NCAA looking into allegations against Florida lineman

Florida and the NCAA are investigating an allegation that former Gators offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey received $100,000 from a representative of a sports agent before last season ended, ESPN.com reported Monday.

The allegation stated Pouncey received the money between Florida’s loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game and its Sugar Bowl win over Cincinnati, according to the report. The alleged representative was not named.

Pouncey was selected 18th overall in this year’s NFL draft by Pittsburgh. His brother, Mike, will be a senior offensive lineman with the Gators this season.

If the allegation is true, Pouncey could be ruled ineligible for the Sugar Bowl game and Florida might have to vacate the victory among other potential penalties.

South Carolina Athletic Director Eric Hyman says the NCAA is investigating a possible rules violation of one of its athletic programs.

Hyman released a statement Sunday night saying the school has cooperated and will continue working with the NCAA on its inquiry, although he did not detail what program was being investigated.

Tight end Weslye Saunders has been identified by various media reports as the target of the investigation.

PRO BASKETBALL

Clippers retain power forward Smith

The Clippers said free-agent power forward Craig Smith reached an agreement to return to the team. Smith’s agent, Noah Lookofsky, said the deal was for one year.

Smith, who was acquired in a trade last summer from the Minnesota Timberwolves, made $2.3 million last season. He was considered one of the bright spots and became a fan favorite with his physical play.

It also appears that two members of last season’s Clippers coaching staff, John Lucas and Kim Hughes, won’t be included in new head Coach Vinny Del Negro’s group of assistants.

—Lisa Dillman

The Milwaukee Bucks signed guard Keyon Dooling and two people with knowledge of other talks told the Associated Press that the team is in trade discussions with the Sacramento Kings to obtain forward Jon Brockman.

Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade talks had not been completed.

Free-agent forward Matt Barnes wrote on his Twitter page that he has decided to play for the Toronto Raptors next season.... Raja Bell signed a three-year contract with the Utah Jazz that’s worth about $10 million.

ETC.

Serena Williams questionable for Open

Serena Williams is questionable for the U.S. Open because of her recent foot injury, according to the WTA Tour.

Williams cut her right foot on broken glass at a restaurant shortly after winning Wimbledon. The tour said last week she needed surgery and would miss three tournaments leading up to the Open.

On Monday, tour spokesman Andrew Walker said Williams is questionable for the final Grand Slam event of the year.

Chivas USA said that its captain and defender Jonathan Bornstein, 25, will leave the Major League Soccer team after this season and join Mexican First Division club Tigres UANL in January. Bornstein played on the U.S. team in the World Cup.

—Barry Stavro

Attendance and wagering during Hollywood Park’s spring-summer meet dropped by 10% each, extending a trend at many U.S. tracks as the economy continues to sputter.

Danielle Kang of Thousand Oaks shot a five-under-par 67 to take a three-stroke lead after the opening round of the U.S. Girls Junior Championship at Pinehurst, N.C.