Sports briefs for September 1, 2005

Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 | 9:49 a.m.

NCAA might bend rules for victims

The NCAA wants university officials and student-athletes to focus on recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina rather than worry about infractions, schedule changes or travel restrictions.

To help, college athletics' governing body may temporarily adjust some of its most restrictive rules.

Steve Mallonee, the NCAA's managing director for membership services, said the NCAA is willing to give athletes and universities more latitude to travel, provide more benefits to athletes' families and even allow students to compete without attending classes because of the storm that devastated the Gulf Coast.

Other potential changes include moving games to different venues, extending seasons, and possibly allowing athletes' families to stay on campuses.

London finally celebrates 2012 Games

Eight weeks after winning the 2012 Olympics, London finally celebrated.

A day after London beat Paris, New York, Madrid and Moscow in the IOC vote on July 6, four suicide bombers killed 52 people in attacks on the British capital's transit system. Olympic celebrations were put on hold.

"I think it is an appropriate time to be reminding people that eight weeks ago we landed the biggest prize in sport and reminding the thousands of Londoners and people throughout the UK that helped us," London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said today. "We couldn't have got across the line without them."

College GameDay adds Lachey to cast

This season's College GameDay on ESPN will feature entertainer Nick Lachey providing features as a regular contributor, including onsite appearances.

"Nick is a huge sports fan and will add a unique perspective to the show," said Norby Williamson, senior vice president and managing editor for ESPN. "He will provide wide-ranging, off-the-field features spotlighting the tradition of the game, its fans, athletes and personalities."

Host Chris Fowler and analysts Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit will return for their 10th season together when the program airs Sept. 3.

Webber ordered to pay $100,000

Philadelphia 76ers player and former Michigan star Chris Webber was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine nearly two years after he pleaded guilty to a federal criminal contempt charge in the University of Michigan booster scandal.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds fined Webber the maximum allowed after she ruled that Webber's conviction should be treated as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Argentina holds off U.S. team, 84-67

At Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Argentina withstood a second-half charge from the United States and then pulled away to an 84-67 victory in the second round of the World Championship qualifying tournament.

The United States (3-2) is tied for third place with Brazil, while Argentina (4-1) and Venezuela are tied for first. The top four teams of the eight quarterfinalists advance to the semifinals and gain a berth in the World Championships to be held in Japan in 2006.

New director hired for U.S. organization

David Raith was hired as the executive director of U.S. Figure Skating.

Raith will be responsible for the day-to-day management, and will oversee an operating budget in excess of $13 million annually while managing the policies, programs and goals of the association.

-- Sun wire services