Sports briefs for January 13, 2004

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004 | 10:38 a.m.

Indy Racing League owners may bid on the assets of CART, throwing the proposed sale of the bankrupt, open-wheel-racing series into question.

IRL spokesman Fred Nation confirmed Monday that representatives of the series began examining CART's equipment and contracts Friday, but the IRL will not decide for several days yet whether to bid on any of the assets. The deadline for bids is Jan. 23.

CART has an agreement to sell all of its assets, including equipment and sponsorship contracts, to Open Wheel Racing Series LLC. If bids other than Open Wheel's emerge, it could force an auction of CART assets on Jan. 28.

Cubs settle on rooftops

The Chicago Cubs have reached a 20-year agreement with most of the owners of rooftop bleachers that overlook Wrigley Field that would require the bleachers' owners to pay the team 17 percent of their gross revenue, estimated at more than $2 million per year.

Clijsters forced out

A day after saying she intended to play next week in the Australian Open, Belgian star Kim Clijsters withdrew from the Adidas event in Sydney because of the ankle injury that forced her out of last week's Hopman Cup.

Williams trial begins

Jayson Williams' manslaughter trial began today in Somerville, N.J., with jury selection. A former NBA all-star, Williams is accused of fatally shooting a limo driver in February 2002.

U.S. star to England

Carlos Bocanegra, two-time MLS defender of the year, signed with Fulham, making him the fifth American playing regularly in England's Premier League.

Tormey finds work

Chris Tormey, who was fired as UNR's head coach, was hired as Washington's linebackers coach. Tormey, 48, was a Huskies assistant from 1984-94.

Champ tests positive

Hammer-throw national champion Melissa Price tested positive for the steroid THG at the 2003 U.S. championships. She is disputing the results.

Palffy's season over

Ziggy Palffy, the Los Angeles Kings' leading scorer, had season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.

Prominent owner dies

William T. Young, 85, the owner of 1996 Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone, died in Florida.