As Stern leaves, NBA Finals format changed

As Stern leaves, NBA Finals format changed

NEW YORK

David Stern’s NBA owners gathered one last time, toasting the outgoing commissioner before he leaves after 30 years on the job. They also changed back one of the earliest changes Stern made. Leaving with Stern is the NBA Finals format he implemented in his first full year on the job, one that alleviated travel concerns but critics felt also gave an advantage to the lower-seeded team.

Beginning with the 2014 finals, the higher-seeded team will host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7. The lower seed gets Games 3, 4 and 6, following the same format the NBA uses in all other rounds. The NBA for the previous 29 years has used what’s referred to as the 2-3-2 format, in which the higher seed hosts the first two games, then goes on the road for three straight.

The unanimous vote to approve the 2-2-1-1-1 format came Wednesday during Stern’s final preseason meeting with his board of governors. Owners also voted to add an extra day between Games 6 and 7.

School offers to vacate multiple victories

CLOVIS, N.M.

Eastern New Mexico University said Wednesday it is offering to erase several seasons’ worth of victories by nearly all of its sports programs because of violations involving athletes. Athletic director Jeff Geiser said that most of the violations are minor and stemmed from misinformed advising. “This is what we’ve offered the NCAA. Nothing’s been finalized,” Geiser said.

The violations, which date back to the summer of 2012, include athletes failing to declare their amateur status. Another infraction the school came forward with was that numerous students had failed to fulfill the NCAA’s 75/25 rule, Geiser said. They were not earning the required hours for their degree plan.

Geiser said it was an unfortunate “systemic failure” but said no violations were intentionally committed. He called for a better checks-and-balance system to make sure an athlete gets accurate advice.

Lowellville seeks coach for bowling program

LOWELLVILLE

Lowellville High is looking for a coach for boys and girls bowling for the 2013-14 school year.

Those interested can contact the athletic department at 330-536-8426, ext. 163, or the Board of Education office at 330-536-6318. Interested applicants also can e-mail the athletic director at lowe_ad@lowellvilleschool.org.

Indians asking fans for opinion on logo

CLEVELAND

The Indians are asking some fans for their opinions on the team’s “Chief Wahoo” logo. As part of their annual postseason survey to gauge fan satisfaction, the team is asking fans for feedback on a variety of topics including in-game experience, uniforms and Cleveland’s smiling Indians logo, a caricature some have labeled offensive.

In the survey, fans are asked to give their stance on five statements regarding the logo. The survey asks for similar responses — on a standard, five-choice scale — on the team’s “Block C” and “Script Indians logo.” The Indians have no immediate plans to change any of their logos.

Though not connected, the Indians’ review of their fans’ attitudes about the logos comes as the Washington Redskins are being pressured to change their nickname.

Hall of Fame jockey has spill at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky.

Hall of Fame jockey Calvin Borel sustained a sports concussion when he was thrown from his mount after it broke down Wednesday at Keeneland. Borel was taken to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for evaluation after the fall from Sonic Dancer shortly after the start of the sixth race. Keeneland medical director Barry Schumer said in a statement that the 46-year-old Borel was “stable, somewhat alert” and suffering concussion-like effects.

Borel’s mount, a 3-year-old Kentucky-bred colt, was euthanized.

Staff reports/Associated Press