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NEWS

Izzo: Cotton likely off team

Freshman point guard Brandon Cotton has not made an official decision about his status on the MSU men's basketball team, but head coach Tom Izzo said Cotton is probably not on the team right now. "It's going to be his decision now if he can come back and just go to school, or he may be transferring," Izzo said.

NEWS

Izzo, Cotton discuss transfer possibility

Brandon Cotton's future on the MSU men's basketball team could be determined today. The highly touted freshman point guard will meet with head coach Tom Izzo to discuss his possible transfer, according to MSU assistant sports information director Matt Larson. Izzo announced the possibility of Cotton's transfer at his weekly press conference Monday.

NEWS

Spartans fall to UCLA, 64-58

Los Angeles - The Spartans' trip to sunny Southern California ended in a haze of disappointment as the team again failed to capitalize in its brutal non-conference schedule Saturday night at Pauley Pavilion. In a game desperately needed to revive the team's morale, the UCLA Bruins stomped all over the Spartan offense en route to a 64-58 triumph. "We had our chances and we did what we've been doing," Spartans head coach Tom Izzo said.

NEWS

Spartans snap losing streak in win over South Florida, 73-60

MSU took advantage of a break from top-flight competition in a convincing win against South Florida Tuesday night at Breslin Center. The Spartans (4-4) snapped their three-game losing streak with a dominating first-half performance in a 73-60 win against the Bulls (3-4), who entered the game on a three-game slide of their own. "I was pleased with the way we started," head coach Tom Izzo said.

NEWS

Ottney's death ruled a suicide

The September death of former MSU football co-captain Brian Ottney has been ruled a suicide, according to officials at the Los Angeles County Department of Coroners. The report said Ottney's death was caused by the ingestion of a medication called diphenhydramine and liquor, said a spokesman for the coroner's office. A Web site through the U.S.

NEWS

Officials, locals react to Saddam's capture

For some, the news came from an unexpected television report. Others heard it in phone calls from relatives far away. Whatever the method of delivery, news of Saddam Hussein's capture spread quickly throughout the nation.

NEWS

McPherson puts 'U' weight behind 'racino' bill

MSU President M. Peter McPherson endorsed state legislation earlier this week that, if passed, will bring video slot machines and telephone and Internet wagering to Michigan's racetracks.MSU spokesman Terry Denbow said McPherson backed the bill - which could benefit the farming industry - to show the university's commitment to agriculture."This was seen as an endorsement for (agriculture) enhancement," he said.McPherson could not be reached for comment Thursday.Proponents of the new gambling additions, dubbed "racinos" by some, say it could bring in as much as $400 million to the state's general fund. "People in the state government started to think, 'How else can we generate income in Michigan without raising taxes?'" said Bill Castanier, spokesman for Michigan Agricultural Recovery and Enhancement Supporters, or MARES.

NEWS

GEU holds 'grade-in' to show importance to 'U'

Propped up against the large, white marble walls in the first-floor lobby of the Administration Building, dozens of graduate teaching assistants sat down and graded papers as part of a Graduate Employees Union "grade-in" to protest potential cuts by the university.Without noticing, other students and employees walked past the TAs gathered at card tables and on blankets on the floor as they graded assignments and worked on their own homework.GEU spokeswoman Julie Hartman said the purpose of the grade-in was to show administrators and students how vital TA positions are to the university.

NEWS

Season's last stand to be against Nebraska at Alamo

MSU athletes are becoming familiar with San Antonio. The town that hosted last year's NCAA south regional men's basketball tournament and will be the location of this year's Final Four again was paired with MSU Sunday night, as the Spartans (8-4 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) football team accepted a bid to play No.

NEWS

Which bowl will it be?

Not being ranked in the top 25 may end up hurting MSU's travel plans. The Spartans (8-4 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) beat both Iowa and Minnesota during the Big Ten season, but both the Hawkeyes and the Golden Gophers finished with a 9-3 record overall and ended the season ranked No.