Floyd returns to UTEP as head coach
EL PASO, Texas, March 30 (UPI) -- Tim Floyd has been named the new men's basketball coach at Texas-El Paso, school officials said Tuesday.
Athletic Director Bob Stull said Floyd is returning to lead the program he was once an integral part of as an assistant coach to Don Haskins from 1978 to 1986.
"We are very pleased that Tim is coming back to UTEP," Stull said. "He is an outstanding coach and recruiter, and is well-connected in the El Paso community from his days as an assistant to the legendary coach Don Haskins."
"I was not misquoted when (I) said I did not want to replace Coach Haskins," Floyd said. "I think there's been enough time that has passed (since Haskins was head coach), and I'm at a different point in my life. I wish he was still around, but it feels absolutely perfect right now."
Floyd has been working with the NBA's New Orleans Hornets after spending the previous four seasons as head coach at Southern California.
He abruptly quit USC in June after allegations of recruiting violations surfaced.
Maradona undergoes surgery after dog bite
BUENOS AIRES, March 30 (UPI) -- Argentina soccer coach Diego Maradona underwent plastic surgery after being bitten on the face by one of his dogs, medical officials say.
A spokesperson for Sanatorio Los Arcos Hospital in Buenos Aires told CNN Tuesday that Maradona was admitted on Monday and went under the knife for reconstructive surgery on his top lip.
The 49-year-old former soccer great is doing well and was to be discharged Tuesday, the hospital official said.
CNN said Maradona also spent several weeks at the same clinic in 2007 after suffering serious health problems. The Argentina coach has dealt with weight, drug and alcohol problems since his retirement at age 37.
Argentina struggled against Uruguay in their World Cup qualifying game in October, barely making the South Africa finals via a late goal. After the win, Maradona directed an obscene rant at journalists and was banned for two months, the U.S. broadcaster said.
Kicker Elam to retire as a Bronco
DENVER, March 30 (UPI) -- Two-time Super Bowl champion kicker Jason Elam will retire as a Denver Bronco, team officials said Tuesday.
Denver President and CEO Pat Bowlen said Elam, 40, would sign a one-day contract with the team Wednesday in order to officially retire as a member of the squad he helped lead to NFL championships in 1997 and 1998.
"When it's all said and done, he will be remembered as one of the greatest Broncos and a player whose career achievements redefined the importance of his position," Bowlen said. "Without question, he is a Ring of Famer who deserves strong consideration for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
Elam set a franchise record by playing 236 games for Denver over 15 years, tying him with Tom Nalen for the second-longest tenure in team history behind only legendary quarterback John Elway. He holds fifth place in league history in most points scored (1,983) and most field goals made (436).
Elam was waived in December after spending his final two seasons with Atlanta.
Semenya blasts IAAF, says will return
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 30 (UPI) -- South African 800 meters champion Caster Semenya says she'll return to racing this summer despite a lingering controversy about her ambiguous gender.
Semenya, 19, has not raced since her victory at the World Championships in Berlin last summer when the International Association of Athletics Federations launched an inquiry into her gender. The investigation is still ongoing seven months later.
In a statement released Tuesday, Semenya blasted the lengthy delays in the IAAF probe and indicated she will go ahead and resume her career by competing in Europe this summer, The Daily Telegraph reported.
"These processes have dragged on for far too long with no reasonable certainty as to their end," she said. "The result is that my athletic capabilities and earning potential is being severely compromised.
"I am an athlete first and foremost and it is vital for my competitiveness, my wellbeing and for my preparations for events during the European summer that I measure my performance against other athletes."
The Telegraph said Semenya had been hoping to compete in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on Tuesday but was barred from doing so by Athletics South Africa at the urging of the IAAF.
