Sports briefs for March 23, 2005

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 | 10:50 a.m.

Appeals board ends NASCAR suspensions

An appeals committee today lifted the suspensions of the crew chiefs for Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch, 10 days after they were accused of cheating in a race in Las Vegas.

The National Stock Car Racing Commission, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., rescinded the two-race suspensions NASCAR had levied against Chad Knaus and Alan Gustafson, and instead placed both on 90 days' probation.

NASCAR stiffened its penalty process after the March 13 race in Las Vegas, when Johnson's race-winning car and Busch's second-place car both failed inspection. Johnson's was too high and Busch's was too low.

Knaus, crew chief for Johnson, was suspended by NASCAR for two races and fined $35,000. Johnson was also docked 25 points, and Jeff Gordon was docked 25 owner points because he is listed as the car owner.

Gustafson was suspended two weeks and fined $25,000. Busch was docked 25 points.

The commission has yet to hear the appeal for Todd Berrier, crew chief for Kevin Harvick.

Berrier was suspended for four races for illegally rigging Harvick's fuel tank at Las Vegas to appear full during qualifying.

Doubles wins key

The 42nd-ranked UNLV men's tennis team closed out its 2005 home schedule with a solid 5-2 non-conference win over No. 71 Arkansas at the Fertitta Tennis Complex.

The Rebels improved to 12-4 overall and finished with their best home record -- 10-1 -- since posting the same mark in 1997. UNLV is 19-3 at home in the two seasons since head coach Owen Hambrook took over.

Rebels' comeback fails

UNLV rallied from a four-run deficit to tie the game at six but could not complete the comeback, losing 7-6 to Loyola Marymount in a non-conference game at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.

Germany, U.S. to play

The U.S. soccer team will play World Cup host Germany in an exhibition game on March 22 next year, according to the governing body of German soccer.

Bowe bout off

Riddick Bowe's bout scheduled for Friday night in Salt Lake City was postponed indefinitely because of contract and scheduling problems.

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