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UConn sanctioned for academics

The NCAA has put Connecticut on notice -- improve in the classroom or face tougher penalties.

The Huskies men's basketball team was one of six BCS teams sanctioned yesterday for sub-par marks in the NCAA's annual Academic Progress Rates report. The Associated Press reported last week that UConn will lose two scholarships for the upcoming season because of the APR report.

And if the grades don't get better, the Huskies' punishment could get worse.

UConn wasn't the only school getting hit. Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., became the first school to face postseason bans in two programs -- men's basketball and football -- because of academics.RUNNING

Race dedicated to Waitz

The Mini 10K race next month in Central Park will be dedicated to the late Grete Waitz, part of a season-long tribute to the winner of a record nine New York City Marathons. The women's road race on June 11 will feature a medal with the words "Remembering Grete."

Waitz died last month at 57 from cancer. Her husband, Jack, will lead a group of friends among the 7,000 entrants in the 6.2-mile run organized by New York Road Runners.

NHL

Atlanta mayor prepared for move

The Atlanta Thrashers' sale and move to Winnipeg is not yet official, but Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed talked as if losing the team is inevitable.

"I think anytime we lose a major sports franchise, it is tough," Reed said.

An announcement about a Thrashers' sale and move to Winnipeg will have to wait.

"No agreement has been reached," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an email to The Associated Press Tuesday night.

Atlanta lost its first NHL team in 1980 when the Flames moved to Calgary.

-- AP