Minnesota Scene: Gophers' Buford, facing expulson, decides to transfer

Three of the four Gophers players facing expulsion for their involvement in an alleged September sexual assault have moved on from the university this week.

Cornerback Ray Buford announced Tuesday that he is transferring to Arizona Western Community College, just as defensive lineman Tamarion Johnson announced Monday.

Also Tuesday, the Gophers confirmed that Dior Johnson is no longer enrolled at the university and has been taken off the roster. Cornerback KiAnte Hardin, the other player facing expulsion, has yet to announce his plans.

JOE CHRISTENSEN

Outfielder Drew Stubbs, who has bounced around between four clubs over the past two seasons, has agreed to a minor league contract with the Twins and will compete for a job in major league camp, a team source said Tuesday.

Stubbs, the eighth overall pick by the Reds in the 2006 draft, played for the Braves, Rangers and Orioles last season, totaling 59 games. He batted .225 with three homers in 94 plate appearances, and stole nine bases in 10 attempts.

A center fielder, Stubbs, 32, figures to compete with Danny Santana, Robbie Grossman and J.B. Shuck for a spot as the Twins' fourth outfielder.

Gophers junior goaltender Eric Schierhorn was chosen the Big Ten First Star of the Week for the second week in a row. Schierhorn held the nation's top-ranked offense to three goals on 69 shots over the weekend as the Gophers swept Penn State at Mariucci Arena.