Missouri moves closer to joining the SEC

In a move that could signal trouble for the Big East Conference’s proposed football expansion, Missouri reportedly is a step closer to leaving the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference.

A Missouri official told the New York Times on Monday that a decision to apply for SEC membership was “inevitable and imminent” and anticipated “no problem” in being accepted.

Realignment dominoes have rarely fallen in any expected order or fashion. However, a move by Missouri has been the most anticipated move out there, one that could cause the Big 12 to look for a replacement with Big East schools Louisville and West Virginia, though Brigham Young is also in the mix.

Monday night, Big East presidents unanimously voted to increase the league’s exit fee for football schools from $5 million to $10 million, contingent on Navy and Air Force joining the league, CBSSports.com reported.

ETC.

Zetlin of U.S. wins gold, silver

American Julie Zetlin added two more rhythmic gymnastics medals to her haul at the Pan American Games at Guadalajara, winning gold in the ball event and taking silver in the hoop.

Zetlin, 21, will get two more chances to add to her medal take on Tuesday in the clubs and ribbon finals.

The gold and silver contributed to another good day for the United States at the Pan Am Games. Americans won five medals in the swimming pool and took both golds in the 10-meter air rifle.

Overall, the United States leads the medals table with 16 gold and 43 overall. Brazil was second with nine gold and 21 overall.

In swimming, Gillian Ryan won the women’s 400 freestyle and Ann Chandler won the women’s 100 breaststroke ahead of teammate Ashley Wanland. Thiago Pereira of Brazil took gold in the men’s 100 backstroke, with Eugene Godsoe of the U.S. in second.

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Bernard Hopkins told the Associated Press on Monday that he will not retire from boxing because of his injured left shoulder and the disputed call that cost him his WBC light-heavyweight championship Saturday night at Staples Center.

“I am going to fight again because I’m still the champion,” he said. “I believe I will be the champion once the proper channels are being taken.”

Hopkins, 46, watched replays of his fight against Chad Dawson and still can’t believe the bizarre fashion in which he lost the title. He was stopped for the first time in a 23-year career when Dawson dumped him to the canvas late in the second round. No punch, more of a push. Referee Pat Russell ruled there was no foul and the belt was awarded to Dawson via TKO.

Hopkins is appealing the controversial finish.

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Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. received a 30-day delay of a ruling that revokes his license for 10 years.

The stay was issued by Judge Richard Giardino in Schenectady, N.Y., and allows Dutrow’s lawyer, Michael Koenig, time to appeal the decision by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

Dutrow’s suspension was set to begin Tuesday.