Sports briefs for January 22, 2004

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004 | 10:42 a.m.

Kerry Earnhardt will get a chance to prove himself in NASCAR's top stock car series with Richard Childress Racing, the team that gave his late father six of his seven Winston Cup championships.

Earnhardt will drive a black No. 33 Chevrolet this year in a limited schedule of Nextel Cup races and help RCR test and develop cars for full-time Cup drivers Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon and Johnny Sauter.

"We're going to have an Earnhardt back in a Richard Childress Racing car," Childress said Wednesday. "It gives me chills just to say that."

Kerry, the oldest son of Dale Earnhardt and half brother of current Cup star Dale Jr., will drive in five races for RCR, beginning with the event at Talladega on April 25.

Earnhardt, 34, lost his Busch Series ride with FitzBradshaw Racing midway through last season.

Halladay gets new deal

American League Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay reached agreement today with the Toronto Blue Jays on a four-year, $42 million contract.

Carnoustie in 2007

The 2007 British Open was awarded today to Carnoustie. the Scottish links course that was the scene of Frenchman Jean Ven Der Velde's 1999 collapse on the final hole that led to Paul Lawrie's victory.

UNLV opener delayed

The UNLV women's team will open its 2004 dual-match season Jan. 30 at home against UNR instead of Friday against UCLA. That match has been rescheduled for March 31.

ECHL East stars win

A four-goal rally in the third period gave the East a 7-6 victory in the ECHL All-Star Game at Peoria, Ill. The Wranglers' Dave Cousineau had a goal for the West.

Kobe hearing closed

Courtroom arguments Friday about whether Kobe Bryant's accuser has given up her medical privacy rights will be closed to the public.

Keyshawn robbed

Keyshawn Johnson was mugged at gunpoint by two men in Berkeley, Calif. He was robbed of money and jewelry but unhurt, police said.