The Morning Dish – Tuesday, July 15th
Webber Charge Reduced: Wrapping things up nicely with a bow, former Michigan and current Sacramento Kings forward Chris Webber pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminal contempt in the Michigan/Ed Martin scandal case. Webber, and his father, Mayce, Jr., were charged with perjury to a grand jury prior to former Michigan booster Ed Martin’s death in February. Martin had stated that he had paid Webber and three other Michigan players over $600,000, including $280,000 to Webber during high school and college. Webber had denied the charges. With Webber pleading down to reduced charges, including the dropping of all charges against his father, Webber will likely avoid prison time. US District Judge Nancy Edmunds will decide whether the contempt charge is a felony or a misdemeanor, and sentencing is scheduled for September 16th.
Northern Gone: Louisville announced yesterday that junior guard Bryant Northern was dismissed from the Cardinal squad, following his arrest Sunday. Northern came to the Indian Hills police station voluntarily for an interview, and was arrested on theft and forgery charges. Northern and another man were charged with taking two checks from a house July 5th, and tried three times to cash forged checks for over $3,000. The second suspect has not been located. The arraignment was scheduled for tomorrow.
Ram Extended: Colorado State has extended the contract of hoops head coach Dale Layer, who led the Rams to their first NCAA Tournament in 13 years. Layer, whose contract was extended through the 2008 season, will receive a base salary of $185,000 and another $40,000 in guaranteed media and PR appearance monies. Layer is 46-45 in three seasons.
Low Self Esteem?: Just like coach Roy Williams, new Kansas head coach Bill Self is the lowest-paid coach in the Big 12. According to the Lawrence World-Journal, Self inherits the same $130,000 salary as Williams, but there’s a catch. The salary has remained the same for quite a while, due to budgeting – the head coach receives $129,380. However, in order to be competitive, the Kansas coach is guaranteed $1 million from equipment and apparel contracts, basketball camps, and multimedia payments. And those are just minimums. Self also will inherit Williams’ had a suite at Memorial Stadium as well as “reasonable in-state and out-of-state travel and entertainment expenses,” along with two automobiles and memberships in two country clubs. Just imagine what the highest-paid coach is getting.
Please Dismiss: The ACC has asked Judge Samuel Sferrazza to dismiss the Big East/ACC lawsuit, primarily on grounds that the Connecticut court system doesn’t have jurisdiction over the ACC. A hearing will be held September 29th.
