COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NATION : Gifts to Phillips Get NCAA’s OK

The NCAA ruled Friday that suspended Nebraska tailback Lawrence Phillips did not violate rules by accepting a car and other items from the owners of a West Covina group home where he lived as a teen-ager.

Al Papik, Nebraska’s athletic director in charge of compliance, said the NCAA investigated the 1995 Mustang convertible leased in the name of one of the home’s owners and driven by Phillips since January, at least five round-trip airline tickets to California and an undetermined amount of spending money. The home’s owners are considered Phillips’ guardians.

Phillips, however, remains suspended. He awaits sentencing Dec. 1 on misdemeanor assault and trespassing charges. Prosecutors have said they will recommend probation.

Coach Tom Osborne said a decision on whether Phillips will return to the team could come next week.

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George Perles, who was fired as Michigan State’s coach last November, is suing the university and its president, the Detroit News reported.

University spokesman Terry Denbow said he believes Perles is charging age discrimination, the News said.

Perles, 59, was fired by the university after a 73-62-4 record in more than a decade as coach. The two sides have been unable to agree on a settlement on the remaining three years of Perles’ 10-year contract.