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

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The Spokesman-Review

College football

Tressel backs out of poll voting

Ohio State’s Jim Tressel did not vote in this week’s USA Today coaches’ poll to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest, a move the newspaper said could jeopardize his future in the selection process.

“We are disappointed with coach Tressel’s decision, but our oversight role does not grant us authority to compel his participation,” USA Today’s managing editor for sports Monte Lorell said Sunday in a statement. The agreement with the American Football Coaches Association obligates the panel of coaches to disclose final regular season ballots, without exception.

The top-ranked Buckeyes (12-0) will play Florida (12-1) in the BCS championship game.

The decision by Tressel not to vote could be unprecedented. AFCA’s Mel Pulliam said he couldn’t recall a coach declining to vote in the coaches’ poll – for any reason.

College footballFree furniture for Bruins believers

UCLA’s 13-9 upset victory over USC had more than the Victory Bell ringing Saturday evening.

The phone at the west Los Angeles furniture store H.D. Buttercup was ringing off the hook after the Bruins won free furniture for anyone bold enough to buy at least $2,000 worth of merchandise before Saturday’s kickoff.

“Our CFO is a USC alum who’s always touting the Trojans and some of us were getting sick of it,” said Mila Becker, the store’s director of public relations.

A bet resulted with Bruins sympathizers, leading to the idea of reimbursing customers for Saturday’s purchases of more than $2,000 if UCLA won the game.