In brief: Montana coach may leave for NBA

The University of Montana has scheduled a news conference for today concerning the men’s basketball program.

Sports information director Dave Guffey declined to comment Tuesday on reports that coach Larry Krystkowiak would take a job with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played for four seasons from 1987-1992. A spokeswoman with the Bucks told The Associated Press that they were in discussions with Krystkowiak but had no announcement.

“Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski calls the past few months the most “trying time” he’s seen at the school, and he withheld comment on the lacrosse scandal until now because he felt it was the right thing to do.

“Coach Ben Braun agreed to a two-year contract extension at California, keeping him with the men’s team through 2011.

“The College of Charleston and former coach Tom Herrion have all but finished a buyout that will pay him $787,000 for the remaining four years of his contract.

Football

Roethlisberger visits

Ben Roethlisberger, accompanied by bodyguards and wearing a hood to cover facial injuries from a motorcycle crash, visited the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offices, a newspaper reported.

Roethlisberger stopped by headquarters for the first time since the accident eight days ago to pick up mail and other items.

“The St. Louis Rams have restructured their front office, eliminating the general manager position and hiring two vice presidents.

Tony Softli was selected vice president for player personnel and will lead the department that includes longtime general manager Charley Armey as vice president for pro personnel.

“Tennessee rookie running back LenDale White said the hamstring injury that has bothered him since the spring has healed, and he is working on conditioning.

“The Kansas City Chiefs signed Jerald Brown, the Arena Football League’s defensive player of the year, to a two-year contract.

“Tampa Bay quarterback Luke McCown will have knee surgery this week, leaving the Buccaneers in the market for another backup for Chris Simms.

Miscellany

Pierce withdraws

Mary Pierce pulled out of Wimbledon with a foot injury, joining Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport as former Grand Slam winners out of the tournament that begins Monday.

“The International Olympic Committee executive board is meeting this week to trim the seven-city field to a list of three or four finalists.

Expected to make the cut Thursday are Salzburg, Austria, Pyeongchang, South Korea, and Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has accused NASCAR team owner Gene Haas of defrauding the government of more than $20 million in taxes.

“The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has suspended judo athlete George Hartman for two years following a positive test for testosterone.

From wire reports