football
NCAA investigates itself after probe
• The NCAA has found what it calls “a very severe issue of improper conduct” committed by former members of its own enforcement program during the Miami investigation, and will not deliver the long-awaited notice of allegations against the Hurricanes until an external review is completed.
NCAA President Mark Emmert announced the findings Wednesday. The sports governing body said former enforcement staff members worked with the criminal defense attorney for former Miami booster and convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro “to improperly obtain information ... through a bankruptcy proceeding that did not involve the NCAA.”
“I am deeply disappointed and frustrated and even angry about these circumstances,” said Emmert.
• Charlie Strong got a long-term commitment from Louisville that makes him one of the top 10 highest-paid Division I coaches. The Cardinals coach and the university agreed on an eight-year contract extension that will pay Strong an annual base salary of $3.7 million, plus performance incentives worth $583,333 if Louisville wins the BCS championship game.
• New Chargers coach Mike McCoy added two assistants to his staff, bringing Denver’s Ron Milus in to coach the secondary and tapping Cleveland’s Kent Johnston to serve as strength and conditioning coach.
• Junior Seau’s family is suing the NFL over the long-term damage caused by concussions. Seau’s ex-wife and four children sued the league, saying the former linebacker’s suicide was the result of brain disease caused by violent hits he sustained while playing.
hockey
Oilers, Edmonton agree on arena deal
• The Edmonton Oilers and the city have agreed to resurrect a deal to build a new downtown arena. City councilors have voted to accept a cost-shared deal for a $480 million rink. After surrounding infrastructure is added in, the final bill will be $601 million.
• The Colorado Avalanche will be without Steve Downie for the rest of the season after the forward tore his ACL against Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
• Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ian White will be out two to three weeks after having surgery to repair a deep leg laceration.
• The San Jose Sharks signed free-agent center Scott Gomez to a one-year deal.
basketball
Knicks’ $1.1 billion value tops in NBA
• The New York Knicks have surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers as the most valuable team in the NBA, according to Forbes’ annual study. Boosted by renovations to Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ value increased 41 percent to $1.1 billion. The Lakers were at $1 billion.
• The Memphis Grizzlies signed guard-forward Chris Johnson to a 10-day contract.
• The Milwaukee Bucks extended the contract of General Manager John Hammond through the 2015-16 season.
• North Carolina suspended guard Leslie McDonald for three games. The reason was not disclosed.
other SPORTS
Santos grabs lead in Qatar Masters
• Ricardo Santos of Portugal made five birdies on his back nine to finish with a 7-under 65 in the opening round of the Qatar Masters, taking a 1 shot lead over Anthony Wall and Peter Whiteford in Doha, Qatar.
• Infielder Jonathan Herrera and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a one-year, $900,000 contract.
• Two-time Olympic luge champion Armin Zoeggeler will not compete in the world championships so he can fully recover from injuries for the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.
— From wire reports
