Associated Press
WASHINGTON ó President Barack Obama welcomed the Florida Gators to the White House and congratulated them on winning a second national championship in three years.
Obama called quarterback Tim Tebow an inspiration.
“He puts faith, family and academics above football,” Obama said. “And that’s incredible when you think about what he’s done on the field.”
– TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ó In a 28-age written appeal by a private attorney representing the school, Florida State told the NCAA it’s unfair to penalize coach Bobby Bowden as part of the sanctions announced last month, resulting from an academic cheating scandal that involved dozens of athletes.
– COLUMBIA, S.C. ó Dabo Swinney will earn at least $800,000 a year as Clemson’s coach ó four times what he made as the receivers coach.
Tommy Bowden’s last contract guaranteed him more than $1.8 million. He’ll still receive a check of close to $600,000 in 2009 as part of his $3.5 million buyout.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier earns more than $1.77 million plus incentives.
– KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ó Tennessee coaches have not been informed that quarterback B.J. Coleman has decided to leave the Volunteers, a team spokesman. The rising sophomore told the Chattanooga Times Free Press he has decided to move on because he was frustrated after participating in spring practice.
– LOUISVILLE, Ky. ó Louisville quarterback Tyler Wolfe is transferring at the end of the semester. He was competing for the starting job with Adam Froman and N.C. State transfer Justin Burke.
GOLF
MORELIA, Mexico ó Lorena Ochoa shot an 8-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead over Michelle Wie and Na Yeon Choi after the first round of the LPGA Tour’s Corona Championship.
* AVONDALE, La. ó Charlie Wi shot a 6-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Zurich Classic.
Kenny Perry had a 69. Danny Lee shot a 76 in his pro debut.
SOCCER
NEW YORK ó MLS commissioner Don Garber says the league will be receiving $10 million for its agreement to extend David Beckham’s loan to AC Milan through the end of the season.
TENNIS
BARCELONA, Spain ó Rafael Nadal breezed to his 23rd straight victory on clay, beating Christophe Rochus 6-2, 6-0 in the third round of the Barcelona Open.
LONDON ó Andy Roddick will play in the Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Queen’s Club, where he has won four titles.