Sports in brief: Artest ready to be target of fans

NBA: Ron Artest says that if the Los Angeles Lakers don’t repeat as NBA champions, fans can point their fingers at him.

“They should. That’s exactly what should happen if we don’t repeat,” the star forward said during a visit to promote the Lakers’ exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets at the San Diego Sports Arena on Oct. 23.

“They won last year, and I’m the new addition. The fans expect to repeat. Everybody in L.A. expects a second ring. And if we don’t, then yeah, they should point it right at me, throwing tomatoes and everything.”

Artest joined the Lakers as a free agent on July 8, signing a five-year deal worth about $33 million. He is the team’s only addition, essentially switching places with Trevor Ariza, who left the Lakers to take Artest’s spot with the Rockets.

Associated Press

SWX carrying Chiefs opener

Hockey: The Spokane Chiefs home opener on Saturday against the Tri-City Americans will be televised live on SWX.

It will be the first of six Chiefs games televised this year on the local sports and weather station.

SWX can be seen on digital channel 6.2 or on Comcast Cable 115. KHQ’s Sam Adams and former Chiefs captain Kevin Sawyer will have the call beginning at 7. Tickets are still available by calling (509) 535-PUCK or TicketsWest at (800) 325-SEAT.

EWU, UI players collect honors

College football: Eastern Washington junior linebacker J.C. Sherritt and punter Cameron Zuber were named Big Sky Conference players of the week for their contributions to the Eagles’ 16-0 win over Northern Colorado on Saturday in Cheney.

Idaho junior linebacker JoJo Dickson was named the Western Athletic Conference defensive player of the week for his effort in the Vandals’ 34-20 win over San Diego State in Moscow on Saturday.

Sherritt, who made 16 tackles against Northern Colorado (including three for losses), was also selected as one of four National All-Stars by College Sporting News. Zuber earned special teams player of the week after punting seven times for a 39.1 average against the Bears, with five downed inside the UNC 20-yard line.

The victory helped Eastern improve from 21st to 19th in this week’s Sports Network NCAA Football Championship Subdivision poll.

Dickson made six tackles and had one interception, which he returned 74 yards for a touchdown.