OFF THE WALL

Women’s teams used wrong size ball, coach says

While Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson is sure the first half of her team’s game at Florida State was mistakenly played with the larger ball used for men’s games, the ACC issued a statement disputing that claim Friday morning, writes Steve Wiseman of The News and Observer in Raleigh, N.C.

In a press conference following her team’s 53-44 win over Pittsburgh at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Thursday night, Lawson brought up Duke’s 70-57 loss at Florida State last Sunday. She explained how the wrong ball was used in the first half and, after Duke’s players complained, a change was made at halftime after Duke’s staff pointed it out to the game officials.

“We alerted the head official to come and look at it,” Lawson (pictured) said Thursday night. “He came and looked at it, and he changed the ball. We then played the second half with a women’s ball. It’s been very frustrating that at this level ... that a mistake like that happens that could have impacted the outcome of the game.”

But, in a statement from the ACC on Friday morning, the league said its investigation could not determine if the wrong ball was used.

“Upon completion of the game, the conference office was made aware of the allegation and immediately conducted a comprehensive review,” the statement said. “This included discussion with all parties involved, including game officials, game administrators, table crew and both schools. Following the thorough and objective review process, there was no evidence found to support the claim.”

For girls 12 and up, including NCAA and professional play, the ball used is smaller than the one used in the men’s game. The women play with a basketball that’s a 28.5 inches in circumference that weighs 20 ounces. The men play with a basketball that has a 29.5-inch circumference weighing 22 ounces.

Trivia question

On this date in 2006, the Steelers defeated the Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. Who was the game MVP?

Good cause

Skateboard legend Tony Hawk says he will donate half of the proceeds of autographed photos of himself and BMX rider

Rick Throne to the memorial fund for Tyre Nichols.

“My proceeds from these will go to the Tyre Nichols Memorial Fund, which includes plans to build a public skatepark in his honor; as our worlds continue to grieve his loss,” Hawk tweeted on Friday. “He was a talented skater among other admirable traits. Let’s keep his legacy alive.”

The photos can be purchased on Thorne’s website for $30. Only 1,000 copies will be available for sale.

Nichols was a 29-year-old skateboarder, Fedex worker and father to a 4-year-old boy.

He died Jan. 10 after Memphis police stopped him for what they said was a traffic violation. Video released after pressure from Nichols’ family shows officers holding him down and repeatedly punching, kicking and striking him with a baton as he screamed for his mother.

Trivia answer

Steelers receiver Hines Ward caught five passes for 123 yards and a score, and rushed once for 18 yards to earn MVP honors. Receiver Antwaan Randle El ,a college QB, threw the 43-yard scoring pass to Ward.