Smarty Jones preps for a new line of work
MIDWAY, Ky., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Philly's favorite race horse, this year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness champ Smarty Jones, has moved to Kentucky to begin a new career as a daddy.
Despite the stated desire of owners Roy and Pat Chapman of Pennsylvania's Someday Farm to race Smarty at least one more time, they have decided their charmer will stand at stud, published reports said Tuesday.
Smarty, who won eight of nine career starts, earned the Chapmans $7,613,155 before Birdstone beat him by a length in the Belmont Stakes. He also earned a place in the hearts of U.S. fans, especially those in Philadelphia where Smarty was based.
In June, after the Belmont, the Chapmans sold 50 percent of the colt's breeding rights for more than $20 million to Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky.
The decision to retire Smarty to Three Chimneys rather than continuing to race him arose from bruising on all four of his ankles, or "fetlocks," the New York Times said.
There also may have been a financial incentive. Experts say Smarty will get $75,000 to $150,000 per "date," and about 100 mares would be available during the time Smarty might have kept racing.
Patriots lose Rodney Bailey for season
FOXBORO, Mass., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- New England Patriots defensive end Rodney Bailey will miss the 2004 season because of a torn Achilles tendon, the team announced Tuesday.
Bailey, 24, a 6-3, 305-pounder, signed as a free agent in March.
The third-year veteran played in every game (48) for Pittsburgh during his first three NFL seasons. He had 39 tackles and 9 1/2 sacks.
Marcus Vick suspended by Virginia Tech
BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Quarterback Marcus Vick has been suspended from Virginia Tech for the 2004 fall semester, the school announced Tuesday.
Vick, who was convicted in May of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and arrested last month on charges of reckless driving and marijuana possession, had earlier been suspended indefinitely from the Hokies' football team.
"If there is any more trouble, his Virginia Tech career is effectively ended," Tech President Charles Steger said.
Vick, 20, is the brother of Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick.
After the May conviction, Marcus Vick was sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined $2,250. Authorities said he and two other players had given alcohol to 14- and 15-year-old girls.
"The university is doing the right thing in the name of discipline," Athletic Director Jim Weaver said.
"It is sending Marcus a strong message that we take seriously student athlete behavior. This action also gives Marcus a chance to right himself. Fundamentally, he's a good person and we want to see him succeed."
Vick must complete a drug addition and counseling program before being readmitted to the school.
Chamique Holdsclaw, where are you?
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Chamique Holdsclaw, the mercurial star of the Washington Mystics women's basketball team, is drawing attention for refusing to explain her absence from games.
Holdsclaw, a forward, has missed three of her team's past four games and four of its recent practices, and it is not certain that she will return when the Mystics resume play on Sept. 1, the Washington Times reported Tuesday.
Last Wednesday Holdsclaw did play against the Detroit Shock, performed poorly and broke into tears late in the game.
All that has been disclosed is that Holdsclaw recognizes the need to focus on "my medical issues."
In the 1999 draft Holdsclaw was the No. 1 pick overall and was named rookie of the year that season.
She is a three-time WNBA All-Star and currently ranks second in the league in scoring. She remains a focus of marketing by both the Mystics and the league.
