Sports briefs for December 22, 2003

Monday, Dec. 22, 2003 | 10:44 a.m.

The New York Knicks today fired General Manager Scott Layden and will replace him with Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas.

The team called a news conference for later today to make a "major announcement."

The firing ends Layden's four-plus season tenure with the Knicks. The team had the highest payroll in the league the past two seasons, yet have missed the playoffs.

Thomas was fired as coach of the Indiana Pacers in August. His only front-office experience came as vice president of the Toronto Raptors from 1994-97.

The Knicks with 10 wins and 18 losses are fifth in the seven- team Atlantic Division.

Van Pelt feeling better

Colorado State quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt quarterback threw hard again Sunday, a sign his broken throwing hand might be healed enough for him to play in the San Francisco Bowl against Boston College on Dec. 31. Van Pelt's hand was broken in the Rams' 24-23 victory against UNLV in November.

Lonard ekes out win

Australia's Peter Lonard won the Australian Open at Rye, holing a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole to beat Stephen Leaney and Chris Downes by one stroke.

Serena delays return

No. 3-ranked Serena Williams, who hasn't played since knee surgery in August, withdrew from the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia, to concentrate on preparations for the Australian Open, which starts Jan. 19.

Hungarian ready to go

Zsolt Baumgartner is set to become Hungary's first Formula One driver after the government today pledged $4 million to help fund his place at the Minardi team in 2004.