In brief: Lawmaker wants NCAA to investigate game
A New Jersey lawmaker wants the NCAA to investigate the Rutgers-Tennessee women’s game won by the Lady Vols amid a dispute over whether the clock paused, allowing a foul and game-winning free throws.
Nicky Anosike sank two free throws with two-tenths of a second left as then-No. 1 Tennessee rallied for a 59-58 win over then-No. 5 Rutgers.
“It looked a little strange,” Sen. Robert Singer said Wednesday. “It was done on their own home court.”
Television replays showed the game clock seeming to pause at 0.2 for about 1.3 seconds before running out as Anosike came down with an offensive rebound and was grabbed from behind by Kia Vaughn on Feb. 11.
Officials replayed the video and ruled the foul came before the buzzer.
Singer said he understands it’s unlikely the NCAA would reverse the outcome but hopes his request can lead to standard clock rules.
“Seton Hall men’s coach Bobby Gonzalez was suspended by the university for next season’s first Big East Conference game for criticizing the officiating after a loss to Rutgers in the regular-season finale.
“John Brady was hired as the new men’s coach at Arkansas State less than six weeks after being fired by LSU.
“Montana’s Robin Selvig has been named the Big Sky Conference women’s coach of the year.
Football
Packers sign Chillar
The Green Bay Packers agreed to a two-year, $5.4 million deal with free-agent linebacker Brandon Chillar.
Chillar started 41 games over the last four seasons with the St. Louis Rams.
“Tennessee center Kevin Mawae was elected president of the NFL Players Association on the final day of a four-day meeting in Hawaii.
“Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Cedrick Wilson has been charged with assaulting his estranged girlfriend at a suburban restaurant.
“An autopsy is inconclusive on the death of Central Florida wide receiver Ereck Plancher, 19, in Orlando, Fla.
The Orange County Medical Examiner’s office said that more testing will be needed to determine why he lost consciousness after strength and conditioning drills.
“Star running back Branden Ore will not play for Virginia Tech next year, a decision reached after meetings with coach Frank Beamer.
“Terrelle Pryor, the highly touted Pennsylvania prep quarterback, announced he’ll play for Ohio State.
Miscellany
Sharapova wins
Maria Sharapova ran her 2008 record to 18-0 with a victory over defending champion Daniela Hantuchova in the fourth round of the Pacific Life Open at Indian Wells, Calif.
Rafael Nadal came back to win the final five games and beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a men’s fourth-round match.
Americans James Blake and Mardy Fish also won.
“Former middleweight and light heavyweight boxing champion Reggie Johnson has been indicted in Houston on theft charges, accused of receiving $120,000 in grant money for youth boxing camps that never took place.
“Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany won the pairs title at the World Figure Skating Championships in Goteborg, Sweden.