Derby king faces ban
KENTUCKY DERBY-winning trainer Doug O'Neill could face a suspension in California after one of his horses was found to have an elevated level of total carbon dioxide, an infraction for which he previously has been punished.
KENTUCKY DERBY-winning trainer Doug O'Neill could face a suspension in California after one of his horses was found to have an elevated level of total carbon dioxide, an infraction for which he previously has been punished.
The California Horse Racing Board is considering the case, which involves "milkshaking," the illegal practice of giving a horse a blend of bicarbonate of soda, sugar and electrolytes. The mixture is designed to reduce fatigue and enhance performance.
O'Neill faces his third total carbon dioxide violation in California and fourth in a career that has spanned 25 years.
Speaking at Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course, where he is overseeing Derby winner I'll Have Another in preparation for the May 19 Preakness, O'Neill adamantly denied the charge: "I swear on my kids' eyes I never milkshaked a horse."
The California board could consider O'Neill's latest violation as early as May 24."
Colleges *
All three divisions of NCAA men's basketball will see their 2013 national champions crowned during Final Four weekend in Atlanta.
* Former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor says he sold a pair of his football pants for $3,000 to help his family pay rent and heating bills during a cold winter. Pryor told Sports Illustrated he broke NCAA rules by selling the items so his sister and mother wouldn't be cold but the NCAA "didn't have any sympathy for me." Pryor left to join the Oakland Raiders last season.
* Missouri State quarterback Trevor Wooden was dismissed for violating team rules.
Sport Stops *
Ian Poulter and Martin Laird shot 7-under 65 to share the lead after the first round of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Tiger Woods shot a 74.
* Rafael Nadal lost to Fernando Verdasco, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, at the Madrid Open, then threatened not to return if the new blue clay-court wasn't discarded. He called it slippery and soft earlier in the week.
* The U.S. men's basketball team has more time to solve the problems caused by its injuries. The team has been granted an extension from the U.S. Olympic Committee and won't have to name its roster until July 8, pushed back from June 18.