Gamecocks’ Holtz Gets an Extension

South Carolina on Tuesday extended Coach Lou Holtz’s contract by one year through 2008.

The move gives Holtz, 66, five years on his deal, worth about $800,000 a season, and comes a few days after the Gamecocks (5-6) lost their third consecutive game, 24-22, to No. 13 Florida.

The defeat led to some grumbling among Gamecock fans. A Web site, www.firelouholtz.com, even popped up.

Holtz, who is 27-31 since taking over in 1999, said the site is “better than going to pornography. I hope a lot of people visit it. Maybe I can help the good Lord’s work in some way.”

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Officials at Washington announced disciplinary action against 12 athletic department employees for participation in NCAA basketball tournament pools in a response to a Pacific 10 Conference investigation.

Among those disciplined were Coach Keith Gilbertson and compliance director Dana Richardson.

The Seattle Times reported that the university will self-impose a cut of eight visits by recruits and will not be allowed to use a boat with recruits. The university acknowledged a recruiting violation for undercharging 13 recruits for a boat trip -- captained by a booster -- to former coach Rick Neuheisel’s Lake Washington home. The recruits later paid $10 each for the trip, with the money being donated Seattle’s Children’s Hospital.

In a preemptive move, Neuheisel, who was fired as a result of his participation in a high-stakes pool, released a 38-page statement through his attorney, claiming he was wrongfully terminated for his actions because the university ignored $5 gambling pools by assistant coaches.

Meanwhile, Gilbertson’s troubles are not over. The state ethics board also is reviewing the use of a booster’s jet to fly Gilbertson’s wife and two children to the season-opening game at Ohio State. State ethics code bars employees from accepting gifts exceeding $50 if it could compromise their actions.

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Jeff Renne got his wish.

Franklin County (Ohio) Commons Pleas Judge Richard Sheward has agreed to allow Renne to stay in jail instead of moving him to prison this weekend so the inmate can watch the Ohio State-Michigan game on TV. In exchange, Renne agreed to plead guilty to a charge of forgery.

Inmates at the jail can watch TV, but it is off-limits at Orient Correctional Institution. Renne said that if the Buckeyes win, he will be “on cloud nine” despite being in prison.

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Officials at Ohio State said an incident involving players early Sunday would not result in any charges or suspensions.

The players, who were not identified, were allegedly involved in an assault and property damage case about 4 a.m. Sunday, WJW-TV in Cleveland reported.

The incident originated at a hip-hop club and culminated with a car chase to Morrill Tower on the campus. Four women alleged they were assaulted at Morrill Tower.

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Tommy Bowden’s days as Clemson coach appear numbered.

Bowden, during his weekly gathering with the media, was asked if he thought he would return to Clemson for a sixth season. Several seconds elapsed, and Bowden’s chin began to quiver.

“Those questions you would have to direct elsewhere,” Bowden said.

Questions continued. Had Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips told him that he would not be retained?

“You’re asking the wrong guy,” Bowden said.

Phillips was not available for comment.

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Arizona sophomore halfback Gainus Scott and junior linebacker Kirk Johnson were arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct on Nov. 2, according to a police report. An athletic department spokeswoman would not comment on whether the players faced disciplinary action.... Greg Jones, a Tennessee defensive tackle, returned to practice and will play Saturday against Vanderbilt, a week after his sister was killed and four other relatives were injured in a car crash.... Tennessee defensive tackle Mondre Dickerson has been accused of rape, authorities said. Dickerson was suspended indefinitely from the team last week.... Central Florida, which plays host to Marshall tonight, suspended cornerback Marcus Glover and defensive lineman Dwight Perkins for the rest of the season for violating team rules.... Georgia quarterback David Greene said he would return for his senior season.