Sports briefs for December 1, 2003

Monday, Dec. 1, 2003 | 9:40 a.m.

Court rejects appeal for Earnhardt photos

The Supreme Court today rejected an appeal from a student-run newspaper that wanted autopsy photos of racecar driver Dale Earnhardt.

The newspaper had challenged a Florida law passed after Earnhardt's death, barring public access to autopsy pictures.

Before the law, Florida had allowed the public to see the photographs for 90 years without any problems, attorney Thomas Julin told justices in a filing on behalf of the Independent Florida Alligator.

The Alligator, an independent newspaper staffed by University of Florida students, sought the photos as questions arose over how the racer died and whether better safety equipment might have saved him.

Earnhardt, a seven-time Winston Cup champion, died on Feb. 18, 2001, when his car hit the wall on the final turn at the Daytona 500. Doctors said he died instantly.

Clijsters won't play

Kim Clijsters, the No. 2-ranked woman in the world, said today she won't play in the 2004 Olympics at Athens because she wouldn't have been allowed to wear apparel from her own manufacturer, Fila. The Belgian Olympic Committee prohibits its athletes from wearing apparel not made by team sponsor Adidas.

Tormey out at UNR

A 6-6 record and no winning records in four seasons as head coach cost Chris Tormey his job as the Nevada-Reno coach.

Couples leads Skins

Fred Couples won the Skins Game for a record fourth-time, collecting $605,000 in the two-day event at La Quinta, Calif. Annika Sorenstam was second with $225,000.

McCrackin leads UNLV

Tournament MVP Sherry McCracklin had 16 points and 16 rebounds, her fourth consecutive double-double game, to lead the UNLV women to a 77-67 victory against Richmond in the final of the Lady Rebel Shootout at Cox Pavilion. UNLV improved to 3-1.