John Sabol
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@Fox8News Award-Winning TV Sports Anchor/Reporter & News Anchor. @SabolBrothers Podcast Co-Host. Dad. Buckeye Born. @KentState Alum. Golden Retriever Owner.
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Articles by John Sabol
Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis heading to Nets: Reports Original
by: Jordan Unger, John Sabol Posted: Jun 30, 2026 / 09:23 PM EDT Updated: Jun 30, 2026 / 09:38 PM EDT CLEVELAND (WJW) – Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis is reportedly heading to the Brooklyn Nets, according to reports. ESPN insider Shams Charania took to social media Tuesday evening, confirming that sources said Ellis, a free agent, agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with Brooklyn.
NBA Draft: Cavs acquire Arkansas guard in second round Original
CLEVELAND (WJW/AP) – The Cleveland Cavaliers officially acquired Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas in the second round of the NBA Draft after trading their first round pick on Tuesday night. #Cavs take Arkansas guard Maleek Thomas at No. 34.@fox8news — John Sabol (@John_Sabol) June 25, 2026 Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas plays against Hawaii during the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Portland, Ore.
Northeast Ohio native picked 2nd overall in NBA Draft Original
CANTON, Ohio (WJW/AP) – A Northeast Ohio native was picked second overall in the NBA Draft on Tuesday evening. Darryn Peterson, a former standout at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, is now heading to the Utah Jazz. Darryn Peterson arrives for the first round of the NBA basketball draft Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) The 19-year-old Canton native is a 6-foot-5, 199-pound combo guard who averaged 20.2 points as a Kansas freshman, according to The Associated Press.
NBA Draft: Will the Cavs keep their pick tonight?
by: John Sabol, Jordan Unger Posted: Jun 23, 2026 / 07:09 PM EDT Updated: Jun 23, 2026 / 07:09 PM EDT CLEVELAND (WJW) – The 2026 NBA Draft kicks off in New York Tuesday evening, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are starting with just one pick in the two-day event. The Cavs have the 29th overall pick in the first round and no picks in the second round. It could be difficult narrowing down who the Cavs could target in the pick, considering how late it is in the first round.
NBA Draft: Will the Cavs keep their pick tonight?
Tue, June 23, 2026 at 11:09 PM UTC NBA Draft: Will the Cavs keep their pick tonight? CLEVELAND (WJW) – The 2026 NBA Draft kicks off in New York Tuesday evening, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are starting with just one pick in the two-day event. The Cavs have the 29th overall pick in the first round and no picks in the second round. It could be difficult narrowing down who the Cavs could target in the pick, considering how late it is in the first round.
Deshaun Watson says he’s ‘just trying to be healthy’ as Browns quarterback battle heats up Original
BEREA, Ohio (WJW) — The Browns quarterback battle has plenty of candidates, plenty of opinions and so far, no winner. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders were seen splitting reps at Browns mandatory minicamp in Berea Wednesday — showing the team has not yet decided on a No. 1 QB. Despite some mistakes (it is practice after all), both quarterbacks made some nice throws, too.
Myles Garrett is being traded Original
**Related Video Above: Myles Garrett signed a contract extension with Browns last March CLEVELAND (WJW) — The trade rumors have been swirling — is beloved Browns Pro Bowler Myles Garrett getting traded? Monday afternoon, FOX 8’s John Sabol confirmed that Garrett is indeed in the midst of being traded — to the Los Angeles Rams for edge rusher Jared Verse and other things: BREAKING: #Browns are trading Myles Garrett to the #Rams.
Ultra-rare baseball card pulled in Northeast Ohio fetches $2M at auction Original
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio (WJW) — There’s something special about opening a pack of baseball cards. It’s a time-honored tradition dating back to the very first pack of baseball cards in the 1860s. It’s the anticipation, the wonder and the excitement of what could be in a pack. That’s what makes this story about two brothers from the Cleveland area even more special and even more rare.
‘One to remember’: High school hockey team having historic season
(WJW) — March Madness is set to begin next week, but before those brackets come out, the ‘Ohio high school frozen four’ will take center stage down in Columbus. One area high school hockey team is having a historic season that’s gained national attention: Gilmour Academy. The Lancers are 34-1. They’re averaging 7 goals a game. At one point, they were ranked as the No. 1 high school hockey team in the country, according to Max Preps.
‘One to remember’: High school hockey team having historic season
(WJW) — March Madness is set to begin next week, but before those brackets come out, the ‘Ohio high school frozen four’ will take center stage down in Columbus. One area high school hockey team is having a historic season that’s gained national attention: Gilmour Academy. The Lancers are 34-1. They’re averaging 7 goals a game. At one point, they were ranked as the No. 1 high school hockey team in the country, according to Max Preps.
Cavs guard’s brother, a projected 1st round NFL Draft pick, visits Browns facility Original
by: Jordan Unger, John Sabol Posted: Mar 4, 2026 / 07:11 PM EST Updated: Mar 4, 2026 / 07:11 PM EST CLEVELAND (WJW) – Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson visited the Cleveland Browns facility on Wednesday, FOX 8’s John Sabol confirmed. Tyson, a 21-year-old Texas native, is projected to be a first round pick in the NFL Draft this spring.
Browns officials, players react after Kevin Stefanski fired: ‘Extremely difficult decision’ Original
CLEVELAND (WJW) – For the 13th time since 1999, the Cleveland Browns are in the market for a head coach after the team fired Kevin Stefanski on Monday morning. “I can tell you, having made a lot of these over the years, that this was as difficult as any we’ve ever had to make,” Brown owner Jimmy Haslam said less than hour after meeting with Stefanski. The Kevin Stefanski era with the Cleveland Browns is over. He arrived in Berea a little after 8 a.m. A place he’s called home for six years.
High school football regional semifinals: What to expect
by: John Sabol, Jordan Unger Posted: Nov 14, 2025 / 01:40 PM EST Updated: Nov 14, 2025 / 01:40 PM EST CLEVELAND (WJW) – The road to Canton continues tonight — it’s a regional semifinals Friday! That means more than 30 teams from across Northeast Ohio are still alive in the postseason. Let’s begin in Summit County. It’s the Division 2, Region 5 regional semifinal. The #2 Walsh Warriors hosts the #3 Austintown Fitch Falcons. This is a rematch of last year’s regional semifinal.
High school football regional semifinals: What to expect
CLEVELAND (WJW) – The road to Canton continues tonight — it’s a regional semifinals Friday! That means more than 30 teams from across Northeast Ohio are still alive in the postseason. Find the latest high school football scores right here. Advertisement Let’s begin in Summit County. It’s the Division 2, Region 5 regional semifinal. The #2 Walsh Warriors hosts the #3 Austintown Fitch Falcons. This is a rematch of last year’s regional semifinal. Walsh won last year’s matchup by 14 points.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to expect in regional quarterfinals Original
by: Jordan Unger, John Sabol Posted: Nov 7, 2025 / 07:00 AM EST Updated: Nov 7, 2025 / 07:03 AM EST CLEVELAND (WJW) – Believe it or not, we’ve reached the season finale of Friday Night Touchdown. FOX 8 crews will be out across the region for the best playoff matchups in Northeast Ohio. It’s the second round of the high school football playoffs. Here are some of tonight’s matchups to keep your eyes on in the regional quarterfinals. We begin in Division 1, Region 1.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to expect in Week 11
by: Jordan Unger, John Sabol Posted: Oct 31, 2025 / 07:00 AM EDT Updated: Oct 31, 2025 / 07:34 AM EDT CLEVELAND (WJW) – The OHSAA Playoffs officially kick off tonight during Week 11 of Friday Night Touchdown. FOX 8 crews will be heading out across the region for the best matchups in Northeast Ohio. The playoffs are here with a brand-new format this season. The number of qualifiers per region is 12 teams, down from 16, with the top four seeds in each region earning a first-round bye.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders giving back to our community
by: Celeste Houmard, John Sabol Posted: Oct 13, 2025 / 10:25 PM EDT Updated: Oct 13, 2025 / 10:25 PM EDT CLEVELAND (WJW) — Last week, when we interviewed Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders about the Joe Flacco trade, you may have noticed he was standing in an auto dealership showroom. Well, there was a very good reason for that. Shedeur is once again giving back to our community.
Fox 8 exclusive: Shedeur Sanders reacts to Flacco trade Original
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Cleveland Browns announced Tuesday they were sending QB Joe Flacco to the Bengals. The trade was in exchange for a 2026 5th-round pick. The Browns also sent a 6th round pick to the Bengals as part of the deal. Flacco, who started the first four games for the Browns this season, was benched last week heading into the London game against the Vikings after leading the Browns to a 1-3 record. Dillon Gabriel replaced him as the starting quarterback.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to expect in Week 5
CLEVELAND (WJW) – High school football is back in action as Friday Night Touchdown continues in Week 5 tonight. FOX 8 crews will head out across the region for the best matchups in Northeast Ohio. Find the latest high school football scores right here. The surprise 4-0 Twinsburg Tigers hit the road to face the 4-0 Wadsworth Grizzlies in a huge Suburban League matchup.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to know in Week 4
by: Jordan Unger, John Sabol Posted: Sep 12, 2025 / 07:00 AM EDT Updated: Sep 12, 2025 / 07:14 AM EDT CLEVELAND (WJW) – High school football is back in action as Friday Night Touchdown continues in Week 4 tonight. FOX 8 crews are heading out across the region for the best matchups in Northeast Ohio. Find the latest high school football scores right here. We’re once again loaded with some intriguing matchups. Let’s first start with a rematch of last year’s showdown between Glenville and St. Edward.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to know in Week 3
Chippewa 7:00 Akron-Coventry Detroit King (MI) 7:00 Akron-Hoban Girard 7:00 Ashtabula Edgewood Rhodes 7:00 Ashtabula Lakeside South Range 7:00 Barberton Maple Heights 6:30 Beechcroft Lutheran West 7:30 Benedictine Berea-Midpark 7:00 Brecksville-Broadview Hts. Willoughby South 7:00 Brush Tiffin Columbian 7:00 Buckeye Y'Town Cardinal Mooney 7:00 Canfield Orrville 7:00 Canton Cent. Cath.
Beloved voice of Cleveland Guardians, Tom Hamilton, earns National Baseball Hall of Fame broadcast honor 2025 Ford C. Frick Award
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (WJW) – The beloved voice of the Cleveland Guardians, Tom Hamilton, took his place in baseball history on Saturday as he was honored as part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York. Late last year, it was announced that Hamilton had been named the 2025 Ford C. Frick Award recipient, recognized for his outstanding contributions to baseball broadcasting.
Tom Hamilton earns National Baseball Hall of Fame broadcast honor Original
COOPERSTOWN, New York (WJW) — The beloved voice of the Cleveland Guardians, Tom Hamilton, will take his place in baseball history on Saturday as he is honored as part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York. Late last year, it was announced Hamilton had been named the 2025 Ford C. Frick Award recipient, recognized for his outstanding contributions to baseball broadcasting.
‘I was born deaf’: Wickliffe football player hoping to acquire hearing-impaired helmet
WICKLIFFE, Ohio (WJW) – Wickliffe High School sophomore running back and linebacker Cole Vanatta may look like your typical high school football player, but looks can be deceiving. “I was born deaf,” Cole said. “I think I found out when I was 5 years old. I ended up getting hearing aids and ever since then I’ve worn them all my life.” Cole is missing 70% of his hearing in his left ear and 30% in his right.
‘I was born deaf’: Wickliffe football player hoping to acquire hearing-impaired helmet
WICKLIFFE, Ohio (WJW) – Wickliffe High School sophomore running back and linebacker Cole Vanatta may look like your typical high school football player, but looks can be deceiving. “I was born deaf,” Cole said. “I think I found out when I was 5 years old. I ended up getting hearing aids and ever since then I’ve worn them all my life.” Advertisement Cole is missing 70% of his hearing in his left ear and 30% in his right.
Cavs legend Mark Price talks about the future of his former team
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio (WJW) — Mark Price is back in Northeast Ohio conducting his annual Mark Price Baseball Camps. The former Cleveland Cavaliers legend spent Thursday morning teaching basketball fundamentals at North Ridgeville High School for boys and girls ranging from 9 to 15 years old. Advertisement “I have such a great relationship with the city of Cleveland, the fans and Northeast Ohio when I played here,” Price said.
Cavs legend Mark Price talks about the future of his former team
by: John Sabol Posted: Jun 18, 2025 / 04:24 PM EDT Updated: Jun 18, 2025 / 04:24 PM EDT NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio (WJW) — Mark Price is back in Northeast Ohio conducting his annual Mark Price Baseball Camps. The former Cleveland Cavaliers legend spent Thursday morning teaching basketball fundamentals at North Ridgeville High School for boys and girls ranging from 9 to 15 years old.
Big change coming for Ohio high school football playoffs
CLEVELAND (WJW) — It’s every high school football player’s dream to play under the lights in a playoff game in hopes of reaching and winning a state championship. Now, those chances of making a postseason run, let alone reaching the title game, have just become a little harder. The Ohio High School Athletic Association recently released changes to the football playoff format for the 2025 season. The number of qualified teams per region will be reduced from 16 schools to 12.
State-of-the-art robotic mowers make maintenance easier at local golf club
CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio (WJW) – Looks can be deceiving. This isn’t a toy remote car. Well, it is remote, but not a toy. “We now have eight state-of-the art robotic fairway mowers,” Tanglewood Golf Club owner Scott Pollack said. “Kress mowers. K-R-E-S-S mowers, so we purchased these about two months ago.” These little robots are the size of a trash can lid, weighing under 50 pounds and are transforming the way Tanglewood Golf Club cuts its grass.
WATCH: Chuck Wepner reflects on Muhammad Ali match, 50 years later
RICHFIELD, Ohio (WJW) – It’s hard to believe 50 years ago today, this land once hosted the Palace on the Prairie, the Richfield Coliseum. It’s now gone, but on March 24, 1975, it hosted one of the most entertaining 15-round boxing matches you’ll ever see between the greatest of all-time Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner. “My mindset was to win the fight,” Wepner told FOX 8’s John Sabol. “He [Ali] just came off the knockout of George Foreman to win the title.
WATCH: Chuck Wepner reflects on Muhammad Ali match, 50 years later
RICHFIELD, Ohio (WJW) – It’s hard to believe 50 years ago today, this land once hosted the Palace on the Prairie, the Richfield Coliseum. It’s now gone, but on March 24, 1975, it hosted one of the most entertaining 15-round boxing matches you’ll ever see between the greatest of all-time Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner. “My mindset was to win the fight,” Wepner told FOX 8’s John Sabol. “He [Ali] just came off the knockout of George Foreman to win the title.
Cleveland baseball’s 1995 team, Jim Donovan honored at Greater Cleveland Sports Awards Original
***Video above: Cleveland baseball World Series appearances*** CLEVELAND (WJW) – Some of the best athletes in Northeast Ohio sports were honored during the 25th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Thursday night. The ceremony, once again held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, recognized the top athletes and biggest sports moments from the past year, but it also celebrated one of the city’s favorite teams of all-time: the 1995 Cleveland Indians.
‘Feels unreal’: Local Armstrong twins experience national football championships
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — Two brothers who graduated from St. Edward High School just completed a championship journey through the college football playoff with the Ohio State University. We caught up with the St. Ed’s alums, talking about their Buckeye championship experience and their message to their Cleveland friends and family. Thirteen months ago, these twins raised a state championship at St. Edward High School.
‘Feels unreal’: Local Armstrong twins experience national football championships
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — Two brothers who graduated from St. Edward High School just completed a championship journey through the college football playoff with the Ohio State University. We caught up with the St. Ed’s alums, talking about their Buckeye championship experience and their message to their Cleveland friends and family. Chipotle celebrating Ohio State championship with BOGO deal Tuesday Thirteen months ago, these twins raised a state championship at St. Edward High School.
‘Want to compete to win the World Series’: Guardians’ Stephen Vogt sits down with FOX 8 Original
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Cleveland Guardians second-year manager Stephen Vogt sat down with FOX 8 sports anchor John Sabol Monday to reflect on the 2024 season and what’s ahead for 2025. The 2024 Guardians provided fans with excitement and a deep playoff run. “I had so much fun in [my] first year,” Vogt said. “I’m surrounded by such good people here that it didn’t feel like a first year. They were helping me learn as quickly as possible.
Guardians trade Myles Straw to Toronto
by: John Sabol Posted: Jan 17, 2025 / 12:50 PM EST Updated: Jan 17, 2025 / 12:53 PM EST CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Cleveland Guardians have traded outfielder Myles Straw to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Guardians made the announcement late Friday morning.
Browns promote Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator
by: Justin Dennis, John Sabol Posted: Jan 14, 2025 / 02:02 PM EST Updated: Jan 14, 2025 / 02:09 PM EST BEREA, Ohio (WJW) — The Cleveland Browns have promoted tight ends coach Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator, FOX 8 has confirmed. The Browns, coming off a 3-14 season in which they scored just 28 touchdowns across 17 games, fired former offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson earlier this month. #Browns have promote Tommy Rees to Offensive Coordinator.
Browns’ Newsome speaks out after Steelers WR Pickens’ remarks: ‘I don’t care’
CLEVELAND (AP / WJW) – Cleveland Browns defensive back Greg Newsome II isn’t bothered by recent remarks made by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens as the rival teams prepare to face off again this weekend.
Friday Night Touchdown Week 6 recap Original
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Week 6 of the high school football season on Friday Night Touchdown has come to a close. FOX 8 crews were out across Northeast Ohio to bring you the best matchups in high school football Friday night. Our Friday Night Touchdown Game of the Week took us to Cleveland to Don Shula Stadium on the campus of John Carroll. The Benedictine Bengals welcomed Division II power, the Walsh Jesuit Warriors. Benedictine had lost its past three matchups to Walsh and tonight continued that streak.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to expect in Week 6
by: John Sabol Posted: Sep 27, 2024 / 06:00 AM EDT Updated: Sep 26, 2024 / 04:04 PM EDT ***Watch highlights from Week 5 above.*** CLEVELAND (WJW) – It’s Week 6 of the high school football season right here on Friday Night Touchdown! We begin with an old Summit County rivalry game. Hudson (3-2) travels to Wadsworth (5-0). The Grizzles are the defending Suburban League champs and have dominated their opponents this year, becoming one of the highest scoring teams in northeast Ohio.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to expect in Week 6
***Watch highlights from Week 5 above.*** CLEVELAND (WJW) – It’s Week 6 of the high school football season right here on Friday Night Touchdown! Keep up with high school football scores right here. We begin with an old Summit County rivalry game. Hudson (3-2) travels to Wadsworth (5-0). The Grizzles are the defending Suburban League champs and have dominated their opponents this year, becoming one of the highest scoring teams in northeast Ohio.
Friday Night Touchdown Week 5 recap Original
***Watch previous coverage above.*** (WJW) – FOX 8’s Friday Night Touchdown Week 5 has come to a close with a Suburban League showdown of Highland at Tallmadge as the game of the week. Highland Hornets crossed county lines into Summit County to play Tallmadge Blue Devils. Highland hasn’t lost to Tallmadge since 2012, and once again, the Hornets won 49-0 on Friday. North Ridgeville hit the road to take on the Avon Eagles.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to expect in Week 5
***Watch previous coverage above.*** CLEVELAND (WJW) – It’s Week 5 of the high school football season and we begin our preview with a pair of 4-0 teams. North Ridgeville hits the road to take on the Avon Eagles. Both teams are loaded this year and boast some of the best defenses in the state. Keep up with the latest scores here Ridgeville and Avon have both allowed just 47 points in their first four games this year. The Rangers are looking to avenge their 38-7 loss to Avon last year.
Friday Night Touchdown: What to expect in Week 5
***Watch previous coverage above.*** CLEVELAND (WJW) – It’s Week 5 of the high school football season and we begin our preview with a pair of 4-0 teams. North Ridgeville hits the road to take on the Avon Eagles. Both teams are loaded this year and boast some of the best defenses in the state. Keep up with the latest scores here Ridgeville and Avon have both allowed just 47 points in their first four games this year. The Rangers are looking to avenge their 38-7 loss to Avon last year.
Welcome to Week 3 of Friday Night Touchdown
by: John Sabol Posted: Sep 6, 2024 / 04:00 AM EDT Updated: Sep 5, 2024 / 09:40 PM EDT CLEVELAND (WJW) – Week 3 of the high school football season on Friday Night Touchdown is here! We begin with a big Cleveland match-up. Glenville (1-1) hits the road to take on Avon (2-0). The Tarblooders, coming off back-to-back state title runs, lost last week to Olentangy Liberty in Columbus, while Avon knocked off McKinley.
Welcome to Week 3 of Friday Night Touchdown
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Week 3 of the high school football season on Friday Night Touchdown is here! We begin with a big Cleveland match-up. Glenville (1-1) hits the road to take on Avon (2-0). The Tarblooders, coming off back-to-back state title runs, lost last week to Olentangy Liberty in Columbus, while Avon knocked off McKinley. This is a rematch of last year’s showdown where the Eagles ended Glenville’s 17-game win streak. Our next stop takes us Lake County.
Friday Night Touchdown Week 1 is here!
Manchester 0 1st Akron-Coventry 0 Archbishop Spalding (MD) 0 1st Akron-Hoban 0 Euclid 0 1st Austintown Fitch 0 Wadsworth 0 1st Barberton 0 Cleve. Cent. Cath. 0 1st Bay 0 Canton South 0 1st Benedictine 0 Brunswick 0 1st Berea-Midpark 0 Tallmadge 0 1st Brecksville-Broadview Hts.
Friday Night Touchdown Week 1 is here!
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The 2024 high school football season is finally here. Week one kicks off tonight with four area defending state champions: Glenville, St. Ed’s, Perry and Kirtland. The seven-time state champs, Kirtland Hornets, host Wayne County power Dalton in our first SkyFox game for week one. Our Friday Night Touchdown Game of the Week just so happens to be the only game at Cleveland Browns Stadium this weekend; it’s a major Cleveland high school showdown.
Friday Night Touchdown Week 1 is here!
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The 2024 high school football season is finally here. Keep up with the latest high school football scores here. Week one kicks off tonight with four area defending state champions: Glenville, St. Ed’s, Perry and Kirtland. The seven-time state champs, Kirtland Hornets, host Wayne County power Dalton in our first SkyFox game for week one.
Cleveland Browns Michael Hall Jr. at practice facility despite domestic violence charge
BEREA, Ohio (WJW/AP) — A Cleveland Browns rookie facing a domestic violence charge was back at the team’s practice facility Wednesday, according to a spokesperson, just one day after he bonded out of jail. According to a police report obtained by FOX 8, officers were told an argument between Michael Hall Jr. and his fiancée began over finances regarding a dental procedure for her 11-month-old. But things quickly escalated, leading to him allegedly putting a gun to the woman’s head.
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