First Posted: 4/5/2015
INDIANAPOLIS — Kentucky guard Andrew Harrison apologized Sunday for directing an obscenity and a racial slur at Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky during a postgame news conference at the Final Four.
Harrison muttered “F—- that n——” into a live microphone when another player was asked a question about Kaminsky after Kentucky lost 71-64 to the Badgers Saturday. The loss ruined the Wildcats’ undefeated season; they finished 38-1.
The sophomore’s comment came as a reporter asked Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns about defending the 7-foot Kaminsky. He muttered it with his hand in front of his mouth, but the mic picked up the comments.
Social media immediately lit up with tweets about what Harrison said along with video clips, and the program looked into the matter.
Harrison said in a series of comments on Twitter that he wanted to apologize “for my poor choice of words used in jest towards a player I respect and know.”
“When I realized how this could be perceived I immediately called big Frank to apologize and let him know I didn’t mean any disrespect,” he added.
He said the two of them had a “good conversation” and he wished him good luck in Monday’s championship game.
Harrison had 13 points and four assists in the loss. Harrison and his twin brother, Aaron, have been projected as NBA draft picks but didn’t discuss their futures after the loss.
Lima News seeks Paul Smith volunteers
The Lima News is looking for nominees for the Paul Smith Award. The award is given each year to the high school varsity sports volunteer person who gives time to make sure that day’s sport can run smoothly.
Over the years, the award has gone to announcers, scorekeepers, timers, ticket takers/sellers, concession workers and just about anyone involved in helping a varsity game take place. It can also include the set-up crew or groundskeepers.
Please email your nomination to Tom Usher at [email protected] or fax to 419-229-2926.
Kentucky’s 1st loss draws best TV rating for semi since ‘93
INDIANAPOLIS — Wisconsin’s win over previously undefeated Kentucky drew the highest preliminary television rating for an NCAA semifinal in 22 years.
The Badgers’ 71-64 victory Saturday night averaged a 13.3 overnight rating and 24 share across TBS, TNT and truTV, according to Turner Sports and CBS on Sunday. That’s up 48 percent from last season’s matchup of the same teams.
It was the best rating for a semifinal since a 13.8/24 in 1993 when Michigan’s Fab Five sophomores edged the Wildcats in overtime.
Diamondbacks release Cody Ross
PHOENIX — Yasmany Tomas was sent to the minors Saturday night by the Arizona Diamondbacks after the $68.5 million free agent from Cuba failed to make their opening-day roster.
Arizona also released veteran outfielder Cody Ross, discarding yet another player with a hefty salary. Ross was due to make $8.5 million this season in the final guaranteed year of a $26 million, three-year contract.
Tomas was optioned to Triple-A Reno. In other moves, the Diamondbacks selected the contract of pitcher Archie Bradley, a touted prospect who will open the season in the starting rotation, from Reno. They also added catcher Gerald Laird and utility player Jordan Pacheco to the 25-man major league roster. Pacheco can play the infield and outfield as well as catcher.
The 34-year-old Ross batted .256 with six RBIs in 39 spring training at-bats after hitting .252 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 202 at-bats last year. He was the 2010 NL Championship Series MVP with San Francisco.
