Sports Desk
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

CYCLING
HAMILTON SUSPENDED BY TEAM
Olympic cycling champion Tyler Hamilton was suspended yesterday by Phonak, his pro team, which threatened to fire him if he can’t prove he’s innocent of blood doping.
Hamilton could lose his time-trial gold medal from the Athens Games if backup tests confirm results from earlier tests at the Olympics and the Spanish Vuelta showing another person’s blood in his system. He denied receiving a transfusion – which can boost an athlete’s performance by increasing the amount of oxygen transporting red blood cells in his system.
Under the heading “We believe Tyler” in a statement yesterday, Phonak team boss Andy Rihs said: “For the moment, we have to concentrate on the facts. These seem to speak against Tyler. But so long as we’re not 100% certain that he’s guilty of manipulation, we will believe him.”
However, immediately below Rihs’s statement, Phonak said Hamilton’s suspension would hold “pending further notice” until tests and proceedings are completed.
HOCKEY
LEAGUE FOR LOCKED-OUT PLAYERS TO PROCEED
A hockey league formed for locked-out NHL players called off some preseason games but will proceed with its regular season, which is to start October 7.
The Original Stars Hockey League, however, disassociated itself from a news release yesterday saying it had suspended preseason play. League president Randy Gumbley did, however, acknowledge some games will not be played.
The OSHL, a four-on-four exhibition series based in Ontario, was put together to give the players a place to play during the work stoppage. The first few games, however, were marked by little intensity and no hitting or defense. The league has not said how long the regular season will last.
GYMNASTICS
SOUTH KOREAN GYMNAST REAPS REWARDS AT HOME
The South Korean gymnast who lost the Olympic all-around title to American Paul Hamm after a scoring error is getting the gold medal treatment at home.
Yang Tae-young got a replica gold medal from the Korean Olympic Committee on Wednesday as well as a $20,000 check, the same prize promised to South Korea’s other gold medalists.
Yang, who finished with a bronze, was wrongly docked a tenth of a point on his second-to-last routine, the parallel bars. He finished third in the all-around, 0.049 points behind Hamm, who became the first American man to win gymnastics’ biggest prize. But add the extra 0.100, and Yang would have finished 0.051 points ahead of Hamm.
BASKETBALL
MACCULLOCH RETIRES AFTER FIVE SEASONS
Philadelphia 76ers center Todd MacCulloch retired yesterday, ending an attempted comeback from foot problems that sidelined him the last 1 1 /2 seasons.
MacCulloch, 28, hasn’t played since February 2003 because of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic disorder that disrupts his balance. MacCulloch had surgery in January on his left foot to free up a crushed nerve, leaving him hopeful of a recovery and perhaps a similar procedure on his right foot. Instead, there was no progress.
The 7-foot MacCulloch was Philadelphia’s second-round pick in 1999. After two seasons with the Sixers, he signed with New Jersey, then was traded back to Philadelphia in 2002. He had his best season with the Nets in 2001-02 when they reached the NBA Finals. He averaged 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in 62 games.
WILLIS REJOINS HAWKS AT AGE
42 Kevin Willis joined his original NBA team yesterday after a 10-year absence, looking to give the Atlanta Hawks inside depth at age 42.
Willis is entering his 21st season in the league and is second among all active NBA players in games played. The 7-footer was a reserve for San Antonio last season and is expected to play behind center Jason Collier this year.
In 11 years with the Hawks, Willis averaged 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds. He was the team’s first-round pick in 1984 and was an All-Star in the 1991-92 season. Willis has also played for Miami, Golden State, Houston, Toronto, and Denver. For his career, Willis has averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds.
– Associated Press