SPORTS DIGEST || Harding grad Powell may transfer from MSU

Harding grad Powell may transfer from MSU

WARREN

Michigan State sophomore linebacker Jalyn Powell is considering transferring to Youngstown State, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The Warren Harding High graduate was moved from safety to linebacker during the Spartans’ bowl practice in December. He appeared in nine games and finished with five tackles last season after redshirting in 2013.

Powell will likely make a decision in the next week, the source said

Chaney’s Smith to hold youth camp

YOUNGSTOWN

Chaney High graduate Brad Smith, who has played for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, will conduct his annual youth football camp on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Youngstown State’s Stambaugh Stadium.

The camp is for ages 8-14 and will offer instruction from local high school coaches as well as guest NFL players. This year’s camp will also offer summer learning loss prevention and summer enrichment programs information. The camp is available to both boys and girls. For further information you can contact Brad at: blikechrist@gmail.com.

Any further info can be obtained by calling Ron Berdis at 330-501-1137

OHSAA Officials HOF to induct Staats

COLUMBUS

The Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame will induct Mel Staats of Newton Falls at its annual banquet tonight at the Columbus Airport Marriott.

Staats is one of 14 members of this year’s class, who are being honored for significant contributions to interscholastic officiating in Ohio. They were selected by the OHSAA Officials Hall of Fame committee.

For more information, visit www.ohsaa.org/officials/HallofFame.htm.

Browns safety Gipson signs contract tender

CLEVELAND

Browns Pro Bowl safety Tashaun Gipson signed his one-year contract tender and will report to mandatory mini-camp next week.

Gipson skipped the team’s voluntary spring practices after the club placed a second-round tender on the restricted free agent in March. He’ll now make $2.35 million next season.

Gipson had been holding out for a long-term contract, but with a deadline approaching on Monday, he decided to sign rather than risk losing money in case the Browns cut his tender.

The 24-year-old finished second in the NFL with six interceptions last season despite missing the final five games with a sprained right knee. With Gipson on board, the Browns have one of the league’s best backfields, which includes Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden and strong safety Donte Whitner.

Alouettes DE Sam leaves training camp

MONTREAL

Michael Sam has left the Montreal Alouettes training camp for personal reasons.

The CFL team said the rookie defensive end has been given special permission to return home to Texas.

“With all due respect for Michael Sam, the nature of this decision will remain confidential,” said a team statement. “The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam’s decision and rally around him to offer him all time and support needed. The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready.”

Sam’s departure comes three weeks after he became the first openly gay player to sign in the CFL. Montreal plays its first preseason game tonight in Quebec City.

The 25-year-old Sam was selected in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams, becoming the first openly gay player chosen by an NFL team. He was later cut by the Rams and from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice roster.

Vindicator staff/wire reports