Damages Sought in Case Against Haskins

A Minneapolis judge is considering whether the University of Minnesota can seek punitive damages in addition to the $1.5 million it’s trying to recover from a buyout for coach Clem Haskins amid an academic fraud scandal.

The university is suing Haskins, claiming he committed fraud when he said he had no role in the 1999 scandal. The case is scheduled to go to trial April 22. Haskins’ attorney has said the terms of the buyout deal released Haskins from any obligation to the school.

Lorie Gildea, a university attorney, declined to say how much the school seeks in damages.

West Virginia freshman guard Jonathan Hargett had arthroscopic surgery to remove torn cartilage in his right knee and will miss up to two weeks.

The 5-foot-11 Hargett has played with an inflamed knee most of the season but did not tell the team until a month ago.

Hargett, a preseason All-Big East rookie selection, has started 12 games, averaging 14.4 points and 5.4 assists.

Point guard A.W. Hamilton, who played only 30 minutes in four games for No. 14 Wake Forest this season, has transferred to Marshall.

Hamilton will be eligible for the second semester next season and have two years of eligibility.