Sports briefs for January 12, 2005

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005 | 11:20 a.m.

NYRA suspends two in weight investigation

The New York Racing Association suspended its clerk of scales and his assistant today amid an investigation of jockey weigh-ins at Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct.

Suspended indefinitely with pay were Clerk of Scales Mario Sclafani and Assistant Clerk of Scales Braulio Baeza, a Hall of Fame jockey.

Documents were taken from the three thoroughbred tracks last month under search warrants.

At the time, law enforcement sources said authorities were seeking information about jockey weigh-ins at the three tracks.

Jefferson finished

Richard Jefferson, the New Jersey Nets' leading scorer, will need surgery on his left wrist and will miss the rest of the NBA season. Jefferson's wrist was injured on what he claims was a dirty foul by Chauncey Billups of the Detroit Pistons.

Yacht record on pace

British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur remained four days ahead of schedule in her big for a solo round-the-world record. On Tuesday she passed Cape Horn -- more than three-quarters of the way back to Ushant, France, which she must reach by Feb. 9.

Gaucher moves up

Wranglers defenseman Ryan Gaucher signed with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. The team also announced that Sebastien Centomo was named ECHL goalie of the week.

Big Ben chips in

Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that he will donate his first NFL playoff paycheck -- $18,000 -- to the tsunami victims relief effort.

Capriati out

Two-time champion Jennifer Capriati withdrew from the Australian Open for the second consecutive year because of a shoulder injury.