Sports briefs for January 27, 2003

Monday, Jan. 27, 2003 | 10:37 a.m.

George Hendrick joins 51s' coaching staff

Former Major League player George Hendrick has dropped plans to manage the Class A Fort Wayne (Ind.) Wizards this summer, opting instead to take a position with the Las Vegas 51s, the Wizards said Sunday night.

Gary Jones, a three-time minor league manager of the year winner in three different leagues, will replace Hendrick as manager of the Wizards, a Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres.

Hendrick, who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball, has been named hitting coach of the 51s, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. Hendrick served as a roving hitting instructor and manager within the Padres' organization, and is a Las Vegas resident.

NAACP supports firing of coach for epithet

The NAACP expressed support Sunday for Western New Mexico's decision to fire its men's basketball coach after he allegedly used a racial epithet in berating black players.

But the national civil rights group said it still had some concerns after Saturday's firing of coach Joe Mondragon, and it demanded an apology for the black players.

Mondragon was dismissed after an investigation of allegations by guard David Harris, who said Mondragon used a slur in addressing six black players after asking others to leave the team bus last Monday.

Mondragon said his comments were taken out of context, and he denied any racial prejudice.

Marcus Allen voted into Hall of Fame

Marcus Allen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first try.

Joining the former Raiders running back in the Class of 2003 are defensive end Elvin Bethea, guard Joe DeLamielleure, wide receiver James Lofton and coach Hank Stram, who went in as a seniors candidate.

Palander posts win

Kalle Palander became the first Finnish man to win a World Cup race, capturing a slalom event in Austria in which American Bode Miller, the leader in the overall standings, finished 27th.