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.

FOOTBALL
KEY INJURIES LEAVE GIANTS UNCERTAIN FOR SATURDAY Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce has a high ankle sprain and will likely not be available to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The Giants updated the condition of Pierce on yesterday, along with the status of starting tackles Luke Petitgout and Kareem McKenzie and defensive tackle William Joseph. All four were injured Sunday in New York’s 26-23 overtime win at Philadelphia.
Petitgout, suffering from back spasms, and McKenzie, sidelined with a strained hamstring, were classified as day to day. Petitgout did not discuss his injury with reporters, but McKenzie sounded hopeful about playing against the Chiefs. Joseph sprained his ankle in his first game back after missing three games with a dislocated elbow. No timetable was given for his return.
SUPERDOME MAY BE ABLE TO HOST FOOTBALL BY NOVEMBER The Superdome, heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina on Auguast 29, can be repaired and ready to reopen for major football events by November 1, a consultant’s report says.
Repair costs are estimated at about $140 million and most of that is expected to be covered by the state’s insurance and by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The renovation will include extensive improvements to the building that can be done at the time at a lower cost. The enhancements, which include adding windows to sections of the exterior, renovating and upgrading suites and meeting rooms, adding new scoreboards and entrances for suite holders, would cost an additional $42,700, but over $13,000 would be covered by repair money.
BASEBALL
DODGERS SEND BRADLEY TO A’S FOR PROSPECTS The Los Angeles Dodgers unloaded Milton Bradley yesterday, sending the switch-hitting outfielder to the Oakland Athletics along with infielder Antonio Perez for minor league outfielder Andre Ethier, the Texas League player of the year.
Bradley, acquired by the Dodgers shortly before the start of the 2004 season after a run-in with Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge, feuded with teammate Jeff Kent last season. Bradley didn’t play after accusing Kent of a lack of leadership and an inability to deal with black players on August 23. The following day, Bradley learned he had sustained serious injuries to his left knee that required surgery.
The 27-year-old Bradley hit .290 with 13 homers and 38 RBI in 283 at-bats. He was limited to 75 games, also missing extensive time due to a torn ligament in his right ring finger. The 25-year-old Perez hit .297 with three homers and 23 RBI in 259 at-bats as a part-time infielder for the Dodgers last season. The 23-year-old Ethier, who bats and throws left-handed, hit .319 in 131 games with 18 homers and 80 RBI for Midland of the Texas League.
AUSMUS SIGNS DEAL TO STAY IN HOUSTON Astros catcher Brad Ausmus agreed yesterday to a $7.5 million, two-year contract that will keep him with the NL champions. The 36-year-old batted .258 with three homers and 47 RBI in 134 games for Houston during the regular season. Ausmus has played seven seasons for Houston, after spending 1997-98 with the club and returning in 2001. He won the Gold Gloves in 2001 and 2002 – the only ones won by Astros players.
GRIFFEY AGREES TO PLAY IN WORLD CLASSIC IF PICKED Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. has agreed to play in next year’s inaugural World Baseball Classic if he is picked for the American team. His father, Ken Griffey Sr., will be the first-base coach for the team during the 16-team tournament, to be played from March 3-20.
Cincinnati outfielder Adam Dunn (America), shortstop Felipe Lopez (Puerto Rico), outfielder Wily Mo Pena (Dominican Republic), and catcher Javier Valentin (Puerto Rico) previously committed to play.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
VILLANOVA SURVIVES SCARE FROM PENN Allan Ray scored 19 points and no. 3 Villanova withstood a 24-7 run late in the second half to beat pesky Penn 62-55 last night at the Palestra. Randy Foye scored 16 points and Mike Nardi had 14 for the Wildcats (7-0), who got off to a shaky start in the first of three straight games against their Big 5 city rivals before opening the Big East season at no. 4 Louisville on January 5.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
YOUNG, BUSH LEAD AP ALL AMERICANS Vince Young can claim at least one victory over Southern California this season. The Texas quarterback was selected to The Associated Press All-America team released yesterday, relegating USC’s Matt Leinart to second-team.
Young was runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting to Trojans tailback Reggie Bush and was one of four Longhorns on the first team. Always dynamic on the move, Young proved he could be a topflight passer this season. He leads the nation in efficiency rating (168.8) with 2,769 yards and 26 touchdown passes. He also leads the team with 850 yards rushing.
USC and Texas led the way with seven players each receiving AP All-America mention. USC has the no. 1 offense in the country, averaging 580 yards per game, and is the first team in NCAA history with two 1,000-yard rushers (Bush and third-teamer LenDale White), a 3,000-yard passer (Leinart) and a 1,000-yard receiver (first-teamer Dwayne Jarrett).
The Pac-10 had the most first-team All-Americans with seven. The Big 12 had five. The Southeastern Conference, ACC and Big Ten each had four and the Big East one.
– Associated Press