Sports briefs for October 30, 2003

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003 | 11:13 a.m.

The Florida Marlins have agreed to change their name to the Miami Marlins if the city builds the World Series champions a new ballpark, The Miami Herald reported today.

Team president David Samson said Miami-Dade County and city officials requested the name change.

"It was something (Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria) and I had no problem with," Samson was quoted as saying.

The Marlins and county officials have announced a plan to commit $210 million toward a new ballpark, which would carry a price tag of $325 million plus land costs. The 38,000-seat stadium would have a retractable roof and would open in 2007. Officials are seeking a site.

Milestone for Mario

Mario Lemieux became the sixth player in NHL history with 1,700 points, earning an assist in Pittsburgh's 4-4 tie with the New York Islanders. He joined Wayne Gretzky (2,857), Gordie Howe (1,850), Mark Messier (1,847), Marcel Dionne (1,771) and Ron Francis (1,760).

Key games for Rebels

The UNLV men's team faces a key weekend in its drive for a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament berth. The Rebels (4-11, 1-3) end their regular season with road matches today at Denver (7-7-2, 1-2-2) and Sunday at Air Force (8-6-1, 1-2). The Rebels are tied for fourth place and the top six team will qualify for the MPSF tournament.

Gladiators add two

The Las Vegas Gladiators today signed wide receiver/linebacker Marcus Nash and lineman John DeWitt, considered two of Arena Football's most coveted free agents.

Dotson says: Not guilty

Former Baylor basketball player Carlton Dotson entered a plea of not guilty in a Waco, Texas, courtroom on charged he killed former teammate Patrick Dennehy.