*AFL: The Rush hired Ernesto Purnsley as its new defensive line coach, replacing Walt Housman. Purnsley is a 10-year assistant coach in the Arena Football League, the last five with Colorado.
— John Mullin
*NBA: Theo Ratliff returned to the 76ers, seven years after the team traded him. … Oklahoma City waived forward Donyell Marshall, who was with Bulls in 2002-04.
*WNBA: Seattle star Lauren Jackson, playing in Beijing for Australia, will undergo ankle surgery after the Olympics and miss the rest of the WNBA regular season.
*COLLEGES: The NCAA put New Mexico’s football program on three years of probation and cut five scholarships as punishment for academic violations involving two former assistant coaches. … The NCAA banned the horse-collar tackle and will assess a penalty this season when a runner is yanked to the ground from the inside collar of his shoulder pads or jersey. … N.C. State QB Justin Burke will transfer to Louisville. … Defenseman Jordan Schmaltz gave Wisconsin hockey coaches a nonbinding verbal commitment and has been offered a full scholarship, four years before he can use it. He’s 14.
*TENNIS: Amelie Mauresmo beat fifth-seeded Patty Schnyder in second round of Pilot Pen. American Robby Ginepri’s run ended in a loss to German Mischa Zverev.
*LITTLE LEAGUE: Japan and Waipahu, Hawaii, advanced to the finals of the Little League World Series.
*SOCCER: Fernando Clavijo resigned as Colorado coach. Assistant Gary Smith was named interim coach of the MLS team. … Claudio Reyna will make his studio debut as an analyst before Thursday’s Fire-Galaxy game on ESPN2. … Arsenal signed French defender Mikael Silvestre on a two-year deal from Manchester United.
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EDITED BY LEE C. GORDON FROM TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES
