Sports briefs for October 21, 2004

Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004 | 10:55 a.m.

Carmelo Anthony faces pot charge

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony faces a petty-offense charge after marijuana was found in his backpack during a search at Denver International Airport last week.

"He is innocent of these charges," his attorney, Dan Recht, said Wednesday night. "He's devastated by these charges. He feels an obligation to his fans. He has been an upstanding member of the Nuggets and will continue to be."

Anthony faces a charge of possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana. The marijuana allegedly was found in a side pocket when the backpack was hand-searched before the Nuggets boarded a team flight to Milwaukee for a preseason game.

The flight left from Signature Flight Support at DIA. Recht said a male friend of Anthony's is expected to make a statement today taking claim for the marijuana.

Anthony declined to comment through team spokesperson Teri Washington.

Beckham cleared

England's soccer federation decided today not to punish national captain David Beckham for intentionally getting a yellow card in a World Cup qualifying match.

Formula 1 to Mexico

Mexico will be the site of a Formula One race in 2006 after talks of more than 12 months led to an agreement today with Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One's commercial rights manager. Unidentified businessmen will invest $100 million in a new circuit at Cancun.

Faith Lutheran wins

Jacquie Siipola led Faith Lutheran to the team championship in the weather-shortened state Class 3A high school meet at Genoa Lakes near Carson City, then won medalist honors when she defeated Pahrump Valley's Darla Hopkins and Inclines' Ashley Wood in two playoff holes.

Hawaii keeps Pro Bowl

The NFL and Aloha Stadium officials reached agreement that will keep the Pro Bowl in Hawaii through 2009.