http://www.kentucky.com/333/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com Colleges 60 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:09:43 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/465232.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/465232.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:54 EDT
The new contract guarantees Kent $1,060,000 in annual salary and provides $347,000 of additional salary and benefits to his coaching staff.

"I am thrilled and humbled to have the support shown by president [Dave] Frohnmayer and [athletic director] Pat Kilkenny," Kent said. "The university and its supporters have demonstrated a substantial investment in the continued success of the basketball program at the University of Oregon through the building of a new arena and I felt it was important as a graduate of this great institution that I demonstrate that same commitment in return."

In his 12 seasons as the Ducks' orchestrator on the hardwood, Kent has posted a 211-134 mark and is just one win behind Hall-of-Fame coach Howard Hobson for the school record.

Under Kent, the Ducks have reached five NCAA Tournaments, two Elite Eight appearances and two conference tournament titles. The Ducks finished 18-13 a season ago and fell to the eighth-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/460828.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/460828.html Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:11 EDT
On Monday, CBS announced that Clark Kellogg would replace Packer after 27 years as the network's lead college basketball analyst. Including his earlier years at NBC, Packer had done every Final Four since 1975, an unparalleled run for a national sports championship.

"These are really good circumstances," Packer told The Associated Press by phone. "This decision was made with myself and CBS over a year ago. Their timing to announce it is their business. I have nothing to do with that. I was working on a series of 1-year contracts for several years. ... I did say there would be no mention during the season so as not to detract from the games and the guys involved."

Kellogg, a game and studio analyst for CBS for 16 years, will be the man next to Jim Nantz on the 2009 Final Four broadcasts.

"With his unquestioned popularity and performance over the years, Clark Kellogg earned all rights to this top spot," Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports, said in a statement. "Like Billy Packer, Al McGuire or any of the most highly regarded broadcasters, Clark is an original voice with his own style and perspective."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/461050.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/461050.html Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:16 EDT
Teddy Dupay did not enter a plea Monday in 3rd District Court.

The 29-year-old Dupay is charged with felony rape, aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping. In court documents, Dupay denies raping the woman. The two had been in a relationship for two years.

On June 19, Park City police were called to the Stein Ericksen Lodge, where a 28-year-old woman told officers that Dupay raped her in one of the rooms, according to court documents.

Prior to the rape, she said Dupay hit and kicked her 150 times.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/461045.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/461045.html Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:16 EDT
A sentencing hearing for Sidney Lowe II began Monday and is expected to end Tuesday in Guilford County Superior Court.

Defense lawyer Joe Cheshire said his client was "completely remorseful."

Lowe entered guilty pleas to six counts each of robbery with a dangerous weapon and kidnapping, possession of a weapon on educational property, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of ecstasy under a plea agreement.

The 23-year-old Lowe also entered a plea to a conspiracy to commit armed robbery charge from a shooting at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The plea means he doesn't admit guilt but says the state has enough evidence to convict him.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/458944.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/458944.html Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:34 EDT
Mack's father said last month his son would be transferring after two seasons with the Tigers because he wanted more playing time.

Memphis said in a news release Friday that Mack enrolled in summer school at the University of New Orleans, but withdrew after one week of classes.

Calipari says he is happy for Mack. He says students sometimes make "illogical decisions" and the school's administration did the right thing by allowing Mack to return.

Last season Mack played 39 games, averaging 6.9 points and 1.6 rebounds.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/456079.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/456079.html Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:15 EDT
Jennings is a potential lottery pick for the 2009 NBA Draft and will be the first major high school recruit to play overseas since the NBA's one-year rule, which requires players to wait one year after graduating high school before playing in the league, was instituted in 2006.

Jennings is 6-foot, 170 pounds and graduated from national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy. The guard broke an all-time school record with a 63 point outburst in a February 19 game.

He joins Abdul Gaddy of the class of 2009, who orally committed, and Emmanuel Negedu of the class of 2008, who withdrew from his national letter of intent, as players that have backed out of commitments to the Wildcats this year.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/455896.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/455896.html Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:30 EDT
The 20-year-old Lawson was scheduled to have his first appearance in court Tuesday following his June arrest for driving after consuming alcohol, violating a noise ordinance and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

The clerk of court office in Chapel Hill said Lawson's next court date is scheduled for Aug. 5.

Lawson recently announced he would return to school for his junior season instead of staying in the NBA draft, joining returning national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough. With their top six players returning, the Tar Heels will be a strong favorite to reach the Final Four for a second straight season.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/454867.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/454867.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:41 EDT
Last season, the two-time reigning Big East Coach of the Year, led the Irish to a 25-8 record, including a program-best 14-4 record in conference play.

"As his peers have acknowledged by selecting him coach of the year the past two seasons, Mike has built one of the top men's basketball programs in the Big East Conference," said Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins. "His quiet confidence and class are a perfect fit for Notre Dame, and I am sure that we'll enjoy still more success in coming years."

In last season's NCAA Tournament, the fifth-seeded Irish were overwhelmed by fourth-seeded Washington State, 61-41, in the second round. Notre Dame lost just one senior, though, and bring back a slew of talent led by Big East Player of the Year Luke Harangody.

In his eight seasons leading the Irish, Brey owns a 167-86 record and five NCAA Tournament appearances. He is also the only coach in the 102-year history of the program to lead his teams to three consecutive 20-win seasons and three straight NCAA tournament berths in his first three years at the helm.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/454706.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/454706.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:01 EDT
"As his peers have acknowledged by selecting him coach of the year the past two seasons, Mike has built one of the top men's basketball programs in the Big East Conference," the Rev. John Jenkins, Notre Dame's president, said in a statement Monday. "His quiet confidence and class are a perfect fit for Notre Dame, and I am sure that we'll enjoy still more success in coming years."

The 49-year-old Brey has coached the Irish to five 20-win seasons in his eight years as coach, including five NCAA tournament appearances, and has a 167-86 record. He guided the Irish to a 25-8 record last season, the third-most wins in a season in school history, and this season will return all but one player.

"I love the momentum of our program and the facility improvements that we are making at the Joyce Center," Brey said.

Brey's career record as head coach is 266-138 in 13 seasons, including five years at Delaware before coming to Notre Dame.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/450290.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/450290.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:25 EDT
Fulmer's new deal is worth $2.4 million for the 2008 season and escalates to $3.3 million in 2014 for an average of $2.99 million over the length of the agreement. It also includes a $1 million longevity bonus in December 2012 to reward him for his 20 years as the school's head coach.

"I am very proud to have Phillip as our coach for many years to come," men's athletic director Mike Hamilton said. "We're fortunate to have such a talented and proven coach leading our program. He and his staff have done a terrific job building on our rich tradition and positioning Tennessee football for the future."

Fulmer, a 1972 graduate of Tennessee, has a career record of 147-45 since taking over the program from Johnny Majors. The Vols were 10-4 last season, winning the SEC East Division, and capped the campaign with a victory over Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.

Pearl's new deal will average $2.3 million per year through the 2013-14 season.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/462130.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/462130.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:09 EDT
Dick Vitale wants to be loved. Meet the ebullient ESPN analyst in person, and he will call you by name, pose for pictures, leave a canned message on your voice mail by request, and will even petition your home address so he can mail your offspring a goodie box. Pan his bombastic broadcasting style, if you will, but Dickie V. is a nice guy.

Billy Packer doesn't want to be loved. That isn't to say the longtime . as in long, long time . college basketball analyst being pared from the CBS roster is not a nice guy. It is to say that he has never cared whether we, the viewing public, thought of him as a nice guy. That's not his makeup.

Instead, Packer wanted us to regard him as professional. And smart. And prepared. And analytical. Most of all, Packer wanted us to think of him as right.

The first time I approached Billy Packer one-on-one for help with a story was in the late 1990s. I was at Rupp Arena, as was Packer, there to watch Kentucky practice in preparation for the next day's game with Louisville. My topic was Denny Crum's decline. I approached Packer, introduced myself, politely asked for a minute, then pitched my premise. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/461285.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/461285.html Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:44 EDT
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. . As three of his teammates considered whether to remain in the NBA Draft, Tyler Hansbrough spent his time working out and trying not to worry about their decisions. And while many figured at least one of the trio would leave, Hansbrough remained confident that they all would return to North Carolina.

Proven right, the reigning national player of the year can savor . for now, at least . what looks like a perfect setup for his final college season.

.You can't ask to be in a better situation,. Hansbrough said Monday. .All these guys have been to the Final Four. We know what it takes to win a regular-season ACC (title) and the ACC Tournament. The only thing we need to do is cap it off with a national championship..

After an uncertain off-season that ended with an improbable outcome by today's standards, the Tar Heels are left with an inescapable fact: They are the clear pre-season favorite to win the national title that has eluded Hansbrough in his first three years. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/461278.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/461278.html Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:17 EDT
NEW YORK . Billy Packer didn't sound like a man who found out his 34-year run as part of the Final Four broadcast had ended.

On Monday, CBS announced that Clark Kellogg would replace Packer after 27 years as the network's lead college basketball analyst. Including his earlier years at NBC, Packer had done every Final Four since 1975, an unparalleled run for a national sports championship.

.These are really good circumstances,. Packer told The Associated Press by phone. .This decision was made with myself and CBS over a year ago. Their timing to announce it is their business. I have nothing to do with that. I was working on a series of 1-year contracts for several years. ... I did say there would be no mention during (last) season so as not to detract from the games and the guys involved..

Kellogg, a game and studio analyst for CBS for 16 years, will be the man next to Jim Nantz on the 2009 Final Four broadcasts. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/460544.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/460544.html Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:07 EDT
Young basketball players often talk about patterning their game after an NBA or WNBA player such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant or Candace Parker.

Western Kentucky freshman center Jasmine Johnson didn't have to look far to find her NBA role model. In fact, all she had to do was watch a member of her family for inspiration.

Johnson is the niece of former NBA forward Dennis Rodman. And while Rodman is probably most known now for his flamboyance off the court, he's still considered one of the top rebounders in basketball . winning NBA titles with Detroit and Chicago.

Johnson admits that having a famous uncle has garnered her quite a bit of attention, including some ribbing at times. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/458916.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/458916.html Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:07 EDT
Arizona Coach Lute Olson said Thursday that his program's loss of standout prep basketball player Brandon Jennings to a European professional league had persuaded him to adopt a new recruiting strategy.

.It's a situation now that if someone's a .one-and-done,' we're not going to pursue them anymore, no way,. Olson said from his Tucson office.

Under NBA rules that won't expire until after the 2010-11 season, elite prep players such as Jennings, 18, are unable to join the league until they are 19 and a year removed from their final year of high school. That mandate has resulted in a slew of top players, including USC's O.J. Mayo and UCLA's Kevin Love, playing one college season before bolting for the NBA's millions.

Olson, 73, a basketball Hall of Fame member who guided the Wildcats to the 1997 NCAA title, labels the so-called one-and-done situation a .farce,. and is pushing for reform through the National Association of Basketball Coaches. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/458243.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/458243.html Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:47 EDT
PARK CITY, Utah . Teddy Dupay, who played on Florida's runner-up team in the 2000 NCAA basketball tournament, was charged with beating and raping a woman last month at a Utah ski resort.

Dupay acknowledged in court documents that he and the woman got .a little rough. but denied rape. The woman said she and Dupay had a two-year relationship, although it was not clear whether they were still a couple when police were called to a Deer Valley lodge June 19.

Dupay, 29, was charged last week with felony rape, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping. He is to be arraigned Monday in 3rd District Court.

The woman also told officers that Dupay forced her under a desk and told her if she attempted to leave he would kill her and her family, according to the court papers. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/457179.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/457179.html Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:32 EDT
Arizona signee Brandon Jennings will pursue a professional basketball career in Europe, backing out on his commitment to the Wildcats.

.Over the course of the last two months I have consulted a number of people in basketball before coming to this decision,. Jennings said in a statement released Tuesday night through his attorney, Jeff Valle.

Jennings, who played his final two high school seasons for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, had not yet become academically eligible to play at Arizona.

He had been awaiting the results of a third college entrance exam, but decided instead to give up his scholarship, Valle said in a phone interview Tuesday night. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/453581.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/453581.html Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:28 EDT
COLUMBIA, S.C. . New South Carolina assistant coach Scott Cherry always finds wild success, be it North Carolina's NCAA title in 1993, George Mason's unlikely charge to the Final Four in 2006 or Western Kentucky's trip to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 this past March.

Now, Cherry wants to help the Gamecocks discover that kind of success.

.It can be done. It can be done anywhere, especially nowadays,. Cherry said.

And when Cherry talks about winning, it pays to listen. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/453385.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/453385.html Sun, 06 Jul 2008 07:53 EDT
The two cousins were coming in after a happy day spent fishing for catfish on Lake Barkley.

They met a pair of strangers also putting up their boat. Small talk ensued. One of the strangers asked the cousins if they were locals.

Seeing heads nod in the affirmative, he asked, .I guess you all probably know that kid who hit the shot in the tournament?.

Laughing, Josh Barnett pointed at his cousin, Ty Rogers, and said .that is the kid who hit that shot.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/451107.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/451107.html Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:01 EDT
Former Indiana guard Jordan Crawford, the younger brother of ex-Kentucky guard Joe Crawford, expects to announce his college choice this weekend.

According to their mother, there's no chance that Jordan will follow in Joe's footsteps and play for UK.

For one thing, Kentucky did not express interest in Jordan, Sylvia Crawford said Wednesday. When asked what the family heard from UK, Sylvia Crawford said, .Uh, well, we didn't..

That was fine with the Crawfords, who have maintained good relations with UK's coaches, Sylvia Crawford said. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/446928.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/446928.html Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:21 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/446927.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/446927.html Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:21 EDT
Fifteen minutes into the conversation, you begin to wish that O.J. Mayo were being drafted by your NBA team. Especially if your team is the hapless Knicks, a franchise lost in darkness that has not had a great point guard in more than three decades. They incurred the wrath of fans on Thursday by making Danilo Gallinari of Italy their No. 1 pick, passing up D.J. Augustin of Texas and Eric Gordon of Indiana.

What's unusual about Mayo, who was the third pick of the draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, is that, at 20, he offers insight, not opinion, into the game, the business and the culture of basketball.

Derrick Rose of Memphis, taken No. 1 by the Bulls, was the most popular player in the draft. Ovinton J'Anthony Mayo of Southern California might have the greatest impact.

On Wednesday, Mayo and several other prospective NBA draftees spent two hours at John Jay College in New York City hosting a clinic for 60 Special Olympics athletes as part of the NBA Cares program. Mayo said he was touched. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/445183.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/445183.html Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:58 EDT
For Mitch Kupchak it felt like a lifetime before the Lakers were able to announce that they had selected Crawford with their lone pick, No. 58, in Thursday's NBA Draft.

When Kupchak finally called Crawford after 9 p.m. PDT, 57 players had been selected.

“When the day started, I was really nervous,” Crawford said. “Then to go to one of my favorite teams in L.A, I can't explain it.”

Crawford, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, played four seasons at Kentucky, averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 127 games. He scored 17.9 a game in his senior season. A second-team All-Southeastern Conference pick, he finished his collegiate career as the Wildcats' 19th all-time leading scorer with 1,438 points.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/445184.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/445184.html Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:53 EDT
ORLANDO, Fla. . Orlando General Manager Otis Smith said he didn't give Western Kentucky's Courtney Lee any indication the club would pick him before Thursday night's NBA Draft . on purpose.

.Just like I had to sweat when I got picked years ago,. laughed Smith, a former Magic forward and second-round pick by the Denver Nuggets.

It was Smith, though, who ended up sweating as an executive, wondering whether Lee would still be available by the time Orlando picked at No. 22 in the first round. He was.

.Until you get a guy, you don't have a guy,. Smith said. .You sweat it the whole way through. We were sweating. He's a guy we targeted in that area. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/444175.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/444175.html Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:38 EDT
A handful of basketball players with Kentucky ties will have their eyes on the NBA Draft Thursday night.

They likely will have to watch every last minute of coverage on ESPN, especially former Kentucky guards Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley. Neither is expected to get picked until late in the draft, if at all.

Most major mock drafts haven't included Crawford or Bradley in their latest versions, leaving both in a cloud of uncertainty heading into Thursday night's draft.

Western Kentucky's Courtney Lee is expected go somewhere in the mid- to late-first round. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/442026.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/442026.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:33 EDT
Brandon Jennings smiled Sunday afternoon when someone suggested that he might be considered a trendsetter.

If he makes good on a threat to go from high school to professional basketball in Europe, Jennings will become the first prep player to spurn college to go overseas to play professionally.

Trendsetting.

This is the latest . and most brilliant . plan yet to combat the three-tiered maneuver by the NCAA, the NBA and the players union to prevent talented high school players from going directly to the NBA. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/440347.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/440347.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:19 EDT
Even in sports, somebody has to draw the line.

There were three separate instances of just that this week. In all three, imaginary lines have been crossed, common sense neglected to the point where those in leadership positions were forced to question actions being taken, all for the good of the sport.

There was the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's ruling that Dakotah Euton and Chad Jackson, a pair of basketball players hoping to transfer from Rose Hill Christian to Scott County, are ineligible, pending appeal.

Then there was Congress's hearings Thursday examining drug and safety issues in horse racing. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/431409.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/431409.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:32 EDT
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. . Guard Jordan Crawford has quit the Indiana basketball team, leaving with just two players returning from last season.

The 6-foot-4 Crawford started eight games as a freshman and averaged 9.7 points and 3.4 rebounds for the Hoosiers.

Joe Crawford, Jordan's brother, finished his career at Kentucky this spring.

On the possibility of her son transferring to UK, Sylvia Crawford, said, .I'll have to reserve comment on that right now.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/368183.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/368183.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 05:52 EDT
The Jayhawks left their old coach in the dust Saturday night, getting 25 points and seven rebounds from Brandon Rush to stave off a ferocious comeback by North Carolina for an 84-66 victory in the national semifinals.

Trailing 40-12 late in the first half, Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington and the Tar Heels made a valiant rally, getting to within five points with nine minutes left, but ran out of steam in their effort to pull off the biggest Final Four comeback ever.

“I've never been so embarrassed in my life,” said Tar Heel guard Marcus Ginyard.

Now, the Jayhawks will play Memphis, an earlier 78-63 winner over UCLA, in Monday's title game.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/368190.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/368190.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:38 EDT
The star freshman showed off his dazzling array of signature moves, and UCLA could do little but watch. Flying from all angles, the Tigers took their show to a new level Saturday, romping 78-63 to reach the NCAA championship game.

Rose wasn't content to merely make shots, he wanted to stamp this Final Four as his own with a series of show-stoppers. It became an NBA audition in likely his final college weekend as he helped Memphis (38-1) set the major college basketball record for wins in a season.

Rose put up lefty floaters and righty scoops, often changing hands in mid-air, and threw one try over his shoulder. He was in perpetual motion — once, he caught a pass in traffic, stutter-stepped just long enough to look his defender in the eye, and then sped past him for an easy but showy layup.

“I just try to attack when I get the ball and hopefully jump over them and shoot,” he said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/442972.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/442972.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:09 EDT


OMAHA, Neb. . Fresno State kept its amazing post-season run alive Tuesday night thanks to an offensive performance that was nothing short of, well, amazing.

After spotting Georgia a five-run lead in the third inning, Fresno State struck for 15 runs over the next three innings for a 19-10 victory in Game 2 of the College World Series finals.

Tommy Mendonca put Fresno State in front with his record-tying fourth home run of the CWS in his team's six-run third inning. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/442020.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/442020.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:16 EDT
OMAHA, Neb. . Joey Lewis hit a tiebreaking double in Georgia's four-run eighth inning, and the Bulldogs came from three runs down to defeat Fresno State 7-6 in Game 1 of the College World Series finals on Monday night.

Fresno State appeared to take control in the top of the eighth when it scored three runs to go up 6-3. Now Georgia (45-23-1) stands one win away from a second national championship to go with the one it won in 1990.

Fresno State (45-31), 4-0 in elimination games in the NCAA Tournament, will try to keep its improbable post-season run alive when the teams meet in Game 2 on Tuesday.

After Matt Olson singled leading off the bottom of the eighth, Fresno State called on closer Brandon Burke. Gordon Beckham sent Burke's second pitch over the fence in left-center for his 27th homer. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/441112.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/441112.html Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:47 EDT
OMAHA, Neb. . Fresno State's improbable run will end with the Bulldogs playing for a national championship.

Tommy Mendonca drove in four runs, Clayton Allison came back from a shoulder ailment to allow one run over six innings, and the Bulldogs defeated North Carolina 6-1 to win their bracket in the College World Series on Sunday night.

.If you look where we started out,. closer Brandon Burke said, .where we're at now is inconceivable..

A Fresno State team (45-30) that became the first No. 4 regional seed to reach the CWS now finds itself matched against Georgia (44-23-1) in the best-of-three championship series starting Monday. Fresno State joins clubs such as Eastern Michigan in 1976, Wichita State in 1982 and Pepperdine in 1992 as surprise finalists. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/440507.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/440507.html Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:15 EDT
John Cohen contemplated the final minutes of his time as Kentucky baseball coach.

.I think the minute I walked out that door, the right-field fence moved back about 30 feet,. he said.

Gary Henderson laughed at his friend's remark. The Wildcats' new head coach said he and Cohen joked about the subject frequently.

. ... 310 (feet) down the line certainly has an effect on a game,. Henderson said. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/440532.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/440532.html Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:04 EDT
OMAHA, Neb. . Georgia can rest easy now. The Bulldogs are in the College World Series championship round.

They had gotten more rest than they wanted heading into Saturday's Bracket 1 finals against Stanford. Coming off four days without a game, they unleashed their pent-up energy early and then withstood the Cardinal's ninth-inning comeback try to hold on for a 10-8 victory.

Now Georgia (44-23-1) awaits either Fresno State or North Carolina . who play Sunday in an elimination game after the Tar Heels won 4-3 Saturday . in the best-of-three championship round that starts Monday.

Rich Poythress tied a CWS record with three doubles, and Ryan Peisel hit a three-run homer that gave the Bulldogs a 9-3 lead in the fifth inning. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/440533.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/440533.html Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:04 EDT
North Carolina Coach Mike Fox doesn't hesitate when promoting the talents of sophomore first baseman Dustin Ackley, the College World Series' leading hitter after 10 games.

Ackley had four singles in a 7-3 win over Louisiana State on Friday, giving him seven hits and a .500 batting average in the CWS.

.I think you saw why we think Dustin Ackley is the best player in America,. Fox said .He's got 230 hits in two years with North Carolina. Absolutely incredible..

Ackley and fellow sophomore Tim Fedroff are hitting .413 and .401, respectively, on the season, and they had 111 hits each going into Saturday's game against Fresno State. The 111 hits is third all-time at North Carolina and second nationally behind Buster Posey of Florida. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/439981.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/439981.html Sat, 21 Jun 2008 06:31 EDT
OMAHA, Neb. . Tim Federowicz's grand slam in the top of the ninth inning Friday night sent North Carolina to a 7-3 victory over LSU in a College World Series elimination game disrupted twice in two days by rain.

Louis Coleman had intentionally walked Tim Fedroff to load the bases with two outs before Federowicz turned on a 1-1 pitch and drove it into the middle of the stands in left field. It was the first grand slam in the CWS since 2001.

Carolina (53-13) moved to the Bracket 1 final against Fresno State on Saturday. The Tar Heels must beat the Bulldogs twice to return to the best-of-three championship series for the third straight year.

Alex White (12-3) got his second win of the CWS in his third relief appearance of the season, and first since March. He worked out of a bases-loaded situation with one out in the top of eighth. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/438363.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/438363.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:16 EDT
Former University of Kentucky outfielder Sawyer Carroll has been named a first-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association, making him the first player in UK history to earn consensus first-team honors, the school announced.

Carroll received first-team honors from every organization to announce a team this year, also including Louisville Slugger, Baseball America, Rivals.com and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

Carroll led the Southeastern Conference in 2008 with a .419 batting average and a school-record 83 RBI. Carroll, a native of Henryetta, Okla., added 19 home runs, 22 doubles, three triples, 44 walks and 12 stolen bases.

He finished his career as UK's record-holder for batting average (.386). ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/439057.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/439057.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:44 EDT
OMAHA, Neb. . Miami couldn't get its bats going, and so the Hurricanes are out after three games.

The No. 1 seed hit just .156 (5-for-32) with runners in scoring position, .245 with runners on base and a series-low .276 overall in its three games. The Hurricanes were hitting .322 going into the CWS.

.We hadn't been hot right here at the end with the bats,. Coach Jim Morris said. .We've got a great offensive club and in the middle of the season I felt we could beat anybody at any time because we had it all, all cylinders clicking..

Miami left seven runners on base in its first game, nine in the second and 12 in an 8-3 loss to Stanford. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/434279.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/434279.html Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:10 EDT
OMAHA, Neb. . Stanford Coach Mark Marquess would have been happy to score one run in the ninth inning against Florida State.

How about 11 ?

.That's one of those things that happen. You don't know why it happens,. Marquess said after the Cardinal's record-tying 11-run outburst broke open a tie game in a 16-5 victory in Saturday's College World Series opener.

.Luckily, it happened for us,. he said. .We got a couple big hits and broke it open.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/458219.html http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/458219.html Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:50 EDT
GAINESVILLE . It's summertime. For those in the nation's educational system, and even the average college football coach, there's opportunity to sleep late a few days, enjoy some time in the sun and get a little lazy.

If only for a brief moment.

In the meantime, NFL coaches are churning away. The 18-hour days never seem to end, constantly working from sunup to sundown. For some, the love of the sport keeps them going. But all you have to do is look around the Southeastern Conference to realize that the pros are not for everyone.

Four SEC coaches . including Kentucky's Rich Brooks . went to the NFL, and three of them disliked it so much that they bolted as soon as possible. Rather than try another NFL job, they're back in the college game. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/457180.html http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/457180.html Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:32 EDT
Former West Virginia football coach Rich Rodriguez and the University of Michigan have agreed to pay a $4 million buyout and settle a lawsuit that WVU filed after he broke his contract in December.

Rodriguez will pay $1.5 million in three annual payments beginning January 2010. The Wolverines athletic department, his new employer, will pay $2.5 million by the end of July and cover Rodriguez's legal fees, the University of Michigan said in a statement Wednesday.

.To help Rich focus on the challenges ahead, we have worked with him to resolve the dispute between him and West Virginia University over the terms of his buyout,. Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin said. .Although he continues to disagree with the validity of the terms, Rich and the rest of us at Michigan felt that it would be best to get this distracting issue behind us..

The WVU Board of Governors held a special meeting Wednesday and approved the agreement, settling a case attorneys Tom Flaherty and Jeff Wakefield were set to try this fall. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/442852.html http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/442852.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:11 EDT
The University of Kentucky has picked up another in-state commitment, from Louisville Central defensive lineman Mister Cobble.

The 6-foot, 270-pound Cobble committed to UK on Monday night. Cobble, whose full name is Mister Percy Cobble, picked UK over Louisville and Tennessee.

He attended camp at UK last week.

.I've been knowing that I've wanted to go to Kentucky for a while now,. Cobble said. .I just wanted to wait until the right time, and after going to camp last week, everything felt good.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/439067.html http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/439067.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:44 EDT
Associated Press

SOUTH BEND, Ind. . NBC renewed its television contract with Notre Dame football through the 2015 season on Thursday despite the Fighting Irish last year drawing their lowest ratings since the network began broadcasting their games in 1991.

NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol said the network doesn't look at year-to-year results when it comes to Notre Dame, calling the football program a premier brand that defines the network as much as the Olympics, the NFL and the U.S. Open golf championship.

.We're big believers in how Notre Dame time and time again over all these generations has maintained its strength,. he said. .I don't see that going away.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/431415.html http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/431415.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:38 EDT
ATLANTA . Former University of Kentucky football coach Bill Curry will be named the head coach at Georgia State, the Associated Press and Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Wednesday.

Curry's hire to become the first coach of the school's new program was confirmed by a person with knowledge of the process who did not want to be identified because the school has scheduled a news conference for Thursday.

Georgia State will begin play in 2010 as a Football Championship Subdivision team (formerly Division I-AA).

The 65-year-old Curry will join former Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves as patriarchs of the program. Reeves has served as a consultant and helped raise $1.2 million in pledged funds for the program. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/419516.html http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/419516.html Fri, 30 May 2008 08:03 EDT
DESTIN, Fla. . The majority of Southeastern Conference football coaches want an early signing period similar to the one used in basketball.

The coaches voted 9-3 Wednesday in favor of asking the league to support an early signing period proposed for late November, and presented their case to SEC athletic directors to be considered as national legislation.

League presidents are expected to follow suit on Friday, clearing the SEC to present the proposal to the NCAA.

The proposal would give prep prospects who have not taken any official visits one day before the start of the official contact period on Dec. 1 to sign a binding national letter of intent. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/123709.html http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/123709.html Sat, 14 Jul 2007 10:42 EDT
Legend has it was Jerry Tarkanian who uttered the classic 1980s line, “The NCAA is so mad at Kentucky, it put Cleveland State on probation.”


Two decades later, the NCAA must be downright furious at Oklahoma.


This week, its comical Committee on Infractions deemed the Norman football factory negligent in its duties concerning starting quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn, who were paid for work never performed at an auto dealership.


The punishment: Oklahoma must vacate its eight 2005 victories and surrender two scholarships each of the next two seasons.
]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/465310.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/465310.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:24 EDT
"You take the next-best player and move him up," the Florida State coach said Friday.

The difference is that a coach usually doesn't get all seven injured players back at once. And that's the challenge facing Bowden and his staff as they make final preparations for preseason drills.

"The big thing is how you handle the guys who get back for the fourth game," Bowden said as the Florida Sports Writers Association's annual gathering wrapped up.

"It'd be a shame if we get to the fourth game and we're going pretty good and those suspended guys aren't ready."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/465312.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/465312.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:34 EDT
The coach says he knew things wouldn't change overnight and is confident the program's best days are ahead.

Spurrier will remain the chief play-caller for South Carolina and he plans to spend more time working with the quarterbacks than he has in his first three years with the program.

The Gamecocks are coming off a disappointing season. They started 6-1 but lost their final five games.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/463049.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/463049.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:14 EDT
Snyder issued a statement through the university's sports information office confirming that he has cancer, though he wasn't specific about the kind or severity.

In the statement, the 68-year-old former coach said he appreciates the public support, but he also asked for privacy.

Snyder, the 1996 NCAA coach of the year, went 58-47 in nine seasons for the Sun Devils. He was dismissed after the 2000 season despite getting to the Aloha Bowl.

Snyder previously coached at California and Utah State.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/462057.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/462057.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:29 EDT
Swarbrick was selected by school officials as the new athletic director on Wednesday. He succeeds Kevin White, who left the school May 31 to become the athletic director at Duke.

Although Swarbrick has no experience as an athletic director, he is known to leaders in college athletics.

He was a finalist in 2002 for the NCAA president's position that went to Myles Brand, he was a finalist for the athletic director's position at Arizona State in 2005 and a finalist last year for commissioner of the Big 12. He also was instrumental in getting the NCAA to move its headquarters to Indianapolis in 2000.

Swarbrick is a 1976 graduate of Notre Dame.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/463114.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/463114.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:04 EDT
"Zeke Knight has been medically disqualified based on a medical condition that we cannot disclose due to student privacy laws," said Saban. "He has had extensive medical evaluations by numerous physicians, all of which concluded that it was in his best interest to no longer play football."

Knight played in all 13 games for the Tide last season with 11 starts at outside linebacker. He finished sixth on the team with 64 tackles, adding two interceptions and three sacks.

"Zeke is a fine young man and we appreciate all that he has done for this program," said Saban. "Zeke did a great job for us as a starter last year and, more importantly, is on track to graduate in August. I would like nothing more than to have him with us for one more season on the football field, but unfortunately that won't be the case after consulting with the doctors and medical staff on numerous occasions. I wish him and his family nothing but the best. Zeke Knight will always be a part of the Crimson Tide family."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/462073.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/462073.html Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:08 EDT
"This is a heartbreaking situation for Todd's family, friends, teammates and classmates," University of Oregon president Dave Frohnmayer said. "We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone touched by this terrible accident."

Doxey, who was 19, was with several teammates, many of who were floating down the river on inner-tubes. Doxey, however, jumped off the Marcola Road Bridge, according to Lane County Sheriff's reports. With most of his teammates already downriver, Doxey started experiencing difficulty swimming around 3:15 p.m.

He was picked up by another boat coming down the river and taken to the McKenzie-Williamette Hospital at 3:55 p.m. before being transferred to Sacred Heart Medical Center at 6:25 p.m., where he was pronounced dead shortly after 8 p.m.

"Anytime a young man or woman dies, it is a tragedy," Oregon head football coach Mike Bellotti said. "It's hard to understand why. My heart goes out to his family, to our players, some whom were there and some who will find out about it, and it's just one of those things we don't have answers for."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/462023.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/462023.html Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:08 EDT
Mangino, entering his seventh year at Kansas, was the consensus national coach of the year last season after guiding the Jayhawks to a 12-1 record, including a 24-21 victory over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl, Kansas' first BCS bowl victory.

"This is an appropriate reward for someone who has done a terrific job with the Kansas football program," said KU Athletics Director Lew Perkins. "Chancellor Hemenway and I think it's important that we not only reward Mark for the job he's done, but also give him the support and stability he needs to keep this football program a successful and nationally respected program. We think the Orange Bowl championship is just the beginning."

In the past five seasons, he has led the team to four six-plus win seasons, three bowl games and entering the 2008 season, the team has won 15 of its last 17 games.

"I want to thank Chancellor Hemenway and Lew for their strong and continued support," Mangino said. "We all share the same vision for excellence in our football program I appreciate their support of our mission to keep KU football a nationally ranked and respected program, both on the field and in the classroom."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/456641.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/456641.html Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:34 EDT
Rodriguez will pay $1.5 million in three annual payments beginning January 2010. The Wolverines athletic department, his new employer, will pay $2.5 million by the end of July and cover Rodriguez's legal fees, the University of Michigan said in a statement Wednesday.

"To help Rich focus on the challenges ahead, we have worked with him to resolve the dispute between him and West Virginia University over the terms of his buyout," Michigan athletic director Bill Martin said. "Although he continues to disagree with the validity of the terms, Rich and the rest of us at Michigan felt that it would be best to get this distracting issue behind us."

The WVU Board of Governors held a special meeting Wednesday and approved the agreement, settling a case attorneys Tom Flaherty and Jeff Wakefield were set to try this fall.

"It's a case that should have settled a long time ago and could have settled a long time ago. It's in the best interest of everyone to resolve it," Flaherty said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/455609.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/455609.html Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:40 EDT
Doctors have told the redshirt sophomore that he will likely be sidelined for six months due to his medication.

"I want to thank all the Seminole fans who have sent me e-mails and cards," Bellamy said in a statement. "I appreciate it very much. I want everyone to know I will do everything I can to get back out on the football field as soon as possible."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/450290.html http://www.kentucky.com/537/story/450290.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:25 EDT
Fulmer's new deal is worth $2.4 million for the 2008 season and escalates to $3.3 million in 2014 for an average of $2.99 million over the length of the agreement. It also includes a $1 million longevity bonus in December 2012 to reward him for his 20 years as the school's head coach.

"I am very proud to have Phillip as our coach for many years to come," men's athletic director Mike Hamilton said. "We're fortunate to have such a talented and proven coach leading our program. He and his staff have done a terrific job building on our rich tradition and positioning Tennessee football for the future."

Fulmer, a 1972 graduate of Tennessee, has a career record of 147-45 since taking over the program from Johnny Majors. The Vols were 10-4 last season, winning the SEC East Division, and capped the campaign with a victory over Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.

Pearl's new deal will average $2.3 million per year through the 2013-14 season.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/463342.html http://www.kentucky.com/278/story/463342.html Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:12 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/444186.html http://www.kentucky.com/272/story/444186.html Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:02 EDT
OMAHA, Neb. . Fresno State was smashing in its final performance as college baseball's team of destiny, winning a championship that would have been impossible to predict.

With Steve Detwiler providing all the offense Justin Wilson needed, the Bulldogs captured their first national championship in a men's sport with a 6-1 victory over Georgia in Game 3 of the College World Series finals Wednesday night.

Detwiler homered twice and drove in all six runs, and Wilson allowed five hits in eight innings to cap Fresno State's wild ride to a title.

Fresno State was forecast to be a Top 25 team coming into the season, but the Bulldogs lost 12 of their first 20 games. They needed to win the Western Athletic Conference tournament just to make the NCAA field of 64, fought off elimination in regionals and super regionals, and became the first No. 4 regional seed to reach the CWS since the tournament expanded in 1999. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/464561.html http://www.kentucky.com/293/story/464561.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:46 EDT
Steve Spurrier cleared up several items Thursday: He's not leaving South Carolina, he's not ceding his role as the Gamecocks' chief strategist, and he thinks he's got a special, albeit untested, talent in junior quarterback Tommy Beecher.

.I will oversee all the playcalling. I'm still the offensive coordinator,. Spurrier said. .In fact, I plan to spend more time with the quarterbacks and the offense this year than maybe I have in three years..

There was talk that growing frustration and continued stumbles would send Spurrier running from the rebuilding project he accepted after the 2004 season.

Troubled player finds home ]]>