BASKETBALL

MAGIC GM WEISBROD QUITS BASKETBALL FOR HOCKEY

Orlando Magic general manager and chief operating officer John Weisbrod resigned yesterday after 14 months on the job to pursue opportunities in hockey. The Magic went 36-46 last season, missing the playoffs but making a 15-game improvement over its 2003-04 record.

But hockey is Weisbrod’s true passion. He was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in 1987 and also played for the San Jose Sharks. After retiring due to a shoulder injury, Weisbrod trained as an executive under Devils General Manager Lou Lamoriello, then spent four seasons as director of hockey operations for the Albany River Rats, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Devils. He also ran the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League.

Responsibility for the Magic’s basketball operations will be taken over by director of player personnel Dave Twardzik and director of player development Otis Smith.

Also yesterday, ESPN.com reported that the Magic are poised to hire Brian Hill as their new head coach. Hill coached the team from 1993-96, and led Orlando to its only NBA finals appearance.

SIXERS FIRE O’BRIEN AFTER ONE SEASON

Jim O’Brien was fired yesterday after only one season as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and replaced by former star Maurice Cheeks. O’Brien, a Philadelphia native who played for Saint Joseph’s, went 49-33 in his only season and the Sixers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

He was in the first year of a four-year contract that paid him about $4 million a year. O’Brien, though, was not very popular with his players, many of whom complained about their roles, most notably Chris Webber.

Cheeks was one of the most popular 76ers from 1978-89 and played on Philadelphia’s last championship team, in 1983. Cheeks was fired March 2 after nearly four seasons as coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. He will be Philadelphia’s fourth coach since Larry Brown resigned and left for Detroit following the 2002-03 season.

FOOTBALL

PATRIOTS BRING BACK TROY BROWN Receiver-turned-defensive back Troy Brown, whose willingness and ability to play both ways made him the face of the Super Bowl champions’ team-first philosophy, agreed Monday to a one-year contract with the New England Patriots.

Brown, 33, was released two months ago in a cost-cutting move that saved the Patriots $5 million against the salary cap. But his Gillette Stadium locker remained intact and he reportedly didn’t negotiate with other teams. Financial terms of the new deal weren’t disclosed. In his career, Brown has 475 catches for 5,516 yards and 25 touchdowns – all for the Patriots, who drafted him in 1993 out of Marshall. He made the Pro Bowl in 2001, when he had 101 receptions.

SOCCER

GLAZER PLANS TO TAKE MANCHESTER UNITED PRIVATE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer said yesterday he plans to take Manchester United off the London Stock Exchange as early as June 22, putting the world’s richest soccer team into private ownership.

In a statement to the stock exchange, Glazer’s Red Football Ltd. said the “cancellation of trading in Manchester United Shares” would take effect June 22 “or as soon thereafter as is practicable.” Glazer also moved yesterday to buy out the team’s remaining shareholders, and told the stock exchange he had increased his ownership stake to 76.2%. He is offering $5.55 a share, the same price he offered earlier this month in a $1.47 billion takeover deal. The offer expires June 13.As the owner of more than 75% of the club’s shares, Glazer can take it private. Manchester United has been traded on the stock exchange since 1991.

BECKHAM TO MISS FIRST LEG OF AMERICAN TOUR

David Beckham will miss England’s exhibition match against America Saturday in Chicago. The English Football Association had said previously that the Real Madrid midfielder was doubtful for the match, and England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed it yesterday. Beckham is suspended from playing in Real Madrid’s season finale this weekend, but coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo wants him to practice with the team. Beckham and Real Madrid forward Michael Owen will play the second and final game on the U.S. tour against Colombia on May 31 in East Rutherford, N.J.

BASEBALL

REDS CUT GRAVES

Closer Danny Graves was let go by the Cincinnati Reds yesterday, a day after he made an obscene hand gesture at a fan taunting him over his latest poor performance. The club’s career saves leader was designated for assignment, a move that ended his eight-year career in Cincinnati. The Reds have 10 days to trade him or put him on waivers. Graves gave up five ninth-inning runs in Cleveland’s 9-2 win Sunday in Cincinnati, then was booed and taunted by fans as he left the field. The outing raised his ERA to 7.76.

ANGELS’ RODRIGUEZ PLACED ON DL

The Los Angeles Angels put closer Francisco Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list yesterday because of a strained right forearm. The move is retroactive to May 15.The defending AL West champions also designated outfielder Chris Prieto for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Joel Peralta, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Salt Lake. The 23-year-old Rodriguez is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA and 10 saves in 11 chances – including seven straight. Scot Shields will remain the Angels’ primary closer until Rodriguez gets back.

– Associated Press