Memphis, Tenn, ? Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson defended the men’s basketball program Thursday, saying the school checks out all potential players.

He would not confirm that Derrick Rose, who led Memphis to the 2008 national title game, is at the center of an NCAA investigation of major violations during that season.

In a letter to the school the NCAA says an unknown person took the SAT for a player, with his knowledge, and then the player used that test to get into Memphis. The NCAA said the athlete in question played for the Tigers in the 2007-08 season and the 2008 NCAA Tournament. The only person who played just that season was Rose.

“We wouldn’t play anybody if we hadn’t checked it out pretty thoroughly,” Johnson told The Associated Press.

Johnson would not identify the player involved for privacy reasons. But he said the player was cooperating with Memphis’ investigation into the allegations.

“Nobody has thrown up any road blocks,” Johnson said. “We’re trying to get it resolved and do it the right way.”

The NCAA has asked Memphis to provide copies of the SAT and a Sept. 2, 2008, report by a forensic document examiner who studied the handwriting in the SAT.

Rose was the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA draft by Chicago and this season’s rookie of the year.

The alleged violations occurred under John Calipari, who left March 31 to take over at Kentucky. Calipari, who’s cooperating with the investigation, was told by the NCAA in a letter that he was not at risk of being charged with any violations in the case.

Kentucky president Lee Todd reiterated in a statement Thursday that his university was aware of the inquiry while interviewing Calipari.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Kentucky sues Gillispie

Lexington, Ky. — The University of Kentucky has sued former basketball coach Billy Gillispie the day after Gillispie filed suit against the school claiming breach of contract. The university’s suit was filed Thursday in Franklin Circuit Court in Kentucky.

COLLEGES

Media guides sliced

In a cost-cutting move, three Big Ten schools have decided to stop printing media guides to their sports teams. Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin announced on Thursday that they will stop printing the guides immediately. The information will be available on the Internet. Michigan and Ohio State issued a joint statement that said the schools estimate that together they will save more than $250,000 per year.

GOLF

Singh one back at Colonial

Fort Worth, Texas — Vijay Singh stopped playing at the Colonial Country Club when Annika Sorenstam showed up in 2003. He’s finally back — and among the leaders. Singh shot a 6-under 64 on Thursday, leaving him a stroke behind Woody Austin, Tim Clark and Steve Stricker after the first round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational. Kenny Perry, a two-time Colonial winner, also shot a 64.

N.C. State player victorious

Toledo, Ohio — North Carolina State’s Matt Hill shot his third consecutive 2-under 69 to win the individual title Thursday in the NCAA Division I golf championship at Inverness Club. Oklahoma State led the eight teams qualifying for the new match-play format that begins with the quarterfinals this morning. The team championship match is set for Saturday morning.

West to direct tourney

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. — Basketball great Jerry West is coming to work for the PGA Tour as the executive director of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera. His job will be to raise the profile at one of the tour’s most storied events.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Analyst Corso recovering

Bristol, Conn. — ESPN college football analyst Lee Corso is recovering from a minor stroke but plans to be back for the start of the season this fall. ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Thursday that the stroke was caused by blockage to a small artery, but the 73-year-old former coach suffered no permanent damage and is expected to make a full recovery.

TENNIS

Federer, Williams rally

Paris — Roger Federer and Venus Williams rallied to advance to the third round of the French Open on Thursday. Federer had a tough match on his least favorite surface, trailing 5-1 in the third set before getting past Jose Acasuso, 7-6 (8), 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-2. Williams came close to an early exit, needing to save a match point before defeating Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-5.

Andy Roddick defeated Ivo Minar of the Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (2), to match his best showing at Roland Garros.

BASEBALL

Zambrano suspended

Chicago — Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was suspended for six games by Major League Baseball on Thursday for his tirade this week during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Zambrano’s agent, Barry Praver, said the penalty, which included a fine, would not be appealed. The suspension began Thursday night, and barring rainouts, Zambrano will be eligible to pitch next Thursday at Atlanta.

AUTO RACING

Earnhardt crew chief out

Charlotte, N.C. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have a new crew chief starting with this weekend’s race at Dover because of a slump that has dragged deep into the season. Tony Eury Jr. was removed as crew chief of Earnhardt’s No. 88 team Thursday. The two are cousins and have worked together during Earnhardt’s entire career.

CYCLING

Scarponi wins Giro stage

Benevento, Italy — Michele Scarponi of Italy won the 18th stage of the Giro d’Italia on Thursday, while overall leader Denis Menchov of Russia drew a day closer to victory. All the overall leaders — as well as seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong — crossed with the main pack, 3:37 after Scarponi. Menchov retained a 26-second lead over Danilo Di Luca in the overall standings.