Sports briefs

Friday, Aug. 1, 2003 | 10:39 a.m.

Dotson shooting story focuses on reporter

Newspaper intern Shani George, who landed an exclusive jailhouse interview with a former Baylor University player accused of killing a teammate, is today the focus of attention.

Grady Irvin, who represents Carlton Dotson, said in a written statement that George did not disclose her affiliation with The Dallas Morning News before meeting his client Wednesday at a Maryland detention center.

The newspaper stood by George's work and the story, which reported that Dotson suggested he acted in self-defense in a deadly confrontation with Patrick Dennehy.

Dotson, 21, was arrested in Maryland in the death of Dennehy, whose decomposed body was found July 25.

"It is our understanding that the intern did not provide any identifying information as being a reporter or intern," Irvin's statement said. "Instead, it is our understanding that she represented herself as a Christian who was there to let Mr. Dotson know that she was 'praying' for him."

The paper said George gave the officer a copy of her press credentials and an unsealed note to Dotson identifying herself as working for the paper.

Eye on Williamsport

Green Valley Little League All-Stars will begin the Western regional tournament this weekend in San Bernardino, Calif.. Pool play runs Saturday to Friday and the top four teams will advance to semifinals Aug. 10. The regional winner advances to the Little League World Series Aug. 15-24 at Williamsport, Pa.

The Green Valley team will be joined in San Bernardino by teams from Southern and Northern California, Arizona and Wyoming. A team from Utah was scheduled to participate, but was disqualified.

Interim AD named

Dr. Michael Robison has been named the acting director of athletics and activities for Clark County School District, a temporary move to fill in for departed director Larry McKay while the search for a replacement continues. Formerly the assistant region superintendent for the Southwest Region, Robison is expected to man the athletics post through the beginning of the school year while the district continues its hiring process.

Opening ceremonies

Dominican baseball heroes Juan Marichal and Pedro Martinez were scheduled to take part in the Pan American Games opening ceremony tonight in Santo Domingo. The ceremoney will feature nearly 10,000 participants with Marichal lighting the torch.

Martinez, who got no decision in Boston's game Thursday at Texas, boarded a chartered plane afterward for a flight to Santo Domingo. He will rejoin the Red Sox Monday.

Sposa leads Buick

Mike Sposa, who missed the cut in four of his past five tournaments, shot a 7-under 65 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Buick Open at Grand Blan, Mich. Carl Paulson, Craig Perks, David Sutherland and Paul Gow had 66s. Defending champ Tiger Woods had a 69.

Agassi advances

Top-seeded Andre Agassi got closer to his sixth Legg Mason title, beating Sargis Sargsian 6-3, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals at Washington.

Michigan charges

Michigan's Marlin Jackson, the Big Ten preseason defensive player of the year, was charged Thursday with two assault charges. A spokesman for the Washtenaw County prosecutor's office would not discuss what led to the charges.