The Alabama attorney general’s office is reviewing reports of alleged contact between Crimson Tide offensive tackle Andre Smith and a sports agent after the All-American was suspended from the Sugar Bowl. The attorney general’s office began reviewing the situation on Tuesday to see if a full investigation is warranted, spokesman Chris Bence said.
Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban suspended the Outland Trophy winner on Monday for violation of unspecified team rules, but several media outlets reported that the punishment stemmed from improper dealings with an agent.
Walker named coach at NMSU
UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker has been hired as New Mexico State’s new head coach. Walker, in his third season with UCLA, visited NMSU on Monday and met with administrators and toured the athletic facilities.
USC’s Havili ineligible for Rose
Southern California fullback Stanley Havili is academically ineligible for the Rose Bowl against Penn State on Thursday. USC coach Pete Carroll said after practice that Havili would not play.
Carroll said Havili, a sophomore, is ineligible for the remainder of the first semester, but shouldn’t be affected after that and is expected to play spring football.
Cubit earns 5-year contract
Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit agreed to a new five-year contract, the same day the Broncos faced Rice in the Texas Bowl. Cubit, finishing his fourth season, will earn a base salary of $225,000 and another $150,000 each year for public, radio and television appearances, starting in 2009.
Auburn’s Marks to enter NFL draft
Auburn defensive lineman Sen’Derrick Marks is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft.
Marks, a Mobile native who announced his decision Tuesday, was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference pick by coaches this season after making 32 tackles, including 10 for a loss.
Florida’s Harvin close to returning
Florida’s Percy Harvin ran routes and caught passes Tuesday, his most work since spraining his right ankle last month against Florida State. Although Harvin hasn’t practiced since the injury, coach Urban Meyer called the WR probable for next week’s national title game.
Miami QB Marve to transfer
Quarterback Robert Marve, who started 11 of 13 games for the Hurricanes, but also served a pair of suspensions in unrelated incidents, including one that kept him out of the Emerald Bowl, is leaving the team.
“I had to get out,” Marve told the AP. “I just decided that I can’t play for coach Shannon.”
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