Alabama looks into possibility of violations

Combined dispatches

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.

Alabama coach Nick Saban told ESPN.com that university compliance officials are trying to determine if defensive end Marcell Dareus violated NCAA rules by attending an agent’s party in Florida.

NCAA investigators have reportedly interviewed North Carolina players and South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders regarding the same party in Miami’s South Beach.

The ESPN report said the NCAA is trying to determine who paid for the trip.

Haden new USC AD

LOS ANGELES

Southern California is cleaning house in its tarnished athletic department, throwing out much of what got the school in severe NCAA trouble.

Athletic director Mike Garrett and Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy are the first two items to go.

In a letter to school supporters Tuesday, incoming USC president Max Nikias said Garrett will be replaced Aug. 3 by Pat Haden, the former Trojans quarterback who became a successful businessman and a member of USC’s board of trustees. The school also will return its copy of Bush’s trophy to the Heisman Trust, among several measures to disassociate itself from the tainted tailback.

Washington TE dismissed

SEATTLE

Washington has dismissed starting tight end Kavario Middleton for a violation of team rules less than two weeks before the Huskies begin fall camp.

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian made the announcement in a statement, but did not specify what Middleton did. The school said there would be no further comment.

NOTRE DAME ARRESTS

SOUTH BEND, Ind.

Notre Dame basketball coach Mike Brey will wait to deal with the arrests of Tim Abromaitis and Eric Atkins on charges of underage drinking.

“It’s handled downtown. It’s handled by Student Affairs and then the old coach will handle it,” Brey said.

Abromaitis, the Irish’s second leading scorer last season, and Atkins, an incoming freshman, were among 44 people arrested Friday night after police responded to a call.

Cal linebacker transfers

BERKELEY, Calif.

California is losing one of its top recruits for the upcoming season after linebacker Chris Martin decided to transfer.

Martin was ranked the top outside linebacker by Scout.com, recording 11 sacks and forcing five fumbles last season.

Martin is an Oakland native who finished his high school career in Aurora, Colo. He says he decided to transfer because there are too many distractions for him in the Bay Area.

coach apologizes

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.

Veteran Central Arkansas football coach Clint Conque confessed to an “inappropriate relationship” and said he has apologized to his family.

Conque released a statement Tuesday asking for privacy and apologizing to the school community. He did not offer details about the relationship.

Conque is entering his 11th season as the Bears’ coach, with a 73-43 record at the school. He recently signed a new five-year contract.

Hill agrees to pay cut

FRESNO, Calif.

Ending months of speculation, Fresno State coach Pat Hill said he has agreed to a pay cut and a new contract that will extend his tenure through the 2013 season.

Hill, entering his 14th season at Fresno State, declined to give financial details of the deal, which has yet to be signed. But Hill said he agreed to the pay cut to help the athletic department and the community.