IndyCar drivers, execs hold safety meeting
INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- IndyCar drivers and racing officials met privately on safety issues in Indianapolis Monday, eight days after driver Dan Wheldon died in a pileup during a race.
Among the drivers present at the meeting with IZOD IndyCar Series Chief Executive Randy Bernard were Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan.
The pair didn't reveal details in comments to reporters after the meeting, but did indicate the session was "positive" and "productive."
Both drivers served as pallbearers for Wheldon during his funeral service Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
"We all got to talk a lot and listen a lot," four-time series champion Franchitti said. "We just looked at going forward and how do we improve things in all areas, so I think it was a very positive and productive meeting. That's the first step I think today."
IndyCar also officially launched a two-phase investigation into the horrific Oct. 16 crash in Las Vegas, which involved 15 cars and claimed the life of Wheldon, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.
The first phase will include a safety and competition evaluation to arrive at a definitive explanation of what caused the accident, while Phase 2 will use the information to minimize future risks.
Kiffin: Sorry for player's 'quit' comments
LOS ANGELES, La., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- University of Southern California football Coach Lane Kiffin apologized Monday for a player's assertion Notre Dame had quit in a game.
Kiffin called Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly to say "sorry" for the statements made by USC linebacker Chris Galippo after the Trojans' 31-17 victory over the Fighting Irish Saturday, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"On behalf of our football program, I apologize for Chris Galippo's statements after the game," Kiffin said in a statement. "I've addressed this with Chris and he is remorseful. I also called [Kelly] to personally apologize."
Galippo, meanwhile, also apologized for the comments he and other players made regarding Kelly's decision to not use timeouts in the final minutes of the Irish's loss.
"If I offended anyone with my post-game comments Saturday, I do apologize," Galippo posted on his Twitter feed. "I have great respect for their players and their program. It was a great game by both sides. Time to focus on Stanford!!!"
Cherington to be next Bosox GM
BOSTON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox have picked Ben Cherington as their next executive vice president and general manager, replacing Theo Epstein, who left for the Chicago Cubs.
The American League club will hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon to announce the promotion of Cherington, 37, who has been with the Red Sox since 1999 and has been their assistant general manager since 2009.
Cherington faces the challenge of getting Boston back into the playoffs. The Red Sox haven't played in the post-season for two years.
His top short-term priority will be to hire a manager to replace Terry Francona, who left the team three weeks ago.
September collapse that was the worst in baseball history.
MLB.com notes his roster concerns include dealing with free agents David Ortiz and Jonathan Papelbon, and find a replacement for J.D. Drew, who it says will either retire or move to another team. Marco Scutaro also could depart, as well.
Phillies decline options on Lidge, Oswalt
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Phillies won't be exercising club options they hold on pitchers Brad Lidge and Roy Oswalt, the team announced Monday.
The right-handers instead have been cut loose, Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement.
"While we will not pick up either of their options, we will remain in contact with representatives for both players about the possibility of bringing them back for the 2012 season," Amaro said. "Brad and Roy both made significant contributions to the Phillies over the past several seasons."
Lidge, 34, spent four seasons in Philadelphia, part of the time as its closer. He went 0-2 with a 1.40 ERA and one save over 25 appearances last season and was a perfect 12-for-12 in post-season save opportunities with the team.
Oswalt, also 34, was obtained from the Houston Astros in July 2010 deadline trade. The starter went 16-11 with a 2.96 ERA in his stint with Philadelphia.
