Western Reserve stays second in Division VII

Western Reserve stays second in Division VII

COLUMBUS

Unbeaten Western Reserve remained the Mahoning Valley’s highest-ranked team in the latest Associated Press Ohio High School Football Poll, released on Monday.

The Blue Devils (4-0) are again second in Division VII.

Other area teams ranked in the second poll of the season include Division I Austintown Fitch (4-0, fourth), Division III Poland (4-0, seventh) and Hubbard (4-0, eighth), Division IV Struthers (4-0, 16th), Division V Crestview (3-1, ninth) and Ursuline (2-2, 11th), Division VI South Range (4-0, ninth) and Division VII Wellsville (4-0, ninth).

The first Ohio High School Athletic Association computer ratings of the season are set to be released today.

49ers prepare to move forward without Smith

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

The San Francisco 49ers are prepared to go forward without star linebacker Aldon Smith for as long as it takes for him to get clean, healthy and improve his life. Smith was placed on the reserve non-football injury list Monday as he enters rehab for substance abuse and begins what team CEO Jed York has termed an indefinite absence.

“I am taking a leave of absence to address my health,” Smith said through the 49ers. “I am sorry that I have affected my team, my family and the organization. I will do everything in my power to handle this situation the best way possible. I appreciate the support of the 49ers and our fans.”

The NFL said there is no minimum number of games Smith must miss on the reserve non-football injury list, and he can return when ready.

Pacman gets disorderly conduct citation

CINCINNATI

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has been accused of making offensive comments while drunk and has been given a disorderly conduct citation. Ohio State Patrol Lt. Anne Ralston says Jones was arrested just after 2:30 a.m. Monday after the vehicle he was in was pulled over for speeding.

The driver was cited for drunken driving while Jones was cited for disorderly conduct. Both charges are misdemeanors. Jones and the driver were released and have court hearings set for Friday.

Jones’ agent and his attorney haven’t returned phone calls seeking comment.

Ravens’ Jacoby Jones ‘fine’ after altercation

OWINGS MILLS, Md.

Baltimore receiver Jacoby Jones is doing well after being involved in an altercation on a chartered bus. Ravens coach John Harbaugh says the incident occurred early Monday morning and that Jones is “fine.”

TMZ reported Jones and his teammates were returning from the District of Columbia after celebrating offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie’s birthday when Jones was hurt. Harbaugh did not provide details of the altercation. The coach did say Jones “went through everything today that he was supposed to go through.”

Jones is rehabilitating a knee injury and has not played since the season opener. Harbaugh says he scolded Jones and addressed the team. He says, “It’s not something we want to be known for. ... It’s nothing to be proud of. I’m kind of disappointed in that sense.”

NBA may allow nicknames on jerseys

MIAMI

So long, James, Allen, Pierce and Garnett. King James, Jesus Shuttlesworth, The Truth and KG may be headed to the backs of NBA jerseys.

Some members of the Miami Heat have been told the NBA is considering having them and the Brooklyn Nets wear “nickname jerseys” in at least one of their four matchups this season. The NBA has not announced the plan, but teams apparently have been aware of the likelihood of it happening for at least several weeks.

For now, only the Heat and the Nets would be taking part. It’s unclear how many times those teams would wear the nickname jerseys, or if they would ever wear them against other opponents.

Staff reports/Associated Press