University of Memphis athlete fatally shot

Classes at the University of Memphis were canceled Monday after a football player was fatally shot on campus, in what school officials said was a targeted attack but city police later said could have been random.

By late Monday afternoon police had not identified any suspects in the slaying of Taylor Bradford, who was shot about 9:45 p.m. Sunday, apparently near a university housing complex in Memphis, Tenn.

After the shooting, the 21-year-old junior crashed a car he was driving into a tree. Police said they had not determined whether he was shot before or after he started driving the vehicle.

Police were responding to a car crash when Bradford was found slumped over in the vehicle on a campus street about 200 yards from his apartment complex.

“It wasn’t until the paramedics got there that they determined there was a possible gunshot wound,” said Bruce Harber, director of university police. He was apparently shot once, police said, though an autopsy was pending.

University president Shirley Raines said authorities quickly determined Bradford’s killers were not a threat to other students but still banned all outsiders from campus housing throughout the night.

In an e-mail alert to faculty, students and staff members at 3:40 a.m. Monday, the university said “the initial investigation indicates this was an act directed specifically toward the victim and was not a random act of violence.”

The Memphis Tigers host Marshall University tonight, and a moment of silence was planned before the game.

Basketball

Mutombo extended

The Houston Rockets signed Dikembe Mutombo to a one-year contract, extending the 41-year-old center’s NBA career into a 16th season.

“I’m going to enjoy every second and every minute of my last year in the NBA,” he said. “I hope my farewell tour will be a nice memorable one.”

■A jury indicated it believes New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas and Madison Square Garden committed sexual harassment against Anucha Browne Sanders, a former team executive.

There was no official verdict, but the wording of a note to the judge by jurors makes it clear they have reached decisions on the key points of the $10 million lawsuit that has turned into a public relations disaster for the franchise.

•Tony Massenburg, a forward, is excited about a chance to return to the NBA – even if he is 40.

Massenburg signed with the Washington Wizards and if he makes the roster at the end of the month, he would have a chance to play for a league-record 13th franchise.

•Cleveland guard Eric Snow will have surgery on his left knee injured working out last week and will likely miss the entire preseason.

•In Indianapolis, Pacers forward Shawne Williams was ordered to perform 40 hours of community service for driving without ever having received a license and a judge suspended a possible 60-day jail sentence.

Williams pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge. He was also fined $400 and ordered to pay $160 in court costs.

•Guard Darrell Armstrong was waived by the Indiana Pacers.

Miscellany

Lidge under knife

Houston Astros closer Brad Lidge had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee.

Team physician Dr. David Lintner operated at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, and the Astros said the 30-year-old reliever should be ready for the start of spring training in mid-February.

•Ralf Schumacher will leave Toyota’s Formula One team at the end of the season.