Sports briefs for June 29, 2005

Wednesday, June 29, 2005 | 11:10 a.m.

Boxing regulation, drug tests for pros win House panel OK

A House committee today approved separate bills that would set minimum steroid-testing rules and penalties for professional sports, and create a U.S. Boxing Commission.

The Drug Free Sports Act, introduced in the wake of allegations of widespread steroid use in baseball, would set drug-testing policy for the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball. It calls for an athlete to be suspended half the season for the first offense, a full season for the second, and a lifetime ban for a third offense.

The boxing bill would license boxers, managers, promoters and sanctioning organizations, and impose uniform health and safety standards, establish a centralized medical registry and provide uniform ranking criteria and contractual guidelines.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the steroids legislation, 38-2, and the boxing legislation, 25-16.

Florida Republican Cliff Stearns, who introduced both bills, said they would "leave a legacy of integrity and good sportsmanship that our children will live under for years to come."

But some members questioned whether it was wise to get the federal government into regulating boxing, or any sport for that matter.

Michelin offers refunds

Michelin offered refunds Tuesday to fans who bought tickets to the U.S. Grand Prix on June 19 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fourteen Formula One cars, all using Michelin tires, withdrew shortly before the race. Only six cars participated in the race, won by Michael Schumacher. The lack of competition outraged many in the estimated crowd of 100,000.

Tide extends Shula

New deal for Quinn

The Toronto Maple Leafs gave coach Pat Quinn a contract extension but didn't reveal any details, including length of the extension. Quinn, whose contract was scheduled to expire this summer, ranks fourth in all-time coaching wins.

Omaha gets Trials

Omaha, Neb., is the site of the College World Series, but is a city with very little swimming heritage. Yet it was picked as the site of the 2008 U.S. Olympic trials swimming meet, winning out over San Antonio and St. Paul, Minn. -- Sun wire services