The Block “M” at midfield of Michigan Stadium was vandalized over the weekend, The Detroit News reported. A 6-inch by 4-foot portion of the turf was cut out and removed. University police are investigating the vandalism.
President Barack Obama will carry on a 100-year tradition when he throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the season-opening game of the Washington Nationals. William Howard Taft initiated the tradition when he threw out an opening-day pitch in 1910. Obama will continue the annual deed when he tosses a fastball to Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez before Washington hosts the Philadelphia Phillies April 5.
The New Jersey Nets avoided any potential run-ins with historic futility after beating the San Antonio Spurs 90-84 on Monday. The victory was the 10th for the Nets this season, improving the team’s overall standing to 10-64. Before an unforeseen stretch of three wins in four games over the last week, New Jersey had been treading dangerously close to trumping Philadelphia’s all-time worst record of 9-73.
Despite three years remaining on his contract, Boston College and men’s basketball coach Al Skinner mutually agreed to sever ties. Skinner had led the Golden Eagles for the last 13 seasons, winning 247 games. Boston College has received seven NCAA Tournament berths in the last 10 years. Skinner interviewed for the vacant head coaching job at St. John’s last week.
