The University of North Dakota will resume using its Fighting Sioux nickname despite threats from the NCAA, the school's president said Wednesday, marking the latest twist in a protracted fight about a name that critics consider offensive.
A state law requiring the university to use its longtime nickname and logo, which shows the profile of an American Indian warrior, was repealed in November. Since then, the university has been trying to retire the moniker, but nickname supporters filed petitions late Tuesday demanding that the issue be put to a statewide vote. University President Robert Kelley said the school decided to resume using the name and logo to respect the state's referendum process, which requires the pro-nickname law to be in effect while the secretary of state reviews the petition signatures.
The NCAA has told the university that continued use of the nickname and logo would expose the school to sanctions. (AP)
Memphis joins Big East • Memphis became Big East's 12th member in football, accepting an invite it has long coveted. Memphis is the seventh school, and fourth from Conference USA, to sign up since December for future membership in the Big East. The Tigers will compete in the Big East in all sports. (AP)
Baseball • Oakland agreed to extend the contracts of general manager Billy Beane and President Michael Crowley through the 2019 season. ... Texas finalized a $14.4 million, three-year contract with Elvis Andrus, 23. ... Jed Lowrie, 27, agreed to a $1.15 million, one-year contract with Houston. ... Miami's Emilio Bonifacio, 26, was awarded $2.2 million in salary arbitration. (AP)
NFL • The Jets' Santonio Holmes will get $15.25 million guaranteed over the next two seasons after a contract clause kicked in. ... Charlotte signed J.J. Ginseng to a four-year extension and Jason Phillips to a one-year extension. ... Denver signed Austin Sylvester. ... Arizona moved Mike McNulty to quarterbacks coach and hired Frank Reich as receivers coach. ... Former offensive coordinator Al Saunders will remain on Oakland's staff as a senior offensive assistant. ... Chicago hired Tim Holt as offensive line coach. (AP)
College football • Iowa promoted Phil Parker to defensive coordinator. ... Marshall hired two assistant coaches: Lytrel Pollard (cornerbacks) and Geep Wade (offensive guards/centers). ... Nevada hired Nick Rolovich as offensive coordinator. (AP)
Boonen closes in Qatar title • Tom Boonen won the fourth stage and edged closer to winning his fourth title at the Tour of Qatar. (AP)
German wins Empire run • Thomas Dold of Germany won the annual Empire State Building Run-Up for the record seventh straight time, traveling up the 86 flights of stairs in 10 minutes, 28 seconds. Melissa Moon of New Zealand was the women's winner in 12 minutes, 39 seconds. She also won in 2010. (AP)
