Sports digest: NCAA botches Miami Hurricanes investigation

Associated Press

Posted: 01/23/2013 09:24:00 PM PST

Updated: 01/23/2013 10:03:20 PM PST

The latest black eye for college sports belongs to the NCAA.

In an embarrassing blow to its watchdog image, the NCAA said Wednesday its enforcement staff had botched the high-profile investigation of Miami by improperly conducting at least two depositions while working with an attorney for disgraced booster Nevin Shapiro. Miami has been under investigation since the jailed Ponzi scheme mastermind said he had provided improper benefits to Hurricanes recruits.

President Mark Emmert said he was angry with the misstep. He said none of the evidence collected improperly would be used against Miami and that the long-awaited notice of allegations would be delayed until after an external review is completed in two weeks.

Miami president Donna Shalala said she was "frustrated, disappointed and concerned" that the NCAA may have compromised the investigation. She said Miami first informed the NCAA of possible violations more than two years ago.

Charlie Strong got an eight-year contract extension from Louisville that makes the seventh highest-paid Division I football coaches. His annual base salary will be $3.7 million. Strong earned $2.305 million this past season.

Baseball

class="bodytext">Infielder Bobby Crosby, who hasn't played in the major leagues since 2010, signed a minor league deal with Milwaukee and was invited to spring training. "There are no guarantees," general manager Doug Melvin said. Crosby was the A.L.'s Rookie of the Year in 2004, when he hit .239 with 22 homers and 64 RBIs for the A's.

Commissioner Bud Selig awarded the 2015 All-Star game to Cincinnati and Great America Ball Park. The city hasn't hosted an All-Star game since 1988.

Jason Motte and St. Louis agreed to a $12 million, two-year deal, avoiding arbitration. He went 4-5 with a 2.75 ERA and 42 saves in 49 chances in 2012.

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Scott Elbert had elbow surgery for the second time in four months. The left-hander won't resume throwing for six weeks.

Soccer

Swansea reached the first major cup final in its 100-year history after a 0-0 draw with Chelsea in the English League Cup. Swansea won 2-0 in London two weeks ago. The Swans will face Bradford on Feb. 24 at Wembley Stadium.

Wire services contributed to this report.