Mayo Cuts Ties With Agency That Allegedly Paid Him at USC

Former Southern California star O.J. Mayo has severed ties with the sports agency that allegedly funneled him thousands of dollars in violation of NCAA rules.

In a statement released yesterday, Mayo's mother, Alisha, said the expected lottery pick is looking for a new agent after firing Calvin Andrews of Bill Duffy Associates.

"As a family, we decided to modify O.J.'s inner circle and allow him to solely focus on improving his game without distraction in a structured, disciplined environment," the statement read.

Andrews acknowledged the break in ties.

Less than two weeks ago, ESPN's "Outside the Lines" reported allegations made by one of Mayo's former confidants, Louis Johnson, that Mayo took roughly $30,000 in cash and gifts during the past four years.

Johnson told ESPN that Mayo took the gifts from Los Angeles events promoter Rodney Guillory, whom Johnson said was paid roughly $200,000 by BDA. The agency could face sanctions if the union finds it paid Mayo.

Mayo has denied taking money from Guillory. USC officials have been silent other than to say they will cooperate with investigators.

· TURNER IN SUNS' MIX: Elston Turner doesn't have any experience coaching the Suns, but he has plenty when it comes to guiding teams that play a lot like them.

Before following Rick Adelman to the Rockets last year, Turner was an assistant in Sacramento, where the Kings ran an up-tempo offense and never met a three-point shot they didn't like.

Turner had his interview with Suns GM Steve Kerr on Wednesday, and all indications are the talks went well and will keep Turner, 48, on the A-list of head coaching candidates.

Mark Jackson, Terry Porter and Jeff Hornacek have interviewed, and Tyrone Corbin is up today. Assistant GM Vinny Del Negro is apparently also under consideration.

-- From News Services