Sports briefs for September 2, 2005

Friday, Sept. 2, 2005 | 9:47 a.m.

Southern Miss moves to Memphis

Southern Mississippi's football team has relocated to Memphis for about a week after Hattiesburg was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

The Golden Eagles have set up headquarters in this southwestern Tennessee city, about a 5-hour drive north from Hattiesburg, and will stay there until they depart for Tuscaloosa to play Alabama on Sept. 10.

Members of Tulane's football team and other students have relocated to Dallas where they are being hosted by SMU.

Alabama football fans have been asked to help hurricane refugees by giving up their hotel rooms this weekend to evacuees.

Utah appeals to NCAA

Utah sought permission from the NCAA to keep using its Utes nickname and requested a decision before today's nationally televised football game against Arizona.

The university sent a seven-page appeal to the governing body Wednesday, asking that it be removed from a list of 18 schools with American Indian nicknames, mascots or images.

The NCAA declined to say when a ruling might be expected.

Orioles terminate Ponson's contract

Sidney Ponson was released by the Baltimore Orioles, who contend the pitcher's conduct and problems with alcohol the past nine months give them grounds to terminate his contract.

Ponson, on the 15-day disabled list with thumb and calf injuries, has one season left on a three-year deal that would pay him $10 million in 2006.

Michael Weiner, the general counsel of the players' association, said, "We will clearly grieve it." Ponson plans to fight the termination, too.

The 28-year-old pitcher was arrested on Aug. 25 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Arizona Rattlers coach resigns after arrest

Arizona Rattlers coach Todd Shell resigned two days after being arrested behind a Mesa business and telling police he had been snorting cocaine.

Authorities said Shell, a former BYU linebacker who helped the San Francisco 49ers win two Super Bowls in the early 1980s, could face charges of possession of narcotic drugs and drug paraphernalia.

U.S. team advances

At Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the United States, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela and Brazil all clinched berths in next year's World Championships.

With one game remaining in the second round, those countries are all guaranteed advancing.

First-place Argentina (5-1) entered the qualifying tournament with the bid assured since it is the reigning Olympic champion.

The United States, Brazil and Venezuela were all tied for second at 4-2, while Panama, coached by former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson, was 3-3.

The U.S. team, comprised of players from European leagues, the CBA and NBDL, finishes the second round Friday against Puerto Rico. The semifinals are Saturday and the championship game is Sunday.

Charlie Bell scored 20 points and Aaron McGhee added 19 to lead the United States to a 91-77 victory over Uruguay on Thursday.

Mexican bantamweight defends minor title

At Sahuarita, Ariz., Jhonny Gonzalez retained his minor North American Boxing Organization bantamweight title in his second defense by knocking out William Gonzalez with one second left in the third round.

Gonzalez (30-4), of Mexico City, floored his Nicaraguan opponent with a right hand to the side of the head. William Gonzalez (20-2) was hurt even more when his head slammed into the canvas as he fell and he remained there for long seconds before coming to.

-- Sun wire services