SportsBriefs312

SportsBriefs: Oregon Players Convicted; Marathons Urge Blood Test; Kansas to Cut Men's Programs; Howard Sued on Herpes Claim

March 13, 2001

Oregon State Players Convicted

Former Oregon State football players Robert Prescott and Alton "Junior" Adams, was convicted of third-degree assault and two lesser charges. in the beating of an Oregon State student during an off-campus fight last July 22. A third player, James Newson, who still plays on the football team, was acquitted.

(Associated Press and findlaw.com)

Marathons Agree to Blood Tests

Five of the world's top marathons on Monday urged that blood testing be used to combat the spread of banned drugs in sports. Organizers for marathons in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London and New York said in a statement that blood testing was an ``absolute necessity'' for ensuring the integrity of races.

There has been widespread suspicion that marathon runners have been using banned drugs or methods to boost stamina and endurance. Erythropoietin, or EPO, a synthetic hormone which boosts the production of oxygen-rich red blood cells, is believed to be particularly popular. A combined urine-blood test for EPO was introduced at the Sydney Olympics. Though no positive findings were recorded, officials said the tests acted as a powerful deterrent.

(Associated Press)

Kansas to Cut Men's Programs

To save money and continue compliance with Title IX, the University of Kansas will cut its men's tennis and swimming programs.

Athletic Director Bob Frederick said cutting women's sports wasn't an option. He noted that Kansas added women's soccer and rowing just five years ago. Kansas will have 18 varsity sports - 11 for women, seven for men. But because of football, the school has more men on scholarship.

The school's swim program is 76 years old. It won conference titles from 1968 to 1975 and in 1978 and 1979. It also has 35 All-Americans.

(Associated Press)

Howard Sued on Herpes Claim

Dallas Mavericks star Juwan Howard has been sued by a woman who contends he knowingly infected her with genital herpes. Howard's lawyer said his client denies the charges. The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages.

Dana Hughes filed suit in Cook County Circuit Court on Tuesday. She says she contracted the herpes simplex virus type 2 between August and December 1998, when she had sexual relations with Howard. She said Howard was her only sex partner during that time.

(Associated Press)