Sports briefs for April 27, 2004

Tuesday, April 27, 2004 | 10:36 a.m.

IOC gets insurance for Athens Games

For the first time, the IOC has taken out cancellation insurance on the Olympics -- a $170 million policy to cover the risk of the Athens Games being called off because of war, terrorism, earthquakes or flooding.

The Athens Olympics will be the most heavily guarded in history, with a security budget nearing $1 billion -- more than three times the amount spent on protecting the 2000 Sydney Games. NATO has agreed to help provide security in Athens.

IOC president Jacques Rogge told The Associated Press today that coverage for full and partial cancellation of the Aug. 13-29 games had been signed with a syndicate of London-based insurance companies.

It's the first time the International Olympic Committee has insured any Olympics against cancellation.

The policy does not protect corporate sponsors of the Olympics or television networks, which have billions of dollars riding on the games.

The policy covers a "whole range of issues such as terrorism, earthquake, flooding, landslides, things like that," Rogge said by phone from Lausanne, Switzerland.

He said the move represents "standard prudent judgment" and does not reflect any lack of confidence in the Athens Games.

Williams trial to jury

Jurors today began deliberating the case of former NBA all-star Jayson Williams, who is accused of manslaughter in the shotgun death of his driver, Costas "Gus" Christofi, on Feb. 14, 2002.

Blalock honored

Las Vegas Gladiators wide receiver Coco Blalock today was named the Army Ironman of the Week award winner for his play in the Gladiators' 60-34 victory Sunday against Detroit.

Maradona improves

Diego Maradona opened his eyes and began consuming a mix of liquid and solid foods after more than a week in intensive care. He was hospitalized April 18 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with heart and lung problems.

British Open hike

This summer's British Open champion will receive a modest boost in prize money. The winner's share will be about $1.3 million at the current exchange rate. A year ago, the share was $1.12 million.