Washington Coach Don James banned reporters for...

Washington Coach Don James banned reporters for two newspapers from attending football practices because their papers printed stories about a thumb injury to Husky quarterback Cary Conklin.

James instituted the ban for the remainder of the season after the Seattle Times and the Tacoma Morning News Tribune reported that Conklin injured his hand Wednesday and spent the latter part of practice sidelined. Conklin, however, is expected to face USC today at the Coliseum.

James closed practice Thursday and Friday to reporters of the Times and Tribune. He said he kept it open to other reporters because “I’ve got to be loyal to those who were loyal to me.”

School officials plan to review James’ decision.