COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : UCLA : Donahue Talks About His Respect for James

On the day after Don James resigned as coach at Washington, UCLA Coach Terry Donahue talked of remorse and nostalgia.

“Don and I gained an appreciation and respect for each other as we went through our careers,” said Donahue, whose Bruins were the last team to beat Washington at Seattle, 25-22, in 1990. “Early in our careers, there was probably a much more heated rivalry because both of us were trying to survive.

“As we mellowed and matured and got older, I think our friendship deepened, and I hope our mutual respect deepened.”

James’ resignation came after the Pacific 10 Conference announced penalties for rules infractions, including no-work jobs and loans provided by boosters.

“When the rules changed several years ago, we were all concerned about any kind of involvement with the alumni, because basically what happened . . . was that alumni were taken out of recruiting,” Donahue said. “We had to spend a period of time to inform people that ‘It’s over. You can’t do anything, basically.’ ”

Donahue had an 8-4-1 record against James, and some seasons included “some of the real classic games we’ve had--and some of the better college football games I’ve ever coached,” Donahue said.

Donahue, in his 18th season, is now the senior Pac-10 coach.

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Sharmon Shah says he irritated coaches Monday when he ran after the ball during punt return drills. Shah had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee three weeks ago. “I think I’m ahead of schedule (for recovery),” said Shah, a sophomore running back. “But they want to make sure I’m ready, so I’m supposed to just stand there and catch the punts.” . . . Rob Walker, one of three quarterbacks vying for a starting job, returned to practice after sitting out Saturday’s scrimmage because of a muscle pull.