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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Newsmakers

From Staff And Wire Reports

Chosen Switzerland’s Roger Federer was picked Tuesday to play for the Swiss Davis Cup team in the country’s attempt to stay in the elite World Group. Federer will lead the team in the playoffs against the Italians in Genoa, Italy, on outdoor clay Sept. 18-20. Federer missed the first round of this year’s Davis Cup in March with a back injury, and the Swiss team lost to the Americans 4-1.

Sentenced A federal judge sentenced Silicon Valley financier William “Boots” Del Biaggio III to more than eight years in prison for bilking investors and banks – including one he helped launch – out of millions of dollars in a desperate attempt to buy a pro hockey team. The disgraced scion of a prominent San Jose family is to report to prison in January. Del Biaggio pleaded guilty to one charge of forging financial documents to obtain $110 million in loans from several banks and two NHL owners.

Promoted The NHL named Terry Gregson as its new head of officials. The longtime former referee was promoted to senior vice president and director of officiating, replacing Stephen Walkom, who left the post to return as a referee. Gregson, who had been the senior officiating manager, joined the NHL front office in 2005 after a 25-year career as a ref.

Released The lawyer who leaked confidential grand jury testimony of Barry Bonds and other athletes to the San Francisco Chronicle five years ago was released from prison after serving 16 months of his 30-month sentence. Troy Ellerman once represented Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative founder Victor Conte and later was the lawyer for BALCO vice president James Valente. Ellerman allowed then-Chronicle reporter Mark Fainaru-Wada to view the testimony of Bonds, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield and sprinter Tim Montgomery in 2004.

Suspended Trainer Rick Dutrow, who trained 2008 Kentucky Derby winner, Big Brown, will serve a 30-day suspension after reaching a settlement with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Dutrow’s horse, Salute the Count, tested positive for a breathing stimulant in May 2008 after another race at Churchill Downs. He was first suspended in July but appealed, leading to Tuesday’s settlement. The suspension runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15. Big Brown never violated a drug rule.