Press Box: Gruden doesn't want to be considered for Tennessee job
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Former NFL coach Jon Gruden is out of the running for the head-coaching job at Tennessee.
Gruden, currently an ESPN analyst, told the school to withdraw his name from consideration for the vacancy left when Derek Dooley was fired before the Volunteers' final game this season, WNML-AM reported Friday in Knoxville, Tenn.
Gruden, who worked at Tennessee as a graduate assistant when he was starting in the business, said his family didn't want to relocate there at this time, according to the report.
Tennessee apparently contacted Gruden late week, but no contract offer was made or serious discussions about financial considerations took place. A report earlier this week indicated that if Gruden took the job he would be offered a stake in the Cleveland Browns, now owned by Tennessee supporter Jimmy Haslam.
Among the favorites to land the job in odds released Thursday by Bovada.com are former North Carolina coach Butch Davis and former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
Dooley was fired Nov. 18 after posted a 15-21 in three seasons.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Suspended Missouri senior guard Michael Dixon will transfer, the school announced.
Dixon hasn't seen action this season for the No. 16 Tigers.
The suspension was described by the school as a violation of team rules. Dixon twice was accused of sexual assault while at Missouri but never charged.
A police report was filed in August by a female student accusing Dixon of sexual assault, but prosecutors decided against filing charges on Nov. 16.
"It's been a challenging few months, and while I appreciate the support of many in the Mizzou community, including my coaches and teammates, it's in the best interest of me, my family and the University of Missouri for me to finish my career elsewhere," Dixon said in the statement.
Dixon did not specifically address the allegations, but Columbia Missourian reported Thursday that Dixon sent a friend text messages that said "I have never harmed anyone."
---Hofstra University suspended four basketball players indefinitely after they were arrested and charged with multiple counts of burglary.
Freshman forward Jimmy Hall, sophomore guard Shaquille Stokes, freshman guard Dallas Anglin and freshman guard Kentrell Washington pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Friday.
Each was suspended from school while the outcome of the case is determined.
According to police, cash, computers, cellphones and other items were stolen. Some of the goods were sold on Craigslist.
Hall and Stokes are starters for the Pride (3-4). Hall is the team's second leading scorer and Stokes is a transfer from Hawaii.
Hofstra plays SMU on Saturday.
