Sports briefs for September 19, 2003

Friday, Sept. 19, 2003 | 10:27 a.m.

Bobybuilder arrested in Kobe-case plot

Authorities on Thursday arrested a Swiss bodybuilding coach in Monterey Park, Calif., they said made a $3 million offer to kill the woman who has accused Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant of sexual assault.

Patrick Graber was arrested for investigation of soliciting a murder after making the offer to Bryant's security director and then meeting with undercover detectives, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca told a news conference at his headquarters.

Baca said Graber, 31, of El Segundo, agreed to carry out the murder for $1 million up front and $2 million after the fact.

"We believe it was a credible threat," sheriff's Lt. Jim Taylor said. He added that just before the arrest, Graber was given a bag full of movie studio prop money.

Graber was booked and held on $1 million bail, and an arraignment was set for Monday. Sheriff's officials said he had an expired visa and worked at a local gym.

Wie struggles

Thirteen-year-old Michelle Wie had the biggest gallery for the first round of the PGA Nationwide Boise Open, but struggled to a 7-over-par 78 as she because the first junior female to play in the PGA-sanctioned event. Chris Warren held the first-round lead after shooting a 6-under 65.

Arum cools down

Promoter Bob Arum said Thursday that comments he made about the scoring in the Oscar De La Hoya-Shane Mosley fight could be "interpreted as inappropriate." Arum claimed Monday that there was misconduct by a Nevada boxing commission member in helping pick the judges who worked the 154-pound title fight, which Mosley won by unanimous decision last Saturday.

Hmiel suspended

Busch Series driver Shane Hmiel was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for violating the sanctioning organization's substance abuse policy. NASCAR did not specify the substance involved, but said Hmiel could seek reinstatement after agreeing to attend counseling and undergo periodic random testing.

Turco comes to terms

Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco agreed to a three-year contract after missing the first week of training camp. Turco set a modern NHL record with a 1.72 goals-against average last season. He was also an All-Star in his first season as the starter, finishing 31-10-10.

Triple Crown still alive

David Miller guided No Pan Intended to a wire-to-wire win in the Little Brown Jug at Delaware, Ohio, leaving them one victory short of pacing's Triple Crown. The third leg is the Messenger Stakes Oct. 18.

Nozal holds lead

Italy's Alessandro Petacchi won the 12th stage of the Tour of Spain while Spain's Isidro Nozal kept the overall lead.