NCAA Hits Pitt with Two-Year Probation

The University of Pittsburgh was placed on two years’ probation Tuesday for violations of NCAA rules in the recruiting of former New York City basketball star Jamal Faulkner.

The sanctions were the first against the university in a major sport and resulted from former assistant coach John Sarandrea’s recruiting of Faulkner in 1988 and 1989, according to a letter of inquiry sent to Pitt by the NCAA.

The probation affects all Pitt athletic teams but does not bar the Panthers from postseason play or television appearances.

The University of Buffalo was placed on probation for one year NCAA violations that included the arrangement of cheap airline tickets for a basketball player.

The university’s student newspaper, The Spectrum, identified the assistant coach as Nick Moore and the player as former guard Fred Leggin.

Hockey

Because of questions about whether replacements for the NHL’s striking referees and linesmen would be granted work visas by Canada and the U.S., the NHL will assign American officials to games in American cities and Canadians in Canadian cities, a league spokesman said.

Paul Holmgren resigned as coach of the Hartford Whalers and put assistant general manager Pierre McGuire in charge of turning the team around.

Holmgren will concentrate on his duties as general manager.

Mike Foligno and Brian Benning of the Florida Panthers were suspended for separate incidents during Sunday’s game with Quebec. The length of the suspensions will be determined at a later date.

Brian Savage scored twice early in the third period as Canada beat the United States, 5-2, in the first round of the Telehockey Cup pre-Olympic tournament at Gjovik, Norway.

Baseball

Pittsburgh shortstop Jay Bell broke Ozzie Smith’s 13-year grip on the Gold Glove, winning the National League award, it was announced.

Barry Bonds of San Francisco and Cy Young winner Greg Maddux of Atlanta each won a fourth consecutive Gold Glove.

Bonds, an outfielder, third baseman Matt Williams, second baseman Robby Thompson and catcher Kirt Manwaring all won from the Giants.

Montreal outfielders Larry Walker and Marquis Grissom and Chicago first baseman Mark Grace also made the NL team.

Wade Boggs of the New York Yankees and Cal Ripken Jr. won their seventh Silver Slugger awards, tying the record set by Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs.

Dodger catcher Mike Piazza was one of six first-time winners of the award, given to the top hitters at each position.

College Basketball

Tennessee, an NCAA semifinalist last season, edged Vanderbilt to land the No. 1 spot in the preseason women’s basketball poll by the Associated Press. coaches USC is ranked 11th.

Names in the News

Cyclist Davis Phinney, 34, who won 324 races in an 18-year career, announced his retirement. . . . Jack Diller, former president of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, was hired by the New York Mets as executive vice president for business affairs . . . . . Daily News Sports columnist Ron Rapoport, publicist Bob Steiner are among those who will be honored Jan. 22 at the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame dinner at the Westside Jewish Community Center.