Sports briefs for November 13, 2003

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003 | 10:54 a.m.

Notre Dame is staying as a football independent -- for now.

In response to a USA Today report that the school had inquired about full membership in the Atlantic Coast Conference, athletic director Kevin White said today the university would "continue to monitor the landscape."

The newspaper had said Notre Dame was "inquiring" about joining. One official also said the school also contacted the Big Ten.

School officials have previously said Notre Dame, a member of the Big East conference in other sports, has been approached by several conferences.

"We're staying the course," White said.

ACC commissioner John Swofford said today the league "has not initiated discussions with anyone regarding further expansion."

The newspaper report said Notre Dame was looking to join a conference because of the uncertainty of the future of the Bowl Championship Series.

Hammer victim dies

A former University of Tennessee track athlete who won a million-dollar suit against the school for a head injury suffered at a meet in 1987 died Wednesday. Scott Hartman, 35, never regained complete consciousness and died after a period of deteriorating health. He was a 19-year-old freshman when he was hit in the head by a 16-pound steel field hammer during warmups at a meet at Kentucky.

Wepner suing Rocky

Former heavyweight Chuck Wepner is suing actor Sylvester Stallone for a share of the profits from the "Rocky" movies, claiming the series was based on Wepner's career. Attorney Anthony Mango estimated the five "Rocky" films and associated products have brought in more than $1 billion and said Wepner is entitled to part of that.

Next stop: Canton

John Elway and Barry Sanders, both in their first year of eligibility, head the list of 25 semifinalists for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. Among other selections were wide receivers Cliff Branch, Art Monk and Steve Tasker, who is also listed as a special teams player; quarterback Ken Stabler; and punter Ray Guy.

Rebels begin playoffs

Eleven days after ending the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation regular season against each other, UNLV and Air Force are matched today in Sacramento in the first round of the men's conference tournament.

Wings demote Hudler

The Detroit Red Wings sent rookie center Jiri Hudler to their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids so he can get more playing time. Hudler, 19, was the Red Wings' second-round draft pick.

U.S. slips to third

The United States lost to undefeated China 25-20, 20-25, 24-26, 25-20, 15-11 today and slipped into a tie for third place at the women's World Cup.