Heels backs face surgery

UNC running backs A.J. Blue and Jamal Womble are both scheduled to undergo surgery this week after suffering injuries in the Tar Heels' 42-12 win over Georgia Southern on Saturday.

Blue, a freshman who has been used mainly as a "Wildcat" quarterback, injured his left knee in the fourth quarter. Womble, a reserve running back, fractured his right wrist covering the opening kickoff.

The status of each player will be updated after the surgery, according to a UNC news release.

The Tar Heels (4-2) have a bye week and don't play again until Oct. 22.

More football

Trojans' Johnson could go home today: Southern California tailback Stafon Johnson could leave the hospital today, just over two weeks after his neck was crushed in a weightlifting accident.

Coach Pete Carroll says Johnson is on schedule to be taken home for further care and rehabilitation. Doctors have praised the senior's remarkable progress after the accident, which left his throat and larynx almost completely crushed by a weight bar.

New Mexico coach suspended: New Mexico coach Mike Locksley won't be on the sidelines when his team plays UNLV later this month, part of a 10-day suspension issued Tuesday as punishment for his role in a fight with an assistant coach.

"I'm the leader of the team and my staff," Locksley said. "I should have used better judgment. I showed poor leadership and I won't let it happen again. I've learned some harsh lessons, lessons that I feel will make me a better leader."

Locksley initially had been reprimanded. Athletic director Paul Krebs said during a news conference the coach won't be allowed to have any contact with the team until Oct. 25, one day after UNLV visits Albuquerque. The Lobos have a bye this week.

Locksley also will be required to attend conflict resolution training.

Defensive backs coach George Barlow will serve as an interim coach. Locksley said Barlow will handle administrative responsibilities so offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey and defensive coordinator Doug Mallory can focus on preparing their players.

Receivers coach J.B. Gerald told Albuquerque police Locksley struck him during a Sept. 20 staff meeting at the football office, splitting his lip.

Court rules against NCAA: A Florida appellate court again has rebuffed the NCAA's effort to prevent public disclosure of documents on academic cheating at Florida State.

The documents, with students' names blacked out, could be released as early as Wednesday, said Carol Jean LoCicero, an attorney for The Associated Press and other news media.

LoCicero's clients sued the NCAA, Florida State and the university's outside law firm under the state's open-records "sunshine" laws.

Basketball

Gillispie to get almost $3 million in settlement: Former men's basketball coach Billy Gillispie and the University of Kentucky have settled their cases over his firing for nearly $3 million, the school said Tuesday.

Gillispie was dismissed earlier this year and sued for breach of contract and fraud in May, seeking at least $6 million. The university countersued.

He had not signed a contract during his two years coaching the Wildcats to a 40-27 record but was working under a memorandum of understanding. He charged that he should have been paid $1.5 million per year for four of the five years left on the deal.

In a statement, the university said the lawsuits were settled through mediation and that Gillispie would receive a little more than $2.98 million. Another $260,000 will be paid by the university for attorney's fees, as well as $5,600 in mediation fees.

Georgia Tech guard still ailing: Georgia Tech point guard Moe Miller continues to suffer the effects of a concussion he suffered in a car wreck last month.

Coach Paul Hewitt says Miller told him that he felt "off-balance" while practicing "a little bit" on Monday.

Hewitt says Miller hit his head on a side window in the accident and suffered his third concussion in 10 months.

The Associated Press