Newsmakers

Declared Georgia’s depth chart at tailback took another hit Friday when senior Caleb King was declared academically ineligible for the 2011 season. King ended spring practice as the team’s starter. Washaun Ealey, who led Georgia in rushing last season, left school in May after two suspensions for disciplinary reasons.

Cleared Five Mexican players who tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol were cleared by their country’s soccer federation. Defenders Francisco Rodriguez and Edgar Duenas, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and midfielders Christian Bermudez and Antonio Naelson blamed the results on contaminated meat.

Entered A judge entered a not guilty plea and set a new court date for Oklahoma State forward Darrell Williams, who faces five felony counts alleging he inappropriately touched two women at an off-campus party. District Judge Phillip Corley granted defense attorney Willie Baker’s request for a transcript of Williams’ preliminary hearing to be produced for new co-counsel Cheryl Ramsey and scheduled Williams’ next court date for July 22.

Resigned A person familiar with the situation says Nolan Richardson has resigned as coach and general manager of the WNBA’s Tulsa Shock, who are off to a 1-10 start

Signed Free agent Sonny Weems, who played last season for the Toronto Raptors, has joined Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, signing a contract that will keep him in Europe all season rather than risk sitting out an entire year if the NBA lockout lasts.

Ruled An Ohio appeals court ruled in favor of former Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley, saying the team can’t force NFL arbitration to halt a lawsuit on the career-ending staph infection he says he contracted at the team’s training facility.

Died Former TCU basketball coach Neil Dougherty, who guided the Horned Frogs from 2002-08, has died. He was 50. The University of Kansas, where he once worked as an assistant, said he died Tuesday in Indianapolis.