Lincoln, Neb. ? Former coach Tom Osborne is sticking around as Nebraska’s athletic director. The 72-year-old Osborne had indicated he would step down when his contract expires in summer 2010. But the university said Wednesday that Osborne had agreed to stay.

Osborne became athletic director in 2007 on an interim basis after Steve Pederson was fired. The interim tag was removed a few months later after Osborne hired football coach Bo Pelini.

Osborne was head coach for 25 years, winning national titles in 1994, ’95 and ’97. He was 255-49-3 before retiring after the 1997 season. He later served three terms in Congress.

COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

K-State suspends pair

Kansas City, Mo. — Kansas State suspended two longtime athletic administrators late Wednesday afternoon but refused to say why. Speculation immediately arose whether the suspension with pay of Jim Epps and Bob Cavello had anything to do with the controversial and allegedly secret agreement to funnel $3.2 million to fired football coach Ron Prince, which the school has challenged in court.

Athletic director John Currie referred to a one-paragraph statement the school was in the process of sending out. The second sentence states, “This decision is not based upon any concerns about misconduct on the part of either individual.”

Epps is a 30-year member of the Kansas State athletic department and currently in charge of daily internal operations as deputy athletic director. Cavello is the associate athletic director for business operations.

BASEBALL

K.C. loads up on pitchers

Kansas City, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals loaded up on arms on the second day of baseball’s draft Wednesday, using their first five picks and 13 of 27 overall on college pitchers.

Kansas City used its first-round pick on a college pitcher on Tuesday, taking former Missouri righthander Aaron Crow with the 12th overall pick.

The Royals opened the second day by taking another college pitcher, using a fourth-round pick on Clemson left-hander Christopher Dwyer, the first freshman from a four-year school selected in the draft. Kansas City continued the trend through the next four rounds before taking Texas State University catcher Benjamin Theriot in the ninth round.

Tests: Driver had alcohol

Santa Ana, Calif. — Alcohol was found in the woman who was driving Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart before they were both killed in a collision in April, according to toxicology tests released Wednesday. The tests show Courtney Stewart, 20, consumed alcohol shortly before the crash, but the coroner’s office could not determine how much she drank.

MLB: Manny’s visit a no-no

Los Angeles — There will be no more visits by Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ clubhouse during media access periods for the remainder of his 50-game suspension. Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch said Wednesday the club received a “friendly reminder” on Wednesday from Pat Courtney, the No. 2 spokesman in the commissioner’s office, that Ramirez wasn’t allowed in the clubhouse when it is open to reporters.

NFL

Jets, Sanchez reach deal

Florham Park, N.J. — The New York Jets and quarterback Mark Sanchez reached an agreement on a five-year contract Wednesday that includes $28 million guaranteed. The Jets made the announcement while Sanchez, the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft in April, was still at practice during the afternoon session of minicamp.

Agent David Dunn said the deal was worth “around the $50 million mark,” but could reach as high as $60 million with incentives.

Coach: No Favre deadline

Minneapolis — The Minnesota Vikings never told Brett Favre to make up his mind by this week if he wants to play, according to coach Brad Childress. In fact, Childress said Wednesday, the team has no timetable for Favre to decide about coming out of retirement again to quarterback the Vikings.

Mora: Vick deserves to play

Renton, Wash. — Seahawks coach Jim Mora says Michael Vick deserves to be reinstated to the NFL, though it seems unlikely he’ll get that second chance in Seattle. Mora, who coached Vick when he was the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback, says Vick has paid his debt to society. When asked if he’d welcome Vick to the Seahawks, the coach said Seattle was not adding any more quarterbacks.

GOLF

Mickelson returning to Tour

Memphis, Tenn. — An emotional Phil Mickelson returned to the PGA Tour on Wednesday, trying to keep some normalcy in a life that has been turned upside-down by the discovery that his wife has breast cancer. Mickelson will play the St. Jude Classic, which starts today.

Green’s brother killed

Jackson, Miss. — Pro golfer Ken Green’s brother and girlfriend were killed in a recreational vehicle accident in which Green also was hurt. Green was driving on Interstate 20 near Hickory, Miss., on Monday when the right front tire of his RV blew out. Green was unable to control the vehicle and ran off the road and down an embankment before hitting a large oak tree.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesman Jon Kalahar said passengers William Y. Green, of Indiantown, Fla., and Jean Marie Hodgin, of Greensboro, N.C., were killed in the wreck.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Louisville names aide

Louisville, Ky. — Ralph Willard was named associate head coach at Louisville on Wednesday after he resigned as Holy Cross head coach, both universities announced Wednesday. Louisville head coach Rick Pitino said he had been pursuing Willard for 10 years,

Ex-Illinois player arrested

Peoria, Ill. — Authorities say former Illinois basketball standout and 2001 Big Ten Player of the Year Frank Williams has been arrested on drug charges. The 29-year-old Williams and his 24-year-old brother, Aaron, were arrested Wednesday after agents for the Multi-County Enforcement Group executed a search warrant at a Peoria home. Agents seized 78 grams of marijuana, a digital scale and a .40 caliber handgun.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Montana picks Washington

Seattle — Nick Montana, the son of former Notre Dame and NFL standout Joe Montana, has given an oral commitment to play his college ball at Washington.