More on Gerke / Ruta / Smith / WitP

The UH Athletics Department has a press release about Alex Gerke joining the coaching staff.

"I'm extremely excited to be a part of this program, to work for coach Mack and be a part of the family and great community here on the islands," Gerke said. "It's a great place to live with great people, and great players that I have a lot of respect for. This is a dream come true. It doesn't get any better than this."

Pisa Tinoisamoa's mom will be writing a column for Warriorshaka.com.

Next week, Warriors’ Haka will welcome the dynamic “Momma” Ruta Aunese as its newest columnist, who will offer her refreshing perspectives on faith, hope and redemption, blended with an unquenching love for island people.

Her column will be entitled Piki Piki Hama Vae Vae Manava: The Balance of Sharing Life and Love.

SI.com has a long article about Daniel Smith's lawsuit against UH.

Smith's situation isn't unique. Every year, thousands of athletes find themselves scrambling for scholarships after coaching changes or after coaches simply rescind non-binding scholarship offers because they found more talented players. What is unique is that Smith has decided to take his case to court.

"This is the first one that I'm aware of of this type where an athlete has actually proceeded to file a lawsuit," said Wake Forest law professor Timothy Davis, an expert in contract and sports law. "I've heard of similar cases where there were some rumblings made and some complaints, but they were resolved amicably by the athlete and the institution."

Sports law scholars will watch this case closely, because it could set a legal precedent. If a school must pay after revoking a scholarship offer it may force schools to fundamentally chance the process by which they offer scholarships.

Free agent Travis Laboy met with the Browns, and will meet with the Saints today.

Defensive end Travis Laboy visited the Browns and was scheduled to visit the Saints on Saturday. “He’s enjoying himself,’’ agent C.J. LaBoy said. “We’ll let the process take care of itself.’’

And Tala Esera signed a contract with the Colts.