The March to Madness

First Stop, Dayton

Dayton was the place to be for the first four games of the 2011 NCAA tournament. Correspondent Greg Laughlin made the trek to the Gem City on Wednesday and took in games between Texas San Antonio-Alabama State and Virginia Commonwealth-USC. There are more photos after the jump and you can view Greg's full gallery by clicking here.

O'Neill to Be Fired Over Altercation With Arizona Fan?

Update: Athletic director Pat Haden reinstated O'Neill on Sunday.

The Arizona fan website that posted photos of USC coach Kevin O'Neill at a restaurant/bar Thursday night is reporting that O'Neill will be fired after becoming involved in an altercation with a Wildcat booster.

O'Neill and his wife, Roberta, went to the establishment after the Trojans' 70-56 victory over California in the Pacific 10 Conference tournament. They met football coach Lane Kiffin and O'Neill was photographed with an Arizona fan.

After leaving the restaurant, O'Neill went to the team's JW Marriott hotel to pick up something from his room.

While leaving the elevator in the lobby, O'Neill and his wife ran into Arizona booster Paul Weitman, who is said to have played a role in pushing O'Neill out at Tucson after he was the interim coach several years ago.

Tim Floyd Is Now Breaking Up Fights in Casinos

Tim Floyd is out of work, but at least the former USC coach is keeping busy. Floyd is spotted in this video breaking up a fight, said to be at the Morongo Casino, which is about two hours east of Los Angeles and near Palm Springs. You'll see him enter the screen from the right.

Not sure when the video was shot, but Floyd was lucky another man stepped in. Otherwise he would have been smashed over the head with a chair.

Thanks to the Midwest Correspondent and Herm's Perm.

Theus and Carlesimo Reportedly on USC's List

Former NBA and college coaches Reggie Theus and P.J. Carlesimo reportedly are near the top of the list of possible replacements for Tim Floyd at USC, and Laker assistant Jim Cleamons has already met with athletic director Mike Garrett, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Theus was fired last season as coach of the Sacramento Kings. He coached at New Mexico State before that and guided the Aggies into the 2007 NCAA tournament.

With Floyd Gone, Is Dixon the Next Coach for USC?

Now that Tim Floyd has resigned, where does USC turn to find a coach for its embattled program?

Don't be surprised if Trojan athletic director Mike Garrett makes a run at Pittsburgh's Jamie Dixon, who grew up in Southern California. Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News writes that USC might even name an interim coach and wait until next spring to land Dixon.

By then, the NCAA will likely have finished its dirty work and USC will know its penalty, which could be harsh. But getting rid of Floyd could ultimately soften the blow delivered by the NCAA.

Sidney, USC Break Off the Engagement

Renardo Sidney has it all. He's big (6 foot 11), can run the court, handle the ball and shoot from the outside. He's perhaps the top prep power forward in the land.

Last month, Sidney announced he would play next season at USC. All he needed to do was pass the SAT, which he did last week, clearing the way for the Fairfax High senior to sign a letter of intent.

But something has gone wrong in the past week. The Los Angeles Times reports that Sidney won't be playing for the Trojans. A source close to the family said the Sidneys and USC had agreed upon "a mutual parting of the ways."

Why?