In Sports from United Press International
Braves get Sheffield from Dodgers
ATLANTA, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Braves acquired Gary Sheffield from the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday for outfielder Brian Jordan, lefthander Odalis Perez and minor league pitcher Andy Brown.
Sheffield, a six-time All-Star who will take Jordan's spot in right field, has hit 30 homers or more five times but had become disgruntled over his contract with Los Angeles.
It started when the Dodgers inked free agent outfielder Shawn Green to a six-year, $84 million deal following the 1999 season and was increased when righthander Darren Dreifort re-signed a five-year, $55 million pact prior to 2001.
Sheffield is one of the best offensive players in baseball but also is a potential headache for Braves management as he is in the midst of a six-year, $61 million contract.
That doesn't concern Braves general manager John Schuerholz.
Sheffield, 33, hit .311 with 36 home runs and 100 RBI in 143 games last season and may provide the Braves with the missing piece to the puzzle. They were 13th in the National League in runs scored last season.
"We've been looking for a hitter like that to join our lineup for some time," Schuerholz said of Sheffield, who played for Atlanta manager Bobby Cox in Japan this winter and is good friends with Braves star Chipper Jones.
Sheffield, who joins his fifth team since breaking into the major leagues in 1988, is a lifetime .295 hitter with 315 home runs, 1,016 RBI and 170 stolen bases. He twice has had 40 homers and 100 RBI in a season, doing it as recently as 2000, when he hit .325 with 43 home runs and 109 RBI with the Dodgers. He also has played for Milwaukee, San Diego and Florida, winning the World Series with the Marlins in 1997.
The move may be enough to put the pitching-rich Braves over the hump. They have won an unprecedented 10 straight divisional titles and have made it to five World Series in that span, but have won the World Series just once. Although it is aging, Atlanta's pitching staff still is one of the best in baseball with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.
The oft-injured Jordan is playing out a four-year, $32 million deal that expires after the 2003 season. He hit .295 with 25 homers and 97 RBI over 148 games in 2001, and Dodgers general manager Dan Evans thinks he will fit in well.
Jordan was Atlanta's best offensive player down the stretch last year, but the former NFL defensive back has had a history of injury problems, missing 338 games the past eight seasons. Jordan, who will be 34 by Opening Day, is a career .287 hitter with 149 homers, 656 RBI and 112 stolen bases in 1,077 games. He spent parts of seven seasons with St. Louis before signing with Atlanta prior to 1999.
Evans also was excited over the acquisition of Perez, a long-time Braves prospect who went 7-8 with a 4.91 ERA in 24 games -- 16 starts--last year.
NCAA president to retire
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- NCAA president Cedric Dempsey, who oversaw a restructuring of the organization's governing body during his tenure, announced Tuesday he will retire when his contract expires next January 1.
Three months shy of his 70th birthday, Dempsey made the announcement on the final day of the NCAA convention.
Dempsey was named the NCAA's third executive director in 1994, a title that was changed to president in 1998. During his tenure, he presided over the move of the organization's national office from Overland Park, Kan., to Indianapolis in 1999 and helped negotiate the most recent television deals with CBS and ESPN.
Dempsey has overcome health problems, undergoing heart-valve replacement surgery three years ago. He also beat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer, when he was the athletic director at Arizona.
Bob Lawless, the chairman of the NCAA's executive committee and president of the University of Tulsa, will lead the search committee for Dempsey's successor.
Spurrier welcopmes NFL challenge
AUBURN, Va., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Steve Spurrier understands who his chief rival is now that he's the coach of the Washington Redskins. He made no guarantees, but showed his brash nature by calling out the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday in his first news conference as Redskins coach.
"I've already told (Redskins owner) Daniel Snyder that the first game ball I'm going to give him is after we play the Dallas Cowboys," Spurrier said. "I've learned that's a game that the fans really want to win and I'll do my part to see that's a game we win."
That had to be music to the ears of Snyder and Redskins fans, who have watched the Cowboys win nine straight games in the bitter NFC East rivalry. But with what is reportedly the richest contract for a coach in NFL history, Spurrier must do more than just beat the Cowboys.
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.
"I don't want to talk too big right now, but obviously, my expectation is like every Washington Redskins fan and that is to return this team to glory," Spurrier said.
The Redskins appeared in four Super Bowls under Joe Gibbs from 1981-92, winning three titles. But they have made the playoffs just once in the last nine years.
Forsberg agrees to 1-year extension
DENVER, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Colorado Avalanche center Peter Forsberg, whose return to the NHL was delayed by ankle surgery earlier this month, agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract extension.
But Forsberg's return to Colorado is contingent upon the team exercising a club option for the 2002-03 season by June 30.
Planning to return to the Colorado Avalanche in time to compete for Sweden in the Salt Lake City Olympics, Forsberg was forced to undergo ankle surgery on Thursday that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Forsberg has not played since May, when he was diagnosed with a ruptured spleen. He also underwent surgery on both ankles over the summer, one of which still had tendon damage.
Forsberg, 28, had surgery on May 10 to remove his ruptured spleen suffered hours after the Avalanche defeated Los Angeles in the Western Conference semifinals. Colorado went on to beat the New Jersey Devils to win the Stanley Cup.
On September 15, Forsberg announced that he was taking an indefinite leave of absence from hockey. That month, he had a second surgery on his ankles, which was expected to sideline him three months.
The Avalanche on Tuesday also officially lifted the suspension they imposed on Forsberg when he took his leave of absence.
Forsberg has a history of injuries. He missed eight games early last season with a strained muscle in his rib cage and a total of 33 the previous season due to shoulder, hip and concussion problems.
The 1995 Calder Trophy winner as the NHL's top rookie, Forsberg signed a three-year, $30 million contract in April 1999.
He has had more than a point per game in each of his seven NHL seasons and has played in the last six All-Star Games. Last season, he totaled 27 goals and 62 assists with a plus-23 rating in 73 games.
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).
Defending champ withdraws in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Defending champion Adam Scott withdrew from the PGA European Tour's Dunhill Championship Tuesday after his father was involved in a boating accident.
Scott was just 20 when he claimed his first European Tour title at Houghton Golf Club 12 months ago. The Australian birdied the final hole to edge England's Justin Rose.
South African Tim Clark, winner of last week's South African Open in Durban, is included in this week's field, which features South African stars Ernie Els and U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen. The field also includes former United States national soccer team member Roy Wegerle, who qualified Tuesday.
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.
Robinson's return boosts Bulls
CHICAGO, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Three days after an upset win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls have gotten another boost with the return of forward Eddie Robinson who was activated Tuesday after missing the last 26 games and 33 overall this season due to a left toe injury
Robinson, 25, signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Bulls as a restricted free agent in the offseason after the Charlotte Hornets failed to match an offer sheet. He was expected to start at small forward for the Bulls, but has played in just three games, averaging 13.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. He broke his left great toe in the final preseason game and was placed on the injured list.
He made his debut with the Bulls on Nov. 10 against his former team and had 17 points, six rebounds and four steals in an 89-85 loss. But Robinson re-injured the toe after scoring 12 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov.14 and has not played since then. The 6-9, 208-pound Robinson spent his first two seasons with the Hornets and averaged 7.0 and 7.4 points, respectively.
The Bulls placed reserve guard A.J. Guyton on the injured list with left elbow bursitis to make room on the roster for Robinson. Guyton has played in 15 games this season, averaging 4.4 points and 1.2 assists in 9.8 minutes per contest. He scored a season-high 14 points Dec. 1 against Philadelphia.
St. Andrews gets 2005 British Open
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Old Course at St. Andrews, where Tiger Woods completed the career grand slam two years ago, was awarded the 2005 British Open Tuesday.
St. Andrews will host the event for the 27th time since it left its birthplace at Prestwick in 1873. It was first held in 1860.
In July 2000, then 24-year-old Woods became the youngest player in history to capture all four major titles when he blitzed the Open field by eight strokes. Woods went on to win The Masters in April 2001, becoming the first player in history to hold all four major titles simultaneously.
This year's Open will be held at Muirfield, Scotland, where David Duval will try to defend the title he earned last year at Royal Lythan and St. Annes in England. The tournament goes to Royal St. George's in England in 2003 and to Royal Troon in Scotland a year later.
