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Gators extend Donovan's contract again

GAINESVILLE -- Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan received a two-year contract extension Thursday, his fourth in five seasons, through 2007.

Donovan was in the third year of a five-year deal paying $1.2-million annually, which was extended in June 2000. Athletic director Jeremy Foley said he wanted to bring the contract to a five-year status to show the university's commitment and keep it in line with the contract of most coaches.

"He's a special talent, and what he has done with the program speaks for itself," Foley said. "We still have a lot of work to do. But we're trying to ensure stability. It's in our best interest to have Billy Donovan be our coach for a long, long time."

Donovan is 124-64 in six seasons at Florida and has led the Gators to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Under him, the Gators have a school-record four consecutive 20-win seasons.

"I'm proud to be here at the University of Florida," Donovan said in a university statement. "I am thankful for such a committed and supportive administration here at Florida."

Donovan's name continues to surface in NBA coaching rumors. Foley said he isn't aware of which rumors are currently floating around but said extending Donovan's contract helps stem the talk.

"People in the recruiting battles liked to use the rumor that he's going here and there," Foley said. "It's important for us to make a statement as an institution that this is our guy." ARKANSAS: Guard Charles Tatum had surgery to repair ligament and cartilage damage to his right knee and is expected to miss next season. He was hurt last week during a pickup game.

FSU: Benson Callier's signing was made official when the letter of intent with his mother's signature arrived.

MIAMI (OHIO): Coach Charlie Coles' contract was extended by two years through 2005-06. He is 107-78 in six seasons.

UMASS: Marnie Dacko, who went 80-104 the past seven seasons at Cornell, was hired as women's coach.

WRIGHT ST.: Cain Doliboa, the nation's top 3-point shooter last season, was denied another season of eligibility. Before transferring from Dayton, Doliboa injured his back and played only seven games as a junior.

Football

ALABAMA: The school will take the next step in appealing sanctions today, filing a brief supporting its position. The NCAA placed it on five years' probation, cut 21 scholarships over three years and imposed a two-year bowl ban for recruiting and extra benefits violations.

COLORADO: The NCAA is investigating current Washington coach Rick Neuheisel for potential recruiting violations during his tenure in Boulder. The allegations include visits to 25 recruits outside of allowed contact periods, failing to recover athletic apparel provided for campus visits and not properly documenting use of a private jet for recruiting.

LSU: The school disciplined coach Nick Saban and two assistants. LSU found either Saban or the assistants, whose names it would not release, might have improperly contacted two potential recruits.

As a result, it reduced the number of days the coaches can go on the road during the spring from 24 to 18 and ordered the staff to stop recruiting two players.

NEW ORLEANS BOWL: Conference USA signed a four-year deal with the bowl, replacing the Mountain West Conference. The Sun Belt champion will remain.

ROSE BOWL: AT&T will not renew its contract as sponsor.

Softball

FSU 9, UAB 0: Leslie Malerich allowed three hits in earning her ninth shutout of the season for the host Seminoles.

Gophers might cut sports

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota will merge the men's and women's athletic departments and officials recommended cutting three sports.

Men's and women's golf and men's gymnastics are the targeted sports. If they are eliminated, the university would save an estimated $900,000 annually.

The jobs of men's AD Tom Moe and women's AD Chris Voelz will end in June with the school hiring one AD. The school projected $4.4-million in savings over the next five years from combining the departments.

-- Information from other news organizations was used in this report.

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