Originally published Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Big Ten says games weren't compromised

The Big Ten's investigation of two games involving an official with a history of financial troubles and casino gambling turned up no evidence...

By The Associated Press

PARK RIDGE, Ill. — The Big Ten's investigation of two games involving an official with a history of financial troubles and casino gambling turned up no evidence to suggest the integrity of either 2007 game was compromised, conference officials said Friday.

Yahoo! Sports reported in December that Stephen Pamon, a Big Ten official since 1988 and chief of a seven-man crew last season, and his wife filed for bankruptcy in 2002 and two of the creditors were casinos. There was no evidence Pamon bet on sports.

Pamon's crew came under scrutiny for its work in last season's Penn State-Purdue game, won by Penn State, and was reportedly suspended. The Yahoo! article also questioned the officiating in last year's Illinois at Ohio State game, worked by Pamon's crew and won by Illinois, though it never alleged either game had been intentionally compromised.

"Upon the conclusion of our investigation, the Big Ten is secure in its belief that these games were not compromised," commissioner Jim Delany said in a statement.

USC's Sanchez is hurt

LOS ANGELES — USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, the projected starter, dislocated his left kneecap and was carted off the practice field.

Team doctors said there is no ligament, cartilage or bone damage. Sanchez, listed as day to day, said he hopes to be back in time for the Trojans' opener Aug. 30 at Virginia.

Notes

• Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk had his final appeal for another year of eligibility turned down by the NCAA.

• Ohio State suspended cornerback Donald Washington and backup safety Jamario O'Neal for the first two games of the season for violating team policy.

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