LeBron school closer to reality

The school board in LeBron James’ Ohio hometown has approved the plan for a public school being created in partnership with the NBA star’s foundation.

The LeBron James Family Foundation says the “I Promise” School in Akron will be geared toward educating students who are at risk of falling behind. It will have longer days and begin classes in the summer — weeks before other district schools — to encourage information retention.

It’s scheduled to open next fall for third- and fourth-graders and add more grade levels in future years.

The idea is based on the foundation’s existing “I Promise” programs that encourage struggling students to stay in school.

Supporters cheered after the Akron School Board approved the school’s plan Monday.

New York-based production company Warrior Poets says it will soon begin filming a documentary series centered on the school in partnership with LeBron James’ production company SpringHill Entertainment.

NFL

ELI MANNING BENCHED » Eli Manning is not going to be the starting quarterback for the Giants for the first time in more than 13 years.

And yes, he is not happy about it and hurt. Tears welled in his eyes talking to reporters and his chin quivered when asked about how much this hurt.

The Giants announced on Tuesday that Geno Smith will start in place of Manning when the Giants (2-9) face the Raiders in Oakland on Sunday.

Coach Ben McAdoo gave the 36-yearold Manning the option of starting to keep his streak of 210 consecutive starts alive, but the twotime Super Bowl MVP didn’t want any part of that.

“You start knowing you are going to come out of the game to keep a streak alive, maybe, that’s not what it is about,” Manning said.

“It’s not a preseason game where you are going to start to the half, the next week a quarter, a series, that’s not fair. That’s not fair to me, not fair to Geno, not how you play. You play to win. When you are named the starting quarterback, you think it’s your job to go win the football game.”

NBA

GRIFFIN OUT TWO MONTHS » Blake Griffin has a sprained left knee and could miss up to eight weeks, dealing a stunning blow to the injury-riddled Clippers.

The team said Tuesday that an MRI revealed a medial collateral ligament sprain, but there is no other structural damage to the knee.

Griffin got injured late in Monday night’s 120115 win over the Lakers. He had 26 points and 11 rebounds in the Clippers’ third straight victory.

He was going for a loose ball in the paint with teammate Austin Rivers and Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball. It appeared Rivers fell on Griffin.