Ron Bellamy, Eugene Register-Guard: Mike Bellotti's departure from Oregon comes with a golden parachute. He will receive $2.3 million from the university "to fulfill commitments made to Bellotti at the time of his appointment" as athletic director. Bellotti, who became athletic director last July 1, is to receive a $600,000 payment by May 1 and monthly payments of $25,000 for almost six years.
George Schroeder, Register-Guard: It was clear Bellotti never wanted to be athletic director, but he was pushed into it. Why? Pat Kilkenny was stepping down from the job, and higher powers worried that Chip Kelly might be leaving to become head coach elsewhere. To entice Bellotti, Oregon found $2.3 million reasons to convince him it was a good idea.
Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald: Florida International requires each student — through athletic fees — to pay about $350 to support intercollegiate athletics. It's one of the highest fees in the nation and is part of a concerted effort to raise FIU's profile through athletic excellence. The theory is that sports generate excitement, which enhances the student experience and burnishes the institution's brand.
Austin Ward, Knoxville News-Sentinel: Adjust those recruiting ranking from two years ago. Bryce Brown, the hotshot running back from Wichita, has left the Tennessee team.
Laura Diamond, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia is clamping down on tailgating on campus, barring fans from bringing tents, kegs, generators, grills and other items to North Campus. University officials have been targeting tailgaters and their trash since the Sept. 12 home game against South Carolina when fans dumped about 70 tons of garbage and left mounds of tents, grills, coolers and chairs across North Campus. Some even urinated on public buildings and defecated outside.
Arash Markazi, ESPN L.A.: Pete Carroll was back in L.A. to fire up runners for the city's marathon. He also talked about his recent appearance before the NCAA committee on infractions on behalf of his former employer, USC. "Everything went very well. I think the university did everything they could to put all of the truth and information out there in front of the committee, and I think everyone there felt good about the process. There are still some issues that need to be determined in the next month or so, but I don't think we could have done any better than what we did."
Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman: Boise State's Chris Petersen will visit Oregon and Oklahoma during spring break. "I'm really interested in how Oregon practices. And I just think Bob Stoops has done such a great job at Oklahoma over the years — he's got his formula on success. I just have a bunch of questions. And I want to watch how they practice."
Thayer Evans, New York Times: Seantrel Henderson, regarded as this year's top recruit, will sign his letter of intent to USC on Tuesday.
J.P. Giglio, Raleigh News & Observer: North Carolina State defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy has been suspended after being charged with misdemeanor assault and misdemeanor larceny in connection to an incident with a 65-year-old bus driver.
Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia receiver A.J. Green is auditioning to return punts.
Rob Moseley, Register-Guard: Chip Kelly made $1,820,904 in his first season as Oregon's coach. Kelly's salary ranks about fourth in the Pacific 10, based on salary projections published last year by USA Today.
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