HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Connecticut has proposed its own penalties for failing to meet academic standards on its men’s basketball team, if the NCAA will allow the Huskies to participate in the 2013 championship tournament.
The school currently does not qualify for the tournament based on several years of low academic progress reports, but filed a waiver last month.
That document, obtained this week by The Associated Press under a Freedom of Information request, outlines proposed self-imposed penalties that will be instituted if the waiver is granted.
Those include forfeiting the revenue awarded to the Big East for participating in the tournament, reducing the number of regular-season games played in the 2012-13 season from 27 to 23, and barring coach Jim Calhoun from meeting off-campus with prospective recruits during the fall 2012 contact period.
Also on Wednesday, Connecticut announced men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun will miss Saturday’s game against No. 2 Syracuse while on an indefinite medical leave of absence because of spinal stenosis, a painful condition in his lower back.
He missed Saturday’s win over Seton Hall and Monday’s loss at Louisville.
BASEBALL
MLB news
Cincinnati made a couple moves to improve their depth, signing outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a one-year contract and left-handed starter Jeff Francis to a minor league deal. … Shortstop Elvis Andrus and Texas finalized a $14.4 million, three-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. … Russell Branyan has agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees and will try to win a bench job as a corner infielder during spring training.
BASKETBALL
Fever re-signs MVP Catchings
Tamika Catchings is staying with the Indiana Fever. The reigning WNBA MVP signed a free agent contract in a deal announced Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed. She has played 10 seasons in the league, all with the Fever. She has been among top-five finishers in MVP balloting nine times, is a four-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and a seven-time All-Star. The 32-year-old Catchings averaged 15.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season and led Indiana to the Eastern Conference Finals.
COLLEGES
Memphis to join Big East in 2013
The Big East says the Memphis Tigers officially accepted an invitation to be part of the conference’s next incarnation in 2013. Memphis is the seventh school, and fourth from Conference USA, to sign up for future membership in the Big East since December. The Tigers will compete in the Big East in all sports.
North Dakota still Fighting Sioux
The University of North Dakota said it will resume using its contentious Fighting Sioux nickname despite threats from the NCAA, marking the latest twist in a protracted fight about a name its critics consider offensive. A state law that that required the university to use the nickname was repealed last year. But late Tuesday, supporters of the name filed petitions demanding that the issue be put to a statewide vote.
FOOTBALL
Around the NFL
The Colts have promoted Tom Telesco to vice president of football operations. Telesco has spent the past six seasons as Indianapolis’ director of player personnel. Telesco joined the Colts in 1998 as a scout. He climbed the ranks and after the 2005 season was named director of player personnel. …
The Bears have hired Tim Holt as their offensive line coach. Holt takes over for Mike Tice, who was promoted to offensive coordinator after the departure of Mike Martz. Holt spent the past three years on Tampa Bay’s staff.
HOCKEY
Report: Wings set for Winter Classic
A person familiar with the NHL’s plan says the Detroit Red Wings will play the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 Winter Classic. The University of Michigan is seeking a contract with the NHL that would allow the league to hold next year’s showcase at Michigan Stadium.
