Sports briefs for July 15, 2004

Thursday, July 15, 2004 | 10:35 a.m.

BCS reveals new formula for 2004

The Associated Press poll will count for one-third of each team's ranking under the new formula Bowl Championship Series officials unveiled today in their latest attempt to find a simpler, more equitable way to determine a national champion.

Under the new formula, which begins this season, the AP writers' poll, the coaches' poll and a combination of computer rankings will each count for one-third of a team's overall BCS ranking.

Strength of schedule, team record and quality wins, three components used under the old system, have all been eliminated.

"In analyzing the BCS standings, we wanted to develop a ranking formula that would be simpler and more precise," said BCS chairman Kevin Weiberg, the commissioner of the Big 12 Conference.

Huggins could return

Cincinnati scheduled a news conference for today amid a report that basketball coach Bob Huggins will be reinstated in September after being suspended for a drunken-driving conviction.

Venus moves on

Venus Williams reached the quarterfinal round of the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, Calif., with a 6-1, 6-1 victory against Lindsay Lee-Waters.

Roenick withdraws

Jeremy Roenick of the Philadelphia Flyers withdrew from the U.S. World Cup team because of unspecified health reasons and was replaced by Scott Gomez of New Jersey.

Moore keeps winning

UNLV's Ryan Moore defeated Andrew Price, 2 and 1, in the first round of match play at the U.S. Amateur Public Links tournament at Maple Grove, Minn.

Costa Rica advances

Costa Rica beat Chile 2-1 on Andy Herron's goal three minutes into the second half at Tacna, Peru, to claim the final quarterfinal spot in the Copa America tournament.

German paralyzed

German gymnast Ronny Ziesmer, who was expected to contend for a medal at the Athens Olympics, broke his neck during practice, and doctors expect him to remain paralyzed.