The Enquirer and wire reports

A federal judge Thursday dismissed Nolan Richardson's $8 million race discrimination lawsuit against the University of Arkansas but said he understood why the fired basketball coach felt the way he did.

"This lawsuit is not about money in the pejorative sense," U.S. District Judge William R. Wilson wrote. "It is primarily about wounded pride - wounded pride in a man who started way behind but climbed to the top by hard work, savvy, and most of all, perseverance."

Wilson ruled that Richardson was fired because of comments he made after a February 2002 loss at Kentucky that the university could buy out his contract, not because of his race or comments the former coach made about race.

Richardson was fired March 1, 2002, after he said he would leave the university if it would buy out the remainder of his seven-year, $7.21 million contract.

Basketball

JAZZ: Utah reached an agreement with restricted free agent forward Carlos Boozer.

Boozer, who said last week he planned to stay with Cleveland, is expected to sign the offer sheet when the NBA's signing period begins July 15. The Cavaliers will have 15 days to match.

If Cleveland doesn't match the offer - which ESPN.com reported to be for six years and $68 million - the Jazz could go from struggling inside last season to a team deep with size.

Cleveland did not pick up the option on Boozer, hoping to sign him to a long-term deal this summer.

SIXERS: Forward Brian Skinner is returning to Philadelphia for a deal that could be worth $25 million over five years, according to a source.

U.S. OLYMPICS: Charlotte's Emeka Okafor was selected for the U.S. Olympic team.

LA SALLE: Men's basketball coach Billy Hahn and women's coach John Miller were put on administrative leave with pay while police investigate rape accusations against players.

VILLANOVA: The men's basketball team was placed on two years' probation by the NCAA for recruiting and benefits violations.

NCAA TOURNAMENT: The Division I Men's Basketball Committee selected Columbus and Lexington among others as sites for the first two rounds of the 2007 NCAA Tournament.

Football

PACKERS: Green Bay traded defensive end Jamal Reynolds to the Indianapolis Colts for a future draft pick.

COLLEGE: Mount St. Joseph has hired William "Mac" McDaniel as an assistant football coach. McDaniel will be the first full-time offensive coordinator.

Hockey

MIGHTY DUCKS: Cincinnati Mighty Ducks goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the NHL's Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

WILD: Forward Brian Rolston signed a three-year contract with Minnesota.Other

NCAA: NCAA president Myles Brand will back a sweeping new proposal that would give college basketball players a fifth season of eligibility.

One day after the National Association of Basketball Coaches unanimously approved the measure, Brand responded by calling it an "outstanding package."

FLORIDA A&M: The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference plans to strip Florida A&M of its 2000 and 2001 football titles and nine other championships for 196 NCAA rules violations, most dealing with academic eligibility.

BASEBALL: Joel Posey went six innings, allowing six hits, one walk and a run while striking out eight as the Florence Freedom defeated Kalamazoo 4-2.

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