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Marla Ridenour: History-making Finals appearance, possibility of ring from either team taking an emotional toll on Warriors’ Anderson Varejao

OAKLAND: Ozzie Newsome would understand Anderson Varejao’s roiling emotions.

Rarely in Cleveland professional sports history has such a beloved athlete left to join a rival, especially when a chance to play for a championship quickly follows. Signed by the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 22, Varejao finds himself in the unprecedented position of playing for both teams in the NBA Finals in the same season.

In Newsome’s case, his career was already behind him. The former Browns tight end followed owner Art Modell to Baltimore in early 1996 to become the Ravens’ vice president of player personnel.