Scripps Howard News
NEW YORK ó Talks aimed at ending the NBA lockout have resumed, two people with knowledge of the situation said, with a quick settlement necessary to start the season by Christmas.
The discussions began quietly Tuesday and are expected to continue through the Thanksgiving holiday, the people told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the talks were supposed to remain confidential.
The talks between representatives of the owners and players are now centered on settling their lawsuits: The players filed an antitrust lawsuit against the league in Minnesota and the league filed a pre-emptive suit in New York, seeking to prove the lockout was legal.
SYRACUSE
SYRACUSE, N.Y. ó A central New York district attorney is accusing police officials of criminally leaking a document in the sexual abuse investigation of Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine.
In a news conference, prosecutor William Fitzpatrick accused Syracuse police Chief Frank Fowler and Deputy Chief Sean Broton of leaking a witness affidavit to embarrass the district attorney’s office. At issue is the handling in 2002 of Syracuse ball boy Bobby Davis’ initial claims that Fine had molested him. Fine says the charge is false.
Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner is defending the police officials, saying police had conducted themselves “with complete professionalism and integrity.”
The Syracuse Post-Standard newspaper has published details from the affidavit. Miner says Fowler and Broton did not authorize the release of any documents to the paper.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. ó Jerry Sandusky’s lawyer told The Associated Press that the former Penn State football defensive coordinator faces two new claims of child sexual abuse, but that both are unfounded.
Joseph Amendola said one claim stemmed from a Sandusky family dispute, and he characterized the other as an example of people trying to mimic other allegations and “jump on the bandwagon.”
He said the accusations, should they result in charges, would be vigorously contended.
Sandusky is charged with sexually abusing eight boys over a 15-year period. He has said he showered with some boys but never sexually abused them.
The Patriot-News of Harrisburg has reported that the pair of new claims were brought within the last two months.
MADISON, Wis. ó Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez is urging fans to show “class and dignity” on Saturday when the 15th-ranked Badgers host No. 20 Penn State.
HONOLULU ó University of Hawaii coach Greg McMackin told reporters that he’s been asked not to comment on allegations that some players have been involved in point-shaving.
The university said Tuesday the admissions office received an anonymous letter Nov. 3 accusing unnamed players of intentionally playing poorly to affect the final score as part of a gambling scheme.
BASEBALL
NEW YORK ó Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Jose Reyes were offered salary arbitration, guaranteeing their teams two extra draft picks next year if they sign with new clubs.
Teams offered 26 players arbitration, of which six were Type A free agents. A new club signing one of those premier players would lose a top pick in June’s amateur draft, and a team that offers arbitration and loses one of those players would get two extra selections as compensation.
Pujols (St. Louis), Fielder (Milwaukee) and Reyes (Mets) received offers, along with Boston designated hitter David Ortiz, Texas left-hander C.J. Wilson and Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins. They have until Nov. 30 to accept.
The Phillies declined to offer arbitration to right-hander Roy Oswalt.