Southern California released top recruit Seantrel Henderson, a prized 330-pound tackle from St. Paul, Minn., from his national letter of intent Tuesday, the latest blow to a school reeling from an NCAA scandal.
Henderson had made a televised announcement saying he picked USC over Ohio State, Notre Dame and Florida, but he did not formally commit as the possibility of NCAA sanctions loomed over the Trojans. He joins defensive end Malik Jackson in leaving the program.
Pro football
A Mobile County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said that the two-month investigation that ensnared JaMarcus Russell on suspicion of possession of codeine syrup wasn't targeting the former Oakland Raiders quarterback but that his name and home address had come up several times.
The 2007 No. 1 draft choice was arrested Monday at his home and charged with possession of a controlled substance. Russell has a bond hearing today and his trial is scheduled for July 20.
Russell did not return a call from The Associated Press.
Golf
Tiger Woods turned curt and dismissive at a news conference following his 3-under-par 69 in his final round of the charity J.P. McManus Invitational Pro-Am at Adare Manor Golf Resort in County Limerick, Ireland. When asked whether his liaisons with other women had been "worth it" since it cost him his marriage and endorsements, Woods replied, "I think you're looking too deep into this." He torpedoed the follow-up question with an icily firm "Thank you."
Track and field
Caster Semenya cleared for return after gender tests: Caster Semenya was cleared to immediately return to track by the sport's governing body Tuesday, ending an 11-month layoff while she underwent gender tests after becoming the 800-meter world champion.
Semenya is allowed to keep running as a woman, although it is unclear if she has had any medical procedure or treatment during her time away.
The International Association of Athletics Federations said medical details of the 19-year-old South African's case would remain confidential and it will have no further comment on the matter.
The IAAF added in its statement from its Monaco headquarters that it accepts the conclusion of a panel of medical experts that Semenya can compete with "immediate effect."
She could return to competition at the world junior championships in Moncton, New Brunswick, starting July 19.
"I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me." Semenya said in a statement.
NFL
No charges in shooting after Michael Vick's birthday celebration: Police in Virginia Beach, Va., said they know who was responsible for shooting another man following Michael Vick's birthday celebration, but the shooter will not be charged "at this time" because the victim has not cooperated with investigators.
Vick was not the shooter and there are no suspects other than the shooter, police spokesman Adam Bernstein said. The decision not to press charges was made by the prosecutor's office, but could be reversed if the victim decides to cooperate.
Russell part of wider investigation: The arrest of JaMarcus Russell for alleged possession of codeine syrup resulted from a two-month undercover investigation that could result in more arrests.
Mobile (Ala.) County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lori Myles said Tuesday that the investigation wasn't targeting the former Oakland Raiders quarterback but that his name and home address had come up several times.
College basketball
Former Seton Hall coach Gonzalez arrested for shoplifting: Former Seton Hall basketball coach Bobby Gonzalez is in trouble again.
Fired in March for his antics on and off the court, Gonzalez has been arrested on charges of shoplifting from a New Jersey mall.
Gonzalez, 47, reported to Millburn police headquarters on Monday. He faces charges of criminal mischief, along with shoplifting. He is accused of taking a satchel worth roughly $1,400 from the Polo Ralph Lauren store in the Short Hills Mall on June 29.
He plans to plead not guilty, said defense attorney Gerald Krovatin, who also is representing Gonzalez in a lawsuit over his dismissal. He called the accusations a miscommunication and a series of misunderstandings.
College football
USC lets top recruit Henderson out of letter of intent: USC released top recruit Seantrel Henderson from his national letter of intent, the latest blow to a school reeling from an NCAA scandal.
Henderson, a 330-pound offensive tackle from St. Paul, Minn., was one of the coveted members of coach Lane Kiffin's first recruiting class.
Kiffin made the announcement Tuesday and said the move came with "zero penalties and no restrictions."
"Seantrel has been great through the whole process and we wish him the best of luck with his decision," Kiffin said.
Also, USC junior defensive end Malik Jackson will transfer to Tennessee and be eligible to play for the Volunteers this season.
College athletics
Georgia promotes Crumley to interim AD: Georgia promoted Frank Crumley to interim athletic director on Tuesday, though school president Michael Adams said he wants to look outside the university first for a full-time replacement for Damon Evans.
Evans resigned after a DUI arrest last week.
NHL
Vancouver's GM Place gets new name: The Vancouver Canucks have a new name for their home next season: Rogers Arena.
The rink had been known as GM Place since it opened in 1995. But the agreement between the Canucks and General Motors of Canada has expired and the team has signed a naming rights deal with the communications giant.
St. Louis signs Halak for four years: The St. Louis Blues have signed goaltender Jaroslav Halak to a four-year contract.
Tennis
Mahut wins in Newport: Nicolas Mahut had it a bit easier this time.
The loser in the record-setting three-day match at Wimbledon returned to the court and advanced with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory over Alejandro Falla. The first-round match at the Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, R.I., lasted 83 minutes — far shorter than the Frenchman's record 11-hour, 5-minute loss to John Isner at Wimbledon last month.
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