For too long the NCAA has been a toothless snake, weaving and bobbing its head threateningly at U.S. academic institutions while never daring to finally strike.And then, just like that, it went for the jugular - 65 jugulars in fact.

The NCAA announced Wednesday that 99 teams at 65 universities will be losing scholarships for failing to meet student-athlete academic standards. Although this represents only a minute fraction of Division-I sports nationwide, even the smallest action is better than the lack of effort America is growing accustomed to.

This story was corrected from the misprint in the 03/02/06 issue online only on 03/03/06.I was born in New Orleans.

I can cook jambalaya (nearly) from memory, understand the Cajun-French my grandmother peppers her speech with, dance like a crazy person, be a complete snob about what actually qualifies as "Mardi Gras" (hint: if it's outside of New Orleans, it does not), and have extremely high standards for seafood and Cajun cooking outside of Louisiana.

But my family moved to Texas 11 years ago and I like to think my world became a little brighter.

Select members of the TCU track team will leave today to compete in three last-chance meets this weekend as a final attempt to qualify for the NCAA Championships next weekend.Head coach Darryl Anderson said only the top 16 in the NCAA will be eligible to compete at the championships next week. He also said the meets this weekend at LSU, Iowa State and Notre Dame will give runners a final shot at improving or ensuring their rankings.

"You're going because you want to either get in the top 16 or stay in the top 16," Anderson said.

The first two weeks of March signal the beginning of NCAA postseason play, but they also mark the end of a career for six seniors on the TCU men's and women's basketball teams.Wednesday night was the last...

This story was corrected from the misprint in the 03/01/06 issue online only on 03/03/06.The punishment, unfortunately, does not always fit the crime.

Michael Morales, 46, a prisoner in San Quentin, California, was sentenced to death for torturing, raping and murdering a 17-year-old girl 25 years ago. The date of his execution was set for last Tuesday. But just one hour before he was to be executed, the punishment was called off due to questions of constitutionality.