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Wednesday's Sports Briefs
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Published: December 13, 2007
PODS Going Out With A Bang
PALM HARBOR - Tampa's PGA Tour event may be looking for a new title sponsor to take over after this spring's event, but the final PODS Championship will have a field that sends it out in style.
The tournament, scheduled March 6-9 at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, already has received commitments from Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Woody Austin, Chris DiMarco and Justin Leonard.
Defending champ Mark Calcavecchia also is expected to return.
"What a big shot in the arm to get theses caliber of players committing to us this early," tournament director Gerald Goodman said. "When you have players like these committing this early, you know they have put thought into their schedule and want to be here."
Two tickets for any day of competition and a parking pass are being offered for $79 at all Publix supermarkets or online at podschampionship.com.
Billy Joe Gets New Job
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former Florida A&M football coach Billy Joe is taking over at Division II Miles College.
Joe, 67, replaces Wade Streeter, who was fired after seven seasons at the school.
Joe was fired at Florida A&M in 2005 when the school self-reported 196 rules violations among its 15 men's and women's sports during a seven-year period. An NCAA investigation found no wrongdoing by Joe, and the university later agreed to a $135,000 settlement with the coach.
Gators Fullback Suspended
Starting fullback Eric Rutledge's University of Florida football career is over because of a suspension that will keep the senior from playing in the Capital One Bowl.
Athletic department spokesman Steve McClain confirmed the suspension Wednesday night but declined to give a specific reason for it.
Rutledge was the lead blocker on many of quarterback Tim Tebow's touchdown runs. Gators coach Urban Meyer last month said Rutledge was one of his "top two or three most improved players."
WEST GEORGIA: Daryl Dickey, the former Tennessee quarterback who spent six seasons as Florida State's quarterback coach, took over the West Georgia program.
Dickey replaces Mike Ledford, who resigned in November. The 25-year-old coaching veteran, the son of former Tennessee and Florida head coach Doug Dickey, was out of football this year after his contract was not renewed at Florida State.
COLORADO STATE: Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild was hired to replace Sonny Lubick as coach. Fairchild, who was Colorado State's quarterbacks coach from 1993-96, won't leave the Bills until after the season.
SOUTHERN MISS: Hired Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Larry Fedora as its new football coach.
Hambrick Faces Drug Charges
Former NFL running back and Pasco High standout Troy Hambrick was indicted on three counts of drug charges last week by a grand jury. According to the Dec. 7 indictment, Hambrick, 31, is accused of selling five grams or more of crack Sept. 7, distributing 50 grams or more of crack Sept. 14 and distributing 50 grams or more of crack Sept. 27.
The three charges carry a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years each.
Elsewhere
BALCO founder Victor Conte and World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound sat down Wednesday for their first face-to-face discussion about doping in sports.
They didn't discuss specific cases or name any names, but had what both termed a frank conversation they hope will lead to a more productive relationship.
OLYMPIC TRACK: The 2012 U.S. track and field trials will be held in Eugene, Ore., also the site of the 2008 trials.
A Tribune staff, wire report
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