Neuheisel Makes Plea to Save Job

Suspended Washington Coach Rick Neuheisel and his lawyers met Thursday at Seattle with Athletic Director Barbara Hedges, stating their case that Neuheisel should keep his job.

They argued during a 90-minute hearing that Neuheisel committed no major NCAA rules violations by participating in neighborhood gambling pools on the last two NCAA men’s basketball tournaments.

Later, during a news conference, his lawyers recapped their presentation to Hedges and disclosed new details in the case, including that Hedges gave Neuheisel the option to resign or be fired during a June 6 meeting.

“Barbara Hedges had two pieces of paper. One was a resignation letter, one was a termination letter,” said Bob Sutkin, one of Neuheisel’s attorneys. “She told him, ‘You choose.’ ”

They also released letters sent by prominent football coaches to Hedges, all supporting Neuheisel. Among the coaches offering support were Ohio State’s Jim Tressel, Penn State’s Joe Paterno, South Carolina’s Lou Holtz and Oregon’s Mike Bellotti.

Hedges and the university had no immediate comment, though officials confirmed in a news release the closed meeting took place.

“The next step in the process is for Barbara Hedges to make a written response to Rick Neuheisel,” the statement said.

Hockey

The Mighty Ducks signed defenseman Chris Armstrong to a one-year contract, with the team holding the option for a second year. The Kings signed right wing Petr Kanko to a three-year deal.

The Ducks also announced next season’s ticket prices, which will increase by an average of 11% compared to last season. The increase is the first by the franchise in four years.

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Minnesota acquired left wing Chris Bala from Ottawa in a three-team trade that also included Nashville. The Wild sent defenseman Curtis Murphy to Nashville, and the Predators traded defenseman Peter Smrek to Ottawa.... Washington picked up the option year on the contracts of right wing Peter Bondra and center Jeff Halpern.

Miscellany

Bryan Herta will replace injured driver Dario Franchitti in the Indy Racing League car owned by Andretti Green Racing, the team said.

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Venus Williams and Monica Seles will lead the U.S. team against Italy in the Fed Cup quarterfinals next month. Meghann Shaughnessy and Lisa Raymond were also selected.

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St. Louis Ram backup quarterback Marc Bulger has signed a one-year contract. Terms were not disclosed.