Four-star offensive lineman from Tennessee commits to Notre Dame

Another offensive lineman has made an oral commitment to Notre Dame for the Class of 2014. Alex Bars, from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tenn., tweeted Friday that he would be attending Notre Dame. “I have officially committed to The University of Notre Dame! #playlikeachampiontoday,” …

DePaul President: Partnership with City key to arena deal

DePaul’s financial commitment to the new multi-purpose arena at McCormick Place will be half the cost of construction, or an estimated $70 million. That cost will rise if construction costs escalate.

Two players kicked off Illinois football team

Illinois wide receiver Darius Millines and defensive end Darrius Caldwell have been dismissed from the Illinois football team by coach Tim Beckman for undisclosed violations of team rules, a team spokesman said Thursday. Millines, from Boynton Beach, Fla., was second in receiving yardage last fall. …

Emanuel to announce $300 million DePaul stadium plan for McCormick Place

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to announce this week plans for a $300 million 12,000-seat arena for DePaul University at McCormick Place — a proposal that will call for millions in taxpayer dollars, sources tell the Chicago Sun-Times. The mayor will also announce plans to build two mega hotels on McPier property in the hopes of aggressively growing convention and meeting business in Chicago.

Manti Te’o among four Chargers draft picks to sign

SAN DIEGO — Manti Te’o is one of four draft picks who’ve signed contracts with the San Diego Chargers.

Te’o, the linebacker from Notre Dame, was picked by the Chargers in the second round.

Also signing four-year deals Thursday were third-round pick Keenan Allen, a …

Former Blue Demon Rod Strickland not coming to DePaul as basketball assistant

Former DePaul star Rod Strickland has opted to remain on John Calipari’s coaching staff at Kentucky after interviewing for an opening on Blue Demons coach Oliver Purnell’s staff.

But Strickland now might be under consideration for a position on Memphis coach Josh Pastner’s staff, according …

Notre Dame to play Iowa in Big Ten/ACC Challenge

The Notre Dame men’s basketball team will make a rare road trip to Iowa on Dec. 3 as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

It’s the first meeting between the teams since 1990 and the first time the Irish will visit Iowa since 1950. The …

Small colleges: Concordia Chicago baseball looking to add tournament title

Goal No. 1 is in hand for Concordia Chicago’s baseball team, the regular-season champion in the Northern Athletics Conference. Now it’s on to the postseason. “It’s a big deal,” said Adam Smith, coach at the River Forest school. “The conference tournament gets the automatic berth …

New Notre Dame Stadium could lead to 4,000 additional seats, other amenities

Changes could be on the way for Notre Dame Stadium.

University officials announced a feasibility study to explore using the stadium’s location as a “hub” for a student center, media center, classroom and conference center.

Premium seating could also be in the works. Notre Dame …

NCAA hoops semifinals move to TBS in 2014

The Final Four’s first two games are moving to cable next year. The national semifinals will air on TBS in 2014 and 2015, with the title game remaining on CBS, the companies said Tuesday.

Penn State child sex-abuse case urged to go forward by grand jury judge

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The supervising judge for the grand jury that investigated how former Penn State administrators handled the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal said in a new court filing that the criminal case against them needs to move forward. Judge Barry Feudale made the …

Lineman Quenton Nelson commits to Notre Dame

Notre Dame added another four-star player to its 2014 recruiting class Wednesday. Quenton Nelson, a 6-foot-5, 282-pound offensive lineman from Red Bank, N.J., orally committed to the program.

SMALL COLLEGES: North Central’s Johnny Crain has big run at Drake Relays

With athletes from high school, all college levels, and invitational events for elite competitors beyond college levels, the Drake Relays have a unique place in track and field. For North Central College, the event long has had a cherished spot on the schedule. “We have …

Manti Te’o selected by San Diego Chargers in second round

Manti Te’o is off the board. And off to Southern California. After falling to Day 2 of the NFL draft, Te’o, Notre Dame’s oft-scrutinized middle linebacker, was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 38th overall selection on Friday. The Chargers traded up to …