NCAA

Super sad news for ex-Arizona State football head coach Todd Graham ... his wife says 17 of his most prized championship rings were stolen in Arizona this week.

Penni Graham tells TMZ Sports ... she and the coach are in the process of moving to Hawaii from Scottsdale for his new head coaching gig -- and had given the rings to a close friend to help move the jewelry out to Honolulu.

But, Penni says someone broke into their friend's car Tuesday at around 1 PM a couple blocks from Arizona State's campus ... and stole everything.

Penni says the coach is heartbroken over the loss of the items ... and is pleading with the thieves to return them ASAP.

"So much went into earning those rings," Penni said, "especially his National Championship ring, as a coach in 1992. Seventeen rings from years of blood, sweat and tears. He is devastated."

Penni says they're working with the Tempe Police Department to try to get the rings back.

Todd had a ton of success as the Sun Devils' coach from 2012 through 2017 ... winning 10 games in 2013 and 2014 and earning 2 bowl victories.

He left the program after the 2017 season ... and just signed on in January to be the Univ. of Hawaii's new head man.

Wichita State basketball coach Gregg Marshall is the subject of an internal investigation after multiple claims of hostility -- including allegations he punched a player TWICE during a 2015 practice.

The alleged victim is former Shockers forward Shaq Morris -- who claims Marshall socked him in the face for committing a foul on a teammate during a workout.

Morris says he was trying to block a shot by teammate Zach Brown -- and unintentionally knocked Brown to the ground.

"I went over to help [Brown] up, and as I was helping him up to make sure he was okay, bam -- I’m struck on the left side of my face with a punch," Morris told Stadium.

"I turned back with my fists ready to punch or swing. I don’t know who did what and I see Marshall standing there. I turned around and started walking out."

Stadium says 6 players who were on the team at the time have corroborated the incident.

Several teammates, including Fred VanVleet (who's now in the NBA) allegedly refused to practice the next day unless Marshall apologized, which Morris says he did.

"[Marshall] comes down in the film room and says, ‘First off, I just want to apologize to you and he pointed at me. Then he said, “We good? We good? We good? All right, let’s move on."

There's more ... Morris says Marshall also choked assistant coach Kyle Lindsted during a practice in the 2016-17 season.

"I looked over and saw coach Marshall choking him," Morris said. "Then people started de-escalating the situation, trying to calm him down."

Lindsted -- who left Wichita State in 2018 -- declined to comment to Stadium about the allegation.

There are also allegations of racism ... Marshall allegedly verbally abused player Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler, who is of Native American descent.

Marshall allegedly told him to "get back on his horse" and made "Indian howling noises" while in practice during the 2018-19 season.

One former assistant coach described Marshall this way to Stadium -- "He’s smart, a great coach. Just a bad person."

The coach has commented on the investigation -- telling The Athletic, "I'm aware the university conducted interviews and I fully participated in the process."

"I look forward to having it wrapped up as I continue to focus my energy on our team."

Lane Kiffin's season may be going down the crapper ... 'cause the Ole Miss head coach's media time was interrupted by what may have been a flushing toilet!!

The 45-year-old was asked a question during SEC media availability this week ... and while we can't say for certain he was taking care of some personal business at the time, the audio evidence sure seems to point in that direction.

Kiffin was asked about the Rebels' matchup against Kentucky this weekend ... and his response had some, uh, additional sound effects to it.

"A challenge playing a really good team, very physical and runs the ball really well and played great defense last year and in the first game and limited explosive plays ..."

FLUSH NOISE ... long pause.

"... as a team, so a lot at stake here. Need to play well."

One can only imagine what was going through Kiffin's head *IF* he did, in fact, flush the can and forget to mute his phone while speaking to a bunch of reporters ... which may explain the long pause.

Let's be real -- what else could the sound have been?? And, as Kentucky Sports Radio points out, no one else's phones would be unmuted while Kiffin was answering.

The University of Purdue has suspended 13 student-athletes for throwing an on-campus party that violates the school's new COVID rules.

The bash went down on Saturday night in a residence hall on the Purdue campus in West Lafayette, Indiana ... and once University officials found out about the party, they took action immediately.

All 13 student-athletes -- along with one student who isn't an athlete -- must be OUT of their dorms by Wednesday to begin serving their suspension.

The school says the actions of the students violate the "Protect Purdue Pledge" -- which is basically a new set of rules to minimize the spread of COVID-19 ... wear masks, social distance, wash hands, etc.

The school has not identified the suspended athletes by name -- or even said which sport they play.

In fact, all Purdue has really said is that they're all "out-of-season" athletes -- which means they're not part of a program that competes in the Fall.

The University issued a statement to ESPN saying, "While this is an unfortunate occurrence, we hope it's instructive for all Boilermaker students and reinforces the importance of protecting everyone on campus during this time."

As for the athletes, Purdue is expecting them to appeal -- and officials say they will handle that process "expeditiously."

"Each case will be resolved in a manner that meets the objectives of (1) protecting the health & safety of the campus community and (2) educating students on how to effectively adhere to the Protect Purdue Pledge."

The Pac-12 is BACK!!!!

The last remaining Power 5 conference has reversed course and decided there WILL be football in 2020 ... with the Pac-12 voting to start the season in November.

But, that's not all -- basketball and other winter sports are back, too!!

As we previously reported, the Pac-12 unanimously voted back in August to wait until after the New Year to start the football season due to COVID-19 ... with hopes of completing a season in the Spring.

But, a lot has changed since then ... with the Big Ten electing to kick off its season in late October, leaving the Pac-12 as the only major conference with plans to sit out 2020.

The Pac-12's CEO Group held a meeting to re-evaluate the fall and winter sports seasons on Thursday ... and the decision has been made to play a 7-game football season starting Nov. 6 ... and basketball will return on Nov. 25.

"The health and safety of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports remains our guiding light and number one priority,” Pac-12 CEO Group Chair Michael Schill said Thursday.

"Our CEO Group has taken a measured and thoughtful approach to today’s decision, including extensive consultation with stakeholders on the evolving information and data related to health and safety."

Now, there have still been some hiccups with other conferences that have kicked off their seasons -- Notre Dame most recently had to postpone a game due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the team.

One bummer -- the conference says fans will NOT be allowed to attend games until 2021.

BYU star QB Zach Wilson says he's NOT concerned about the potential long-lasting effects of COVID ... telling reporters Monday he's siding with Kirk Cousins' "If I die, I die" approach to the virus.

Wilson revealed he was diagnosed with COVID back in July after a "little gambling night" with some of his Cougar teammates.

Zach says his symptoms were "nothing crazy" ... claiming he was just tired, fatigued and felt like he had a cold.

But, when he was asked if he was concerned about lingering effects of the virus down the road ... Wilson channeled Cousins -- and said point-blank no.

"Personally, for me," Wilson said, "I'm kind of like, what Kirk Cousins said a little bit. I know he got harped on for it. But, you know, I would rather play football than ever worry about any of that kind of stuff."

You'll recall ... Cousins said on a podcast this summer that he was not afraid of the virus, adding he'd much rather go about his daily life normally than worry about the illness.

"I'm going to let nature do its course," the Vikings QB famously said. "And just say, if it knocks me out, it knocks me out. I’m going to be OK."

Wilson echoed those sentiments with his comments Monday ... despite revealing one of his favorite high school teachers is currently in the ICU battling the virus.

"I know it affects everyone differently," Wilson said. "But for me, and I know a lot of other guys on the team feel the same way, you know, honestly we would rather just play football than ever worry about this."

Oklahoma State University bull rider Rowdy Swanson has died from injuries he suffered during a rodeo last week ... the school announced. He was 20 years old.

Swanson was competing at the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association's PRCA Rodeo in Mineral Wells, Texas on Thursday ... when he was bucked off a bull.

OSU rodeo team coach Cody Hollingsworth spoke on the tragedy ... saying, "With a heavy and aching heart, I am saddened to announce that the OSU Rodeo Team has lost one of our own, Rowdy Swanson."

"He was a big part of our rodeo family and he will be missed immensely. Our thoughts are with the Swanson family at this time."

PPCLA Rodeo Chairman Scott Fenner added, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rowdy Swanson following injuries sustained at the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association’s PRCA Pro Rodeo."

"I did not leave my hundred acres and a view to come here for no bull junk!"

Deion Sanders just GUARANTEED he'd bring victories to Jackson State after accepting the HBCU's head football coaching job -- and his speech promising the Ws was epic!

Prime Time was introduced as the school's new head man Monday morning at a raucous pep rally on the Mississippi campus ... and it didn't take long for Deion to fire up the crowd.

The NFL legend spoke for about 10 minutes ... and said point-blank JSU is going to win PLENTY of football games under his watch.

"We going to win," Sanders said. "We going to look good while we win. We going to have a good time while we win. And we going to do this professionally."

In fact, the 53-year-old said his program is going to be so good ... he promised it'd lift up every other sport on the campus as well!!!

"I believe this is going to be a marriage made in heaven," Sanders said, "and I cannot wait to get started."

Deion added some Prime Time flare to his speech ... rockin' a custom suit that had JSU patches not only on the outside -- but in the lining of his jacket as well!!

The school, meanwhile, says it's PUMPED to add the Hall of Famer to its football program ... with university officials saying they have championship expectations with Deion at the helm.

Former Ohio State football star Anthony Gonzalez is FIRED UP for the Big Ten's return to the gridiron ... telling TMZ Sports another year of the sport could change kids' lives!!

The ex-Buckeye -- who became a congressman after a successful NFL career -- told us out on Capitol Hill in D.C. on Wednesday he couldn't imagine where he would be today if something had canceled his last year of the sport.

"I'm thrilled for the players, honestly," Gonzalez said. "Look, my last year at Ohio State, honestly, it changed my life."

Gonzalez played three seasons at OSU from 2004 through 2006 ... and used a big final season on campus to become an eventual first-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Gonzalez says without that last year ... he might not have had an awesome pro football career -- let alone be a congressman now.

Anthony says the fact that the Big Ten is now allowing its players to have the opportunity to follow down a similar path really brings a smile to his face.

"We've got a lot of kids who are going to get an opportunity to live out their dream," Gonzalez said.

The conference announced Wednesday it's officially targeting Oct. 24 for its opening weekend of games.

The Big Ten WILL play football in 2020 after all -- the schools and conference leaders have agreed on a plan to resume in mid-October, according to multiple reports.

Remember, it was just back in August the conference -- which includes teams like Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Nebraska and more -- decided to press pause on the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, the University leaders met again and were apparently impressed by new daily rapid testing, which would make things safer for everyone ... according to ESPN.

In fact, ESPN says the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously to resume the season.

Now, the plan is to green light football programs to begin practicing ASAP so they can start playing games by October 24.

Sources told ESPN the conference is looking at an 8 or 9 game season, with the conference championship going down on Dec. 19 -- one day before the college football bowl selection special.

Obviously, the hope is that a Big Ten team would be considered for the college football playoffs so they could compete for a national championship.

Several college football conferences are already playing -- including the SEC and the ACC.

The PAC-12 is still on hiatus -- but there seems to be a movement to follow the Big Ten's lead and resume in the fall as well.

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron says "most of our players" have already caught COVID-19 ... and he's REALLY hoping they don't catch it again!

"Not all of our players but most of our players have caught it," Orgeron said on Tuesday ... "I think that hopefully they won't catch it again and hopefully they're not out for games."

Orgeron says just two weeks ago, most of his offensive line was decimated by the coronavirus ... "We had everybody on the offensive line except two or three guys were out."

"We couldn’t go any team, [but] we adjusted very well."

Coach O says he believes the program has a "good handle" on the virus -- but has told his team everyone needs to stay ready in case someone else goes down.

"That's why I told the team we need everybody -- there’s no telling what's gonna happen with the COVID."

He added, "Once a kid gets it, the next man gotta go up."

Okay, EVERYBODY REMAIN CALM ... but U. of Nebraska president Ted Carter may have just spilled the beans on the return of the Big Ten football season ... saying an announcement is coming Tuesday night!!!

The revelation was made via a hot mic at a presser minutes ago ... when Carter was speaking with the University's National Strategic Research Institute director.

"We're getting ready to announce the Huskers and Big Ten football tonight," Carter said.

"Oh really?!," Bob Hinson said. "I heard that that was happening."

LISTEN -- like we said, do NOT panic ... but this sure as hell sounds like the season has been saved, according to the moment captured by KETV NewsWatch 7 in Omaha.

It's been an uphill battle for the conference -- with others like the SEC, Big 12 and ACC deciding to play through the pandemic ... and Big Ten and Pac 12 voting to wait.

The move resulted in a lawsuit filed by 8 Nebraska players against the Big Ten ... who claimed the conference didn't follow the proper protocols in coming up with its decision.

75 members of the Texas Tech football team have tested positive for COVID-19 since testing began in June ... this according to the University.

On Monday, TTU announced 5 football players had tested positive for coronavirus -- which raised the previous total from 70 to 75.

According to the University, there are still 6 active cases -- but 69 players have recovered.

75 cases is a pretty staggering number considering there are 123 players listed on the Texas Tech football team.

The school notes the total number of student-athletes who have tested positive at the University is at 116 -- which means the football team responsible for nearly two-thirds of all student-athlete cases.

The football team has the week off -- the next scheduled game is Sept. 26 against Texas.

The Red Raiders kicked off the 2020 season this past Saturday -- defeating Houston Baptist in a 35 to 33 victory.

Several TT players were missing from the game -- but the school did not say if it was COVID related, according to KLBK.

COVID has been an issue on the Texas Tech campus -- more than 1,100 students have reportedly tested positive so far -- with University president Lawrence Schovanec addressing the issue in an open letter this week.

"Over the last few days, we’ve seen a notable increase in positive COVID-19 cases in our campus community, with the majority of these cases among our students who live off campus," Schovanec said.

"While we anticipated positive cases and planned for this situation, it is disappointing that we are at this point less than two weeks into the semester."

Ex-Univ. of North Carolina basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell has pled guilty to a "death by vehicle" charge after a fatal collision with an 89-year-old woman.

Officials say 68-year-old Hatchell was making a left turn out of a gym parking lot in NC back in January when she struck Betty Sue Colby with her driver's side mirror.

According to police, Colby fell backward and hit her head on the pavement, suffering grave injuries.

She was rushed to a nearby hospital -- but ultimately passed away 2 days later.

Hatchell was prosecuted over the incident -- and ultimately pled guilty to misdemeanor death by vehicle.

She was sentenced to 6 months of unsupervised probation, 50 hours of community service and ordered to pay roughly $300 in fines and court costs.

At the time of the incident, Hatchell's attorney said the coach was "absolutely devastated" by Colby's death.

Hatchell was widely considered one of the best coaches in women's college basketball -- she left the Tarheels from 1986 to 2019, racking up 8 ACC titles and 1 national championship.

But, Hatchell resigned in 2019 following an investigation into allegations she made racially insensitive comments to players.

Florida State coaching legend Sue Semrau will step away from the women's basketball program this season to focus on caring for her mother, who is battling ovarian cancer.

Semrau says she's been traveling back and forth from Tallahassee to the family home in Seattle to help out, but the COVID pandemic has complicated things.

"For the past several months I’ve found it increasingly difficult to commute back and forth due to the tedious and ever-changing restrictions as a result of COVID-19," Semrau said.

So, instead of trying to split her time between work and family, Semrau announced she will "step away from the day-to-day coaching through March 2021."

Semrau says she will also forfeit her salary "so it can be used to offset COVID-19-related budget cuts."

"This decision allows me to support my family while providing much needed resources for Seminole Athletics."

Semrau is one of the top coaches in college basketball -- in her 23 seasons at FSU, she's taken the Seminoles to the NCAA tourney 15 times and racked up a 468-252 record.

FSU associate head coach Brooke Wyckoff will take over the head coaching duties until Semrau returns.

"I need you to trust my decision and support our team and staff like never before," Semrau added.