Talking Points: Waving the white flag

What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:

1

The Cleveland Browns have waved off their white-flag giveaway.

Following days of criticism, the Browns have decided to cancel a promotion to hand out white flags to fans before Sunday’s game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Because white flags symbolize surrender, the giveaway seemed to imply the Browns were giving up against the Steelers, who have won 16 of the past 17 games between the AFC North foes.

Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis said in a statement on Saturday that the team scrapped the idea “in the best interests of everyone. It is something that was intended to be fun for our fans and that they could rally around, and we regret that some didn’t perceive it that way.”

The flag giveaway was poorly received by many Browns fans and even some players.

Good call, Browns. And while you’re at it, you might want to rethink next week’s Browns bag headgear giveaway.

2

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer got a little excited about his team’s win over Michigan on Saturday.

Meyer got emotional as the final seconds ticked off, embracing his players on the sideline at a raucous Ohio Stadium. Too emotional, he said later.

“I’ve got to keep a little more composure, I guess,” he said sheepishly. “In the coaching manual, I think it’s chapter 13, it says, ‘Keep cool.’ I lost it there for a couple of minutes.”

The Buckeyes, ineligible for a bowl because of NCAA sanctions, finished their season 12-0. If Notre Dame loses in the BCS championship game in January, Ohio State can lay claim to the title “the only undefeated team in major college football.”

In fact, that might make a good tattoo.

For more Talking Points, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/talkpoints360