Reporters' Notebooks

Mike Casazza, Charleston Daily Mail: Rich Rodriguez attorney Marv Robon played the slavery card in regard to his client's $4 million buyout: "It's like back before the Civil War when slaves had the right to buy their freedom. A penalty of $4 million is almost like a slave from Africa trying to buy his freedom in America. I think it's an outrageous amount. It's just not fair and it's not related to any damages the university is suffering."

Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland Plain Dealer: Did Jim Tressel take a swipe at Rich Rod? The Ohio State coach was asked if there a gentleman's agreement between Big Ten coaches that once a player verbally commits to a school, the other coaches are supposedly hands off? "I guess only between the gentlemen." Thanks to Kevin of We Are Penn State.

Bill Koch, Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati officials hope to know shortly whether quarterback Ben Mauk's latest appeal to the NCAA for another year of eligibility will be approved.

Kirk Bohls, Austin American-Statesman: Texas will replace its 2009 game against Arkansas with a road game at Wyoming.

Steve Ellis, Tallahassee Democrat: Peter Tom Willis, whose candid work as a analyst for radio broadcasts of Florida State games raised the ire of Seminole officials, including Bobby Bowden, has lost his job. Willis was told that he "was too critical."

Bob Condotta, Seattle Times: That opening for a public address announcer has been filled at Washington. Eric Radovich was selected from a pool of 45 applicants and five finalists.

Kevin Hudson, Daily Emerald: Oregon's Frantz Dorsainvil, a 6-foot-8 forward on the basketball team, is giving football a shot as a defensive end. "I'm excited to see what he can do. He's the kind of body type you like to see out there," Mike Bellotti said.

Ed McGranahan, Greenville News: Clemson running back James Davis underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery but is expected to be 100% by fall.

Raleigh News & Observer: East Carolina quarterback Brett Clay, who started last season's game at Virginia Tech, has ended his career after a knee injury that required three surgeries.

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