Sports briefs for March 14, 2005

Monday, March 14, 2005 | 9:58 a.m.

Feds want Panthers for steroids testimony

Investigators probing an alternative medicine doctor want to speak to at least nine current or former members of the Carolina Panthers about possible illegal steroid prescriptions, the Columbia, S.C., newspaper reported.

Dr. James Shortt, a West Columbia physician, is under investigation for allegedly prescribing steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs, The State said in Sunday editions. The newspaper based its story on court records and sources speaking on condition of anonymity.

Federal agents subpoenaed the Panthers for the addresses and contact information of several players as part of the probe.

"We've known about the investigation into Dr. Shortt for a short period of time and we are still trying to retrieve enough information to comment on it," Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said Sunday. "We certainly are not aware of any of our players testing positive for steroids."

Gooden arrested

Former major leaguer Dwight Gooden was arrested on a domestic-violence charge early Sunday for punching his girlfriend in the face after she hit him in the head with part of a telephone.

FA semifinals set

Defending champion Manchester United, seeking to win England's FA Cup a record-extending 12th time, will play Newcastle in the semifinal of soccer's oldest club competition. Arsenal meets Blackburn. The matches will take place at Cardiff's Millennium stadium April 16 and 17 with the winners progressing to the May 21 final.

Norwegian leads

Norwegian Robert Sorlie was the first musher to reach Unalakleet on Alaska's Norton Sound coast, but he was nowhere near comfortable with his lead entering the final leg of the 1,100-mile Iditarod.

Wranglers win

Rookie winger Alex Huxley had two goals and two assists to lead the Wranglers to a 4-2 ECHL victory at Long Beach Sunday.

Federer starts fast

Roger Federer opened the defense of his Pacific Life Open title at Indian Wells, Calif., with a 6-3, 6-3 victory against Mardy Fish.