On crucial issue, moving forward with careful steps

PINEHURST, N.C. -- With a scandal rocking the NBA, the issue of gambling and sports was a prime topic as the Atlantic Coast Conference football meetings ended yesterday.

"Hopefully that's an isolated incident," said ACC commissioner John Swofford. "Anything which hints at the integrity of the game is a very serious issue."

Swofford said the ACC has instituted a series of background checks on its officials in men's and women's basketball and football.

The ACC also plans to bring in law enforcement officials, and even those who have been involved in gambling, to talk to its athletes. "Having people who were actually involved [talk to the teams], it has an impact on you," said Swofford.

As of July 1, Boston College was a full-fledged member of the ACC in terms of shared revenue, which will bring approximately $11 million into the school's athletic budget. BC received only partial shares its first seasons in the conference . . . BC quarterback Matt Ryan will be announced as the conference's preseason offensive player of the year . . . The ACC will have eight bowl tie-ins this season. The conference championship game will be played Dec. 1 in Jacksonville for the third, and perhaps final, time. Bids are being accepted on sites for the game the next three years, and are due Aug. 31. Charlotte is the front-runner, with Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando in the mix . . . Kickoffs will be from the 30-yard line this season. "That means that almost every kickoff will be returned," said Swofford.

BC's nonconference men's basketball schedule is just about set. The Eagles are slated to open at home vs. New Hampshire Nov. 10. Marquee nonconference games probably will include: Providence Dec. 1 at the Garden; at Michigan Nov. 28; Kansas at Conte Forum Jan. 5; and home games against St. Louis Dec. 4 and UMass Dec. 12. The first two weeks in December should test the Eagles with Providence and St. Louis, Maryland Dec. 9, and UMass. The Eagles also have lined up nonconference games against Florida Atlantic, Mercer, Rhode Island, Northeastern, Sacred Heart, Longwood, and Robert Morris . . . All ACC teams will wear black on their uniforms in remembrance of the tragedy at Virginia Tech.

Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.