STORRS, Conn. — The NCAA has accused the storied men’s basketball program at the University of Connecticut of eight major rules violations, saying coach Jim Calhoun didn’t do enough to monitor his assistants.
The school released its notice of allegation letter Friday after a 15-month investigation into the recruiting of former player Nate Miles. The alleged violations include improper phone calls and text messages to recruits, giving recruits improper benefits and improperly distributing free tickets to high school coaches and others. Calhoun was cited for failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance.
“It’s not exactly, certainly anywhere near the high point of my career. As a matter of fact, it’s certainly one of the lowest points at any time that you are accused of doing something,” said Calhoun, who has led the Huskies since 1986 and twice guided them to national championships. “It’s a very serious matter.”
UConn is to appear before the governing body Oct. 15 to respond.
• The NCAA is looking into the academic history and recruitment of former Kentucky star Eric Bledsoe, The New York Times reported.
The investigation is centered on Bledsoe’s high school transcripts, payments made for an apartment shared by him and his mother, and whether his high school coach in Birmingham, Ala., demanded money from schools recruiting him.
Bledsoe declared for the NBA draft after one season at Kentucky, where he averaged 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
WNBA: Dream edges Mercury
PHOENIX — Angel McCoughtry scored 28 points and the Atlanta Dream withstood a 16-0 run by the Phoenix Mercury in the waning minutes to hold on for a 96-93 WNBA victory.
• Cappie Pondexter scored 21 points to lead the New York Liberty to a 77-71 road win over the San Antonio Silver Stars.
• Candace Parker had 30 points to lift the host Los Angeles Sparks to an 81-75 win over the Washington Mystics.
Lacrosse: Terps edge Orange
TOWSON, Md. — Maryland advanced to the NCAA women’s lacrosse title game for the 15th time, defeating Syracuse 14-5.
Maryland (21-1) will face Northwestern (20-1) in Sunday’s title game, after the Wildcats downed North Carolina 15-10 in the other semifinal.
Footnotes.
The U.S. will play Brazil in an exhibition Aug. 10 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
• Jose Mourinho is set to coach Real Madrid after guiding Inter Milan to the Champions League title. The deal is worth $19 million.
• Jeanne Austin, the mother of two-time U.S. Open champion Tracy Austin, has died in Los Angeles. She was 84.
• Ivan Basso moved into the lead of the Giro d’Italia by finishing second to Michele Scarponi in the 19th stage in Aprica, Italy.
• Helio Castroneves‘ team Penske crew edged Hideki Mutoh‘s Newman/Haas Racing team in the Indy 500 pit stop challenge.
