Friday, Nov. 5, 2004 | 10:55 a.m.
Diamondbacks decide to fire Backman
The Arizona Diamondbacks fired Wally Backman today, just four days after hiring him as their manager.
The decision to oust him so quickly came after revelations that he twice had been arrested and had struggled with financial problems. The team had been unaware of Backman's problems until the media reports.
The Diamondbacks introduced Backman on Tuesday before being made aware of his off-the-field problems, which included numerous tax liens by state and the federal government, a misdemeanor stemming from an altercation at his house and a DUI arrest.
Backman, who had no previous major-league managing experience, was replacing interim manager Al Pedrique, who replaced Bob Brenly at midseason.
Nets will keep Frank
New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank has signed a four-year, $10 million contract extension.
AFL alters playoffs
The Arena Football League board of directors approved a new playoff format with the top four teams from each conference advancing instead of the eight teams with the best records.The qualifiers now will be the two division winners in each conference plus two wild-card teams. They will then play toward a conference final, with the champions meeting in the Arena Bowl in Las Vegas.
Turin chief quits
The chief organizer of the 2006 Turin Olympics is quitting in a power struggle with the Italian government, just 15 months before the start of the Winter Games. Valentino Castellani, head of the organizing committee known as TOROC, said he was undermined by the government's nomination of Mario Pescante, culture ministry undersecretary and former head of the Italian Olympic Committee, as overall supervisor for the Feb. 10-26, 2006 games.
Lecavalier to Russia
Vincent Lecavalier signed with AK Bars Kazan in the Russian pro leagueto play during the NHL lockout and said Tampa Bay Lightning teammate Brad Richards will be joining him.
NYRA finds boss
The New York Racing Association hired Charles Hayward, the former chief executive of The Daily Racing Form, to be its new CEO.
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