Sports briefs for June 9, 2004

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 | 9 a.m.

Clyne, Martz settle complaint at LVMS

Local Super Late Models driver Chris Clyne has withdrawn an assault complaint against fellow driver Justin Martz and his father, Harry Martz, following an incident Saturday night at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Clyne said Tuesday in a prepared statement that the incident merely was "a simple argument" that had been "blown out of proportion." The incident received widespread media attention because Justin Martz is the son of Montana Governor Judy Martz and Harry Martz is the governor's husband.

"Following Saturday night's Super Late Model race at the Bullring, my racing team was involved in an altercation with the Quality Motorsports team and driver Justin Martz," Clyne said in the statement.

"In the heat of the moment, words were said and tempers flared between the two groups. I did lodge an official complaint with the Metropolitan Police Department in Las Vegas. Today, I am withdrawing that complaint."

LVMS officials have fined Justin Martz and Clyne $100 each for "conduct and actions detrimental to the betterment of the sport" and placed both drivers on probation for the remainder of the 2004 racing season at The Bullring.

Ohio State fires coach

Ohio State fired basketball coach Jim O'Brien after he admitted giving a recruit $6,000 five years ago.

Athletic director Andy Geiger said he offered O'Brien the opportunity to resign but the coach refused to step down. Geiger said associate head coach Rick Boyages would take over on an interim basis while the search for a new head coach takes place.

Agassi loses again

Las Vegas' Andre Agassi, a first-round loser at the French Open, was beaten in his opening match at the Queen's Club tournament in London by a player ranked 60th and making his debut in a grass-court event.

Agassi lost 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3) to Russia's Igor Andreev.

Faldo makes U.S. Open

Nick Faldo will play in his 17th consecutive U.S. Open after making birdie on the final hole at a sectional qualifier.

Faldo, a six-time major championship winner, finished at 5-under 139 to claim one of three available spots in the 36-hole qualifier at Lake Nona Country Club in Orlando, Fla.