Sports briefs for February 11, 2004

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004 | 9:47 a.m.

Stanford recruit trampled, paralyzed

Joe Kay, a Stanford volleyball recruit and a basketball player at Tucson High School in Arizona, was left partially paralyzed after being trampled when about 200 fans rushed the court to celebrate a basketball victory Friday night.

Kay, 18, had a stroke. Doctors believe his neck was twisted in a manner that tore his left cartoid artery, leaving him speechless with his right side paralyzed. He remained in critical condition Tuesday at University Medical Center in Tucson and his volleyball career was in jeopardy.

"We're not completely sure he knows the extent of what might be in front of him," said his mother, Suzanne Rabe, a law professor at the University of Arizona.

Stanford officials have assured Kay's parents that his admission will remain open for a few years and that his scholarship will be honored regardless of his ability to play.

NFL moves on Clarett

The National Football League filed papers in U.S. District Court in Manhattan seeking a stay of the decision that has allowed suspended Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett and other underclassmen to enter the NFL draft.

Blake has broken leg

Defenseman Rob Blake will be out of the Colorado Avalanche lineup indefinitely after a hairline fracture was found in his lower left leg.

Halfbridled on hold

The 3-year-old debut of juvenile filly champion Halfbridled was pushed back a month when trainer Richard Mandella announced that the horse won't run Sunday at Santa Anita in the $250,000 Las Virgenes Stakes. The horse will be pointed to the Santa Anita Oaks on March 13.

Latvian player dies

Raimonds Jumikis, 23, a Latvian playing in the Swedish professional league, collapsed in a game and died from an apparent heart attack.