N. C. State basketball faces NCAA charges
The NCAA charged N. C. State with four violations, accusing former basketball assistant Orlando Early of providing payments and benefits in the recruiting of former star Dennis Smith Jr.
The school said Wednesday that it must respond to the notice of allegations within 90 days.
The NCAA alleges Early gave Smith about $ 46,700 in impermissible inducements and benefits. The NCAA also said former coach Mark Gottfried, now at Cal State Northridge, was “presumed responsible” and did not monitor Early for compliance.
More college basketball
Pitt will face Kansas State Nov. 25 in the Fort Myers Tip- Off in Fort Myers, Fla., organizers said. ... Pitt also received a commitment from KJ Marshall, a senior point guard last year at Trinity Christian High School in Fayetteville, N. C. He will join as a walk- on. … Ithiel Horton, a transfer guard from Delaware, also committed to Pitt. He must sit out next season but will have three years of eligibility left.
Pro basketball
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are officially Clippers. Los Angeles finished their deal with Oklahoma City, parting with Shai Gilgeous- Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and five first- round picks. Leonard reportedly signed a threeyear, $ 103.1 million max deal, including an option for the 2021- 22 season.
• Minnesota will not match an offer sheet to guard Tyus Jones, clearing the way for him to join Memphis on a three- year, $ 28 million deal.
• The Dallas Mavericks officially signed guard Seth Curry and re- signed restricted free agent forward Maxi Kleber. Curry signed a $ 32 million, fouryear deal and Kleber got a $ 35 million, four- year deal.
• Brittney Griner had 25 points and DeWanna Bonner added 22 as the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury beat the Washington Mystics, 91- 68, for their fifth win in six games.
Pro football
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ryan Smith was suspended four games after testing positive for performance- enhancers.
College football
UCF quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. broke his ankle. The school said it is unclear when he will be able to resume play.
Hockey
Winger Micheal Ferland signed a four- year deal with the Vancouver Canucks with an average annual value of $ 3.5 million.
Soccer
The African Cup of Nations debuted VAR in Cairo as Nigeria beat South Africa, 2- 1, and Senegal topped Benin, 1- 0. Bongani Zungu struck for South Africa, his header correctly allowed after a VAR check, while Senegal striker Sadio Mane had two goals ruled offside.
• CONCACAF is limiting direct qualifying for the World Cup by cutting the stages that led to a six- team final, in place since 1998. The six highestranked nations will now go right to the final round.