Record-shattering day for Norman, USC
Michael Norman of USC set a world record in the 400 meters, then helped the 1,600-meter relay team break its own record Saturday during the NCAA indoor track and field championships at College Station, Texas.
With a time of 44.52 in the 400 meters, Norman beat the 2008 record of Florida’s Kerron Clement by 0.05 seconds. Rai Benjamin, who also was part of the Trojans’ relay team, took third in the 200 meters earlier in the day. USC’s men finished second overall in the championships, behind Florida.
Kendall Ellis had a similar feat for the USC women. She set a U.S. record in the 400 meters, then helped the women’s team take first place in the 1,600-meter relay. Anna Cockrell, who also was part of the Trojans’ relay team, finished second in the 60-meter hurdles.
Other winners included USC’s Randall Cunningham (first in men’s high jump) and UCLA’s Jessie Maduka (third in women’s triple jump).
ETC. Two coaches fired
The combination was too much for Connecticut: an NCAA investigation and a second straight losing season. All of which left coach Kevin Ollie out of a job.
He was fired four years after leading the Huskies to the NCAA basketball title.
The university said in a statement it has “initiated disciplinary procedures” and is dismissing him for “just cause.” The school says it would have no further comment until its disciplinary process and the NCAA inquiry are complete.
“Our goal, above all, is to ensure we have a program that UConn Nation can be proud of, including our students, alumni, fans and all our committed supporters,” said Susan Herbst, the university president. Ollie was in the second year of a five-year deal . ... Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said he believed this could be the year the Bulldogs returned to the NCAA tournament and made a move to join the Southeastern Conference’s elite. Instead, a disappointing season led McGarity to decide Mark Fox wasn’t the right coach to help Georgia contend for championships. McGarity fired Fox, ending the coach’s nineyear stay that included only two NCAA tournament appearances. The decision to fire Fox came one day after the Bulldogs’ loss to Kentucky in the SEC tournament.
The Cleveland Browns have agreed to trade defensive tackle Danny Shelton to the New England Patriots for a future draft pick, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. Browns general manager John Dorsey, who made three major trades Friday, worked out the deal Saturday with the Patriots, said the person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because teams can’t finalize trades until the new league year begins Wednesday . ... The New York Giants have released Brad Wing, who struggled as their punter last season. Wing had been the Giants’ punter the last three seasons . ... Chris Gedney, an All-American tight end at Syracuse who played in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, has died. He was 47. Gedney’s death was announced by Syracuse, where he did commentary for the school’s football games and was a senior associate athletic director. No cause of death was disclosed.
Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Bonifacio was banned after a positive test for Boldenone. The ban will begin on opening day. “It really kind of made me sick to my stomach,” Royals manager Ned Yost said . ... Mike Moustakas signed a one-year, $6.5-million contract with the Royals with a mutual option for 2019. Moustakas can make another $2.2 million in incentives based on plate appearances.
Missouri forward Jordan Barnett has been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The report indicated Barnett failed to drive within a single lane. School spokesman Patrick Crawford says the athletic department is aware of the arrest but has made no comment.
Mikaela Shiffrin added a second crystal globe in as many days to her ever-growing collection. A day after locking up her second straight World Cup overall championship, the American secured her fifth season title in the slalom.