NCAA hits USC basketball with probation

The NCAA hit USC’s men’s basketball program with two years’ probation and a $5,000 fine because a former assistant coach violated NCAA ethical conduct rules when he accepted a bribe to steer players to a business management company.

The Division I Committee on Infractions announced the penalties. The probation, which does not include a postseason ban, runs until April 14, 2023.

Tony Bland, the former associate head coach under coach Andy Enfield, wasn’t mentioned by name in the NCAA report. He was fired by the school in January 2018 and later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery.

USC is the fourth school involved in the federal investigation to be punished by the NCAA. South Carolina is on two years’ probation; Oklahoma State is on three years’ probation and banned from participating in the postseason for one season; and Alabama was put on three years’ probation.

SAN JOSE STATE SAYS EXTRAINER IMPROPERLY TOUCHED ATHLETES >> The president of San Jose State University apologized to women who allege they were groped by the school’s former athletic trainer and said an investigation had substantiated sexual misconduct.

Mary Papazian apologized for “this breach of trust” in a campuswide letter to students, faculty and staff members.

Scott Shaw, the university’s director of sports medicine, resigned in August amid allegations that from 2006 to 2009 he inappropriately touched 17 swimmers during physical therapy.

Shaw has denied misconduct, and no criminal charges have been filed.

Golf

SMITH LEADS RBC HERITAGE AFTER CAREER-LOW 62 >> Cameron Smith birdied the difficult 17th and 18th holes at Harbour Town to shoot a 9-under 62, his career low on the PGA Tour, and take a one-shot lead over Stewart Cink at the RBC Heritage.

Cink finished his 63 around lunchtime and no one appeared likely to beat that score in overcast, breezier afternoon conditions. Yet Smith played his best down the challenging stretch.

The Australian chipped in for birdie on the par-3 17th, then stuck his approach to the lighthouse finishing hole within 5 feet to take the lead. Smith surpassed his previous low of 63, accomplished three times on tour.

NFL

ALDON SMITH TO JOIN SEAHAWKS >> The Seattle Seahawks and free agent defensive end Aldon Smith have agreed on a one-year contract, NFL Network reported Thursday. Smith enjoyed a renaissance with the Cowboys, starting all 16 games and recording five sacks and 14 quarterback hits, 48 tackles and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown. Smith was suspended by the NFL in November 2015. He wasn’t reinstated until last May. NFL INKS SPORTS BET DEALS

WITH CAESARS, FANDUEL, DRAFTKINGS >> Once one of the staunchest opponents of allowing people to bet legally on its games, the NFL announced deals with three major gambling companies to become official sports betting partners.

The league is partnering with Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings and FanDuel, all of which will get the use of NFL trademarks and official league data, and will integrate their own betting content into media properties including NFL.com and the league’s official app.

NBA

NETS’ ALDRIDGE RETIRES AT 35 DUE TO IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT >> LaMarcus Aldridge retired from the NBA after saying he experienced an irregular heartbeat during his final game with the Brooklyn Nets.

Aldridge, 35, posted a statement on social media saying the heart concerns he had during and after Brooklyn’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday was one of the “scariest things” he’s experienced.

Aldridge, who was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome — an abnormality that can cause a rapid heartbeat — as a rookie in 2007, said he feels better now after getting it checked out but decided to end his 15-year career. MICHAEL JORDAN WILL PRESENT KOBE BRYANT FOR HALL INDUCTION >> Michael Jordan will present Kobe Bryant for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next month.

Hall officials revealed the full list of presenters Thursday. Members of a Hall class are asked to choose who they would like to accompany them to thestageandpresentthem before their acceptance speech; when the inductee is being enshrined posthumously, as in Bryant’s case, family members are asked to make the decision on presenter.

WNBA

STANFORD’S WILLIAMS DRAFTED BY SEATTLE STORM >> From one championship team to another, Stanford point guard Kiana Williams landed with the Seattle Storm in the WNBA draft.

Williams was taken 18th overall as the sixth pick in the second round by the defending WNBA champion Seattle Storm. Williams helped guide the Cardinal to its third national championship earlier this month in her hometown of San Antonio.

NHL

NHL DELAYS CANUCKS’ RETURN TO PLAY AFTER COVID-19 OUTBREAK >> The NHL has delayed the Vancouver Canucks’ return to competition.

The Canucks, who have not played a game since March 24 due to a COVID-19 outbreak, had been scheduled to host the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. The league announced Thursday the team would not play that game and did not immediately set a new date for Vancouver’s return.

The decision was made with input from the NHL Players’ Association and medical staff from teams, theNHLsaid.