In brief: Sampson introduced in Milwaukee
Kelvin Sampson wants to restore his reputation and continue his career, and hopes he took a step in that direction when he was introduced as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. It was previously announced that he had accepted the job.
But Sampson will pass on the chance to explain his version of a messy divorce with Indiana University until after an NCAA hearing in mid-June.
“More will come out, and I’ll be more than happy to talk after that,” Sampson said.
Bucks coach Scott Skiles cautioned people not to jump to conclusions about Sampson’s character.
“Maybe when this all comes out, it will end up not being as serious as originally thought,” Skiles said.
Football
FSU receiver charged
Florida State receiver Preston Parker will have to sit out the first two games of the 2008 season after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges in Tallahassee, Fla.
The 21-year-old Parker was arrested in April on a felony charge for allegedly having a loaded .45-caliber pistol in the dashboard of his car. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon.
“Less than a month after the NFL reinstated Odell Thurman from his two-year suspension, the troubled linebacker is out of a job.
Thurman was waived by Cincinnati after failing to show up for voluntary workouts, leaving his once-promising career at the crossroads again.
“Minnesota Vikings great Carl Eller appeared in court in Minneapolis on charges stemming from an alleged scuffle with police last month.
Eller agreed to appear at a pretrial hearing July 29, and a trial date was set for Nov. 4.
“Offensive lineman Steve McKinney , coming back from a knee injury that forced him to miss most of the 2007 season, signed a contract to join the Miami Dolphins.
“Linebacker Dan Morgan retired two months after the frequently injured former first-round draft pick signed with the New Orleans Saints.
Tennis
U.S. beats Czechs
The United States beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at the World Team Cup in Duesseldorf, Germany, despite having to use another doubles team because of an undisclosed injury to top-ranked Bob and Mike Bryan.
The Bryan brothers were replaced by James Blake and Wayne Odesnik, who rallied past Tomas Berdych and Pavel Vizner 0-6, 7-5, 10-8.
Blake and Odesnik had split their singles matches Sunday, with Blake losing and Odesnik winning.
Miscellany
Woods to play in Buick
Tiger Woods intends to play in the Buick Open and will host a golf clinic at Comerica Park in Detroit on June 24, two days before the tournament begins.
Buick golf marketing manager Larry Peck announced Woods’ participation during a news conference Monday.
Woods hasn’t played since undergoing knee surgery two days after the Masters, and isn’t expected to return until the U.S. Open in mid-June. The Buick Open comes two weeks later.
“Dr. Mary Scollay, a Florida veterinarian who has conducted a national investigation into breakdowns involving racehorses, was tapped as Kentucky’s first equine medical director, a post that will help advise on whether – and how – the state should impose steroid tests.
“Canadian wheelchair racer Jeff Adams, a six-time world champion, was cleared by the highest tribunal of sports after testing positive for cocaine, his lawyer said.