ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez concedes he is nervous about today’s hearing with the NCAA.
He’s not alone.
Rodriguez will join university president Mary Sue Coleman and athletic director Dave Brandon in Seattle for the meeting with NCAA officials.
The NCAA has accused Michigan of five major rules violations related to practices and workouts. School officials plan to challenge the allegation that Rodriguez failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance but accept responsibility for the other four allegations.
“We’re all anxious,” Rodriguez said. “Everybody involved in the process — the school administration, the coaches, the players — we’re all looking forward to having this next process, which is this weekend, completed. Then when the committee finishes with their conclusion, ending that whole thing.”
The problems started nearly a year ago when the Detroit Free Press reported the Rodriguez-led program was exceeding NCAA limits on practice and training time, leading to school and NCAA investigations.
• Texas Tech receiver and punt return specialist Austin Zouzalik could miss the Sept. 5 season opener against SMU as he recovers from an emergency appendectomy.
• Troy wide receiver Josh Jarboe was dismissed for violating team rules.
Jarboe has twice been cited by university police. The sophomore was cited in January 2009 for misdemeanor harassment and this year for disorderly conduct. He came to Troy in 2008 after he was kicked off the Oklahoma team for making a profane Internet video that shows him rapping about guns and killing people.
Wimbledon waives dress code
WIMBLEDON, England — Wimbledon organizers said the traditional all-white dress rule will be waived for the tennis competition at the London Games in 2012.
Players must wear predominantly white clothing during the Grand Slam event.
Among other changes, the Royal Box on Centre Court will be filled with the International Olympic Committee “family,” instead of the assorted royalty and dignitaries who congregate there during Wimbledon.
• Venus Williams withdrew from next week’s WTA tournament in Montreal, citing an injured left knee that is hampering her preparation for the U.S. Open that begins Aug. 30.
Footnotes.
American Tyson Gay ran the fastest time in the world this year to win the 100-meter final at the Diamond League meet in London, finishing in 9.78 seconds.
• The Columbus Crew announced it would exercise its option on coach Robert Warzycha for the 2011 MLS season.
• Sacramento Kings co-owner Joe Maloof is expanding his skateboarding competitions and offering a $1 million bonus to any skater who can win four in a row.
• The AVP canceled the rest of this year’s professional beach volleyball tour because of financial troubles.
