GOLF: Caddies brawl at Aussie Open
Officials are investigating a fight between two caddies that broke out yesterday before the first round of the Australian Open at The Lakes in Sydney. Grant Buchanan, who works for James Nitties, and Matt Kelly, who caddies for Marc Leishman, were interviewed by tour officials and could face disciplinary action. The clash reportedly was sparked by an altercation between the men at a city casino on Tuesday night and tensions boiled over in front of other players and spectators yesterday.
Australia’s John Senden, who shot a 6-under 66, took a two-stroke lead into today’s second round.
Charl Schwartzel, winless since the 2011 Masters, shot a 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead into today’s second round of the Thailand Golf Championship. Bubba Watson shot a 68.
China’s Shanshan Feng, who shot a 7-under 65, had a four-stroke lead going into today’s second round of the Dubai Ladies Masters. … The ShopRite LPGA Classic will be played in the final week of May at the Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club near Atlantic City.
Keegan Bradley and Brendan Steele are defending their title in the Franklin Templeton Shootout starting today in Naples, Fla.
FOOTBALL: Te’o wins three awards
Manti Te’o last night added three national awards to his trophy case. The Notre Dame linebacker won the Maxwell Award for the nation’s most outstanding player, the Walter Camp national player of the year award, and the Bednarik Award, given to the most outstanding defensive player. He is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which will be announced tomorrow. Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly was named Coach of the Year
Rutgers senior linebacker Khaseem Greene was named the Big East Conference’s defensive player of the year for the second straight season, and Scarlet Knights coach Kyle Flood was selected as the league’s co-coach of the year with Louisville’s Charlie Strong.
Strong yesterday said he turned down openings at Tennessee and Auburn and is staying at Louisville.
Texas coach Mack Brown received the “full support” of school president Bill Powers, who said Brown will remain the Longhorns’ head coach after an 8-4 regular season and missing a BCS bowl for the third consecutive year.
ETC.: Federer to cut back schedule
Roger Federer said he wants to play at the 2016 Rio Olympics and will cut back his schedule in an effort to extend his shelf life. The 17-time Grand Slam title winner will be 35 by the time the Rio Games come around and said he will play 14 events in 2013, starting next month with the Australian Open.
HOOPS: Monmouth coach suspended
Monmouth suspended coach King Rice for one game for his actions and comments critical of the officials after Wednesday’s 85-66 loss to Navy. Rice will miss tomorrow’s game at No. 4 Syracuse.
Marshall said forward Robert Goff will serve a one-game suspension for a flagrant foul committed Wednesday night in a 69-59 loss to West Virginia.
Dennis Rodman was found in contempt of court and ordered to pay $500,000 in overdue child support to his ex-wife in Orange, Calif. An attorney for the ex-wife of the former NBA star said he also was sentenced to informal probation.