Newsmakers
Denies Suspended NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield denies taking methamphetamines and says he doesn’t know how he failed a random drug test. Mayfield’s denial is found in an affidavit filed by his attorneys in U.S. District Court. The driver was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR on May 9 for failing a random drug test. He is suing for immediate reinstatement.
Returning Forward Brian Ching and defender Steve Cherundolo are back from injuries and on the U.S. soccer roster for next month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, joined primarily by national team backups. Ching, a former Gonzaga University star, injured a hamstring in late May, causing him to miss a pair of World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup.
Signed The Kansas City Chiefs added depth to the defensive backfield, signing former Pro Bowl safety Mike Brown. Brown played nine seasons with the Chicago Bears.
Signed Nineteen years after defecting from the Soviet Union, Sergei Fedorov is leaving the NHL to play in his homeland. The 1994 league MVP and three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings has signed a two-year contract with Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. Fedorov was set to become a free agent next week after helping the Washington Capitals make the playoffs the past two seasons.
Arrested Seattle Seahawks fullback Owen Schmitt, arrested in a Seattle suburb for investigation of drunken driving, apologized for his poor judgment. Schmitt was arrested Saturday night in Black Diamond, southeast of Seattle, according to a news release from the Black Diamond police. Black Diamond police said Schmitt’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit in Washington of 0.08.
Hired Former Michigan men’s basketball coach Brian Ellerbe is returning to the bench after an eight-year absence. Ellerbe was hired as an assistant at George Washington, joining the staff of head coach Karl Hobbs. Ellerbe was fired in 2001 after four years with the Wolverines.
Promoted Idaho State University has hired Jeff Tingey to oversee the athletic department at the school. He has served as interim athletic director for 16 months.