Romanowski fined, suspended by Raiders
OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The Oakland Raiders have fined veteran linebacker Bill Romanowski for his involvement in a spirited fight in practice on Sunday.
In the skirmish, tight end Marcus Williams suffered a fractured left orbital bone and had a tooth knocked out when, reports say, Romanowski punched him in the face after knocking his helmet off.
Coach Bill Callahan was angry.
"Any time harm comes to a player I am really concerned because it (fighting) goes beyond the game," Callahan told the Oakland Tribune. "This is a contact game, a very competitive game, but there is a fine line there. I just don't want to see anybody getting hurt, possibly maimed, on account of a fight. It is not something I condone or encourage. It is totally unnecessary."
Romanowski, 37, a 16-year veteran, was banned from practice on Monday and fined an undisclosed amount. Williams is expected to miss four to six weeks.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday that Williams' agent, Lee J. Kolligan, said his client filed a police report, but a spokesman for the Alameda Police Dept. told the paper that, after speaking with Williams, his office would not pursue the matter.
"He said he wanted to keep it on the field," Lt. Jim Brock told the Chronicle. "As far as we're concerned, the case is closed."
Padres get Giles from Pirates
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday finally traded outfielder Brian Giles, a San Diego native, to the Padres.
In return, they get lefthander Oliver Perez, minor league outfielder Jason Bay, and a player to be named.
The teams were working on a deal before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline, but it is believed the Pirates insisted that the deal also include catcher Jason Kendall, who has $42 million left on the final four years of his contract.
Giles is hitting .299 with 16 homers and 70 RBI this season, has two years and about $16 million left on his contract, and will become a centerpiece of a team that will move into the brand-new Petco Park next season.
Perez is 4-7 with a 5.38 ERA this season.
Both teams are out of playoff contention. The Pirates (58-70) are third in the National League Central and the Padres (51-81) are last in the NL West.
Jim Wacker dies at 66
FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Former Texas Christian football coach Jim Wacker died Tuesday after a lengthy bout with cancer.
He was 66. The school made the announcement on Tuesday.
Wacker coached the Horned Frogs from 1983-91, compiling an overall record of 40-58-2 in nine years. He is third on the school's all-time list in games coached and fourth in career victories.
"I've heard nothing but positive things about Coach Wacker from those he was most closely associated with at TCU," said Athletic Director Eric Hyman. "His enthusiasm and his energy were contagious. He was always very positive and upbeat. TCU people have very fond memories of him during his tenure in Fort Worth. He touched a lot of lives and lived each day to the fullest."
Wacker was a coaching legend in Texas before going to TCU. He won a pair of national championships at Division II Southwest Texas State and at NAIA Texas Lutheran.
He had an overall record of 160-130-3, and also coached at North Dakota State.
Hornish joins Penske Racing
READING, Pa., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Penske Racing has announced that two-time defending Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr. will join the team next season.
Hornish signed a multi-year contract on Monday and will assume the ride from defending Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran, who is retiring.
Penske Corporation Executive Vice President Walt Czarnecki once described Hornish as "the next Rick Mears." The four-time Indy 500 winner is a consultant at Penske Racing, meaning the native of Defiance, Ohio will work with the man he considered his racing hero.
Penske has had some of the greatest names in racing drive for him, including Mark Donohue and two-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.
Next year, Hornish will be Castroneves' teammate.
"We are very pleased that Sam has chosen to become a part of Marlboro Team Penske," said team owner Roger Penske. "Sam is a great fit for the team, both on and off the track, and we are confident we will achieve great success together."
The announcement by Hornish came a week after he informed Panther Racing he would leave the team at the end of the season.
Penske Racing has 118 wins, including a record 13 Indy 500 victories, 11 national championships, and 142 pole positions.
