the football to help the passing game, but Miami was 61st among 6

They felt sick, angry, cheated, deceived. Not only did Ryan Braun let down scores of baseball fans Monday, he riled up players all around the majors. The guys who used to be in his corner. The guys who make up the union membership. "Watching him talk right now makes me sick," Skip Schumaker of the Los Angeles Dodgers said. "I have an autographed Braun jersey in my baseball room that Ill be taking down. I dont want my son identifying what Ive worked so hard to get to and work so hard to have — I dont want him comparing Braun to me." The Milwaukee Brewers slugger accepted a 65-game suspension Monday for unspecified "violations" of baseballs drug program and labour contract. Just last year, the 2011 NL MVP dodged a 50-game penalty when an arbitrator overturned his positive test for elevated testosterone because the urine sample had been improperly handled. Then he held a news conference at spring training in Phoenix and read a defiant statement, insisting he was innocent and "the truth" was on his side. Jason Bay watched it on television, just like everyone else. "I think for me what makes me mad," the Seattle outfielder said, "basically it just kills all the credibility of anybody." Reaction poured in after Major League Baseball banned Braun without pay for the rest of the season and the post-season, the beginning of sanctions involving players reportedly tied to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs. Plenty of it was pretty harsh. "I think everybodys frustrated, especially the players. I think we all feel a little bit cheated," Mariners pitcher Joe Saunders said. Schumaker thinks Braun should hand over his MVP award to Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, who finished second in the 2011 balloting. "In my opinion, he should be suspended — lifetime ban. One strike, youre out. Its enough. Its ridiculous," Schumaker said. "He lied to a lot of people. I was convinced, after that MVP, that he didnt do it." Braun, struggling through an injury-plagued season, will miss Milwaukees final 65 games, costing him about $3 million of his $8.5 million salary. But his punishment probably wont affect the Brewers playoff chances much — they were last in the NL Central at 41-56, already far out of wild-card contention. "I talked to a lot of the guys and we think the penalties arent harsh enough," Saunders said. "I think it should have been a years suspension, at least. Just my take on it. I dont get why guys have to do that stuff." Braun issued a statement Monday saying hes not perfect and realizes now that he has made some mistakes. He apologized "to anyone I may have disappointed" and said he was happy to have the matter behind him "once and for all." But that doesnt mean theres no fallout for others in the game. "Its a sad day," Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Its a black eye when something like this happens." New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, Brauns former teammate in Milwaukee, said he was shocked. "I never would have thought it, but I guess you never know," Sabathia explained. Some players were more forgiving. "He stepped up. Its just like when you get a ticket, a speeding ticket," Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter said. "You know you were speeding. You get a ticket and you go and you do your time or pay your speeding ticket, then youre doing what youre supposed to do. Thats what Braunie is doing. Everybody makes mistakes. It takes a man to forgive him. If you dont forgive him, then are you a man?" Bay thinks Braun could have handled his situation differently. "If you look at the guys who have done stuff and just come out and admit it, a lot of guys dont remember who those guys were," Bay said. "But the guys who run up and down and say, No, no, and then it gets drug through the mud 10 times worse, it makes it tougher on themselves and the rest of us." It appears more penalties are coming, too. Braun was one of more than a dozen players targeted by MLB, including injured Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, following a report by Miami New Times in January that they had been connected with Biogenesis of America, a now-closed anti-aging clinic. "The guys that are cheating or whatever are taking something away from the other players. Theyre lying to the fans, theyre lying to their teammates, theyre lying to their GMs, their owners, and theyre going to get caught," Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson said. Braun addressed his stunned Brewers teammates Monday afternoon. Second baseman Rickie Weeks described the slugger as "sombre" and "embarrassed." "Ive said all along he doesnt need that stuff to perform," catcher Jonathan Lucroy said. "I dont know why he ever took it." Lucroy acknowledged he initially felt deceived. But he said Brewers players were supportive, and he forgives Braun. "I dont think anybody here is going to hold a grudge," Lucroy said. "He was depressed, but at the same time he felt a lot of weight come off his shoulder, come off his chest. Thats a tough burden to bear, withholding the truth for so long."Cheap Mets Jerseys . Toronto has dropped games to Indiana and Miami since a five-game winning streak and closed out a three-game road trip at 1-2. Cheap Pedro Martinez Jersey .2 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for the leagues broadcast and multimedia rights. http://www.cheapmetsjerseys.com/ .C. - The Carolina Hurricanes have placed backup goalie Anton Khudobin on injured reserve with an unspecified lower-body injury. Cheap Mike Piazza Jersey .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. Cheap Dwight Gooden Jersey . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle.With Mark Schlabachs most recent Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings as our guide, we have ranked everything from the weakest position groups to potential Olympians. This week, what are the biggest summer questions facing each team in the top 25?1.?Alabama Crimson Tide Is Bo Scarbrough really ready? Can he step into Derrick Henrys shoes and not miss a beat? Because, well, thats a lot to ask. Although Scarbrough is everything you look for in a running back -- big, powerful, athletic -- he is inexperienced and carries a history of injuries. Picking up the intricacies of the position (blocking, pass-catching, etc.) will be what makes or breaks the redshirt sophomores potential to be the feature back and an SEC star. -- Alex Scarborough2.?Clemson Tigers The pass rush. Its not that Clemson doesnt have talent at defensive end. Dabo Swinney is convinced that Austin Bryant, Clelin Ferrell and Richard Yeargin will develop into top-flight defenders. But none of them has much experience. Thats the downside of putting four defensive ends into the NFL the past two years. Swinneys hope, however, is that the competition among the inexperienced talent will generate better practices during fall camp and have the Tigers ready to pick up where they left off on defense last season. --?David M. Hale3.?Michigan WolverinesWho is going to play quarterback for the Wolverines? Wilton Speight and John OKorn have been in a neck-and-neck position battle since spring. With a litany of receiving weapons this season and one of the games best QB tutors in Jim Harbaugh, whoever comes out on top will find himself in position to succeed. -- Dan Murphy4. Florida State SeminolesQuarterback is the most glaring question mark, but will the rest of the offense step up to alleviate the pressure? Dalvin Cook will do his part, but the offensive line and receivers need to reach his level. Both groups were far too inconsistent a year ago. The line is imposing and talented, and Travis Rudolph stood out among the receivers this spring. -- Jared Shanker5.?Oklahoma SoonersWith status of preseason All-Big 12 pick Jordan Thomas up in the air for the opener following an offseason arrest, cornerback is a huge concern for the Sooners going into camp. Thomas is the defenses only proven performer at the position as the team heads into a nonconference slate that features a pair of outstanding opposing quarterbacks, Houstons Greg Ward and Ohio States J.T. Barrett. --?Jake Trotter6. LSU TigersLeonard Fournette is ready, as are the offensive line and receiver corps, led by Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. The defense is solid, too, with one of the most talented secondaries in the country. But the passing game? Thats the issue. Coaches and teammates say they see a change in quarterback Brandon Harris now that hes a junior, but he has work to do to change his reputation as an underachiever holding back an otherwise talented offense. -- Scarborough7.?Stanford Cardinal Who will hand the ball off to Christian McCaffrey? Both Keller Chryst and Ryan Burns appear to be capable options to replace Kevin Hogan. No pressure, guys. The past two Stanford quarterbacks (Andrew Luck and Hogan) have had coaching positions named in their honor. -- Kyle Bonagura8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Whom will Brian Kelly pick at quarterback? DeShone Kizer has the experience, but before an injury,?Malik Zaire was pegged as the starter in 2015. Kelly said the offense has developed around Kizer, so hell do a better job of tweaking the offense to Zaires skills when the left-hander is in during fall practice. That should ensure Kelly picks the most talented option. -- Shanker9.?Ohio State BuckeyesIs Mike Weber ready for prime time? Theres no veteran around to help ease him into a role as the primary rusher, and from the first day of camp, the pressure will be on the redshirt freshman to live up to his recruiting hype. As if following the footsteps of Carlos Hyde and Ezekiel Elliott werent a big enough challenge, the title hopes for the Buckeyes could hinge on Webers ability to match the standard of the superstars who came before him and thrived in Urban Meyers power-spread offense. -- Austin Ward10. Tennessee Volunteers People will point to Joshua Dobbs ability to consistently get the ball downfield, but hes going to need some protection to do anything this fall. The battle at left tackle is crucial for the Vols. Longtime starter Kyler Kerbyson is gone, which leaves redshirt freshman Drew Richmond to battle with Chance Hall, who started seven games at right tackle last year, and Brett Kendrick. Richmond appears to be the favorite, but this should last through all of camp. -- Edward Aschoff11.?USC Trojans Max Browne or Sam Darnold? Many people expected Browne to be announced as Cody Kesslers replacement in the spring, but Darnolds play prevented that. Browne remains the favorite, but dont be surprised if Darnold, a redshirt freshman, starts at quarterback against Alabama. -- Bonagura12. Georgia Bulldogs Kirby Smart is searching for some defensive linemen, a couple linebackers, the right offensive line combination and some playmakers at receiver. He has two running backs coming back from injuries, and he still has to figure out who is the starting quarterback. Freshman phenom Jacob Eason is the fan favorite, but Smart isnt going to rush his progress. Veterans Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey will have every chance to take the starting job, but Eason is waiting in the wings. How will Smart play this in the weeks leading up to opening weekend? -- Aschoff13. Ole Miss Rebels Hugh Freeze likes the taleent and depth coming back on his offensive line, but Ole Miss lost five starters from last years group and returns just 36 career starts.ddddddddddddThere will be moving and shaking up front all camp, but freshman Greg Little is the X factor. If he can cement his spot at left tackle, Freeze might find the perfect combination before taking on Florida State.?-- Aschoff14.?Oklahoma State Cowboys Whos going to rush the passer? The Cowboys are flush with youth at defensive end after losing Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean, who combined to record 28 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks in 2015. Vincent Taylor is a force in the middle. OSU is athletic across the front four. But its production is likely to decline, and it must find someone -- perhaps Jarrell Owens -- to draw the attention of opponents on the edge. --?Mitch Sherman15.?Michigan State SpartansCan the Spartans rebuild in the trenches? The offensive and defensive lines in East Lansing -- staples of the programs recent success -- lost three starters apiece at the end of last season. Malik McDowell will star on defense, but the Spartans have to sort out a long list of less experienced options (including two transfers) to complement him. -- Murphy16.?Washington Huskies Is the hype justified? That wont be determined quite yet, but there will be heightened interest around the program from Day 1 after the Huskies spent the offseason lavished with constant praise. -- Bonagura 17. Houston Cougars The Cougars need to find leadership of the vocal variety on defense. The talent at defensive coordinator Todd Orlandos disposal is sufficient, but after the graduation of multiyear starters such as linebacker Elandon Roberts and safeties Trevon Stewart and Adrian McDonald -- all of whom were vocal, heart-and-soul types for the Cougars -- new faces need to step into those roles if the Cougars are to have similar success on that side of the ball. Defensive end Cameron Malveaux seems the most likely candidate to step up, but Orlandos trying to find someone at every level of the defense. -- Sam Khan Jr.18. North Carolina Tar HeelsCan the defense get the ball back to what should be a dominant offense? Opponents saw what Baylor did in the bowl, coupled it with the fact that the Tar Heels lost two key linebackers and are thinking they will be able to run all over North Carolina. The defense needs to play better against the rush to prevent time-sustaining drives, get off the field and give the offense a chance to showcase its skill. -- Shanker19.?Oregon Ducks Can Brady Hoke breathe life back into the Ducks struggling defense? The unit was a disaster with Don Pellum calling plays, which led Mark Helfrich to demote him and turn the keys over to the former Michigan head coach. Quarterback is a concern, but not as much as the downward trend on defense. -- Bonagura20.?TCU Horned Frogs Whos going to lead this powerful offense? Trevone Boykin leaves big shoes to fill, and TCU coaches have remained noncommittal about who leads the race between Kenny Hill and Foster Sawyer. Even though Hill has SEC experience and was named the Big 12s preseason newcomer of the year, Sawyer has a shot to win the job. Its going to come down to how the QBs fare in scrimmages this month. -- Max Olson21. Texas A&M Aggies How quickly will the offensive line jell? The Aggies graduated three starters, which means a lot of new faces are being plugged in this year. Erik McCoys development at center and Koda Martins progress at right tackle are of particular importance as the Aggies try to improve in an area in which they have been maddeningly inconsistent the past two years. For new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzones offense to start on the right foot, the Aggies need to be good up front. --?Khan22.?UCLA Bruins How will the Bruins adapt to a new scheme on offense? Theyll look more traditional -- tight ends, fullback and snaps from under center -- and rely heavily on sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen. -- Bonagura23.?Iowa HawkeyesWho is going to do the punting and kicking? The Hawkeyes return starters at almost every position from their undefeated 2015 regular season, but special teams is undergoing a changing of the guard. Punter Dillon Kidd and kicker Marshall Koehn (who hit seven kicks from 40 yards or more last fall) are gone. For a team that plays in a lot of close battles, building trust in young specialists could be a deciding factor in the bid for another divisional title. -- Murphy24. Miami HurricanesBrad Kaaya has first-round potential, but will the offensive line allow the offense to flourish? Mark Richt is determined to run the football to help the passing game, but Miami was 61st among 65 Power 5 teams in rushing yards before contact last season. The good news is the Hurricanes return a lot along the offensive line, so there should be more cohesion, despite adjusting to a new coaching staff. -- Shanker25.?Louisville CardinalsThe offensive line. Plenty of attention has gone to QB Lamar Jackson, who were told has made huge strides as a pocket passer this offseason. None of that will matter, however, if his line doesnt take a big step forward. Last season, Louisville allowed the third-highest rate of pressures in the Power 5 (38.9 percent of dropbacks), and its ground game offered little support, which forced Jackson to become a runner rather than a passer. Most of last years O-line returns this season, but itll need to be a year better -- not just a year older. --?Hale ' ' '