Sports briefs for January 27, 2004

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004 | 10:54 a.m.

Capitals owner roughs up fan

Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis grabbed a 20-year-old fan by the neck and threw him to the ground after being taunted during the team's home loss Sunday to the Philadelphia Flyers, The Washington Post reported today.

Jason Hammer, a Washington resident and season ticket-holder who sits across from Leonsis' luxury box, said he had led a derisive chant directed toward the owner during the game and held up a sign that read: "Caps Hockey; AOL Stock -- See a Pattern?" Leonsis, 48, is vice chairman of America Online.

One witness told the Post that Leonsis grabbed Hammer by the collar, drove him backward and pushed him down. Another witness said Leonsis and Hammer were yelling at each other before the owner approached the fan. The two then shoved each other, the witness said, before security guards intervened.

Hammer, who told the newspaper Leonsis had called to apologize, said he did not intend to press charges.

Saban hires successor

Louisiana State University coach Nick Saban hired Bobby Williams, the man who succeeded Saban when he left Michigan State in 1999, as wide receivers coach.

Vols extend Summitt

Women's coach Pat Summitt, signed a four-year contract extension at the University of Tennessee. The annual salary is $824,500, a yearly increase of $74,500.

Kim arrested

Suspended IOC vice president Kim Un-yong was arrested today in South Korea following investigations into possible embezzlement of $3.34 million from taekwondo organizations.

Funny Cide wins again

Funny Cide outpolled Empire Maker for top 3-year-old and Mineshaft was named 2003 Horse of the Year in voting for the Eclipse Awards announced in Hollywood, Fla. List of winners, page 6D.

Lopez named captain

LPGA Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez was the unanimous selection as U.S. captain for the 2005 Solheim Cup.