Austin Meek and James Carlson, Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins' possession of exercise equipment may have violated state ethics laws, a review of statutes shows. According to Kansas law, state officers or employees are prohibited from accepting "any gift, economic opportunity, loan, gratuity, special discount or service provided because of such person's official position." Violation of that law could result in a $5,000 fine and termination, though the latter is to be determined by a supervisor. Meanwhile, Perkins characterized himself as a victim of blackmail while addressing reporters at the Big 12 meetings.
Tom Keegan, Lawrence Journal-World: Perkins left something behind when he traveled to the Kansas City for the Big 12 meetings. His signature swagger didn't make the trip, and one has to wonder how much longer he will remain as Jayhawk athletic director.
Mike DeArmond, Kansas City Star: Athletic director DeLoss Dodds said Texas will not be left on the sideline of conference expansion. "We’re going to be a player in whatever happens." He added: "We're watching what's happening with the Big Ten, probably to a lesser degree to the Southeastern Conference. If the landscape is going to change, we're going to be a part of it and be a viable part of it. Texas will come out of it in good shape."
Chuck Carlton, Dallas Morning News: Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe on possibly losing teams to other conferences. "I'd hate to see the conference decimated and create a flyover zone." Beebe also acknowledged targeting possible new members.
Matthew McGowan, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: A Lubbock district judge ruled to allow Mike Leach to proceed with his lawsuit against Texas Tech solely on grounds the university may have violated his contract when it fired him.
Dwain Price, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Two sources close to Leach said the university still hasn't paid the coach at least $1.7 million for work he performed for the school during the 2009 season.
WISC-TV: Ron Dayne's bracelet commemorating his status as a Heisman Trophy winner was one of several items stolen from a home in which the former Wisconsin standout is living. It's the second time Dayne has been the victim of a burglary in two months. He lost more than $100,000 in jewelry, including Rose Bowl rings, in a previous break-in.
Joseph Goodman, Miami Herald: It's full speed ahead for Urban Meyer, who revealed that his chest pains last season were caused by esophageal spasms. The Florida coach said he has been pain-free since late January. "I just feel fantastic," he said.
Jason Lieser, Gator Bytes: South Carolina's Steve Spurrier offers an unsolicited ripping of quarterback Stephen Garcia.
Ron Higgins, Memphis Commercial Appeal: Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive remains coy on talk of expansion.
Bud Withers, Seattle Times: A primer for the Pacific 10 Conference meetings later this week in San Francisco.
Greg Hansen, Arizona Daily Star: In the 21st century, the Pac-10 needs to adapt to financial challenges. But it doesn't need new neighbors.
Steve Campbell, Houston Chronicle: Houston running back Charles Sims, the 2009 Conference USA freshman of the year, has been ruled ineligible for the 2010 season.
Iliana Limón, Orlando Sentinel: Former Iowa running back Jeff Brinson had his NCAA hardship waiver approved, clearing him to play in the fall for Central Florida.
Ken Gordon, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State's staff of coaches and support staff has grown from 27 in 2000 to 49 in 2010, an increase of 81%.
Sebastian Kitchen, Montgomery Advertiser: A recount might be needed to determine if Tim James secured a spot in the July 13 runoff for the Republican nomination for governor in Alabama. James, a graduate of Auburn, had to fight back reports that, if elected, he might cut Nick Saban's salary.
EDSBS: "Later, when Orlando Sentinel reporter Jeremy Fowler introduced himself to Spurrier, the coach said, 'Yeah, Jeremy, how come your buddies didn't come to your defense that day?' "
Cory Matteson, Lincoln Journal Star: Nebraska receiver Niles Paul was cited on suspicion of possession of alcohol by a minor and urinating in public.
Vanessa Miller, Boulder Daily Camera: Tyler Gregorak, the Nevada Las Vegas linebackers coach who resigned after being charged with criminal trespass and theft over an incident at a strip club in Boulder, is due in court on June 25 to enter a plea.
Ron Kantowski, Las Vegas Review-Journal: What? Another bowl game? That's right. Officials announced that the 2011 Lingerie Bowl will be played in Las Vegas.
Paul Myerberg, Pre-Snap Read: A look at No. 93 Texas El Paso.
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