Louisville officials angry about loss of title

Louisville officials are not happy with the NCAA’s decision that mandates the school vacate its 2013 men’s basketball championship in the wake of an embarrassing sex scandal, and interim President Greg Postel did not hide his disappointment.

It’s the first time a Division 1 men’s basketball program has been stripped of a national title. While acknowledging the scandal was unacceptable, Postel believes the school’s cooperation with the NCAA should have counted for more than it did. But with the sanctions upheld, the Cardinals have to vacate not only the championship but 122 other victories and return about $600,000 in conference revenue from the 2012-15 NCAA tournaments.

“I cannot say this strongly enough: We believe the NCAA is simply wrong,” Postel said Tuesday. “We disagree with the NCAA ruling for reasons we clearly stated in our appeal. And we made a strong case based on NCAA precedent that supported our argument.”

NBA

BOBCATS FIRE GM >> The Charlotte Hornets fired general manager Rich Cho, with team owner Michael Jordan saying in a news release: “We’re deeply committed to our fans and to the city of Charlotte to provide a consistent winner on the court. The search will now begin for our next head of basketball operations who will help us achieve that goal.”

Charlotte is 24-33 and on the verge of failing to reach the playoffs. Cho was hired as GM in 2011 and assumed day-to-day responsibilities of the basketball operations department in 2014.

NFL

TEXANS RELEASE CUSHING >> The Houston Texans released linebacker Brian Cushing, the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009 and the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles with 664.

Cushing’s career, however, was marked by two suspensions for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancers. TITANS EXTEND SUCCOP >> Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop and the teeam have agreed to a multiyear contract extension.

Succop scored a careerhigh 136 points in 2017 and set the NFL record for most consecutive field goals made from inside 50 yards. His streak, which began in 2014, lasted 56 attempts. LANDRY GETS FRANCHISE TAG >> Receiver Jarvis Landry has been given a non-exclusive franchise tag by the Miami Dolphins after leading the NFL with 112 catches in 2017 and scoring nine touchdowns.

The value of the tag is expected to be about $16 million.