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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Briefly

Compiled from wire reports The Spokesman-Review

Bob Huggins tearfully thanked fans for their 16 years of support Thursday, while lawyers for the ousted coach and the University of Cincinnati did not yet finish the details of his $3 million buyout.

Huggins agreed to step down on Wednesday, a day after the school warned he would be fired if he didn’t.

“I just wanted to stop by and say thanks, it was 16 wonderful years,” Huggins told a crowd at a rally, pausing between sentences to collect his thoughts and his composure. “Give me a minute here. Honestly, I don’t know what to say, but thanks. It’s been 16 great years.”

Hockey

Peters admits to andro

Buffalo Sabres enforcer Andrew Peters briefly and legally used the steroidlike supplement androstenedione two years ago to help him make the team. Peters did not break any laws or NHL rules at the time and has stopped using the performance enhancer since the Food and Drug Administration banned its sale in April 2004, his agent, Steve Bartlett, said.

Peters, believed to be the first NHL player to admit using a performance-enhancing supplement, said he used andro during 2003, the Buffalo News reported.

College football

Five voters ineligible

The new college football poll being used by the Bowl Championship Series will have to replace five voters on its recently unveiled panel, four who work for ESPN and one whose only connection to college football is his father-in-law.

Lou Holtz, Gerry DiNardo, John Congemi and Sam Smith are not permitted by ESPN to vote in the Harris Interactive College Football Poll and Jason Rash, the son-in-law of Troy coach Larry Blakeney, has withdrawn.

Little League

Hawaii earns berth

Sheyne Baniaga homered onto the hill beyond the left-field wall and Kini Enos scattered five hits over five innings to help West Oahu of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, defeat Lafayette, La., 2-0, and earn a berth versus Rancho Bueno Vista, Calif., in Saturday’s U.S. championship game of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.

Elsewhere, Christopher Garia allowed two hits and Willemstad, Curacao, scored 11 runs in the fifth to rout Mangilao-Barrigado, Guam, 16-1 to advance to Saturday’s international championship game against Japan.

Miscellany

Ohio State responds

Ohio State argued that it shouldn’t be held liable for some NCAA rules violations because former men’s basketball coach Jim O’Brien made it impossible for athletic administrators to know about them.

The university issued its formal response to the NCAA and conceded to nine violations, seven in the men’s basketball program and one each for the women’s basketball and football teams.

Ohio State said the men’s basketball team would have two fewer scholarships than the NCAA maximum of 13 this season.

“Lynn Greer hit three free throws with 1.2 seconds left to lead the U.S. men’s team past Brazil, 96-94, in the Americas World Championship qualifying basketball tournament in the Dominican Republic.

Sports people

Suns complete deal

The NBA’s Phoenix Suns completed a deal to acquire restricted free agent James Jones from the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers will get a second-round draft pick in 2008. The Suns have also signed coach Mike D’Antoni to a two-year extension . … B.C. Lions quarterback Dave Dickenson will miss this weekend’s CFL game because of a dislocated shoulder. … Olympic silver medal gymnast Brett McClure will have elbow surgery, ending his chances of competing in the world championships in November.