I have been slacking in getting to updates about UCONN sports that I normally write about so for the next three posts, I am going to do some updates. The first one will involve the football team.

James Nixon, a defensive back recruit from Hyde Leadership School in New Haven, has been granted a release from his scholarship before the start of fall practice. He has been unable to qualify academically to get into UCONN. This is the second time he has done this as he just can’t get the qualifying scores on the college admission testing.

His brother, wide receiver Brandon McLean, has also been dismissed from the team for academic reasons.

Mark Schlabach from ESPN.com is reporting that UCONN has the 5th easiest 1-A football schedule for the 2007 season.

5. CONNECTICUT: The Huskies might have put together a tougher schedule by returning to the Atlantic 10. Their nonconference schedule includes games against Division I-AA Maine and two of the worst I-A teams — Duke and Temple. The Huskies play seven of their 12 games at home, including key Big East dates against Louisville and Syracuse. Nonconference opponents: Duke (road), Maine (home), Temple (home), Akron (home), Virginia (road)
Toughest game: at West Virginia, Nov. 24
Easiest game: vs. Maine, Sept. 8

Fall practice kicks off on August 6th.

On what I think is the slowest day in sports, especially if your a baseball fan, let’s take a look at the headlines about the Red Sox and All-Star game in the Boston area papers.

Scene stealers. [Boston Globe]

Sox stars out early: Papi, Manny, Beckett back AL.[Boston Herald]

Red Sox had a hand in the victory. [Pro Jo]

Sox help in hunt for October. [Boston Globe]

Brightest star of all: On this night, it’s all about Barry. [Boston Herald]

Ortiz considers surgery: Procedure may be done after season. [Boston Globe]

Beckett hits winning note. [Boston Herald]

Aaron a lone star. [Boston Globe]

Charting the Red Sox All-Stars. [Boston Herald]

For more headlines and stories, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Hartford Courant, and Providence Journal websites.

On Monday, USA Basketball announced the final 2007 USA Women’s roster for the Pan Am Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil from July 20-24. UCONN’s very own Mel Thomas and Charde Houston both made the final cut and have secured their places for a trip to Rio.

This is truly a tremendous honor for both Thomas and Houston. Not only do they get to represent the fine tradition at UCONN but they also get to play for their country and try to bring home a gold medal.

Congratulations goes out to both Thomas and Houston on a honor well deserved. Good luck in Rio!

Today marks the second day of the All-Star break for the Boston Red Sox. It is much needed by some (Youk) and some probably would not like to see it (Lugo). Youk because he needs to rest his sore quad, Lugo because of the great game he had at the plate on Sunday. The Red Sox have 6 players in San Francisco for the game and all but one (Manny), decided to meet with the media on Monday. The good thing is at least Manny got there this time. With that being said, let’s take a look at the headlines from the Boston area media on this sweltering hot morning here in New England.

A Q & A with the Big Schill. [Boston Dirt Dogs]

Josh Beckett is in full bloom. [Boston Globe]

Ramirez a SF treat: Mates: He’s happy to be here. [Boston Herald]

Beckett, Lowell A Package Deal. [Hartford Courant]

Halfway, Sox get what they need to lead. [Pro Jo]

‘Wingman’ takes flight. [Boston Globe]

Papelbon: Closing thoughts. [Boston Herald]

Sox’ Buchholz told to tune out trade talk. [Pro Jo]

Papelbon, mates are men on a mission. [Boston Globe]

Ortiz keeps on dancing. [Boston Herald]

For more headlines and stories, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Hartford Courant, and Providence Journal websites.