Sports briefs for January 26, 2005

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 | 10:18 a.m.

Doctor says Owens not fit for Super Bowl

Terrell Owens' doctor said he will not give the All-Pro receiver clearance to play in the Super Bowl. However, Owens could ignore those instructions and be in uniform for the Philadelphia Eagles against the New England Patriots on Feb. 6.

One day after telling reporters he would return for the NFL title game, Owens got discouraging news from Dr. Mark Myerson on Tuesday night during his weekly checkup in Baltimore.

Myerson said in a statement that he's pleased with Owens' recuperation, but maintains the surgery requires a recovery period of eight to 10 weeks. Myerson also said that any attempt to accelerate the rehabilitation process poses the same risk for injury.

Owens has insisted he'll be on the field playing instead of leading cheers on the sidelines in Jacksonville, Fla. The Eagles' doctors and training staff should have the final say on Owens' status.

Dodgers add Erickson

Scott Erickson agreed Tuesday to a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and will attend spring training as a non-roster invitee. Erickson, a 36-year-old right-hander, was 1-4 in six starts with the New York Mets and Texas Rangers last season, working only 27 innings. He didn't pitch in 2001 after elbow ligament replacement surgery and in 2003 after undergoing a shoulder operation.

Kobe's lawyers argue

Attorneys in the civil case against Kobe Bryant are sparring over rules for witness interviews and whether the NBA star will be able to blame the emotional distress of his accuser on others. The arguments come ahead of a hearing in Denver federal court on Feb. 2. It was unclear Tuesday whether Bryant or the woman accusing him of rape will be there. Neither is required to appear. The woman's attorneys are fighting Bryant's assertions that media organizations, the state court system and people who threatened the woman share responsibility for the distress she says she has suffered since their encounter in a Colorado resort hotel 19 months ago.

Rebels lose to UCLA

Second-ranked UCLA posted its third consecutive shutout with a 7-0 decision against visiting UNLV on Tuesday. The Rebels were able to win only one set in singles and a lone doubles match against the powerful Bruins, who boasted three of the nation's top-40 ranked players in their lineup.