Sports briefs for August 25, 2004

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2004 | 10:49 a.m.

Prosecutors suggest samples contaminated

Crucial DNA evidence tested by defense experts in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case might have been contaminated, prosecutors said in a court filing released today, just two days before jury selection is to begin.

Prosecutors said they had found contamination in DNA "control" samples intended to ensure testing was accurate. They also said data from the defense's experts appears to have been manipulated.

Prosecutors asked the judge to hold a hearing Thursday to force the NBA star's attorneys to prove the reliability of the evidence intended to be presented at trial by defense experts.

On Tuesday, the judge in the case sharply restricted how the news media may cover the trial using television and still cameras, saying he was worried the exposure could threaten the fairness of the proceedings.

51s extend contract

The Las Vegas 51s announced Tuesday an extension of their player development contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for two seasons through 2006.

"We feel fortunate that the Dodgers signed an extension with our organization for two additional years," 51s president Don Logan said. "This gives us additional time to obtain our goal to get a new state-of-the-art Triple-A stadium built in Las Vegas."

The 51s are completing their fourth season as the top farm club of the Dodgers and their 22nd season overall in the Pacific Coast League.

Wizards reach final

Igor Simutenkov scored on a penalty kick late in the first half, lifting the Kansas City Wizards past the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 in a semifinal of the U.S. Open Cup at Overland Park, Kan. The Wizards will play the winner of the semifinal between the Chicago Fire and Charleston Battery in the final on Sept. 22.

Darlington turns on

Officials at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway threw seven switches that lit exterior lights at NASCAR's oldest superspeedway. Six-time Darlington winner Jeff Gordon headlined an exhibition program to hail the arrival of lights, which might save the old track's spot on the Nextel Cup schedule.

No to Bloom is final

Jeremy Bloom lost his final plea to be allowed to play football for Colorado while accepting commercial ski endorsements.