UConn admits major violations

College athletics: The University of Connecticut admitted its men’s basketball program committed major NCAA recruiting violations and has imposed its own sanctions, including two years’ probation and a loss of one scholarship for the next two seasons.

But the university says the evidence does not support the NCAA allegation that coach Jim Calhoun (pictured above) – who has won two national titles with the Huskies – failed to promote an atmosphere for compliance.

In a report released Friday, the school acknowledges its basketball staff made impermissible telephone calls and text messages as cited by the NCAA in a May report that followed a 15-month investigation. It also admits it improperly provided free game tickets to high school coaches and others.

A hearing is set for Friday before the NCAA infractions committee, which could impose additional penalties.

Associated Press

Spokane Marathon on Sunday

Running: The 15th annual Spokane Marathon is at 8 a.m. Sunday with the 26.2-mile course beginning in downtown, running through Browne’s Addition, the Centennial Trail and Riverside State Park before ending in Riverfront Park.

There is also a half-marathon and a 10K so finishers can say they ran a 10K on 10/10/10.

The marathon is sponsored by the Bloomsday Road Runners Club.