BEIJING – United States women’s basketball coach Anne Donovan has been preaching defense since the first day of practice to her group of WNBA superstars – Thursday at the Summer Olympics they found out why.

When their offense let them down, the Americans called up a swarming defense to keep the game close in the first half then put away Russia in the second half on their way to a 67-52 victory in the semifinals. Full story »

BEIJING — The foot was the only thing different.
Former University of Tennessee All-American Tom Pappas had to bow out of his second straight Olympics on Thursday, this time just two events into the first day of the decathlon.
Just like in Athens in 2004 when he bowed out during the pole vault on the second day, plantar fasciitis was the culprit, only this time to his right foot instead of his left. Full story »

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas wide receiver Marques Wade was fined and ordered to complete 16 hours of community service after he pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and careless driving.
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Tennessee offensive line coach Greg Adkins said he’s pleased with the six returning offensive linemen who received extensive playing time last season: center Josh McNeil, tackles Chris Scott and Ramone Foster and guards Vladimir Richard, Jacques McClendon and Anthony Parker. Full story »

CARMEL, Ind. — Quarterback Morgan Newton of top-ranked and defending Indiana high school Class 5A champion Carmel has announced he will play at Kentucky. Full story »

BEIJING — A month ago Jangy Addy was expecting to watch the Beijing Olympics on television like millions of other Americans.
Instead millions of Americans are watching the former University of Tennessee star compete in the Olympics for Liberia. Full story »

BEIJING — Leigh Smith was hoping for a little better first Olympic experience, but plans to do better the second time around.
“Naw, it definitely is not as far as I wanted or planned,” said the former University of Tennessee All-American in the javelin of his 18th place finish in qualifying Thursday. “but I’m kind of setting my sights on 2012 in London. I’m really healthy and my technique is just starting to come around.”
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STATESBORO, Ga. — Eight Georgia Southern football players were suspended for the season opener against No. 1 Georgia.
Football coach Chris Hatcher released a statement Wednesday to announce the suspensions for a violation of team rules. Full story »

LOS ANGELES - Football practice opened for UCLA on Wednesday with a Jay-Z song, "Show Me What You Got," which opens with the line, "This is a state of emergency . . . "

The Bruins offensive line could take that to heart. The situation is such that Jess Ward, a defensive tackle who has been recovering from knee surgery, was cleared to practice Wednesday and immediately placed on the second unit at right guard. Full story »

BEIJING — Former Tennessee All-American Tom Pappas dropped out of the decathlon after two events Thursday due to a foot injury.
Pappas was last in his heat in the 100-meter run in 11.12 seconds, substantially off his personal best of 10.63. Full story »

Tennessee will hold its last major scrimmage of preseason camp this afternoon in Neyland Stadium. The Vols have seen major improvement among reserves at defensive tackle and on the offensive line. Jonathan Crompton has continued to get better as fall camp progresses. Full story »

BEIJING - After watching Monica Abbott give up two runs to her former team in a 4-2 victory over Tennessee on April 12, United States team coach Mike Candrea said his one concern with Abbott was her maturity.
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Phillip Fulmer’s legal representatives have filed a motion to quash the subpoena the Tennessee football coach was served at SEC media days in Birmingham, Ala., last month. Full story »

CLEVELAND — The Kansas City Royals placed pitcher Luke Hochevar on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a rib injury.
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STORRS, Conn — Connecticut has officially released Elena Delle Donne from her basketball scholarship, a move that could allow the former top-rated recruit to play at Delaware.
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