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SPORTS BRIEFS

Saturday, Jun 28, 2008 - 12:07 AM

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NBA

Donaghy's cooperation questioned

NEW YORK -- Disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy has exaggerated his cooperation in a gambling investigation in hopes of lessening his prison term and avoiding paying hefty restitution, prosecutors said in court papers filed yesterday. He also has minimized his own role in the scheme, according to the filing in Brooklyn federal court.

Prosecutors rebuffed defense arguments that Donaghy, 41, should get a break on his sentence for voluntarily coming forward and giving prosecutors inside dirt about alleged game-fixing and other misconduct by other referees and league officials. In the court papers, prosecutors said that by the time Donaghy decided to cooperate last year, "the government had a clear understanding of the criminal conspiracy, and who was involved."

In other NBA news:

San Antonio Spurs forward Robert Horry wants to return for a 17th season, KRIV-TV in Houston reported. Horry averaged 2.5 points a game last season, 1.5 during the playoffs. Horry, known as "Big Shot Bob" for a résumé filled with clutch baskets, turns 38 in August. Horry has been in the playoffs in every one of his seasons.

NFL

Spicer extends deal with Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Defensive end Paul Spicer signed a two-year, $8 million contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday, giving him a chance to end his career with the team. Spicer led the Jaguars with 7½ sacks last season. Although he had played 46 games the past three years, recording 165 tackles and 18 sacks and emerging as one of the defense's most dependable starters, Spicer seemingly had little leverage because he will turn 33 this summer. In other NFL news:

The driver's license of Marshawn Lynch was revoked in traffic court after the Bills running back said he didn't know he hit someone while driving on a Buffalo street last month. Administrative Law Judge Thomas Gagola found Lynch's behavior May 31 "constituted a reckless disregard of human life or property." He also imposed the maximum $100 fine and $50 surcharge after Lynch pleaded guilty to failure to exercise due care toward a pedestrian.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Ohio U. names Groce coach

ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University has hired Ohio State assistant John Groce as its basketball coach. Groce, 36, had been the top assistant under Ohio State coach Thad Matta for the past four years. He also worked under Matta at Xavier University and at Butler University. Ohio Athletic Director Jim Schaus said Groce is known for being a top recruiter and for helping to build winning programs.

In other college basketball news:

Georgia coach Dennis Felton has dismissed Billy Humphrey from the team following Humphrey's third arrest in less than a year. Humphrey, 20, was charged with DUI, failure to maintain his lane and the underage purchase of alcohol and taken to the Gwinnett County jail early Tuesday.

NHL

Flyers keep center Carter in fold

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Flyers and Jeff Carter agreed to a multiyear contract, only days before the center was set to become a restricted free agent. Carter, 23, was taken 11th overall by the Flyers in the 2003 draft and he has 66 goals and 132 points in 225 career games. Carter played in all 82 games last season and had 29 goals and 53 points. He scored six more goals in the playoffs and helped the Flyers reach the Eastern Conference finals.

In other NHL news:

The Dallas Stars signed forward Loui Eriksson on Friday to a two-year contract extension. Eriksson, 22, had career highs of 14 goals and 17 assists in 69 games last season. He also scored four goals with four assists in 18 playoff games.

The Anaheim Ducks placed Todd Bertuzzi on unconditional waivers and intend to buy out the final year of his contract. Bertuzzi, 33, signed with Anaheim last summer and had 40 points in 68 games.

AROUND THE STATE

University of Virginia's Andrew Carraway was named Cape Cod League pitcher of the week. The junior right-hander led the Hyannis Mets to two victories in 101/3 shutout innings, allowing seven hits, striking out 14 and walking one.

Old Dominion University has opted out of its contract to play William and Mary in its second football game of the 2009 season. The Monarchs found a substitute opponent rather than paying the $75,000 to buy out of that game. They will pay Central Connecticut State a $50,000 guarantee to visit William and Mary on Sept. 12, 2009.