Pac-Tending 02-06-08

"Anything that increases the funds for student-athletes to stay in school and graduate is a good thing. This is good for student-athletes. But the worry is – is there going to be an increased cost to the university that may be paid for through increased commercialization of athletics? There is nothing in the settlement [about] where the funds will come from after [2013]. That cost could go back on the shoulders of the institution."

- University of Oregon biology professor and co-chair of the Coalition on Intercollegiate Athletics, commenting on the recent NCAA settlement of an antitrust lawsuit regarding scholarship funds which will free up a total of $228 million for student-athletes through 2013.

Hoops season continues at the Creek and both men's and women's teams are still populating the national rankings as seven conference teams are receiving votes with three teams [Washington State, UCLA and Stanford] in the men's Top 25 and two more [Stanford and California] are in the women's Top 25.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, the NCAA has reached a settlement in an NCAA antitrust lawsuit partially brought forward by former Stanford football athlete Jason White and UCLA football athlete Brian Polak which will make a total of $228 million available to student-athletes beyond the scope of what their scholarship funds cover. Of that amount, $10 million will be made available for football and basketball student-athletes through this academic year for "bona fide educational expenses" and an additional $213 million to be made available to all student-athletes through 2013.

California

In men's hoop, sophomore forward Ryan Anderson was named as the conference's player of the week.

WSU

In men's hoop, 17th-ranked Wazzu lost to California and Stanford to drop to 17-4 overall and 5-4 in conference play with a 24 RPI.

In football, the Cougars received verbal commitments from linebacker Mike Ledgerwood, offensive linemen Alex Reitnouer and Zack Williams, defensive back Daniel Simmons, receiver Michael Vandenkolk and kicker Jordan Burke. Safety Jarred Walker will walk-on.

In women's hoop, the Cougars lost to rival Washington to drop to 3-19 overall and 0-11 in Pac-10 play with a 296 RPI.

In tennis, 47th-ranked Wazzu defeated Wyoming and Air Force but lost to Denver to move to 5-1 on the season.

Oregon State

In football, the Beavers received a verbal commitment from receiver Jordan Bishop.

USC

In men's hoop, the Trojans lost to Arizona but defeated Arizona State to move to 14-7 overall and 5-4 in Pac-10 play with a 41 RPI.

Arizona

In football, the Wildcats received a verbal commitment from offensive lineman J'Marcus Webb.

Arizona State

In men's hoop, the Sun Devils were swept by UCLA and USC to fall to 14-7 overall and 4-5 in Pac-10 play with a 92 RPI.

UCLA

In football, quarterback Kevin Prince de-committed from Washington and verbally committed to UCLA.

In men's hoop, junior forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will miss this week's games due to a sprained ankle.

Oregon

In men's hoop, the Ducks defeated rival Oregon State to improve to13-8 overall and 4-5 in Pac-10 play with a 55 RPI.

Washington

In football, Washington hired NFL assistant coach Ed Donatelli as their new defensive coordinator and received a verbal commitment from linebacker Bradly Roussel.

Stanford

In football, defensive coordinator Scott Shafer has departed to Michigan and NFL assistant coach Ron Lynn has been hired to share co-defensive coordinator duties with linebacker coach Andy Buh.

In women's hoop, senior guard Candice Wiggins was named as the conference's player of the week.

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