FOOTBALL

REPORT: BOSTON FACES STEROID SUSPENSION

Dolphins receiver David Boston, who has missed the entire season with a knee injury, is appealing a four-game suspension after testing positive for steroids, Fox Sports reported yesterday.

Neither the NFL nor the Dolphins would comment on the report. Boston, obtained by Miami from San Diego in the off-season, injured his knee in August and is on injured reserve.

SOCCER

NOTRE DAME EDGES UCLA FOR NATIONAL TITLE

Notre Dame won its second NCAA women’s soccer championship by beating UCLA 4-3 on penalty kicks after the teams tied 1-1 through 110 minutes of regulation and overtime yesterday. The Fighting Irish (24-1-1) also won the national title in 1995 and joined North Carolina as the only multiple champions. Jill Krivacek made the deciding kick in the first NCAA women’s soccer title game decided by penalties. The game ended when Irish goalkeeper Erika Bohn turned Lindsay Greco’s shot wide on the next attempt.

TRACK AND FIELD

IAAF: STRICTER DRUG TESTING AHEAD

Track and field’s governing body will increase testing and funding in an attempt to stem the use of performance-enhancing substances.

The International Association of Athletics Federations also said yesterday it will work more closely with the World Anti-Doping Agency. The IAAF will add up to five top posts to its anti-doping task force, which was established after the Athens Olympics, and expand its testing program at the world championships in August in Helsinki. About 2,000 athletes are expected in Helsinki, where every fourth competitor will be tested – about 100 more than at the 2003 worlds in Paris.

BASKETBALL

HEARING ON BRAWL PENALTIES TO GO FORWARD

The NBA informed the players’ union yesterday it will not seek a temporary restraining order in federal court, clearing the way for a grievance hearing over suspensions for the Pacers-Pistons brawl. Arbitrator Roger Kaplan will preside over the hearing Thursday and Friday at a Manhattan law office. Suspended players Ron Artest, Jermaine O’Neal, and Stephen Jackson are expected to attend. Artest was sidelined for the season, Jackson for 30 games, and O’Neal for 25 for fighting with fans.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

GEORGE WASHINGTON UPSETS MARYLAND

T.J. Thompson scored 27 points and George Washington upset no. 12 Mary land 101-92 yesterday in the championship game of the BB &T Classic.

J.R. Pinnock added 22 points and Omar Williams scored 11 of his 14 in the second half for the Colonials (5-1), who beat no. 11 Michigan State 96-83 in the semifinals. John Gilchrist led Maryland (4-2) with 23 points, while Nik Caner-Medley had 16 and Travis Garrison added 12.

– Associated Press