UAB loses Eddins to Achilles injury
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Senior forward Demario Eddins of Alabama-Birmingham will miss the remainder of the season because of a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The 6-foot-7 inch senior from Chicago was hurt Monday in the Blazers' 68-62 victory over Virginia Commonwealth. The injury, which requires surgery to repair and normally involves a six-month recovery time, ends his college career.
Eddins was averaging 13.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in 12 games for UAB (9-3) this season.
"This is a tremendous blow to our basketball program and our basketball family, but more importantly to Demario," said Coach Mike Anderson. "He is a four-year starter and was one of the foundation-laying members of the resurgence of UAB basketball over the last four seasons."
Eddins is the second player in school history to register more than 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists and 175 steals, joining Stanley Jackson (1989-93).
Kwan withdraws from skating championships
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Michelle Kwan, a five-time World and nine-time U.S. champion, Wednesday withdrew from the upcoming U.S. Figure Skating Championships because of an injury.
"I am deeply disappointed that I will not be at nationals," she said. "It's always been my favorite event, especially in an Olympic year, and I was really looking forward to competing. I had been skating very well before the injury, and both my doctor and I feel that I can get back to that level and be completely ready for the Olympics. For that reason I am petitioning for a spot on the team."
Kwan pulled her right groin muscle in practice in December. The championships, usually used to select the U.S. team for the Olympics, will be this month in St. Louis.
She said she will not give up on the 2006 Olympics and plans to submit a formal petition to the U.S. Figure Skating International Committee for one of the three spots for women on the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team.
Vikings sex cruise players want jury trial
MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Two Minnesota Vikings players charged in an allegedly wild team cruise on Lake Minnetonka in October have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges.
Daunte Culpepper and Bryant McKinnie had been scheduled for a court hearing Thursday. WCCO-TV in Minneapolis reported the pair waived the court appearance when they entered not guilty pleas in December and demanded a jury trial.
The attorney for player Moe Williams said he would enter a similar plea to the Hennepin County, Minn., charges, the TV station and the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.
The three and teammate Fred Smoot are accused of indecent conduct, lewd or lascivious conduct and disorderly conduct.
The cruise reportedly involved as many as 90 people, including up to 17 Vikings' players.
Hearns faces assault charge
DETROIT, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Thomas "Hitman" Hearns, a seven-time world boxing champion, is facing charges for allegedly assaulting his 13-year-old son.
The Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday that Hearns, 47, is expected to go before an Oakland County district judge Friday.
Hearns was arraigned Monday and charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. He was released on $10,000 personal bond and ordered to have no contact with his son.
Police arrived at Hearns' house in Southfield about 6:45 p.m. Sunday after receiving a call from Hearns' wife, who said there had been a domestic dispute.
The teenage boy had a swollen eye and a small cut on his chin, Southfield Police Detective John Harris said.
Harris said Hearns apparently told the boy to go to another room, the teen refused and there was a scuffle. But Harris said Hearns and his wife gave slightly different accounts of how the incident.
If convicted, Hearns could face up to 93 days in jail, the newspaper said.
