Sports briefs for July 27, 2004

Tuesday, July 27, 2004 | 9:10 a.m.

Bobcats sign Okafor before Athens trip

The Charlotte Bobcats have signed Emeka Okafor, getting the No. 2 overall pick under contract before he leaves for Greece to play for the U.S. Olympic team.

Okafor signed the three-year deal worth about $10 million on Monday.

"We are happy to have Emeka signed to a contract and ready to play basketball," coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff said. "He is a fine young man and we are proud to have him represent our franchise and our country, both on and off the court."

Okafor, a 6-foot-10 center, is currently with the Olympic team and will head to Athens next month.

After leading Connecticut to the national title as a junior, Okafor made himself available in the NBA draft. The Bobcats, who originally had the No. 4 overall pick, traded with the Los Angeles Clippers to move up two spots and select him.

Agassi rallies

Andre Agassi rallied to beat Tommy Haas 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round at the Masters Canada tournament at Toronto. Seventh-seeded Juan Carlos Ferrero was forced to retire in the sixth game of the first set against Fabrice Santoro because of back spasms. Juan Ignacio Chela, the 16th seed, advanced with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win against Xavier Malisse, and Paradorn Srichaphan, the 14th seed, downed Andrei Pavel 7-5, 6-3.

Russell suspended

Defensive tackle Darrell Russell, released two weeks ago by Tampa Bay, has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL after testing positive for drugs. He can apply for reinstatement after eight games if he is signed by a team.

Lindros has plans

After learning that the New York Rangers had not picked up the option on his contract, injury-plagued center Eric Lindros said signing with a Stanley Cup contender will be his top priority. The Rangers passed on a $10.25 million contract in June, making Lindros an unrestricted free agent.