National sports

Brand behind NABC’s proposal for change in players’ eligibility

NCAA president Myles Brand will back a sweeping new proposal that would give college basketball players a fifth season of eligibility. One day after the National Association of Basketball Coaches unanimously approved the measure, Brand responded by calling it an “outstanding package.” “I’m supportive of the package in its entirety,” Brand told the Associated Press on Thursday. “It’s coherent, and it’s an effort to make the coach look more like a mentor and a teacher.” The coaches association plans to submit a revised proposal to the NCAA. The NCAA still must debate the measure and approve the recommendations, a process that will likely take at least a year. Brand believes the extra year of eligibility will help place a greater emphasis on education and improve lagging graduation rates. He said most students take 4.8 years to graduate and that athletes should be expected to do the same. Another part of the package calls for coaches to meet regularly with players about their classwork and future plans. While Brand acknowledged there would be critics, he will not be one. “I understand it will be controversial,” he said. “We’ll see how it turns out. But I believe the main purpose is to increase graduation rates in men’s basketball, which has had the most severe problem.” Brand had four NCAA officials help craft the plan during a yearlong process that culminated in the coaches’ approval Wednesday. “ Sean Miller was promoted to head coach at Xavier, replacing Thad Matta. Miller, Matta’s top assistant at Xavier since 2001, has been an assistant coach for 12 years at five schools. The 35-year-old Miller replaces Matta, who left Wednesday to coach Ohio State. “I have a great love for this university and what it stands for,” Miller said. “I have enjoyed being a part of our recent success and I am excited about the potential for our future.” “ Villanova’s men’s basketball team was placed on two years’ probation by the NCAA for recruiting and benefits violations. The Wildcats will not be subject to a postseason ban or loss of scholarships but will face stricter supervision. The violations occurred during a two-year period from fall 2001 to March 2003. Villanova said they were unintentional and provided no more than a minimal recruiting advantage. The school suggested it should serve one year of probation. “ La Salle senior guard Michael Cleaves was charged with sexual assault, the same day the school’s men’s and women’s basketball coaches were put on administrative leave. Cleaves, 22, who turned himself in Thursday night, faces charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, and conspiracy, along with other counts, authorities said. The charges stem from an alleged incident involving a 19-year-old woman who told police she was assaulted by two players in a La Salle dormitory in June. A second player is under investigation and is expected to turn himself in, police said. Officials announced earlier Thursday that men’s coach Billy Hahn and women’s coach John Miller have been put on administrative leave with pay while police investigate. “ A federal judge dismissed Nolan Richardson’s $8 million race discrimination lawsuit against the University of Arkansas, but said he understood why the fired basketball coach felt the way he did. U.S. District Judge William R. Wilson ruled that Richardson was fired because of comments he made after a February 2002 loss at Kentucky that the university could buy out his contract, not because of his race or comments the ex-coach made about race.

Pro basketball

Boozer signs offer sheet with Jazz

The Jazz made a deal that could bring restricted free agent Carlos Boozer to Utah.

Boozer said last week that he planned to stay with Cleveland. The Cavaliers will have 15 days to match the offer sheet.

Cleveland did not pick up the option on Boozer, hoping to sign him to a long-term deal this summer. The Cavaliers issued a brief statement after hearing of the potential deal with Utah.

Messages left with Boozer and agent Rob Pelinka were not immediately returned Thursday.

“ Utah point guard Carlos Arroyo resigned with the Jazz, agreeing to a four-year, $16 million contract.

“ Former Washington State point guard Marcus Moore is among 17 players on the Trail Blazers’ 2004 summer roster.

“ Former 76ers forward Brian Skinner is returning to Philadelphia for a deal that could be worth $25 million over five years, a league source said.

“ Center Mark Blout and the Celtics agreed on a six-year deal. The 7-foot, 250-pound Blount was Boston’s only significant unrestricted free agent.

“ The chance to win an Olympic gold medal just months after an NCAA title was too good for Emeka Okafor to turn down.

Okafor was selected for the U.S. Olympic basketball team, filling the final spot on the squad headed to the Athens Games.

Okafor, the second overall pick in the NBA draft by the expansion Carolina Bobcats, was officially added to the team along with Carmelo Anthony, Carlos Boozer, Lamar Odom and Dwyane Wade.

Hockey

Rolston signs with Wild

Forward Brian Rolston signed a three-year contract with the Minnesota Wild, giving the team one of its highest-profile free agents in its four-year history.

Rolston had 19 goals and 29 assists for the Boston Bruins last season and led the league with seven short-handed points.

“Former Spokane Chief Trent Whitfield re-signed with the Washington Capitals, agreeing to a one-year contract.