NCAA rules Ohio State recruit fails to qualify

COLUMBUS (AP) — Acclaimed Ohio State recruit LaQuinton Ross will not play for the team after the NCAA ruled he had not qualified academically.

Ross, a 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward, is from Jackson, Miss., and played in high school at Life Center Academy (N.J.).

The Buckeyes, who open practice Oct. 14, play their opener on Nov. 11 at home against Wright State.

Browns’ Hillis returns from strep throat bout

BEREA (AP) — Browns running back Peyton Hillis attended team meetings, one day after being sent home with strep throat before Cleveland’s game against Miami.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Hillis was at the team’s training facility Monday as players reviewed tape and got treatment following their 17-16 win over the Dolphins. Hillis stayed with the Browns (2-1) at their downtown hotel on Saturday and went to the stadium intending to play.

However, his symptoms worsened and the Browns told the bulldozing back to go home about two hours before kickoff. Shurmur said Hillis is improving and will likely be able to practice on Wednesday as the Browns get ready to play Tennessee.

Reid says Vick’s hand injury only a bruise

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Michael Vick’s injured right hand is bruised, not broken as originally thought.

Eagles coach Andy Reid says a CT scan Monday shows the star quarterback bruised his hand in Philadelphia’s 29-16 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. Reid says X-rays taken during the game showed Vick may have a fracture.

Reid says Vick’s hand has a lot of swelling and his status for next week’s game against San Francisco is uncertain.

Report says Titans’ Britt has torn ACL

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A person familiar with the situation says Tennessee receiver Kenny Britt has a torn ACL in his right knee and will need season-ending surgery.

The person spoke to The Associated Press Monday on condition of anonymity because the Titans had not announced the results of an MRI exam.

The injury leaves the Titans (2-1) with four receivers, and team officials are looking for someone to fill the spot on the roster for Britt who ranks fifth in the NFL with 289 yards receiving.

The Tennessean first reported the extent of Britt’s injury.

SEC welcomes A&M as 13th member

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive welcomed Texas A&M as the 13th member of the league on Monday and says he doesn’t expect to add another team before the Aggies begin play next season.

The SEC announced Sunday that Texas A&M would leave the Big 12 to join the conference next July and will compete in all sports for the 2012-13 academic year. The Aggies are the first newcomers since South Carolina and Arkansas joined the conference in 1992.

SEC presidents and chancellors voted unanimously for the move on Sept. 6, but the official announcement was delayed because of the possibility of legal action from Baylor and other members.