Briefly
Grand jury ends investigation into Colorado football
A state grand jury in Denver, Thursday wrapped up its investigation into the sex-and-alcohol recruiting scandal in the Colorado football program. There was no immediate word on whether the panel handed up any criminal indictments.
The jurors, who began meeting in May, filed out of the courtroom without comment. Many were smiling and one kissed a bailiff on the cheek.
Asked whether any indictments had been filed, Assistant Attorney General Brian Whitney said, “Not by me.”
Attorney General Ken Salazar met briefly with the panel about 3 1/2 hours before it was dismissed. He declined to say what action the jurors would take.
Salazar was asked to lead the investigation by Gov. Bill Owens amid allegations the football program used sex, strippers and alcohol to recruit promising athletes.
Legal experts have said they think Salazar’s investigators were trying to determine whether university funds were misused. Salazar’s office has declined to comment on any specifics.
Boxing
Bowe plans comeback for late September
At Shawnee, Okla., former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe is coming out of retirement after a 17-month prison stint, with a scheduled return set for Sept. 25.
His first fight since December 1996 will be against low-ranked heavyweight veteran Jeff Lally (23-23-1, 10 KOs) at Fire Lake Casino.
“The promoter of the Mike Tyson-Danny Williams bout is suing Williams’ British promoter, claiming partial rights to promote future Williams fights. The suit was filed late last week in U.S. District Court in Louisville, Ky., by Straight-Out Promotions
Auto racing
NASCAR’s new rule aims to cut costs
In an attempt to control escalating costs and enhance racing, NASCAR announced a new gear rule at Dayton Beach, Fla., for the Nextel Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series.
The rule, which will take effect with the 2005 season, will restrict teams to gear ratios determined by NASCAR in an effort to limit maximum engine revolutions per minute.
College football
BYU gang rape charges investigated
Police in Provo, Utah, are investigating a 17-year-old girl’s allegations that she was gang-raped by men who may have been Brigham Young University football players.
A police affidavit for a search warrant said the incident was at the University Villa Apartments, which is approved by BYU for student housing. An apartment manager said four apartments in the complex were for football players.
“The Atlantic Coast Conference chose Jacksonville to host its first two championship games. The first game will be played Dec. 3, 2005, at Alltel Stadium.
College basketball
UConn assistant coach put on leave
Connecticut placed assistant men’s basketball coach Clyde Vaughan on paid administrative leave after his arrest in a prostitution sting.
Director of athletics Jeffrey Hathaway and head coach Jim Calhoun said the leave will continue pending the outcome of Vaughan’s court appearance Tuesday.
Miscellany
Cavaliers sign Brazilian rookie
The NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers signed Brazilian rookie forward Anderson Varejao to a three-year contract and the New York Knicks re-signed forward Vin Baker.
“Forward Sergei Brylin re-signed with the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
“Valerie Ramirez pitched a complete game and fell a home run short of a cycle to lead Midway of Waco, Texas, to an 18-5 win over McLean, Va., in the championship game of the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Ore. Midway won its 11th title in 13 years.