AUSTIN, Texas (AP) β A person with knowledge of the trip tells The Associated Press that Texas Longhorns athletic director Steve Patterson is scheduled to travel today to meet with VCU coach Shaka (SHAH’-kah) Smart about replacing Rick Barnes. The person says Texas hopes to introduce Smart as its new coach as early as tomorrow. Smart’s teams have won at least 26 games each of the past six seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) β Downtown Indianapolis will have an increased police presence during the Final Four this weekend amid protests over a new state law that critics say could allow discrimination against gays and lesbians. The measure signed last week by Gov. Mike Pence prohibits any laws that “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow his or her religious beliefs, although critics contend it is designed to shield businesses and individuals who don’t want to serve gays and lesbians. Lawmakers are working on language to address those concerns, but some college sports figures have already announced they are boycotting the Final Four.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) β The woman who said former Alabama football player Jonathan Taylor assaulted her has recanted the allegations. Tuscaloosa police say the 24-year-old woman has been arrested on a charge of False Reporting to Law Enforcement. Taylor was arrested on Saturday and dismissed from the team by coach Nick Saban the following day.
UNDATED (AP) β Washington third baseman Anthony Rendon (rehn-DOHN’) will start the season on the disabled list because of a sprained left knee. Rendon had just nine at-bats this preseason before he was injured diving for a ball in the infield March 9. He hit .287 with 21 homers and 83 RBIs last year.
STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) β College football Hall of Famer, former NFL quarterback and war hero Eddie LeBaron Jr. has died at 85. The four-time Pro Bowl selection played 11 NFL seasons for Washington and Dallas, throwing for 13,399 yards and 104 touchdowns. LeBaron served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for heroism.
