Sports briefs for September 25, 2003

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003 | 9:52 a.m.

Michigan wins appeal to lift tournament ban

The University of Michigan basketball program has won its appeal and the team will be eligible to play in the 2004 NCAA tournament, according to today's Detroit Free Press. An announcement was expected today.

The decision was made by the NCAA's infractions appeals committee, which overturned the postseason-related portion of the infractions committee's May ruling.

Michigan's successful appeal concludes all NCAA procedures regarding the scandal involving Ed Martin, who died this year and had been accused of making illicit cash payments totaling $616,000 to former players Chris Webber, Maurice Taylor, Louis Bullock and Robert Traylor.

The ban on participation in the NCAA tournament and National Invitation Tournament was the only NCAA sanction that Michigan appealed. Other sanctions, including four years of probation and the loss of one scholarship in each of four seasons, remain in effect.

Earnhardt OK to race

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was cleared by NASCAR to race this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Earnhardt sustained a minor concussion and sprained his right foot in a wreck Sunday in Dover, Del.

Reducing the USOC

The Senate agreed to streamline the United States Olympic Committee. Instead of 124 members, the new USOC board of directors would have nine members, plus the U.S. delegates to the International Olympic Committee and a representative from the Olympic Assembly. A House subcommittee approved a similar bill.

Major event at UNLV

Six teams will compete this weekend in the annual UNLV Women's Tennis Fall Invitational. Joining the Rebels will be Alabama, Oklahoma State, San Diego, Northern Arirzona and New Mexico. Play begins Friday with the singles finals set for Sunday.

Sabres re-sign McKee

The Buffalo Sabres came to terms with restricted free agent defenseman Jay McKee on a two-year contract. McKee will make $1.7 million this year and $2.2 million in 2004-05.

Empire Maker out

Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker was declared out of Saturday's Jockey Club Gold Cup with an injury to his right front foot.

Cardinals suspended

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny, manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan were suspended and fined for their conflict with an umpire last weekend.