Sports briefs for April 7, 2004

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 | 10:27 a.m.

Longtime NFL executive Carmen Policy announced today that he will leave his role as the Browns' president and chief executive officer after the 2004 season. He announced his decision in an interview broadcast on a Cleveland radio station.

He said he will spend the upcoming season helping owner Randy Lerner's transitioin into greater involvement with the team organization. Lerner assumed ownership of the franchise after the death of his father, Al Lerner, in 2002.

"What you are going to see now is a football side of the building and a business side of the building, with both sides answered to Randy," Policy said. "The situation is prime for Randy to be able to step in now."

Kobe wants quick trial

Attorneys for Kobe Bryant and prosecutors in his sexual assault trial filed papers in a Denver court urging a trial date be set. Bryant's lawyers said the case has exacted "personal and professional toll on Mr. Bryant."

Lemieux will return

The Pittsburgh Penguins had the NHL's worst record but lost the coin flip for the No. 1 draft choice to the Washington Capitals. Instead of getting to select Russian star Alexander Ovechkin, the Penguins will settle for Mario Lemieux, who told coach Eddie Olczyk he intended to play in 2004-05 after missing all but 10 games this season with hip problems. The Penguins will draft second on June 26, followed by Chicago, Columbus and Phoenix.

Martina loses

Making her first singles appearance in the United States in more than 10 years, Martina Navratilova was a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 loser to Milagros Sequera in the first round of the Bausch & Lomb Championships at Amelia Island, Fla.

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