Sports briefs for August 11, 2004

Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004 | 10:44 a.m.

Serena withdraws from Athens 2004

Serena Williams pulled out of the Olympics tournament today.

A former world No. 1, she has been bothered by an injury to her left knee, which had forced her to withdraw from WTA tournaments in San Diego and Montreal this month.

Williams, who won the doubles gold with sister Venus at the 2000 Sydney Games, will be replaced in the singles draw in Athens by Australia's Samantha Stosur.

Williams' withdrawal came a day after Jennifer Capriati was forced to give up her spot on the U.S. team because of a hamstring injury.

Capriati was replaced by Lisa Raymond.

Edwards was a medal contender in the 100 and 200 meters at the games.

Unless the suspension is overturned, her Olympic spot in the 100 will be offered to Gail Devers, who finished fourth at the U.S. trials. Devers' agent told the Associated Press earlier today the five-time Olympian will run in the 100 if Edwards is suspended, meaning Marion Jones will not get a chance to defend her gold medal in the event.

Gomez wins case

New Jersey Devils center Scott Gomez, who led the team in assists last season, was given a one-year, $2.9 million contract through salary arbitration.

Kings sign forward

The Sacramento Kings signed former USC forward David Blumenthal, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound free agent who played in Israel this past season.

Title bout for Williams

Danny Williams, who beat Mike Tyson last month in Louisville, Ky., will fight Uzbekistan's Oleg Maskaev on Oct. 9 in London for the vacant World Boxing Union heavyweight title.

No. 1 seed breezes

Top seed Marion Bartoli of France had little trouble with Italy's Adriana Serra Zanetti, winning 6-0, 6-1 in the first round of the Vancouver Women's Open.