Sports People

James P. Chapman, a confidant of Babe Ruth and IndyCar racing’s “Most Influential Man of the 1980s,” died in a care facility in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Chapman, 80, was diagnosed with throat cancer in April. … Merlene Ottey, the second-fastest woman sprinter in history, is giving up track for modeling. Ottey, 36, was one of the most decorated women’s Olympic sprinters in history. … The Los Angeles Clippers signed free-agent center Kevin Duckworth. … Center Patrick Ewing reiterated his plans to finish his career with the New York Knicks, saying he planned to play another four or five years. … George Foreman announced he will fight Nov. 2 in Tokyo against Crawford Grimsley.