Georgia has one less contender for its starting quarterback job.

Coach Mark Richt announced yesterday that touted redshirt freshman Zach Mettenberger was kicked off the team for violating team rules.

The 6-foot-5, 230 pound Mettenberger, rated the No. 11 quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com, threw two touchdowns in Georgia's April 10 spring game but already was facing at least a one-game suspension after being arrested on alcohol charges during spring break. The team didn't reveal if Mettenberger was involved in another incident, or if his dismissal from the team was the result of more details becoming known from his arrest.

The Bulldogs now have a two-man race for starting quarterback: redshirt freshman Aaron Murray and junior Logan Gray, who last year backed up Joe Cox during a disappointing 8-5 season.

The 18-year-old Mettenberger was arrested March 7 in Lowndes County and charged with underage consumption and possession of alcohol, possessing fake identification and disorderly conduct-obstruction. The school never made him available to comment on the charges.

"He's already matured from it," Gray said during spring practice. "Zach wishes he could take it all back. It's definitely tough ... especially going through the scrutiny."

BOISE ST. TO REPLACE TURF DUE TO GLARE

The blue turf at Boise State University's Bronco Stadium is being replaced with different blue turf for free this summer due to a reflective glare that has irritated fans the last two seasons.

Athletic director Gene Bleymaier says light-reflecting fibers in the current artificial field cause problems for people watching the game in person or on television.

Bleymaier says FieldTurf wants to fix the problem and is doing it for free. The school did not estimate the cost of the project.

The school says work will begin June 21 and should be done by July 30.

Boise State begins practice on Aug. 6 with high expectations after going undefeated last season.

BOXING

POLICE: VALERO HELD AFTER WIFE KILLED

Venezuelan police say they have detained suspended WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero on suspicion of killing his wife.

Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores says Valero was arrested after police found the body of his wife, Jennifer Viera, in a hotel in the city of Valencia.

Flores says Valero left the hotel room around dawn yesterday and allegedly told the hotel's security personnel that he had killed Viera, 20.

Valero, 28, is 27-0 with all victories coming by way of knockout.

AND WHAT'S MORE

Missouri men's basketball coach Mike Anderson has decided to remain with the Tigers rather than pursue a job at Oregon that could have doubled his salary. Anderson just completed his fourth season at Missouri and has led the team to two consecutive NCAA tournaments after a five-year drought. He signed a seven-year, $10.85 million contract extension one year ago. ... Misty May-Treanor teamed with new partner Nicole Branagh to win the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Open in a downpour yesterday, defeating Angie Akers and Tyra Turner, 21-14, 21-17.