Notre Dame’s Rees accepts punishment

Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees can only watch and work as others compete for the job he once had. Rees met with reporters Saturday for the first time since his May 3 confrontation with police and an arrest on four misdemeanor counts. He ended up pleading guilty to two misdemeanors and coach Brian Kelly suspended him for the Sept. 1 opener against Navy. Now Rees (pictured right) is allowed to practice with the team, but will have to work his way back up the depth chart after that game in Dublin, Ireland. He was supposed to compete with three other quarterbacks for the starter’s job this fall. But now he’s offering advice to Everett Golson and Andrew Hendrix, who are waging a battle to be No. 1. “It’s tough not being out there. But I accept the punishment,” Rees said. “I’ve got to be ready when my number’s called,” added Rees, who is 12-4 as a starter the last two seasons. – Associated Press