• More new uniforms for Ducks: The Oregon Ducks are at it again. The No. 5 Ducks, already known for an array of flashy Nike-designed uniforms, added to the collection on Wednesday with a “fully integrated uniform system," according to the Beaverton-based shoemaker. The most noticeable feature of the new uniforms is a pronounced wing design on the shoulders — a nod to Oregon’s duck mascot — and large numbers. But what sets the uniforms apart, according to Nike, is use of a new mesh material which the company touts as lightweight and breathable. The new jerseys will come in green, yellow, black and white.
• Cal holds mock game at renovated stadium: California’s renovated Memorial Stadium has passed its first test, and now the Golden Bears are ready to see it filled up on game day. Coach Jeff Tedford said Wednesday that a mock game the previous night went off with only a few glitches. The Bears practiced running onto the field for pregame introductions, they had test runs for the lights, clock and public address system and even had the band on hand. Tedford said there were a few issues with the play clock but nothing that should stop the $321 million seismic retrofit and renovation from being ready for the opener against Nevada on Sept. 1.
• Ex-Penn State president disputes sex abuse report: Ousted Penn State President Graham Spanier and his lawyers attacked the university-backed report on the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal on Wednesday, calling it a “blundering and indefensible indictment" as they fired a pre-emptive strike while waiting to hear if he’ll be charged in the case. Lawyer Timothy Lewis called Louis Freeh, the former FBI director and federal judge behind the report, a “biased investigator" who piled speculation on top of innuendo to accuse Spanier in a cover-up of early abuse complaints.
• Kromer will be Saints’ interim coach: The New Orleans Saints designated offensive line coach Aaron Kromer as the interim head coach for the first six regular-season games, when assistant head coach Joe Vitt will have to serve his suspension in connection with the NFL’s bounty investigation. Vitt has been overseeing head coaching duties since Sean Payton’s full season suspension began in mid-April, but the Saints held off until Wednesday on a decision concerning who would become the figurehead of the coaching staff when Vitt has to step aside in Week 1.
