RALPH D. RUSSO

AP College Football Writer
Utah State head coach Blake Anderson looks up a the videoboard late in second half of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl NCAA college football game against Georgia State, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Boise, Idaho. The former Utah State coach's response to the school's termination letter says he was fired for “convenience,” not for cause, and that the investigation that led to his dismissal was a “sham.” (AP Photo/Steve Conner,Fiel)
Utah State says Blake Anderson fired for interviewing potential victim after Aggies player’s arrest
Utah State’s termination letter to Blake Anderson says he was fired for contacting a potential domestic violence victim and a witness to the incident after an Aggies football player was arrested, and failing to properly report the case.
July 20, 2024
Arkansas head football coach Sam Pittman speaks during the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Sam Pittman is on the hot seat at Arkansas, and he brought in former Hogs coach Bobby Petrino as OC
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman knows he’s on the hot seat after going 4-8 last season. He made a headline-grabbing hire during the offseason when he brought Bobby Petrino back to Fayetteville as offensive coordinator.
July 18, 2024
Florida head coach Billy Napier speaks during the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Billy Napier enters Year 3 with Florida hopeful while facing ominous vibes, daunting schedule
Billy Napier enters his third season as Florida coach in maybe the toughest position in college football: Head coach at an Southeastern Conference powerhouse whose program is struggling to gain traction and facing one of the most daunting schedules in the country.
July 17, 2024
ESPN sportscaster and former football coach Nick Saban speaks during the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Monday, July 15, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Nick Saban is back at SEC Media Days, 6 months after retiring and asking the questions now
Nick Saban is at SEC Media Days again, six months after retiring as Alabama coach. This time he’s asking the questions as part of ESPN’s SEC Network coverage of the four-day event.
July 17, 2024
FILE - Oklahoma fans flash the "horns down" hand sign before an NCAA college football game against Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Oct. 7, 2023, in Dallas. Flashing a "horns down" hand signal while playing Texas won't automatically draw a penalty in the Southeastern Conference, officials said Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter, File)
As long as its not taunting or disrupting the game, horns down vs. Texas won’t be flagged in SEC
Flashing a horns down hand signal while playing Texas won’t automatically draw a penalty in the Southeastern Conference.
July 16, 2024
Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold speaks during Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
5-star potential: Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold and Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava are SEC wild cards
Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava are the Southeastern Conference’s wild-card quarterbacks.
July 16, 2024
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart speaks during Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Georgia grapples with driving violations as Smart says players are being fined from NIL payments
Georgia coach Kirby Smart says Bulldogs players who have been arrested or cited for driving violations have been disciplined with suspensions and fines through the collective that provides name, image and likeness payments to the school’s athletes.
July 16, 2024
Ole Miss head football coach Lane Kiffin speaks during the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Monday, July 15, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin had to hold it together at SEC Media Day as he spoke about late father
Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin came to SEC Media Days still grieving the death of his father, Monte Kiffin, a longtime and well-respected NFL assistant. Monte Kiffin died last week at 84.
July 16, 2024
LSU head coach Brian Kelly speaks during Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Monday, July 15, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Ole Miss enters 2024 trying to ignore the hype as LSU looks to defy expectations again
Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin learned a lot from Nick Saban — especially about the dangers of preseason praise and high expectations being placed upon a team by fans and media.
July 15, 2024
CORRECTS FIRST NAME TO GREG, NOT GEORGE AS ORIGINALLY SENT - Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey speaks during SEC NCAA college football media days Monday, July 15, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey: ‘Time to update your expectations for what college athletics can be’
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey unofficially opened the league’s first football season as 16-team league in North Texas. It was a setting for SEC Media Days at a time when everything about college sports seems to be in flux.
July 15, 2024
FILE - Penn State head coach James Franklin, center, runs out with his team before an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Nov. 24, 2023, in Detroit. An internal review by Penn State in 2019 found evidence of “friction” between football coach James Franklin and a now-former team doctor. However, it could not determine whether Franklin violated NCAA rules or Big Ten standards by interfering with medical decisions. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Penn State found ‘friction’ between coach James Franklin, team doctor; could not determine violation
An internal review by Penn State in 2019 found evidence of “friction” between football coach James Franklin and a now-former team doctor.
June 3, 2024
FILE - Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, left, and Alabama coach Nick Saban laugh during a news conference at the Marriott downtown convention center in New Orleans, Dec. 31, 2014. Saban and Meyer are up for election to the College Football Hall of Fame for the first time. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, file)
Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Aaron Donald and Manti Te’o debut on College Football Hall of Fame ballot
Nick Saban and Urban Meyer are up for election to the College Football Hall of Fame for the first time.
June 3, 2024
FILE - Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey speaks during SEC football media days, July 18, 2022, in Atlanta. The NCAA and the nation's five biggest conferences have agreed to pay nearly $2.8 billion to settle a host of antitrust claims,a monumental decision that sets the stage for a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model that could start directing millions of dollars directly to athletes as soon as the 2025 fall semester. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
SEC Commissioner says frustration with NCAA led to committee with Big Ten, but Division I can work
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey said frustration over slow decision-making processes by the College Football Playoff and NCAA led him to suggest the SEC and Big Ten try to tackle some issues.
May 30, 2024
FILE - Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall (14), left, takes the snap from Auburn center Reese Dismukes (50) as the Auburn offense operates against Missouri on the SEC logo during the first half of Auburn's 59-42 win over Missouri in the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Atlanta, Ga. Southeastern Conference and Pac-12 officials are expected to provide the final approval of a $2.8 billion plan that will settle antitrust claims and set the stage for college athletes to start sharing the billions of dollars flowing to their schools. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jason Getz, File)
SEC’s 8- or 9-game conference schedule debate on hold, but expanded CFP could factor into decision
The debate within the Southeastern Conference about whether to play eight or nine league games is not over, it’s just on hold.
May 30, 2024
FILE - Tennessee coach Josh Heupel watches play during the eam's NCAA college football game against Austin Peay on Sept. 9, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. The Southeastern Conference gathered for its annual spring meetings this week with news of a landmark $2.8 billion settlement that will transform how athletes are compensated still reverberating through college sports. “Came in with a lot of question, leaving with a lot more,” Heupel said Wednesday, May 29. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
SEC gathers to sort through consequences of settlement, comes away with more questions than answers
The Southeastern Conference gathered on the Gulf Coast for its annual spring meetings this week with news of a landmark $2.8 billion settlement that will transform how athletes are compensated still reverberating through college sports.
May 30, 2024
FILE - Baylor's Matt Ritchey stands by the Big 12 Conference logo on the field during the team's NCAA college football game against TCU in Waco, Texas, Oct. 13, 2012. The NCAA and the nation's five biggest conferences have agreed to pay nearly $2.8 billion to settle a host of antitrust claims,a monumental decision that sets the stage for a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model that could start directing millions of dollars directly to athletes as soon as the 2025 fall semester. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
With revenue sharing coming to college sports, are NIL collectives a problem or part of a solution?
When the NCAA lifted its longtime ban on college athletes monetizing their names, images and likenesses in 2021, there was no such thing as NIL collectives.
May 24, 2024
FILE - Signage is on the headquarters of the NCAA in Indianapolis, March 12, 2020. The NCAA and the nation's five biggest conferences have agreed to pay nearly $2.8 billion to settle a host of antitrust claims,a monumental decision that sets the stage for a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model that could start directing millions of dollars directly to athletes as soon as the 2025 fall semester. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
NCAA, leagues back $2.8 billion settlement, setting stage for current, former athletes to be paid
May 24, 2024
FILE - Wisconsin's Traevon Jackson dribbles past the NCAA logo during practice at the NCAA men's college basketball tournament March 26, 2014, in Anaheim, Calif. University presidents around the country are scheduled to meet this week in May 2024, to vote on whether to accept a proposed settlement of an antitrust lawsuit that would cost the NCAA nearly $3 billion in damages. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
NCAA votes to accept $2.8 billion settlement that could usher in dramatic change for college sports
The NCAA and Southeastern Conference leadership have approved a $2.8 billion settlement of antitrust claims, moving college athletics closer to some of the most sweeping changes in its history. The Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 have also backed the plan.
May 23, 2024
FILE - In this April 25, 2018, file photo, the NCAA headquarters is shown in Indianapolis. University presidents around the country are scheduled to meet this week in May 2024, to vote on whether to accept a proposed settlement of an antitrust lawsuit that would cost the NCAA nearly $3 billion in damages. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Proposed $2.8 billion settlement clears second step of NCAA approval. Big 12, ACC approve deal
A potential multibillion-dollar settlement of an antitrust lawsuit cleared the second of a three-step NCAA approval process Tuesday, with no change to a payment structure that would have the 27 college conferences not named in the suit cover the majority of a $1.6 billion portion of the damages.
May 22, 2024
FILE - Wisconsin's Traevon Jackson dribbles past the NCAA logo during practice at the NCAA men's college basketball tournament March 26, 2014, in Anaheim, Calif. University presidents around the country are scheduled to meet this week in May 2024, to vote on whether to accept a proposed settlement of an antitrust lawsuit that would cost the NCAA nearly $3 billion in damages. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Power conferences, NCAA to vote on landmark $2.7 billion settlement as smaller leagues balk at terms
University presidents around the country are scheduled to meet this week to vote on whether to accept a proposed settlement of an antitrust lawsuit that would cost the NCAA nearly $3 billion.
May 20, 2024
FILE - Florida State coach Mike Norvell walks on the field during a timeout in the second half of the team's Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game against Louisville, Dec. 2, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. Unbeaten Florida State was snubbed by the College Football Playoff last season. Norvell echoed the sentiment of other coaches, saying the ACC needs to fight its perception problem. “(We) have to continue to push the actual narrative or what needs to be the realistic narrative of how good this this league is,” he said. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco, File)
With CFP snub still stinging, Atlantic Coast Conference ponders how to boost football perceptions
The College Football Playoff snub of unbeaten Florida State is still a fresh wound for the entire Atlantic Coast Conference.
May 15, 2024
FILE - NCAA signage outside the headquarters in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 12, 2020. A settlement being discussed in an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA and major college conferences could cost billions and pave the way for a new compensation model for college athletes. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Attorney says settlement being considered in NCAA antitrust case could withstand future challenges
One of the lead attorneys in a class-action antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA says settlement talks are progressing well.
May 13, 2024
FILE - Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin shows his approval at his players efforts in a number of non-football events that were part of the the NCAA college football team's spring game, Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. The spring portal window in college football is closed. Kiffin lived up to the portal king moniker as the Rebels went all in. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)
College football portal classes: Ole Miss all in, Ohio State shops high end. Prime restocks again
The spring transfer portal window is closed in college football and several teams made huge upgrades. Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin has built a contender for the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff.
May 13, 2024
FILE - Fans hold Missouri State flags during a tournament in Fayetteville, Ark., Sunday, June 7, 2015. Missouri State is moving up to the highest tier of Division I college football and joining Conference USA in 2025. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston, File)
Missouri State moves up to Conference USA in 2025 from FCS, becoming 12th football member
Missouri State is moving up to the highest tier of Division I college football and joining Conference USA in 2025. The conference and school announced the move.
May 10, 2024
FILE - South Florida guard Brandon Stroud attempts to knock the ball away from Charlotte forward Igor Milicic Jr. (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. Miličić Jr., one of the top big men in the American Athletic Conference at Charlotte last season, will play his final year at Tennessee. Volunteers coach Rick Barnes on Thursday, May 9, announced the addition of Miličić, who becomes the third transfer to join the team for 2024-25. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
NCAA removes cap on official recruiting visits in basketball to deal with unlimited transfers
The NCAA has approved a waiver that will allow men’s and women’s basketball programs to pay for unlimited official recruiting visits to help teams deals with roster depletion caused by transfers, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.
May 9, 2024
FILE - NCAA signage outside the headquarters in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 12, 2020. A settlement being discussed in an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA and major college conferences could cost billions and pave the way for a new compensation model for college athletes. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Republican congressmen introduce bill that would protect NCAA and conferences from legal attacks
Two Republican congressmen have introduced a bill that would provide the NCAA, college conferences and member schools with federal protection from legal challenges that undercut their ability to govern college sports.
May 8, 2024
Morgan State's Anaya Hunte, left, celebrates with Mia Ewell (13) after making a catch during an NCAA college softball game against Duke, Friday, May 17, 2024, in Durham, N.C. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Paying college athletes is closer than ever. How could it work and what stands in the way?
A proposed settlement in an antitrust lawsuit that has been approved by the NCAA and major college conferences would cost billions and pave the way for a new compensation model for college athletes. A judge must still accept the proposal.
May 24, 2024
FILE - Boston College play SMU during the first half of the Fenway Bowl NCAA football game at Fenway Park Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, in Boston. With the expanded College Football Playoff locked in through 2031, questions still remain about what the rest of the postseason will look like. One thing is certain, there will still be bowl games. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)
Settlement could cost NCAA nearly $3 billion; plan to pay athletes would need federal protection
The NCAA and major college conferences are considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit that could cost them billions in damages and force schools to share athletics-related revenue with their athletes.
May 3, 2024
FILE - Gloria Nevarez, who has been named the next commissioner of the Mountain West, speaks during a news conference before an NCAA college basketball game between Air Force and New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M., Jan. 27, 2023. A postseason football tournament involving only schools from outside the Power Four conferences could only work if it does not interfere with the 12-team College Football Playoff. Nevarez says she has seen the presentation that has been making the rounds among Group of Five administrators about a G5 playoff of sorts that would be funded by private equity. (AP Photo/Eric Draper, File)
Group of Five conference football tournament that interferes with playoff would be hard to sell
A postseason football tournament involving only schools from outside the Power Four conferences could only work if it doesn’t interfere with the 12-team College Football Playoff.
May 3, 2024
FILE - Southern California coach Lincoln Riley has eggnog poured onto him after USC defeated Louisville in the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. With the expanded College Football Playoff locked in through 2031, questions still remain about what the rest of the postseason will look like. One thing is certain, there will still be bowl games. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)
Paying college football players could reverse trend of bowl game opt-outs, boost non-CFP postseason
With the expanded College Football Playoff locked in through 2031, questions still remain about what the rest of the postseason will look like. One thing is certain, there will still be bowls.
May 2, 2024
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