Newsmakers

Suspended LSU suspended star cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, defensive back Tharold Simon and running back Spencer Ware for this Saturday’s home game against Auburn because they’ve run afoul of the team’s drug policy, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person told The Associated Press about the suspensions on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because they have not been announced. LSU spokesman Michael Bonnette declined to confirm any punishment for the players, saying only that they’re involved in an internal matter that coach Les Miles “will handle accordingly.”

Reinstated NCAA officials reinstated a Boise State player who served a six-game suspension for taking improper benefits worth $13,600 before and after he enrolled at the university. Sophomore defensive tackle Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe is eligible to play in Saturday’s conference home opener against Air Force.

Revealed Former Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden said in an interview on ESPN’s “E:60” that he missed the ticker-tape parade celebrating New York’s World Series win in 1986 because he was using drugs. Gooden, who says he became hooked on cocaine during the ’86 season, claims he watched the parade on television at the Long Island apartment of a drug dealer he did not even know.

Changed Former New York Mets outfielder Lenny Dykstra changed his plea from not guilty to no contest on charges of auto theft and providing a false financial statement. Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Alex Karnanen says the 48-year-old faces up to four years in prison as part of a plea deal.

Expected Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas, injured in last weekend’s game against Arizona State, said he expects to play Saturday against Colorado even though there has been no official word about his status.

Declined The New York Yankees declined a $4 million option on Damaso Marte, making the injured left-hander eligible for free agency. Marte missed the last 11/2 seasons because of a torn labrum in his left shoulder and had surgery on Oct. 22 last year.