Sports in brief: Martin, Kitner, Clow all-league

College football: Whitworth defensive tackle Brandon Martin became a three-time first team All-Northwest Conference honoree, leading a group of seven Pirates named to the 2009 All-NWC team.

Martin (pictured above) was joined on the first team by senior offensive tackle Jeff Kintner and junior punter Zack Clow.

Second team selections included Layton Brown (Jr., LB), Jeff Erlenmeyer (Jr., DE), Cailen Thomason (So., DB) and Michael Nahl (Sr., OG).

In addition, Eric Entel (Sr., WR), Nate Hadley (Sr., LB) and Emilio Sulpizio (So., C) received honorable mention recognition.

Martin led the Pirates, and finished tied for second in the conference, in total tackles for loss this season. He accumulated 12.5 tackles for losses totaling 38 yards. Martin finished the season with 46 total tackles, four pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.

Kintner, who has been a starter since he was a freshman and has been the starting left tackle for three straight seasons, was selected to the All-NWC first team a second straight season.

The Pirates finished the year 5-5 overall and tied for third in the NWC at 3-3.

Complete list, B4

WSU’s Stripling suspended

College football: Washington State linebacker Jason Stripling was arrested by the Pullman police department early Sunday morning and charged with fourth-degree assault and obstructing a public servant, according to the police report.

Stripling, who has started every game this season, has been suspended pending an investigation by the coaching staff, a WSU spokesperson said Monday.

Fourth-degree assault is a gross misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Obstructing a public servant is a simple misdemeanor, which can mean a jail sentence of up to 90 days and a $1,000 fine.

James D. Bero was also arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault, according to the report.

The incident took place near the corner of Ruby and Colorado streets on Greek Row at about 1:30 Sunday morning.

Vince Grippi

Nichols collects Big Sky honor

College football: Eastern Washington senior quarterback Matt Nichols was named the Big Sky Conference offensive player of the week for his effort in the Eagles’ 41-28 win at Southern Utah on Saturday.

The league also honored Montana State defensive end Fletcher Dane and Weber State punt returner/wide receiver Tim Toone on special teams.

Nichols passed for 380 yards and four touchdowns in Eastern’s victory.