In brief
Oklahoma State’s Sutton steps down
Two victories shy of his 800th win, Eddie Sutton decided it was time to leave college basketball and let his son coach Oklahoma State.
The 70-year-old coach retired Friday in Stillwater, Okla., ending a 36-year career in which he made three trips to the Final Four and became the first coach to take four schools to the NCAA tournament.
He had considered returning to Oklahoma State after a Feb. 10 car accident that led to no contest pleas to drunken driving and other charges.
“This decision is about simply what’s best for me and what’s best for the basketball program at Oklahoma State,” Sutton said.
His retirement takes effect June 30. He will be succeeded by Sean Sutton, who was an assistant on his father’s coaching staff and had taken the job on an interim basis.
Eddie Sutton plans to work in a new alcohol education and support program at the university.
“People today in our country know a lot more about alcoholism, but there’s still people that don’t know what the disease is, how it affects someone as a person,” he said. “It’s really slow suicide if you drink.”
Sutton had a 798-315 career record at Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State.
“Georgia women’s coach Andy Landers got a four-year contract extension through the 2011 season and a raise of almost $45,000.
“Los Angeles Sparks star Chamique Holdsclaw might miss the team’s WNBA season-opener Sunday at Seattle after leaving the team for personal reasons.
Football
Los Angeles plans improvements
The City Council voted to spend $25 million on improvements around the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in hopes of luring an NFL team back to the city.
Under the plan, the city Community Redevelopment Agency would issue $25 million in bonds for street widening, site clearing and other work near the Coliseum, which would be paid for by expected tax revenue from the stadium.
“The Seattle Seahawks added 18 years of NFL experience to their scouting department when Ruston Webster became vice president of player personnel, a newly created position.
“The Jacksonville Jaguars added two veteran wide receivers, signing unrestricted free agents Troy Edwards and Randy Hymes.
“The Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Lawrence Tynes to a one-year deal, and also signed cornerback Benny Sapp, offensive tackle Jordan Black and defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson.
“Texas coach Mack Brown is recovering after knee joint replacement surgery, a school spokesman said.
Miscellany
Big names advance
Former champions Venus Williams and Martina Hingis each won quarterfinal matches at the Italian Open in Rome. Williams beat Jelena Jankovic 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, while Hingis defeated Flavia Pennetta 6-3, 6-1.
“Spain’s Juan Horrach Rippol prevailed in a six-way sprint in Sestri Levante, Italy, to win the 12th stage of cycling’s Giro d’Italia. Ivan Basso, who finished in a group seven minutes behind the winner, retained the overall leader’s pink jersey.