Briefly
Malcolm Glazer became a soccer Yankee in the queen’s court Monday, much to the ire of his new subjects.
The reclusive owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took control of Manchester United, increasing his stake in the world’s richest soccer club to more than 75 percent.
Glazer bought 2.3 million more shares, giving him 75.70 percent by the end of Monday’s trading, Glazer’s Red Football Ltd. told the London Stock Exchange.
At that level, Glazer can place his personal debt on United’s books and move the club off the stock market and into private ownership. The club has been listed on the stock exchange since 1991.
The NFL, which usually frowns upon cross-ownership, isn’t sure if its rules would prevent Glazer from owning a foreign club. The league’s finance committee will discuss it during spring meetings in Washington next week.
Glazer’s $1.47 billion takeover is sharply opposed by Manchester United fans’ associations. They fear the club will be saddled with debt, and worry Glazer could sell off the club’s 67,000-seat Old Trafford stadium and raise prices.
“Midfielder John O’Brien, sidelined much of the last three years, was placed on the U.S. soccer team’s roster for its May 28 exhibition game against England in Chicago.
“The World Anti-Doping Agency is giving FIFA until September to comply with global rules on sanctions for drug offenders or jeopardize soccer’s place in the Olympics and possibly affect the World Cup, WADA officials announced.
Football
Congress wants more info
The NFL was asked to provide more information on its steroid testing by the congressional panel that heard testimony last month from commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
House Government Reform Committee chairman Tom Davis, a Virginia Republican, and ranking Democrat Henry Waxman of California sent Tagliabue a letter requesting results of the league’s tests since Jan. 1, 1995, for testosterone and epitestosterone.
“Miami Dolphins cornerback Will Poole had reconstructive knee surgery and is expected to miss the entire 2005 season.
Cycling
Petacchi wins ninth stage
Alessandro Petacchi won the ninth stage of the Giro d’Italia in Ravenna, Italy, executing a perfect sprint to the finish for his first victory at this year’s event.
Danilo Di Luca kept the overall leader’s pink jersey, holding a 9-second lead over Ivan Basso and 35 seconds on Paolo Savoldelli.
Auto racing
Ford out as Jarrett’s crew chief
Mike Ford has resigned as crew chief for NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Dale Jarrett, Robert Yates Racing said.
“Mike made this decision based on what was in the best interest for himself and for his family,” said Eddie D’Hondt, general manager for RYR.
Ford could not be reached for comment.
“Penske Performance Inc., majority shareholder of Penske Racing South, said it has bought out partners Rusty Wallace, Don Miller and John Erickson.
“The transaction represents an opportunity to reward Rusty, Don and John for their many contributions to the growth and success of the company,” said Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Performance.
College basketball
Nine violations by Ohio State
The NCAA notified Ohio State of nine alleged rules violations, including cash gifts, improper academic assistance and failure of the school and coaches to monitor the men’s basketball program.
Seven of the violations involved men’s basketball, including a school booster allegedly giving cash and academic help to a former player.
Also, a booster allegedly gave $500 to a football player, and an orthodontist provided free and discounted services to five women’s basketball players.
“Cincinnati coach Bob Huggins has accepted the university’s decision not to extend his contract beyond the two years left. The university stripped a rollover provision from Huggins’ contract after his arrest and conviction for drunken driving last year.
Miscellany
U.S. Open gets the blues
The U.S. Open will use blue instead of green tennis courts this year in an attempt to make balls easier to see for players and TV viewers.
“The Boston Red Sox won the inaugural spirit of sport award from the Laureus World Sports Academy for winning their first World Series in 86 years.