in brief

football

Mississippi could land former Ducks QB Masoli

Former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli appears to be on his way to Mississippi, a UNLV source said Monday.

At least two Internet sites last week reported that Masoli, who was dismissed by Oregon last month, could end up at UNLV. But Ole Miss entered the picture when backup quarterback Raymond Cotton said Saturday he was leaving the team.

Masoli sent his Oregon release papers to Ole Miss, The (Memphis, Tenn.) Commercial-Appeal reported.

Also: Boise State is the runaway favorite to finish out its tenure in the Western Athletic Conference with another league title, topping the conference media and coaches polls released Monday.

UNR was picked No. 2.

The Tennessee Titans are suing Southern California and coach Lane Kiffin for "maliciously" luring away assistant running backs coach Kennedy Pola a week before training camp opens.

An NFL spokesman says there has been no change in Michael Vick's playing status, and the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback reported to training camp as expected.

When asked whether a league investigation of Vick has been completed, Greg Aiello said the NFL would have no further comment on Vick at this time.

The NFL and the Eagles have been looking into a shooting incident at a Virginia Beach, Va., nightclub, where Vick held his 30th birthday party on June 25. Police say no charges will be filed in the incident.

Ohio State said ex-football star Maurice Clarett has re-enrolled to pursue his degree after spending more than three years in prison.

basketball

Hornets: Paul does not request to be traded

New Orleans Hornets star guard Chris Paul did not ask for a trade Monday in his meeting with new coach Monty Williams and top team officials, general manager Dell Demps said.

Although Paul did not speak with the media, the team released a statement from him that indicated the three-time All-Star was encouraged by the Hornets' recent coaching and front-office overhaul.

Also: Minnesota has agreed to trade guard Ramon Sessions and forward Ryan Hollins to Cleveland for guards Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair.

The trial of Karen Cunagin Sypher began in Louisville, Ky. She stands accused of trying to extort Louisville coach Rick Pitino and lying to the FBI.

miscellaneous

UNLV baseball lands three more local players

UNLV baseball received oral commitments from three locals who will be high school seniors next season in Bishop Gorman catcher Erik Van Meetren, infielder/pitcher T.J. White and Rancho pitcher Eric Holdren, multiple sources said.

They join Rancho's Brandon Pletsch and Zak Qualls as locals in the class of 2011 to commit to the Rebels.

Also: NASCAR has fined at least two of its star drivers this season for making critical comments about the racing body.

People familiar with the penalties said the comments were considered disparaging to the sport. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because NASCAR was not publicly identifying the drivers it fined. They say one driver was penalized as much as $50,000.

The NHL Players' Association filed a grievance over the league's rejection of the $102 million deal between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk.