The Morning Dish – Friday, June 6th:
The Sporting News columnist Mike Sullivan gave props to Hoopville senior writer Jed Tai in his latest column (third item). Thanks, Mike!
Neuheisel in Trouble: Washington football coach Rick Neuheisel is in hot water over a basketball pool. Neuheisel was questioned yesterday by NCAA officials regarding $20,000 he won by betting $5,000 on Maryland in an NCAA Tournament pool two seasons ago. Washington and NCAA officials were alerted on a tip of Neuheisel’s impropriety – betting on intercollegiate athletics is a big no-no. The bet, which was in an auction format among friends, may end up costing Neuheisel his job. The NCAA was already in the process of investigating Neuheisel as a follow up for 50 infractions from his Colorado days, in addition to lying about interviewing for the San Francisco 49ers position this past February.
Warrant Issued: An arrest warrant for former Georgia guard Wayne Arnold has been issued for failure to appear in court on misdemeanor drug possession charges. Arnold, who along with five Bulldog football players were charged with possession of a small quantity of marijuana in a dorm room back in March. Arnold was kicked off the squad by new coach Dennis Felton as part of a new “zero-tolerance” policy. The football players entered a diversion program.
Trapezoid Delayed: The NCAA Rules Committee has voted to delay the implementation of the new three-point arc and trapezoidal free throw lane until the 2004-05 season. The changes, which were voted and approved last month by the committee, was pushed back as NCAA member institutions portrayed a hardship in changing their facilities in time for this upcoming season. The recommendations are to be voted on by all divisions in late June. As it stands, both men’s and women’s hoops get the new International standard 3-point arc (moving to 20’6″ from 19’9″), but only the men get the trapezoid lane, though several women’s games will try it this coming season on a trial basis.
Switching Dogs: Albany announced yesterday that Loyola-Maryland sophomore guard Lucious Jordan has transferred to the Great Danes. Jordan, who was the leading scorer for the Greyhounds this past season, wanted to be closer to home – he played high school ball in the Albany area (Colonie Central HS). Loyola loses its top scorer from this past season, as Jordan averaged 13 points and 3.5 boards per contest, starting every game. He was also on the Metro Atlantic all-freshman squad two seasons ago. He will be eligible to play in the 2004-05 season.
Farewell, Dooley: Georgia AD Vince Dooley has seen his last contract. Yesterday, Georgia school president Michael Adams rejected Dooley’s contract extension request, thus making this season the last under Dooley’s watch. Dooley, who has been AD since 1979, had originally agreed to retire at the 25-year mark, and will continue to be involved in the athletic department as a fund-raising figurehead. He was also the football coach from 1964 to 1988, including the 1980 National Championship.
Warped Court: Officials at New Mexico are still looking into the cause of over $70,000 damage to the court of University Arena (The Pit). Actually the casue is known – a malfunctioning of a water cannon intended for use in extinguishing fires. The maple floor was damaged after the cannon went into action overnight and subsequently warped.
