Baylor reports more infractions
WACO, Texas, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Baylor University announced Thursday in Texas an internal investigation found additional infractions in ex-coach Dave Bliss's basketball program.
President Robert Sloan told a news conference two regents were implicated in some of the violations although they did not realize their contributions violated NCAA rules, the Waco Tribune-Herald reported.
Several members of the men's coaching staff engaged in improper payment of meals, transportation, lodging and clothing to athletes or recruits, the report said.
Sloan also said improper payments were made to other schools on behalf of recruits and leaders of the program failed to report positive readings on routine drug tests.
"The university is embarrassed that its various administrative systems allowed these violations to go undiscovered," he said. "There were red flags that should have been noticed."
Sloan announced several additional self-imposed sanctions against Baylor's basketball program, including extending it's the current probation by one year to Aug. 8, 2006.
The investigation was opened last summer after the slaying of Baylor basketball player Patrick Dennehy. Ex-Baylor player Carlton Dotson goes on trial in March for the murder.
Yankees release playoff hero Aaron Boone
TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Injured third baseman Aaron Boone, a hero for the New York Yankees in last year's American League playoffs, was given his unconditional release Thursday.
Boone's seventh-game, 11th inning home run against the Boston Red Sox gave the Yankees a 6-5 victory and sent them to the 2003 World Series.
But while playing basketball in January, Boone suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the upcoming season. He will be replaced at third base by Alex Rodriguez, recently acquired by the Yankees in a blockbuster trade.
The 30-year-old Boone had a short stay with the Yankees, who got him from Cincinnati at mid-season last year.
He had made the All-Star team with the Reds, having batted .273 with 18 homers, 65 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 106 games. His statistics weren't as impressive with the Yankees, but his homer against Boston was one of the most dramatic shots in playoff history.
Coach Dean Pees leaving Kent State for NFL
KENT, Ohio, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Dean Pees has resigned as head football coach at Kent State to become linebackers coach with the New England Patriots in the NFL.
Pees has been at Kent State six seasons. His teams had an overall record of 17-51.
"This was the longest tenure I have had at any one institution and it was a really difficult decision to leave a place we call home," Pees said Wednesday. "At the same time, I feel this is a great opportunity with a great organization and it will give me a chance to grow professionally."
Pees was in college coaching for nearly a quarter-century.
Prior to Kent State, he was defensive coordinator at Michigan State and Toledo and an assistant coach with Navy and Notre Dame.
Bulls activate Gill; Jeffries sidelined
CHICAGO, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bulls Thursday activated guard Kendall Gill and placed forward Chris Jeffries on the injured list with a back sprain.
Gill, who has averaged 10.2 points per game this season, had played in 138 straight games until he strained his right Achilles tendon against Dallas Jan. 23. The injury kept him out of 14 games.
Jeffries, who earlier was out with an ankle injury, had been activated when Gill went on the injured list. Jeffries was traded to the Bulls by Toronto late last year and has averaged 3.6 points a game this season.
