Stringer family sue Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- As expected, the family of the late Korey Stringer Tuesday filed a $100 million wrongful-death lawsuit against the Minnesota Vikings, claiming the team was negligent in the events that led to the death of the Pro Bowl tackle.
Stringer died Aug. 1 in training camp due to complications from heat stroke. He was 27.
The lawsuit, filed by Stringer's widow, Kelci, and Stringer's parents, claims that the Vikings exhibited disregard for Stringer's safety.
The Minnnesota Occupational Safety and Health Division cleared the Vikings of any wrongdoing.
Former Vikings Coach Dennis Green and Mike Tice, who replaced Green before the final game of the season and previously served as the offensive line coach, were among the individuals named in the lawsuit, which also claims that the team has not paid $8 million in non-guaranteed money to the family.
Stringer's agent, James Gould, said the family would have considered an out-of-court settlement, but the Vikings did not seek one.
Spurrier, Dungy meet media
ASHBURN, Va., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Steve Spurrier meets the press Tuesday for the first time since being named head coach of the Washington Redskins.
According to numerous reports, Spurrier, who turned the University of Florida into a college football power but has never coached in the NFL, received a five-year contract worth $25 million.
Meanwhile, Tony Dungy, fired Monday night as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is reported to be headed for either the Indianapolis Colts or Carolina Panthers. But, he told a news conference Tuesday that nothing has been settled.
"I don't have anything set up at this time," he said. "But, I've had some phone calls and I think I'll get some. If I have a chance to do something else, I'll investigate it."
Last week, the Colts fired Jim Mora and the Panthers dismissed George Seifert. The San Diego Chargers also have a coaching vacancy after dismissing Mike Riley.
Capriati wins,Hewitt loses in Australian
MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The unpredictable Australian Open continued to surprise Tuesday with the stunning first round upset of top-seeded Lleyton Hewitt.
Defending women's champion Jennifer Capriati meanwhile won her opening match in a breeze putting questions about her recent injury to rest.
Coming up, second seed Venus Williams goes after her 21st straight match victory when she takes on fellow American Kristina Brandi in the second round. The 21-year-old Williams is bidding for her third straight Grand Slam title.
Third seed and three-time champion Martina Hingis of Switzerland, hoping to stretch a streak of her own here, faces German qualifier Greta Arn.
Capriati needed only 62 minutes to dispose of Silvia Talaja of Croatia, 6-4, 6-1.
But, Hewitt, who has been battling the chicken pox, became the first ever top seed at the Australian Open to lose in the first round when he fell to Spain's Alberto Martin, 1-6 6-1 6-4 7-6 (7-4).
Veteran Super Bowl lineman retires
DAVIE, Fla., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Tackle Harry Swayne, a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams, announced his retirement Tuesday after a 15-year NFL career.
Swayne signed with the Miami Dolphins in September after being waived by the Baltimore Ravens in training camp, but started just one game this season and was virtually a non-factor.
Swayne started 113 of 189 games in his career and was the starting right tackle on Baltimore's Super Bowl-winning team last season. He also was a member of the Denver Broncos' championship teams after the 1997 and 1998 seasons and a starter
on the 1994 San Diego Chargers, which lost in Super Bowl XXIX.
Phils, Adams agree on lucrative contract
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Terry Adams, who had never started a major league game before last season, on Tuesday agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Phillies on a deal that could pay him $19.5 million over three years.
The sides agreed to a contract that will pay Adams a guarantee $2.7 million next season with bonuses that can increase the value to $4.8 million. The club also holds options for 2003 and 2004.
With incentives, Adams' $5.4 million salary in 2003 could be bumped to $6.6 million, and his $7.5 million price tag in 2004 could reach $8.1 million.
Adams, 28, made millions on others' injuries. Last season, he joined Los Angeles' injury-depleted staff in June and went 10-6 with a 4.16 ERA in 22 starts.
The righthander had made 363 relief appearances in parts of seven seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Dodgers before making his first career start.
