Former Colorado Player Is in a Coma

Former Colorado quarterback John Hessler was in a coma Tuesday after a hit-and-run accident on Sunday in Denver.

Hessler, 29, who had a collapsed lung and a major head injury, was in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital, school officials said.

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Texas running back Cedric Benson was charged with criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine, for forcing his way into an apartment to look for a television he says was stolen from him. Coach Mack Brown said Benson would not start Saturday against Baylor, but had not decided if he would play.... Penn State Coach Joe Paterno said he has not decided on a punishment for receiver Tony Johnson, who has been charged with drunken driving.... Illinois quarterback Jon Beutjer’s season is over because of a herniated disk in his back.... Louisiana State guard Nate Livings will miss four to six weeks after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

Texas A&M; receiver Jamaar Taylor is out for the season because of a right knee injury.... Several Indiana football players are being investigated for allegedly running up illegal long distance telephone charges.... Jason DesJarlais was named interim coach at the University of San Diego after Kevin DeGarry was fired for undisclosed reasons.... Utah offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu was suspended for at least one game for kicking a Nevada Las Vegas player in the face.... Third-ranked Virginia Tech (6-0, 2-0 Big East) plays tonight at West Virginia (2-4, 1-1).