NCAA makes reforms for hoops

RALEIGH, N.C. — The NCAA is taking steps to try to clean up men’s college basketball, carving out a limited role for agents to work with players and changing pivotal parts of its rules-enforcement system as part of numerous reforms in the wake of a corruption scandal. The Indianapolis-based governing body for college sports announced Wednesday that its Board of Governors and Division I Board of Directors had adopted a “series of significant policy and legislative changes” as part of an effort to “fundamentally” change the NCAA’s structure. Some are immediate, while others first require action from other agencies — such as the NBA changing the age limit for draft-eligible players that has fueled the wave of “one and done” at the college level. That follows lateApril recommendations from the commission headed by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice after a federal investigation into alleged bribes and kickbacks designed to influence recruits on choosing a school, agent or apparel company. Georgia Tech president and Board of Directors chairman Bud Peterson said the NCAA had pushed through changes in about 3 1/2 months that would “normally take us about two years through the governance process.” Speaking during a teleconference with reporters Wednesday afternoon, NCAA president Mark Emmert said, “Today was obviously a very important day for the NCAA and especially for men’s basketball, and … Division I.” While many agree the reforms are a step in the right direction, it is unclear how effective they will be. “It’s important to be mindful that we won’t reach perfection; however, we can’t let that stand in the way of significant progress,” Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner John Swofford said in a released statement. In terms of agents, the changes are as much about transparency and offering a legitimate avenue for communication or advice that previously could’ve taken place in the shadows — and raised the likelihood of attracting unscrupulous characters.

FOOTBALL

› CLEVELAND — As Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway stood by, a police officer said he “got real nervous” when he found bullets and a gun part while searching the NFL rookie’s vehicle. Callaway was cited for marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license after being stopped by Strongsville, Ohio, police early Sunday morning for failing to yield to oncoming traffic. On Wednesday, the dash-camera video obtained by TMZ shows Callaway getting out of his car and being questioned by police after the ammunition and a “strap” for a handgun were found in the 23-year-old’s car. A Browns spokesman said Callaway, a fourth-round pick who had numerous off-field problems while he was at the University of Florida, traveled with the team for tonight’s exhibition opener against the New York Giants. Callaway had been scheduled to appear in court today but had his appearance moved to Aug. 23. He recently moved into the starting lineup after the Browns traded Corey Coleman to Buffalo. It was not known if Coleman will be disciplined by the team. Callaway was pulled over at 2:59 a.m., and during the routine stop was asked to exit his vehicle after one of the officers smelled marijuana. In the video, Callaway said he has not been smoking and tells the officer his car had just been shipped from Florida. Once he returns to his patrol car, one officer tells the other he got worried when he found the bullets. Callaway then says he owned a gun but that it was in Florida. The officer asks to pat him down to make sure he’s not carrying a weapon. There was no mention of the ammunition or gun strap in the police report.

› CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson had another five-star quarterback on campus Wednesday: Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre. The former NFL star spent Wednesday visiting the Tigers, speaking with players and watching practice. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said he and Favre had recently become friendly, and when Swinney asked Favre to visit, the former Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers accepted. Favre surprised the players in their morning meeting, then spent time talking to them about life, the game and his 20-year pro career. Swinney said Favre’s message to the Tigers was to enjoy their time on campus and embrace the present because life flies by quickly. Favre stayed around for Clemson’s practice, the team’s first in full pads this preseason. Swinney said Favre enjoyed his time with the Tigers and the players appreciated meeting him.