Swimming
Ryan Lochte, Missy Franklin pick up 2 national titles
INDIANAPOLIS – Ryan Lochte and Missy Franklin each won two national titles Wednesday night with times that ranked among the top five in the world this year.
They each won in the 200 freestyle, then returned to the pool less than 90 minutes later and each won in the 200 backstroke.
Lochte won the 200 free in 1 minute, 45.97 seconds, fifth-fastest in the world this year, and took the 200 back in 1:55.16, third-fastest in 2013.
Franklin’s time of 1:55.63 in the 200 free was 0.08 seconds off the world’s best this season. The Olympic champion and world-record holder in the 200 back then set a U.S. Open record in that race at 2:05.68, the world’s best time this season.
College Football
Ducks land on probation but dodge an NCAA bowl ban
The NCAA stripped Oregon of a scholarship in each of the next two seasons and placed the program on probation for three years, opting against stiffer penalties like a bowl ban despite issuing an 18-month show-cause order against former coach Chip Kelly.
The NCAA’s Division I Committee on Infractions released a report Wednesday that said Kelly failed to monitor the program for its improper involvement with Willie Lyles and his Houston-based recruiting service.
Oregon lost an initial scholarship and had its total number of scholarships reduced by one from a maximum of 85 in 2012-13 through self-imposed sanctions.
It will lose another initial scholarship in 2013-14 and have its total scholarships reduced by one each of the next two years, also self-imposed.
NFL
Lawsuit against former Denver Broncos’ corner dismissed
DENVER – A Denver judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a woman who accused former Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox of sexual assault.
Court documents show the case was dismissed last week at both parties’ request, with no one admitting fault.
Attorneys for both sides mentioned a confidential agreement reached outside of court in declining to comment Wednesday.
Cox now plays for the San Francisco 49ers.
Cleveland Browns release rookie charged in beating
PASSAIC, N.J. – The Cleveland Browns have released a rookie who is charged with attempted murder for allegedly punching a man in the head outside a club in northern New Jersey.
Ausar Walcott turned himself in to Passaic police Tuesday after he was identified as a suspect in an incident that happened around 3 a.m. Sunday.
The team announced his release Wednesday.
Walcott, 23, is charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering an injured victim. The complaint alleges Walcott punched a man in the head.
NBA
Bird flies back home to his Indiana Pacers nest
INDIANAPOLIS – Larry Bird will be re-introduced to the media Thursday morning as the Pacers’ president of basketball operations.
Bird constructed the team that pushed Miami to seven games in the Eastern Conference finals this month but left the franchise last summer. He said he has now had time to reflect, rest and take care of some health issues.
College Basketball
Air Force coach Pilipovich agrees to 5-year contract
AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Air Force basketball coach Dave Pilipovich has agreed to a five-year contract.
Athletic director Dr. Hans Mueh announced the deal Wednesday.
The 49-year-old Pilipovich took over the Falcons as interim coach in February 2012 when Jeff Reynolds was relieved of his duties and became the full head coach that March.
Associated Press
