Sports Briefs

Thursday, July 10, 2003 | 11:26 a.m.

Banks, Perkins sign with Celtics

UNLV's Marcus Banks and Kendrick Perkins, first-round draft choices of the Boston Celtics, signed pro contracts today. Terms were not disclosed.

Banks, a 6-foot-2 guard, was the 13th pick of the draft, chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies then traded to Boston. Celtics coach Jim O'Brien said Banks will be given a chance to to be the starting point guard.

Perkins, a 6-foot-10, 280-pound center, was drafted 27th out of Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, Texas. He was the Celtics' first pick from the high school ranks.

Felix record in peril

Allyson Felix's time of 22.11 seconds in the 200 meters -- publicized internationally as a world junior record for the past two months -- likely will not stand because she did not take a drug test within an hour of the race's completion. Felix, 17, who graduated last month from high school in Los Angeles, set the record at Mexico City on May 3. There was no arrangement for drug testing at the event, according to Felix.

Death rumors untrue

Criminal charges against former Utah State player Donta Candler were dropped when reports that he had died from gunshot wounds proved erroneous. Prosecutors hope to get the charges reinstated. Candler faces felony charges of forgery, communications fraud and theft and several misdemeanor drug charges.

Hawaii violation

The University of Hawaii said Wednesday an internal investigation into the eligibility of a men's volleyball player revealed NCAA rules had been violated. The Honolulu Advertiser reported that the violation involved an international player with professional experience who played for Hawaii during its 2002 national championship season.

Isles sign Jonsson

The New York Islanders re-signed veteran defenseman Kenny Jonsson to a two-year contract today. Financial terms were not released. Jonsson, a restricted free agent, had eight goals and 18 assists in 71 games last season.

Iraq in world meet

Iraq was among a record 164 nations announced today as expected participants in the world championships, which begin Sunday in Spain. It would mark Iraq's first appearance in a major international sports event since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

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