FOOTBALL

WSU study finds no abuse on football team

SPOKANE, Wash. — An internal investigation into a former player's allegations of abuse by Washington State football coaches didn't turn up any evidence of abuse, athletic director Bill Moos said Wednesday.

A dozen players were interviewed by two members of Moos' staff, and all reported they were having a positive experience at Washington State under head coach Mike Leach and his assistants, Moos said.

Star receiver Marquess Wilson quit the team during a practice late in the season and later contended that players were suffering physical and mental abuse at the hands of coaches.

Arkansas RB Knile Davis entering NFL draft

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Knile Davis announced his decision to skip his senior year with Arkansas, bringing a close to a career that was equal parts productive and injury-marred.

He led all Southeastern Conference running backs in rushing in 2010 with 1,322 yards. He averaged 147 yards rushing over his final seven games that season, capping off the breakout performance with a 139-yard rushing effort in the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State.

However, he missed the 2011 season while recovering from a broken left ankle. Davis returned this past season and said he was 100 percent healthy, though he gained only 377 yards rushing — averaging 3.7 yards per carry.

South Carolina's Lattimore to forego final season

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Injured South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore announced Wednesday he was giving up his final season to enter the NFL draft. He was considered a can't-miss, first-round talent after his first two seasons. However, a horrifying right knee injury in October has dropped his draft stock and it is unclear when Lattimore might return to action.

Lattimore dislocated his knee and damaged three of four ligaments when he was tackled against Tennessee. Doctors say surgery on his knee was successful and Lattimore easily walked into his first gathering with media since the injury.

He came into this season off ligament surgery to his left knee, an injury that cost him the final six games of the 2011 season.

Lattimore finished his career as the Gamecocks' all-time leader with 41 overall touchdowns and 38 rushing scores in 29 games.

SOCCER

Dempsey U.S. player of year for second straight year

SAN FRANCISCO — Clint Dempsey has been voted the Futbol de Primera U.S. national team player of the year award for the second straight year and third time overall.

The 29-year-old Tottenham midfielder received 352 points and 81 first-place votes in media balloting released Wednesday. Dempsey also won the award in 2006.

Roma midfielder Michael Bradley was second with 248 points and 49 firsts, and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was third with 169 and 19 firsts.

Dempsey had six goals in nine games for the U.S. this year, giving him 30 goals in 91 international appearances.

The award was formerly known as the Honda player of the year.

Compiled from wire reports