NCAA rewrites constitution, sets stage for transformation
The NCAA is setting the stage for a dramatic restructuring of college sports that will give each of its three divisions the power to govern itself.
Approval of a new, streamlined constitution is expected in January with minimal consternation or conflict.
The next phase of the NCAA’s transformation figures to be more difficult: A reshaping of Division I that will tackle revenue distribution, how rules are made and enforced, access to the mosthigh profile and lucrative NCAA events —- such as the men’s basketball tournament — and just how big the tent should be at the top of college sports.
“So those are the things that we’re really going to have to get to the granular spot, and some of those are going to be very difficult conversations to have,” said West Virginia athletic director Shane Lyons, who is the chairman of the Division I Council and a member of the committee that trimmed the bedrock constitution of the 115-year-old organization.
The NCAA released on Monday a draft of an 18 ½-page constitution, cut down from 43 pages over the last three months at the direction of President Mark Emmert.
College football
WASHINGTON SUSPENDS
LAKE FOR 1 GAME WITHOUT PAY » Washington suspended head coach Jimmy Lake for one game without pay following a sideline incident during the Huskies’ game against Oregon.
Lake is suspended from all team activities for the week and will return to his coaching responsibilities on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory will serve as the interim coach for Saturday’s game against Arizona State.
Lake appeared to thrust his right arm toward and then shoved Ruperake Fuavai during a brief skirmish on the Washington sideline in Saturday’s 2616 loss to Oregon. Fuavai appeared to be exchanging words with Oregon’s Jaylon Redd just before the incident with Lake.
MLB
DODGERS, LHP HEANEY AGREE TO $8.5M, 1-YEAR DEAL » The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to an $8.5 million, one-year contract with free agent left-hander Andrew Heaney, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The 30-year-old Heaney split 2021 between the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees, going 8-9 with a 5.83 ERA.
The Angels traded him to New York on July 30 for two minor leaguers, and he was 2-2 with a 7.32 ERA in 12 games, including five starts, after the swap.
Golf
MEXICO OPEN TO BE PART OF PGA TOUR SCHEDULE FOR 1ST TIME » The Mexico Open will be part of the PGA Tour schedule for the first time, offering a $7.3 million purse next spring in Puerto Vallarta.
The Mexico Open will be at Vidanta Vallarta near the Pacific coast on April 28 to May 1 with a field of 132 players that guarantees at least four spots for Latin American players.
The host organization is Grupo Salinas, which brought Mexico its first big event in 2017 with a World Golf Championship event in Mexico City. Dustin Johnson won twice, while Phil Mickelson also won the WGC title.