Harvard cleared of possible violations

The Ivy League cleared Harvard of possible recruiting violations in its men's program in a statement released yesterday. The issue was raised in a newspaper article in March, which cited possible violations in the spring and summer of 2007. The Ivy League determined Harvard did not violate NCAA or league rules. Harvard hired coach Tommy Amaker in the spring of 2007, with its stated goal of making the NCAA Tournament. The New York Times reported that Amaker and his staff "adopted aggressive recruiting tactics that skirt or, in some cases, may even violate NCAA rules." The Ivy League release stated that Amaker and assistant coach Kenneth Blakeney were forthcoming in the league's investigation and their contacts with prospective student-athletes were "entirely consistent with NCAA and Ivy League rules." . . . The Holy Cross-UMass series will be renewed for the next three seasons, announced Crusaders coach Ralph Willard and athletic director Richard M. Reagan Jr.

Former Kansas University stars Mario Chalmers of the Heat and Darrell Arthur of the Grizzlies were sent home from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program in Rye Brook, N.Y., for violating unspecified league rules. "They will be appropriately sanctioned and will have to repeat the program next year," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. The four-day required event focuses on life skills, finances, character and image, legal matters, and dealing with media . . . Spurs guard Manu Ginobili had arthroscopic surgery to repair a ligament injury in his left ankle. Ginobili will be in a splint and on crutches for three weeks . . . Oklahoma City's new NBA franchise revealed the team will be called Thunder. Team chairman Clay Bennett said the team colors will be blue, red, and orange - blue to coincide with the main color of Oklahoma's state flag and red and orange to reflect the sunset.

Upon further review, the play stands. Major League Baseball's scoring review committee ruled that official scorer Bob Webb did not err when he decided that Pittsburgh's Andy LaRoche singled against Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia in the bottom of the fifth inning of Sunday's 7-0 Milwaukee win. Sabathia tried to make a barehanded pickup of LaRoche's softly hit grounder, but dropped it. Webb immediately ruled it a hit, explaining he watched LaRoche out of the batter's box and the runner was two-thirds of the way down the line as Sabathia was picking the ball up. If the call had been reversed, it would have been the second no-hitter in Brewers history.

Carlos Zambrano visited the Chicago Cubs' team orthopedist to check out his right arm but didn't have an MRI. Zambrano left his start Tuesday night against the Houston Astros after five innings and 86 pitches, telling pitching coach Larry Rothschild he didn't feel well and couldn't continue, manager Lou Piniella said. Zambrano (13-5) was scratched from his scheduled outing last Sunday and moved back two days to rest what had been described as a tired arm. Piniella said Zambrano will probably have an MRI today . . . Frank Thomas's season ended when the Oakland Athletics transferred the designated hitter to the 60-day disabled list because of an injured right thigh . . . The Brockton Rox fired manager Chris Miyake after the team finished the season 47-47, failing to reach the Can-Am League playoffs for the second straight year.

American bobsledder Todd Hays, a 2002 Olympic silver medalist who retired after failing to reach the podium at the 2006 Turin Games, officially returned to sliding competition by winning the drivers' competition at the US Bobsled push championships in Calgary. Already a three-time Olympian, Hays announced late last year he was making a comeback attempt, with an eye on the upcoming World Cup season and earning a spot at the Vancouver Games, which are less than 18 months away . . . Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, who won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics last month, says he'll do "anything" to help Chicago win the 2016 Summer Games. Chicago Olympic organizers are banking on the athlete's support of their bid.

Revolution forward Adam Cristman will undergo season-ending surgery on his right big toe today, the team announced. Cristman sprained the toe last year and reinjured it in January during a call-up to the United States Under-23 team. He is tied for the team lead in goals with six and has one assist in 18 MLS games this season.

MONIQUE WALKER

International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver (27-4) will fight Chad Dawson (26-0) Oct. 11 at Las Vegas . . . Kathryn Tappen signed a multiyear contract extension with NESN . . . Tickets are on sale for the 66th Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs Sept. 20. To order, call 617-568-3313. Hours are weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. First post for the Masscap is 12:45 p.m. . . . The Boston Blazers will make their home debut against the New York Titans at TD Banknorth Garden Jan. 17 in the inaugural season of the National Lacrosse League. For tickets, call 1-888-BLAZERS or visit www.blazerslacrosse.com.