Sports briefs for October 15, 2004

Friday, Oct. 15, 2004 | 11:09 a.m.

UNLV's Moore 3 back in PGA tournament

UNLV senior Ryan Moore was three shots out of the lead headed into today's second round of the PGA's Chrysler Classic of Greensboro. Moore, the 2004 U.S. Amatuer and NCAA champion, shot a 4-under-par 68 Thursday at Charlotte, N.C.

Jason Dufner, who has missed the cut in 15 of 26 tournaments, had the lead at Charlotte after a 7-under 65. One stroke behind Dufner was a group of five players at 66. Another 12 players shot 67s.

"It's been a tough year," said Dufner, who ranks 186th on the month list with two events to play. "I haven't played that bad for the year, but it's just not working out. To be honest with you, I really don't have anything to lose. I need top-fives or better to secure my card for next year."

Kobe accuser revealed

Under orders from a federal judge, the woman accusing Kobe Bryant of rape identified herself by name in a revised version of the lawsuit she filed against the NBA star two months ago. The 20-year-old woman, who asked Eagle County prosecutors to dismiss the felony case against Bryant after deciding not to testify, had sought to remain anonymous in the federal civil case.

Ex-player convicted

Fabian Desmond Smart, a former player at Lock Haven University, was convicted in Lock Haven, Pa., of murder in the 1999 beating death of 21-year-old Jason McMann, the brother of Olympic wrestler Sara McMann. Smart faces either life in prison without parole or a death sentence.

Otis Nixon arrested

Former major leaguer Otis Nixon was arrested in Lawrenceville, Ga., after the company holding his bond from a previous arrest decided not to honor it because he missed a court appearance. He was was arrested in January for allegedly threatening his bodyguard with a knife.

Newman on pole

Ryan Newman shattered the track record by averaging 188.877 mph to win the pole position for Saturday's NASCAR Nextel Cup UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Series leader Kurt Busch qualified 21st.

No NHL contraction

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league has no plans for franchise contraction in the face of the ongoing labor dispute with the players.