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.
BASEBALL
LOOPER SIGNS DEAL WITH CARDINALS
Braden Looper and the Cardinals agreed yesterday to a $13.5 million, three-year contract, giving St. Louis another newcomer in its rebuilt bullpen. Looper had 28 saves in 36 chances with a 3.94 ERA for the Mets last season, but will be a setup man for closer Jason Isringhausen with the Cardinals.
ROBINSON TO RETURN AS NATIONALS MANAGER
Frank Robinson was rehired yesterday as manager of the Washington Nationals after a lengthy delay caused by the team’s lack of a permanent owner. Robinson, who turned 70 in August, had been uncertain of his status since the end of the season. With spring training two months away, general manager Jim Bowden began talks last week to bring back Robinson for a fifth season. Robinson was hired by the commissioner’s office to manage the Montreal Expos after the franchise was bought by the other 29 teams in 2002.Robinson initially expected to hold the job for one year while the team was eliminated, but instead the franchise was moved to Washington at the end of last year.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA REDUCES MORRIS’S BAN
Kentucky center Randolph Morris’s season-long suspension for his attempt to enter the NBA draft was reduced to 14 games by the NCAA yesterday. The NCAA cited new information provided by the school for softening its punishment after Morris went undrafted. The information shed more light on Morris’ “mindset during that process and his failure to avail himself of university resources,” the NCAA said.
RUTGERS MEN TOP MAINE
Quincy Douby scored 22 points as Rutgers rolled past visiting Maine 91-56 last night. Douby, who entered the contest as the leading scorer among Big East players, tallied 17 in the first half as the Scarlet Knights (8-2) got up early and coasted.
– Associated Press