Sports news briefs for August 18, 2003

Monday, Aug. 18, 2003 | 10:43 a.m.

Carolina linebacker has Hodgkin's disease

Carolina Panthers linebacker Mark Fields has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and will miss the entire season, the team said Sunday.

Fields, 30, was hospitalized last week when a cut on his thumb became infected and didn't heal. Further tests detected Hodgkin's disease Thursday and he began chemotherapy Saturday.

Bet security in focus

In the wake of a betting scandal involving the Breeders' Cup last fall, a thoroughbred racing group and a consultant headed by Rudolph W. Giuliani has recommended ways to improve the electronic security for parimutuel wagering in the United States. The proposals include the creation of a National Office of Wagering Security; the establishment of uniform, minimum security standards for the parimutuel system, and the enhancement of the wagering system to allow additional computer security measures.

Palo Verde loses

An 8-3 loss to Longmont, Colo., Sunday night eliminated Palo Verde in the semifinal round of the American Legion Region 8 tournament at Lodi, Calif.

Roddick rallies

Seventh-seeded Andy Roddick rallied to beat Mardy Fish 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4) and win the Cincinnati Masters. After dropping the first set against Fish, Roddick survived two tiebreakers to win.

Beckham scoreless

David Beckham had no goals in his first appearance for Real Madrid in Spain, but his new team defeated host Valencia on penalty kicks to win the Orange Trophy on Sunday. Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso kicked the winning goal.

Canucks sign top pick

The Vancouver Canucks signed first-round draft pick Ryan Kesler today. The 23rd overall pick, Kesler had had 11 goals, 20 assists and 44 penalty minutes last season as a freshman at Ohio State.

Kiraly, Doble win

Karch Kiraly and Brent Doble beat Todd Rogers and Sean Scott 21-16, 21-16 to win the Huntington Beach Pro Volleyball Open.