Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin couldn’t quite throw a strike with the ceremonial first pitch Sunday night at Capital City Stadium. Unfortunately for the Columbia Blowfish, it was a sign of things to come in their home finale.
No. 1 draft pick Cam Newton took the field Saturday for the first time with the Carolina Panthers to the cheers of fans ready for a change after last year’s 2-14 season. Newton signed a four-year, $22 million deal with the Panthers and arrived at camp Friday.
Despite losing fifteen seniors – 11 of them starters – from last season’s 9-3 (7-1 MEAC) squad, South Carolina State has been picked to win the 2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title.
Clemson Baseball Head Coach Jack Leggett signed a new five-year contract, Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips announced on Friday. Leggett, who has served as head coach for 18 seasons (1994-11), signed a contract that will run through the 2016 season. It represents a two-year extension from his previous contract.
No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Newton has signed with the Carolina Panthers and arrived at training camp. Bus Cook, Newton’s agent, told The Associated Press via a text message Friday night that the deal was for four years and “$22 million-plus.”
Steve Spurrier has changed his mind and will open USC’s first preseason football practice to fans. The Gamecocks first practice is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Everett Withers says he’s both excited to get started as North Carolina’s interim coach and sad to take over after the firing of Butch Davis.
Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith says he’s eager to be part of the Panthers after an offseason filled with frustration over a two-and-14 season. Smith was among the Carolina players who reported for training camp Friday at Wofford College.
Steve Spurrier remains hopeful about his defending SEC East Division champion Gamecocks despite dealing with distractions from his quarterback and quarterbacks coach. Thursday, the Ball Coach addressed those topics and more at his annual media golf outing.
Sidney Rice is headed west to join former
Minnesota teammate Tarvaris Jackson with the Seattle Seahawks
