The Journal News from White Plains, New York • Page 24

www.thejournalnews.com 2C Sunday, July 29, 2001 The Journal News a In the news Playbook Sports talk "There' a certain chip on your shoulder you carry that's kind of fun, as long as people understand it's not meant to be disrespectful. And I don't think we are." Ravens coach Brian Billick tv Pennsylvania 500 TNT v-- j. i fins On the air Auto racing p.m. 4 p.m. Baseball 1 p.m.

1 p.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m. Cycling 2 p.m. Football 1 p.m.

Golf 1:30 p.m 2:30 p.m 3 p.m. 3:30 p.m 6 p.m. Tennis 4 p.m. WNBA 4 p.m. NASCAR Winston Cup CART Target Grand Prix Yankees at Toronto Philadelphia at Mets White Sox at Boston St.

Louis at Cubs Tour de France (tape) Arena: Quarterfinal Buy.com Ozarks Open MasterCard Senior PGA John Deere Classic Giant Eagle LPGA Classic State Farm Senior PGA Mercedes-Benz Cup Phoenix at Sacramento it's of Chicago ABC FoxWABC 770 WPIXWFAN 660 WGN ESPN CBS playoff ESPN2 Golf British Open (tape) ABC CBS ESPN2 Classic (tape) CNBC FSNY NBC I ,4 and averaging 9.4 points and 23.8 minutes as the sixth man for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ellis said he chose Miami over offers from Minnesota, the Knicks, Cleveland and Dallas. SOCCER Flames In East final: The Westchester Flames defeated the Miami Strike Force 2-1 in a semifinal of the Eastern Conference championships of the Premier Development League in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Rocky Bojovlc scored off an assist by Ive Gran-do eight minutes into the second half to lift the Flames. Jeff Mat-teo scored off a direct kick to give the Flames a 1-0 lead in the first half, but Miami came back in the opening minute of the second half on Matlas Asorey's goal.

Flames goalie Mike Mellls made two outstanding saves in the game's final two minutes, and the Hector Navarette-led defense preserved the victory. The victory advances the Flames into today's 7 p.m. title game against the winner of last night's game between the Brooklyn Knights and Cocoa Expos. Today's winner moves on to the four-team PDL finals in Des Moines, Iowa. A commission has recommended charges against police in Africa's deadliest soccer disaster, a May 9 stampede in which 126 fans were killed in Accra, Ghana.

The panel urged prosecution for alleged reckless use of firearms on the part of police, who fired tear gas into crowds to try to quell unruly fans, panel chairman Sam Okudzeto said. The tear gas set off a panicked rush for the exits, leading to the stampede. If Ghana president John Agyekum Kufuor accepts the findings, charges will follow automatically against the police. Unbeaten Colombia, its success bringing an unusual show of national unity, plays visiting Mexico today for the Copa America title in Bogota, like Mexico, Colombia has never won Latin America's oldest and most prestigious tournament This will be the first final since 1987 without Brazil or COLLEGES Payton's son hurt In crash: Jarrett Payton, the son of the late NFL star Walter Payton, and two other University of Miami football players were injured in a car accident last night Payton, fellow running back Clinton Portis and defensive lineman Clint Hurtt were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's trauma center in Miami, where they were treated for minor cuts and bruises and released, hospital administrator Marilyn Chin said. She did not know the nature of their injuries.

The accident occurred when Hurtt, who was driving Payton's 1999 BMW convertible southbound on Interstate 95 near downtown Miami, realized the left lane was an exit and swerved to the right said Lt Ernesto Duarte of the Florida Highway Patrol. To avoid cars, Hurtt veered back to the left and struck a retaining wall. The car spun out of control, hitting another car, Duarte said. None of the players were wearing seat belts, the top was down, and Portis and Hurtt were ejected, Duarte said. Payton's BMW was totaled.

"They are very, very fortunate they didn't suffer more severe injuries or nobody died," he said. Alcohol was not a factor, Duarte said. "Driver error and speed contributed to this particular crash," he said. Hurtt was cited for careless driving. Payton is the son of the Chicago Bears' Hall of Fame running back who died of bile duct cancer in November 1999.

The younger Payton ran for 262 yards as a freshman in 1999 and was redshirted last season because of an ankle injury. Portis was expected to start for the Hurricanes this fall He set the school's freshman rushing record in 1999 with 838 yards and had 485 yards in an injury-shortened season last year. Hurtt, a senior, is out for the season with a knee injury. Florida football coach Steve Spurrier joined more than 1,000 mourners at the funeral for incoming freshman running back Eraste Autln, 18. Spurrier helped deliver the eulogy at St John the Evangelist Cathedral in Lafayette, for Autin, who collapsed July 19 after a conditioning workout and was hospitalized for heat stroke.

He died Wednesday. The Associated Press Lindsay Davenport beat Monica Seles 64, 6-2 yesterday In the semifinals of the Bank of the West Classic In Stanford, Calif. The victory put Davenport In the tournament final for the fourth consecutive year. The lighter side Say It ain't so: Another Jesse Ventura? Olympic wrestling great Dan Gable has said he will consider a campaign for governor of Iowa. Gable, an assistant athletic director at Iowa, is being recruited by state Republican leaders in hopes of ousting Gov.

Tom VUsack. Critics contend Gable was a registered Democrat until a week before GOP leaders began courting him. Reads like a WWF script Los Angeles Times On this date 1751: The first International World Title Prize Fight takes place in Harlston, Norfolk, England. The champion, Jack Slack of England, beats the challenger, M. Petit of France, in 25 minutes.

The week ahead ous three years, Davenport faced Venus Williams in the final of the hard-court tournament winning in 1998 and 1999 and losing to Williams last year. But the top-seeded Williams was defeated by Meghann Shaughnessy in the quarterfinals Friday, so Davenport will face the winner of the night semifinal between No. 5 Shaughnessy and No. 3 Kim Clljsters. NBA Heat sign Ellis: Forward LaPhonso Ellis is changing teams for the third time in four years, signing a three-year contract worth about $10 million with the Miami Heat Ellis, 31, resurrected his injury-plagued career last season, playing in all 82 games physically unable-to-perform list.

JETS Signed WR Santana Moss to a five-year contract and DE Mike Cecere. Placed Scott Frost on the non-football injury list. ST. LOUIS RAMS-Agreed to terms with DT Ryan Pickett on a five-year contract. WASHINGTON REDSKINS-Announced the retirement of CB-KR Deion Sanders.

HOCKEY United Hockiy UafiM MUSKEGON FURY-Signed Bill Newson. COLLEGE CATAWBA-Named Betsy Graham women's swimming coach, Nichole Fureman field hockey coach, TODAY MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT I TOR I I TEX I TEX I TEX I ANA I ANA 00) 1 7 7 17 1 Fox MSQ MSQ MSG Fox MSG PHI HOU HOU HOU ARIZ ARIZ Oil 8 8 8 10 4 ZS WPIX FSNY FSNY FSNY WPIX Fox 0. MIA- ESPN2 Ufa PHI CAR 7 7:30 NtJ MSG MSGmet OCT CUT" 7:30 4 I I I I MSGmet NBC and Sheila Pace cheerleading coach. NEWBERRY-Announced the resignation of Gary Counts, assistant football coach. Trivia Answer: William DeHart Hubbard of Cincinnati, who won the long jump at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

He died in 1976. (Question, 1C) on championship 1 I Home Away TICKET INFORMATION: Call Tlcketmaster GUEST COLUMN Bill Campbell Fan Forum Stoops won't dwell Deals BASEBALL American Lm(m BOSTON RED SOX-Acttvated OF Carl Everett from the 154ay disabled list. Optioned RHP Tomo Ohka to Pawtucket of the International league. Sent RHP Frank Castillo to Pawtucket on rehabilitation assignment CHICAGO WHITE SOX-Agreed to terms with OF Magglio Ordonez on a three-year contract extension and RHP Bob Howry on a twc-year contract extension. National Lsagiit CINCINNATI REDS-Placed LHP Justin Atchley on the lMay disabled list, retroactive to July 13.

IN THE BLEACHERS Steve 200! Ummw Pm Synacnt www iconics corn AMH! j-Z AM AAA AW 'A 0- jf. lii'iiVf TENNIS Agassi snaps Kuerten's streak: Andre Agassi ended Gustavo Kuerten's 15-match winning streak with a 6-7 (3) 6-3, 6-3 semifinal victory in a baseline slugfest between the world's top two ranked men's players in the Mercedes-Benz Cup in Los Angeles. Agassi advanced to today's final against Pete Sampras, who defeated Xavler Mallsse of Belgium 7-6 (4), 64. Kuerten, the top seed from Brazil, hadn't lost a match since winning his third French Open title in June. Lindsay Davenport, the second seed, advanced to the final of the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, for the fourth straight year, defeating No.

4 seed Monica Seles 64, 6-2. In each of the previ HOUSTON ASTROS-Recalled RHP Tony McKnight from New Orleans of the PCL Optioned RHP Jim Mann to New Orleans. PITTSBURGH PIRATES-Purchased the contract of RHP Marc Wilkins from Nashville of the PCL Optioned RHP Branson Arroyo to Nashville. BASKETBALL National Basketball Auoclation MIAMI HEAT-Signed LaPhonso Ellis to a three-year contract FOOTBALL NaUonal Football Leapt CLEVELAND BROWNS-Announced the retirement of OT Tony Jones. Activated Ire Johnson from the Moore v5r Don't link LPGA players with lesbianism Ian O'Connor's column, "Ignoring gay fans is bad for business," was disgraceful in perpetuating stereotypes and myths in linking the LPGA with lesbianism.

It seemed to me that under the guise of commenting on sports marketing to gays, Mr. O'Connor was reinforcing the good-old-boy folklore that women capable of professional golf prowess just have to be gay. Why is the LPGA the only sports association in which the private lives of its players are constantly discussed? No one seems interested in the sexual preferences of basketball, baseball or football players, or even sports-writers. Even women's soccer and the WNBA avoid this type of insidious prejudice. Did Mr.

O'Connor ever consider that his kind of thinking and reporting, reinforced by the likes of Ben Wright and John Rocker, present an embedded societal bias that forces the LPGA to avoid even the mention of sexuality in its public relations, lest these types of Images get further reinforced? The LPGA is neither gay-friendly nor gay-averse. If about sports and competition. The rest is nobody else's business. Randy Henrick, Rye Brook Vampire League officials later voted to abort their experiment with day games. at (914) 454-3388 The Associated Press Barry Bonds QUESTION OF THE WEEK Will Barry Bonds break Mark McGwire's home-run record? To reach us: We encourage reader feedback on this or any other sports topic.

You must include a phone number and home address in the event there are questions about the correspondence. Letters are subject to editing and may be condensed. Mail: Fan Forum Sports Department The Journal News i Gannett Drive White Plains, NY 10604 Fax: (914) 696-8118 Email: sports thejoumalnews.gannett.com chise's largest contract ever. If a break for the Knicks, because despite what critics may say, Houston is one of the best players they have right now, trailing only La-trell Sprewell. The questions arising about Houston and Sprewell playing together have to be answered among themselves.

Sure, he has weaknesses like any other player, but he also has a large supply of talent to make up for it Michael V. Vigil, Blauvelt Today's sports stars deserve some blasting Ian O'Connor's opinion piece on the dismal state of male athletes' attitudes toward women 1 I xj. This column first appeared in The Dallas Morning News. DALLAS There are two words Bob Stoops doesn't say. So we won't say them here.

We will, however, get a little closer to them than the Oklahoma football coach did at the Big 12 media kickoff on Thursday. In his blue suit with conservative gray pinstripes, Stoops did not appear any different than he did 364 days ago, before his team won the OK, maybe the suit was a little nicer, the tan a little darker. But the man, the coach, didn't seem the least bit affected since his Sooners won their seventh their first in 15 years. Ask him about it, and he will acknowledge winning last year's But he's not about to use the words. That's for you to say, and Sooners fans to enjoy.

Besides, as any competitor will tell you, dwelling on past success is a good way to prevent more in the future. To Stoops, saying the words is dwelling on the past So he has changed as little as he can. "My attitude toward life is no different," said Stoops, looking young, but in the regal way only coaches who have won a can. "I have less time. More people want to know you or want to talk to you.

"But I've been very cautious to do what I'm supposed to do to take care of my family and be the football coach." It shows in the way he portrays himself and in the way his players carry the image. If not for their crimson sweaters, the three Sooners who accompanied Stoops to Union Station might have been mistaken for passengers waiting for a train. "I think we could definitely do a lot better," All-America linebacker Rocky Calmus said, asked how this season might compare to last Arrogance? More likely just confidence. And technically, he's right The Sooners went 13-0 last year. This year has a possibility of 14 games, since Oklahoma debuts in one of those "kickoff classics." And no matter how perfect last season's dream might have been, this team does return 14 starters, plus its kicker and punter, though not quarterback Josh Heupel.

Donnie Duncan, the Big 12's top associate commissioner and a LETTERS Last week's question of the week asked whether Allan Houston is worth the new contract he signed with the Knicks. Houston signing causes laughs on summer day Allan Houston signing a $100 million contract makes my day because it represents a gross distortion of logic and value, so I had a chance to laugh on a hot summer day. Ever since general manager Scott Layden joined the team, it has become more dysfunctional, unbalanced, old, inept and less competitive. The overpaying of Houston is the icing on the cake. Seldom have I seen a player at this level in which I have less confidence at crunch time.

If they put a hand in his face he is dead meat and you just know hell miss the money shot His defense is abysmal, he can't pass, he lacks a killer instinct he is easily intimidated and he lacks leadership qualities. He seems like a nice person, and when he is not under pressure he has a nice stroke. Leo Goldner, Rye Brook Houston keeps Knicks from getting any better I don't want to imply Allan Houston doesn't have love for the game. But he's not worth $100 million. I blame Allan Houston, not the Knicks' organization.

He had them in a choke hold. He could have walked, but he chose to be selfish. He wanted to stay in New York. But at what cost? The Knicks will have cap problems for years to come. I figure to a man with that much spirituality, $100 million would come second and the team would come first Anthony Stephens, Nyack Signing Houston huge break for the Knicks I do think that Allan Houston deserves his new contract In today's world of ever-expanding salaries for athletes, this is a huge break for the Knicks and for Houston, who was signed to the fran- The Associated Press "National championship" are words not often spoken by Bob Stoops.

former OU athletic director, looked at the modest and respectful Sooners at media day and saw jewels that don't shine. "They do have a confidence about them," Duncan said, crediting the 40-year-old Stoops. "In years, he's young," Duncan said. "But in coaching years, he's not, because he grew up in a coaching family. I have not heard of any step he's taken that has not demonstrated coaching savvy.

I think that's imparted to his (players)." Could this all be true? Could these Sooners be immune to a king's worst culprits: satisfaction and ego? Wouldn't they say, "Scoreboard?" Wouldn't they say, Nope. Maybe that's why they believe they can win it all again. Of course, as Stoops would quickly say, we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves. Undefeated seasons, which are a leading cause of are precious and few. The Sooners are promised nothing from the moment they step on the field Aug.

25 against North Carolina. And don't think seeing the Sooners, the royalty of the Union Station ballroom last week, didn't have a focusing effect on other Big 12 players who would like to taste a "If frustrating to see them and know we had a chance to beat them, to know how close we were," said safety Jon McGraw of Big 12 North champion Kansas State. Stoops and his team know the line is razor-thin. Thaf why he stays humble, even though his salary has blossomed from $700,000 to $2 million in the last year. Even though the words are said for him, right next to his full-page photo in the Oklahoma media guide.

In a little logo, it's all said for him. He doesn't have to open his mouth: National champions. rightfully blasts the wretched track record of today's sports stars. He correctly points out the responsibility of coaches in reshaping the male locker-room culture and concludes society must force-feed young male athletes positive images of women. I agree.

I wonder if Ian got physically ill at the fact that his article was presented directly next to the XXX ad? Interesting that these ads are always in the sports section. John Vergo, Yorktown Heights It is a bigger problem than male athletes The problem isn't how male athletes perceive women, it is how males in general perceive women. It is for sure that this condescending behavior goes on at Fortune 500 companies, blue-collar workplaces across America, and don't forget the music and movie industries. Our society perhaps has dropped way down on the respect meter in all facets of life. These stars in sports are unfortunate reflections of the violence and negativism pervasive in America today.

The cure for this, as we have always known, is parenting. David Bergamini, New Rochelle.