanneh is a native of London England, and attended Potomac High School in Virginia.

A four-year letterman at the University of Virginia (2009-12), Walcott appeared in 45 games with 22 starts. He totaled 128 career tackles, 1.5 sacks, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery. Born January 1, 1990, the 6-2, 230-pound Walcott is a native of Hackensack, N.J., where he attended Hackensack High School.

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You can purchase “We Are West Texas” charity T-shirts to support the families affected by the plant explosion, go to: http://aamanagementgroup.com/shop/

Part 1

Part 2

True to his word, Haslam was on hand for the first 2 days of rookie minicamp in Berea this weekend.

Haslam spent Saturday afternoon visiting with CEO Joe Banner, president Alec Scheiner, general manager Michael Lombardi as well as head coach Rob Chudzinski while he took in practice. He watched Friday’s session in between conversations with free agent linebacker Paul Kruger, cornerback Joe Haden and receiver Greg Little.

Earlier this week, CBS Sports.com’s Mike Freeman along with Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported that there is growing concern in NFL circles that the federal probe into Haslam’s family owned Pilot Flying J and the lawsuits associated with it could drain Haslam financially making it difficult or impossible to run the franchise.

The fear is that extensive legal fees plus settlements as a result of the suits could interrupt the cash flow required to run the team and as a result there’s a chance it might have to be sold – again.

Since the FBI and IRS raided the company headquarters in Knoxville Tenn. on April 15, Haslam has made a series of statements professing innocence of wrongdoing as well as steps he’s put in place to rectify any wrongdoing.

Those expecting Haslam to go into hiding were sorely mistaken.

“The last thing we ever wanted to do as a new owner was to detract from football and the Browns and just what a great football area this is,” Haslam said earlier this week. “I apologize for that, we feel badly about it, and we’re comfortable that we’ll work through this situation.”

Haslam remains as visible at the team’s training facility in Berea as he has been since agreeing to buy the team from Randy Lerner for $1.05 billion last August. He was unanimously approved by NFL owners on Oct. 16, 2012 and the sale closed 2 weeks later.

Since taking control of the team, Haslam has rebuilt the front office and coaching staff.

And with that the roster is undergoing another makeover as well – this time it’s a bit more subtle than the typical gut-jobs that have occurred over the years with previous regime changes.

“I think we’ll have a better football team this year,” Haslam said. “As I’ve said on several occasions, we’re going to do this the right way. It’s not going to happen overnight. You don’t go from winning 14 games in three years to winning 14 games in one year. I’m convinced we will have a better team this year and we’ll be better in 2014.”

The investigation aside, Haslam wants to alleviate the fears of fans who worry that 2013 is going to be another throw away season for the franchise, which has been mired in constant change and of course losing in 12 of the 14 seasons since the team returned in 1999.

“We stand very accountable for what happens this year and we are not at all throwing this year away,” Haslam said earlier this week. “I think it’s very important. I think we’ll have a good team. I think we’ve put together a really coaching staff. The intensity in the building, several of the players have remarked to me that the intensity in the building, in the weight room and on the practice field is definitely amped up and I think that will result in a better football team.”

The energy Haslam speaks of is noticeable on the field but that’s said every time a new staff rolls into town.

Candidly, fans are more worried about the outcome of that investigation and the ramifications it could have on the long-term health of the franchise.

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Rouse, who was attending rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, started 26 of the 50 games in which he appeared for Fresno State.

“It was a great feeling and feels like the hard work paid off,” Rouse said. “It’s a dream growing up as a child to be a professional football player and now I’m here. I’m just grateful for this [opportunity] and am thankful.”

Rouse was on his way to Dallas to spend the weekend with the Cowboys when the Browns called so he turned around to come to Cleveland where thought he’d actually get a contract.

It’s not often that a player of his height makes it in the NFL but it’s something that he hopes will be an advantage for him and not a negative.

“My quickness and my ability to catch the ball [help],” Rouse said. “My size too because my lineman, they’re 6-6, 6-4; you can’t see me and by the time they can it’s too late and I can use my change of direction ability to make them miss.

“It’s always been hard for a player like me [with my size] so I have to work hard.”

The 5-6, 190-pound back finished as Fresno State’s all time career rushing leader with 4,647 yards and 37 touchdowns. Rouse added 110 receptions and 794 receiving yards in 4 seasons. He ran for over 1,000 yards in each of his final 3 seasons at Fresno and totaled 21-career 100 yard rushing games.

The Browns are pretty deep at running back starting with Trent Richardson. Then there’s Chris Ogbonnaya and Montario Hardesty in the mix as well but Rouse isn’t the least bit worried.

“I’m just going to learn the playbook to the best of my abilities and bring what I can to the table,” Rouse said. “Just catching the ball and making people miss; I want to be a complete running back and see where I can fit into the offense.

“I’m here to work hard.”

Rouse is the 19th player to be signed as an undrafted rookie free agent this offseason by the team.

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As far as the Cleveland Browns are concerned, 7th round pick Armonty Bryant is down to his final strike – or in football terms it’s 4th and goal.

72 hours after resolving his DUI arrest in Oklahoma, Bryant was on the field Friday participating in the team’s rookie minicamp.

“I’m just fortunate the Browns still have faith in me,” Bryant said. “Hopefully I can win a spot on this 53-man roster. I just made a stupid mistake at the time. But now I’m just going to let my actions speak for me.”

Prior to hitting the field, he sat down with head coach Rob Chudzinski, who laid a few things out to him.

“It’s a serious matter,” Chudzinski said. “Now that Armonty’s gotten here I had a chance to sit down with him and talk about my expectations and make those expectations clear with him. I feel like we have a good support structure here and I feel like we have good guys in the locker room, some guys that were excellent mentors that any player that follows their example — if you look at D’Qwell Jackson, if you look at Davone Bess and those guys — will learn how to be a professional.

“Ultimately, Armonty needs to show that he’s going to be accountable and I expect that out of him.”

Bryant is grateful that the team did not let him go following his arrest early on the morning of May 3 near the stadium at East Central University, where he was a standout player for the Division II school.

“I apologized multiple times,” Bryant said. “[Coach Chudzinski] just told me what he expects and what the Browns expect. So hopefully we can move forward, and I can prove [to] them that I’m not that type of person.”

Bryant pleaded no contest to the charge and received a 1-year deferred jail sentence and was also required to attend a victim impact panel, obtain a substance abuse assessment and pay $1,136 in court costs.

“It’s been tough lately,” Bryant said. “I’ve just been able to move forward with it, the whole situation, and thankfully the Browns still have faith in me and everything and they just let me come out here and have a second chance.”

Although he declined to go into details about his latest legal troubles, Bryant acknowledged that he’s lucky to find himself on a football field Friday and not in a jail cell.

Bryant said Friday that he’s already making lifestyle changes.

“I’ve been locking myself in the room with my playbook every night,” Bryant said. “Either that, or I’m on the video games, just keeping to myself. Nothing outside is going to affect me from helping this team win or anything like that.”

Bryant was already on probation following an arrest last October. He was accused of selling $20 worth of marijuana twice to an undercover officer.

While Bryant reiterated what he said after the Browns drafted him – “even good people make mistakes” – Chudzinski is hopeful that this will be the last one he makes considering that they decided not to part ways with him.

“You have to give guys every chance, every opportunity,” Chudzinski said. “Again, I feel really good the structure that we will have around him to give him every chance. Again, he will be evaluated constantly just like all our players are.

“Time will tell.”

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No. 6 overall pick Barkevious Mingo, who looked much bigger and faster in uniform than a suit, headlined the 5 draft class participants.

Much has been made of Mingo’s 240-pound frame and when peppered with questions about the possible need to bulk up before training camp Mingo laughed.

“Aw, I think I’m just fine the way I am,” Mingo said.

Mingo added that he’s willing to come in at whatever weight head coach Rob Chudzinski asks him to and if that means adding a few pounds so be it.

“That remains to be seen,” Chudzinski said. “Different guys have different body types and different weights they play the best at.”

7th round pick Armonty Bryant was on the field and participated following the resolution of his DUI case earlier this week. Bryant appeared contrite and apologetic following his first NFL practice.

“I still have a lot to prove,” Bryant said. “I’m still a D-2 pick, so you know, I’ll always have that chip on my shoulder. This just makes it a bigger chip.”

The Browns invited 2 quarterbacks to camp this weekend on a “tryout basis” – Kyle Frazier (6-2, 220 lbs from Monmouth) and Ryan Aplin (6-1, 200 lbs from Arkansas St.).

18 others were invited to try out including running back Josh Haden, brother of cornerback Joe Haden.

Dave Kruger, bother of outside linebacker Paul Kruger, was among the 18 undrafted rookie free agents as well as 6 “roster participants” who were on the field as well.

Both Joe and Paul were on the field to observe their siblings hard at work.

“The big brothers were real interested in those guys,” Chudzinski said. “Josh came running by and I think I asked him who was faster, him or Joe. I made sure Joe heard it when I asked him. He moved around, he can run, he’s quick and he made a couple nice runs out there. Dave, I didn’t notice him as much but it’s harder until you get a chance to watch the tape. We were talking a little bit before practice and obviously you guys saw Paul out there checking out his little brother.”

Safety Jamoris Slaughter, selected in the 6th round from Notre Dame, along with offensive lineman Chris Faulk, an undrafted rookie free agent from LSU, were the only 2 players who did not practice.

Slaughter is recovering from an Achilles injury sustained against Michigan State Sept. 15, 2012 while Faulk in coming off a pair of right knee surgeries to repair an ACL and MCL injury.

True to his word, owner Jimmy Haslam was also on the fields observing the rookies.

The first practice of the 3-day camp was moved indoors after heavy storms hit the area.

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6:44 - The Indians won again, winning now another three in a row, and 9 out of 10. The Tribe was helped, however, by a controversial call that overturned the game tying home run by the A’s Adam Rosales. Kiley and Booms discussed the Indians potent lineup, and the botched call that helped the Tribe win the series against Oakland.

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7:22 - The Legal Eagles, Avery Friedman and David Lynch, called in to give their expert opinions on Jimmy Haslam and the ‘Miracle in Cleveland.’

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7:44 - Every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:40 on Kiley and Booms, it’s the game show that is sweeping the nation: Ahead or Behind! You can see today’s list used in the game here.

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8:24 - The guys continued to talk about the Indians controversial win last night, following the blown home run call by head umpire Angel Hernandez. The guys talked about Justin Masterson’s strong pitching performance hidden by this controversy, and what lies on the horizon this weekend for the Tribe.

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9:05 - Sandy Alomar Jr., former Indians All-Star catcher, called in to talk about the Indians early success.

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