Colorado works on contract with Boise State’s Hawkins
Boise State coach Dan Hawkins was close to completing a deal that would take him to Colorado to replace Gary Barnett.
A person familiar with the negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity because a deal is still pending, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the school hoped to introduce Hawkins as CU’s coach on Friday. The contract must first be approved by the CU Board of Regents.
“Dan Hawkins is the type of coach who represents virtually every expectation that I outlined,” CU athletic director Mike Bohn told Denver station KUSA-TV.
Bohn did not immediately return messages left on his cell phone by AP.
Hawkins, who first interviewed with CU on Saturday, canceled a recruiting trip set for this week. Asked about negotiations on Tuesday, he told the Idaho Statesman that “the process isn’t complete.”
Hawkins is 53-9 in five seasons at Boise State. He is currently in the first year of a five-year contract extension that includes an $850,000 buyout if he leaves before the end of this season and $700,000 if he completes the season.
“Peter Shinnick, who guided Azusa Pacific to a 53-22 record in seven seasons, has resigned as coach of the Cougars to accept a similar position at North Carolina-Pembroke.
“Former Nebraska quarterback Turner Gill is a finalist to take over as head coach of Buffalo, a program that has never had a winning season.
Track and field
Montgomery may lose $1 million
Tim Montgomery stands to lose a lot more than his world record and medals. The sprinter’s ban for doping could also cost him as much as $1 million.
Track and field’s governing body said it will ask Montgomery to return all of his prize money and appearances fees since March, 31, 2001, including the $250,000 he earned for setting a world record in the 100 meters in 2002.
Skiing
Kearney wins World Cup event
World champion Hannah Kearney of the United States won a World Cup moguls event at Tignes, France, while reigning champion Jeremy Bloom was fourth in his event.
Kearney had 25.75 points while runner-up Jennifer Heil of Canada finished with 25.37.
Finland’s Tapio Luusua won the men’s event with 25.64 points, followed by Japan’s Yugo Tsukita (25.63), Finland’s Sami Mustonen (25.44) and Bloom (25.19). Bloom was forced out of college football and is seeking a spot on the U.S. Olympic ski team.
“Snowboarders Hannah Teter and Shaun White won halfpipe events at Breckenridge, Colo., the first step toward making the U.S. Olympic team.
Soccer
Team doctor cleared of charges
A team doctor for the soccer power Juventus was cleared of doping charges in a case involving one of Italy’s most successful and popular teams.
The appeals court in Turin acquitted physician Riccardo Agricola, his lawyer Emiliana Olivieri said. It also upheld the acquittal of chief executive Antonio Giraudo, she said.
“The U.S. team’s planned March 22 exhibition game at Dortmun, Germany, has been finalized, giving the Americans a chance to play in the World Cup host country three months before the tournament.
Auto racing
Michelin will leave Formula One
Still reeling from its tire fiasco at the United States Grand Prix, Michelin is leaving Formula One after next season, making Bridgestone the racing circuit’s only supplier.
Michelin’s future in F1 had been in doubt since all seven of the French manufacturer’s two-car teams pulled out of the race at Indianapolis on June 19 because of concerns over the safety of the tires.
Miscellany
Ohio State defends coach’s firing
The president of Ohio State testified that the school had grounds to fire basketball coach Jim O’Brien because he admitted violating NCAA rules by lending a potential recruit $6,000.
Because of the admission, Karen Holbrook said the school didn’t have to honor a provision in O’Brien’s contract that said the NCAA had to rule on alleged violations.
O’Brien, however, denied telling former athletic director Andy Geiger that he violated an NCAA rule. His suit, in the Ohio Court of Claims, asks for $3.5 million in back pay and benefits for being improperly dismissed in June 2004. The judgment could grow by millions if interest and other damages are awarded.
“Power boat racing champion Tommy Thompson, a six-time Jersey Speed Skiff champion, has died at 65 at Cambridge, Md.