The Morning Dish – Thursday, August 28th
Keeping Out of It: In response to an emergency request from sports promoters, the Supreme Court refused to get involved in the case of Exempt Tournament Promoters v. NCAA. Justice John Paul Stevens had no comment on the matter, which was prompted by a federal appeals judge granting a stay to the NCAA earlier this month. Last season, 11 of 28 exempt tournaments had to be canceled due to a shortage of big-name teams.
Dotson Indicted: Former Baylor basketball player Carlton Dotson was indicted yesterday in a McLennan County (Texas) grand jury for the murder of Patrick Dennehy. The indictment contained a single murder count, and alleges that Dennehy was shot June 12th by Dotson, but no motive had been mentioned. The grand jury heard testimony for 90 minutes from the investigative team, namely Waco Police Department detective Bob Fuller and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office investigator Clay Perry. The indictment clears the way for an extradition hearing to bring Dotson from Maryland to face the charges in Texas.
Clemons Enrolls: Former Missouri guard Ricky Clemons has enrolled for classes for fall semester at Missouri. Clemons, who triggered an all-out school investigation into violations in the basketball program, was released from jail on Sunday, and yesterday enrolled as a senior in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. A spokesperson for the basketball program stated that Clemons has no formal connection to the athletics department.
Hokie Out: Virginia Tech junior forward Dimari Thompkins has decided not to return to the Blacksburg for the fall semester for personal reasons, apparently unrelated to academics or basketball. His mother, Melvlyn Thompkins, said that he has not transferred to another school, and has not made a decision on his future yet. Thompkins averaged 5.5 points and 4.5 boards last season, and was one of three returning starters expected for the Hokies.
Trojan Ineligible: USC senior center Jonathan Oliver has been ruled academically ineligible for the upcoming fall semester. Oliver, a transfer from Ventura College, will miss the first five games of the season. In 17 games last season, Oliver averaged 2.5 points and 1.6 boards per game.
Bearkats Benched: Sam Houston State announced that Kansas transfer and former football quarterback Mario Kinsey and forward Rodrick Winters will not play this season for failure to meet NCAA requirements for satisfactory progress toward a degree. Kinsey averaged 5 points and 2 boards per contest last season, while Winters averaged 3 points and 3 boards.
El-Amin Guilty: A Minneapolis jury has found in favor of a man who claimed he was assaulted three years ago by former UConn basketball player Khalid El-Amin. Curtis Frazier claimed he received eye socket, nose and facial injuries when he tried to get on an elevator with El-Amin and two friends. Frazier and was awarded $54,000. El-Amin denied the charges, and the verdict is expected to be appealed.
USC Arena: As mentioned previously, USC is contemplating building a new arena on-campus. As of yesterday, the project is a “go”, as USC alum Louis Galen and his wife Helene have donated $25 million to help the athletic department reach the $70 million necessary. The new arena will break ground next summer, and will be called the Galen Center.
