Arizona vacates 19 wins
The NCAA placed the
Arizona men's basketball program on two years of probation and vacated 19 wins from the 2007-08 season for violations involving Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson.
The NCAA upheld numerous self-imposed sanctions but took away an additional scholarship in 2012-13 and vacated wins in games played by two players deemed ineligible. The NCAA also reduced more recruiting visits than the school had initially proposed for the next two school years.
The university said it will not appeal the decision.
Hawks' Evans on track
Hawks swingman Maurice Evans, who had arthroscopic surgery to clean up some cartilage in his knee, is on schedule to return to the team. He missed three games last October because of a knee injury.
"Everything went well, and he will be ready for training camp," general manager Rick Sund said.
On Thursday, the Hawks announced the re-signing of center Jason Collins, who appeared in 24 games last season. ANNA KIM
Strasburg placed on DL
Nationals rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg went on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his throwing shoulder.
"They're taking every precaution with me, obviously," Strasburg said.
"If he's 90 percent healthy, we shut him down," manager Jim Riggleman said. "He's got to be 100 percent."
Miss Iowa laughs last
The Nationals said Miss Iowa Katherine Connors will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game against the Phillies today --- a few days after Washington pitcher Miguel Batista made reference to her as part of a self-effacing joke.
Batista was pressed into starting Tuesday when Stephen Strasburg was scratched with a stiff shoulder. Many in the crowd of more than 40,000 booed when told of the switch. Batista ended up the winning pitcher against the Braves.
"Imagine," Batista said, "if you go there to see Miss Universe and you end up having Miss Iowa --- you might get those kind of boos."
News of the day
Jurors in the extortion trial of Karen Cunagin Sypher --- who is accused of demanding money from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino --- were told she was five weeks pregnant at the time of a 2003 abortion. Testimony from a nurse was backed by records from Cincinnati Women's Services. Earlier, Pitino testified and got into a testy exchange with the defendant's lawyer while fending off allegations that he raped Sypher.
The Twins acquired All-Star closer Matt Capps, a Douglasville native, from Washington for minor leaguers Wilson Ramos and Joe Testa. Capps got his 26th save in 30 opportunities earlier Thursday against the Braves.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he will not suspend Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young over a tussle at a Dallas strip club in June. Speaking to reporters after the Packers' shareholders meeting in Green Bay, Wis., Goodell said he met with Young earlier this week.
