Sports People

The University of Kentucky has granted basketball forward Rodrick Rhodes his release. It has been reported Rhodes had made an official visit to the University of Southern California. Rhodes, a senior, initially said he would make himself available for the NBA draft on June 28. He removed his name after a lackluster performance during the league’s camp in Chicago. … Noureddine Morceli just missed his world record in the 1,500, running the second fastest metric mile in history, being clocked in 3 minutes, 27.52 seconds at the Herculis Grand Prix track meet in Monte Carlo, Monaco. … The Los Angeles Kings will hold a news conference at the Forum today where it’s expected they’ll announce the hiring of Larry Robinson as head coach. … Bob Francis, a longtime player and coach in the Calgary Flames organization, joined the Boston Bruins as head coach of the American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins. … Four current or former Idaho State University football players, including at least two 1994 starters, have been indicted on charges related to what school officials said was an alleged statutory rape. The county prosecutor refused to name the players until they are officially informed of the charges. … Junior forward Henry Madden has been dismissed from the Oregon basketball team for failing to meet academic requirements. … Fred Couples, forced to withdraw from the British Open because of back problems, said he will defend his title in next week’s Buick Open and also plans to play in the PGA Championship. … In San Diego, middle blocker Tom Sorensen of Pepperdine had 21 kills, leading the U.S. men’s volleyball team past the Netherlands 15-10, 15-5, 16-14.