Punter implicated in attack turns himself in

A former University of Northern Colorado backup punter charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of his rival surrendered to authorities on Monday in Greeley, Colo., and was released on $500,000 bail.

Mitchell Cozad is accused of stabbing starter Rafael Mendoza in his kicking leg last month in a crime that drew comparisons to the attack on Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan by Tonya Harding’s hit man.

Cozad, 21, of Wheatland, Wyo., faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and second-degree assault and could be sentenced to 48 years in prison if convicted. He has been suspended from the team and the university.

“Defensive tackle Derek Lokey broke his leg in No. 5 Texas’ win over Nebraska and will be out indefinitely. Lokey fractured his fibula in the second quarter Saturday. Surgery is scheduled for later this week.

“Former Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler underwent a procedure in Ann Arbor, Mich., in which a device to help regulate heart beat was implanted in his chest.

The procedure took several hours and did not require open-heart surgery, the school said. He was expected to remain hospitalized for a day or two.

Cycling

Basso to choose team

Giro d’Italia champion Ivan Basso, implicated in a Spanish doping investigation and barred from this summer’s Tour de France, will decide in the next two weeks which team he’ll ride for next season.

Basso, who left the Danish CSC team last week with two years left on his contract, is considering a move to Lance Armstrong’s former team, Discovery Channel.

“It’s one of the candidates, but there are also others,” the Italian cyclist said. “I’ll announce the name of my next team within the first few days of November.”

Miscellany

WHL player still critical

Nineteen-year-old Moose Jaw goaltender Garrett Robinson remains in critical condition at Regina Hospital in Moose Jaw, Sask., after being involved in an automobile accident Sunday morning.

Moose Jaw police are still investigating the accident and alcohol is believed to have been a factor for the driver of the truck, who struck the vehicle that Robinson was riding in.

“A father pulled a gun on a youth football coach in Philadelphia because his son wasn’t getting enough playing time, police said.

Wayne Derkotch, 40, was arguing with the coach Sunday during a game of 6- and 7-year-olds when he drew the weapon. No shots were fired.

Derkotch was charged with aggravated assault and other offenses.

“Illinois guard Rich McBride was suspended for the first four regular season games following his arrest last month for driving under the influence. He will continue to practice with the team and be involved in counseling and community service, coach Bruce Weber said in a statement.

“Golfer Stephen Ames had tests on a back injury in Jacksonville that will cause him to miss the Chrysler Championship of Tampa and the season-ending Tour Championship, commissioner Tim Finchem said.