Originally created 02/19/05

Overtime

College Basketball

$5,000 celebration fine handed down

South Carolina was fined $5,000 by the Southeastern Conference on Friday for violating league policy that prohibits spectators from going onto the court during or after a game.

After South Carolina beat No. 3 Kentucky 73-61 on Tuesday night, fans rushed the court to celebrate.

The fine was part of the SEC's new policy for football and men's and women's basketball games. A second offense calls for a $25,000 fine; a third costs $50,000.

The policy went into effect Dec. 1, less than two weeks after a brawl involving players and fans at the Indianapolis Pacers-Detroit Pistons game Nov. 19 and followed the next day by a brawl among players in the Clemson-South Carolina football game.

NCAA

Clemson reports school violations

Clemson has reported five minor NCAA violations for the 2004-05 school year, the school said.

Each of the problems is considered a Level II secondary violation, according to the NCAA. Level II violations do not affect the eligibility of student-athletes.

The school did not release the players or their teams.

One incident in September required no corrective action. A student stayed more than the allowed 48 hours during a September campus visit after a flight was canceled because of Hurricane Jeanne.

In May, team members provided with meal money during an out-of-town competition were given breakfast coupons by the hotel where they were staying. A letter was given to staff members and team members reimbursed the extra benefit.

In October, some prospects received a publication during an official visit. Letters were issued to staff members and the publication was destroyed.

In November, a non-coaching staff member observed prospects while accompanying a friend to a competition. A letter was issued to the staff member.

Also in November, a prospect received a meal during an unofficial visit but sent payment after the visit. A letter was issued to a staff member and the prospect was required to pay for the meal.

College Football

Garner picks up a raise, and new title

Georgia assistant football coach Rodney Garner, who received a bump in pay when he turned down an opportunity to interview at Louisiana State University, also has received a new title.

Georgia coach Mark Richt announced Thursday that Garner, Georgia's defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, has been named assistant head coach.

Clemson receivers Michael Collins and Gerald McCloud will not return to play football next season. Collins will become a student assistant coach, while McCloud has decided to transfer to another school.

Collins, who has a degenerative hip problem, played in all 11 games last year and caught eight passes for 84 yards.

McCloud played in four games last year and 10 games in 2003.

College Baseball

Tigers slam 10 hits in first win of year

Clemson used a five-run second inning to hand West Virginia its first loss of the year 7-2 on Friday afternoon. The Tigers (1-0) got two hits and two RBI from Brad Chalk and Travis Storrer. Second baseman Taylor Harbin also had two hits in the Tigers' 10-hit attack.

Josh Morris went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a home run as Georgia slammed Elon, 9-1 in its season opener. Sean Ruthven and Mitchell Boggs combined on a four-hitter for the Bulldogs in their season opener.

South Carolina pounded out 23 hits to win their fourth consecutive to start the year, 20-0 over Radord. Designated hitter Jon Willard hit a home run and a double in a 4-for-6 day and Andrew Crisp and Steven Tolleson each had four RBI.

In Atlanta, Georgia Tech used a four-run seventh inning to grab a 9-3 win over Iona. The Yellow Jackets (3-1) got three RBI from catcher Andy Hawranick, who went 2-for-4.