COLLEGE: Pac-12 officials chief resigns: Ed Rush resigned as the Pac-12 Conference coordinator of officials yesterday for comments he made about Arizona coach Sean Miller. Rush said he was just trying to “lighten the mood” in a tense locker room when he “jokingly” made offers of $5,000 or a trip to Mexico for any referee who called a technical foul on Miller during the league tournament.
Thaddeus “TJ” Brown, a former University of San Diego assistant basketball coach, was sentenced to a year in federal prison and three years’ probation for his role in a game-fixing scheme.
Fordham made a key recruiting coup, landing Dobbs Ferry junior small forward Eric Paschall. Paschall’s father, Juan, confirmed to The Post that his son would be attending Fordham starting in 2014-15.
Miami’s Jim Larranaga was named the Associated Press’ basketball coach of the year. Michigan sophomore Trey Burke was named top player.
NHL: Gabby scores in Columbus debut:
Marian Gaborik scored the go-ahead goal at 4:16 of the third period and added an assist in his debut last night with Blue Jackets, helping Columbus beat the Predators 3-1 fn Nashville. The Blue Jackets had Gaborik on the ice wearing No. 10 after acquiring him Wednesday in a deal with the Rangers.
BASEBALL: Vlad Guerrero makes comeback:
Vladimir Guerrero, 38, has signed with the Long Island Ducks in the independent Atlantic League, and is hoping to get back to the majors. The nine-time All-Star last played for the Orioles in 2011. … Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts will undergo an MRI exam today after injuring his right hamstring while stealing second base in the ninth inning of a 6-3 victory over the Rays. … Indians left-hander Scott Kazmir, a former Met, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained rib-cage muscle, retroactive to April 2.
NBA: Nuggets’ Gallinari injured: Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari appeared to suffer a serious injury to his left knee in last night’s 95-94 win over the Mavericks. The team didn’t have any immediate word on the extent of his injury, saying only that he was scheduled for an MRI exam today.
Russell Westbrook scored 27 points as the Thunder seized control of the race for homecourt advantage in the Western Conference playoffs by beating the Spurs 100-88. Oklahoma City still trails San Antonio by a half-game in the standings, but pulled even in the loss column and would control the tiebreaker if both teams won out because of a better record against the West.
NFL: Lions kicker retires after 21 seasons:
Jason Hanson, the Lions’ 42-year-old kicker, announced his retirement after 21 seasons. He became the first player to play 300 games with one franchise, finishing with 327. He also set an NFL record last year when he played his 21st season with the same team. Hanson made a record 52 field goals from at least 50 yards.
The Ravens terminated the contract of reserve linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, a three-time Pro Bowler.
GOLF: Three tied for Nabisco lead:
Suzann Pettersen, Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Na Yeon Choi carded 4-under 68s to share the first-round lead in the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Michelle Wie and 15-year-old amateur star Lydia Ko each shot 72.
Fredrick Goings, a Chicago attorney, was sentenced to life in prison for the slayings of former NBA center Eddy Curry’s ex-girlfriend and infant daughter four years ago.