Turquoise Thompson's talent in track and field runs in the family

UCLA hurdler's parents, Donn Thompson and Lori Smith-Thompson, also excelled in the sport.

• A star turn from Danusia Francis at NCAA women's gymnastics championships

What seemed like a perfect match got mired in controversy the very day Steve Alford was introduced at UCLA. Now fans are skeptical, and he has his work cut out.

• David Beckham's legacy: his game vs. his celebrity

If you want to coach a major sports program in Los Angeles these days, lose your sense of pride, find your sense of humor and prepare to spend every waking hour apologizing for not being Phil Jackson.

University of New Mexico says the basketball coach owes them $1 million under contract extension terms. Alford has offered $200,000 and says the new pact never became effective.

• Steve Alford e-mail

With career rushing leader Johnathan Franklin off to the NFL, the Bruins need to find a running game to take pressure off quarterback Brett Hundley

• UCLA's Marcus Rios likely to miss season because of an infection

Trojans' Bryshon Nellum and Aaron Brown and Bruins' Turquoise Thompson are standout performers at Loker Stadium.

• Bill Dwyre: Shot heard 'round the track world hasn't stopped USC star Nellum