Reporters' Notebooks

Paul Strelow, Columbia State: Clemson has judged that players Roman Fry and Nathan Bennett did not commit an NCAA violation by using Yamaha WaveRunners belonging to a booster group that were involved in the July 8 accidental death of assistant track coach Jarrett Foster. A criminal investigation remains open.

Joseph Person, Columbia State: South Carolina is threatening to crack down on "deadbeat donors," described as boosters who reserved tickets but are late paying for their seats and Gamecock Club donations.

Doug Harris, Dayton Daily News: Ohio State offensive lineman Alex Boone said he was drinking 30 to 40 beers a day until he regained control with the help of counseling (registration).

Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald: Linebacker Glenn Cook might miss Miami's opener against Florida State because of an unspecified knee injury (registration).

Emily Badger, Orlando Sentinel: Does former Auburn coach Terry Bowden miss coaching? Father Bobby said he thinks his son is "bored to death being out of it."

Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech's Mike Leach has signed a contract that will pay him $2 million a year if he is coach in 2010.

Jeremy Fowler, Albuquerque Tribune: New Mexico hired a public relations firm that has polished the a savvy of Shaquille O'Neal, Derek Jeter and Peyton Manning to slick up its coaches and players.

Brian Vernellis, Shreveport Times: The Independence Bowl is entering its 31st year. It's also likely this will be the third year in a row without a title sponsor.

Ian R. Rapoport, Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom put on the pads and participated in drills with his players.

Stephen Tsai, Honolulu Advertiser: Jazen Anderson, the younger brother of former Pro Bowl running back Jamal Anderson, has quit the Hawaii team.