Sports briefs for July 9, 2004

Friday, July 9, 2004 | 10:43 a.m.

La Salle player charged in rape

La Salle senior guard Michael Cleaves was charged with sexual assault Thursday, and authorities said they were waiting for a second player to turn himself in in connection with an alleged attack last month.

Meanwhile, school officials said men's coach Billy Hahn and women's coach John Miller had been placed on administrative leave.

Cleaves, 22, who turned himself in Thursday night, faces charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, and conspiracy, along with other counts, authorities said.

"We've reached an agreement for an offer sheet to be delivered on July 14," said Kevin O'Connor, vice president for basketball operations.

LV's Rambo on pace

Susan Marie "Ernie" Rambo, a teacher at Johnson Junior High, is about one-third of the way through her "Nevada Ramble," a north/south distance run across the state, she reported today.

Rambo, who started the journey July 1 and is scheduled to finish July 24, is running about 30 miles a day, mostly on dirt roads. Her next milestone will be crossing the Lincoln County line.

UNLV's Moore in first

UNLV senior and NCAA champion Ryan Moore carded a 69 Thursday to open a two-shot lead at midway point of the Sahalee (Wash.) Players Championship. Moore, who shot 68 on Thursday, held a two-stroke advantage over Northwestern's Dillon Dougherty in the elite amateur field. Another UNLV golfer, Travis Whisman, is four shots back.

Two All-Stars replaced

New York Yankees pitcher Javier Vazquez and Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Paul Lo Duca were added to the All-Star teams as replacements for injured players. Vazquez takes the spot of Oakland Athletics right-hander Tim Hudson, while Lo Duca replaces Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sean Casey.

Penguins sign Recchi

Seven-time All-Star Mark Recchi signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins today, returning to the city where he started his pro career 16 years ago.

Brazil defeats Chile

Luis Fabiano scored a last-minute goal as Brazil defeated Chile 1-0 at Copa America. Fabiano headed in the winner off a corner kick in the 90th minute.

Petty's son injured

Kyle Petty's son Austin Petty, 22, has two broken ankles after being hit by a car while riding a motorcycle Thursday.