HOCKEY

RANGERS’ AVERY SLATED FOR WRIST SURGERY

Rangers forward Sean Avery will undergo surgery today on his left wrist to repair injuries sustained in a fight and when he was struck by a puck.

There was no immediate announcement on how much time Avery will miss. The surgery is scheduled to take place shortly before the Rangers play the New York Islanders at home tonight. “We don’t really know at this point,” Avery said yesterday after practice. “Hopefully it’s only a week or two. I don’t live in a reality world, though. We’ll see.”

Avery fought Toronto’s Darcy Tucker on November 10, a bout first sparked during an altercation with the Maple Leafs’ forward during pre-game warm-ups, and then was hit last week by a shot from teammate Brendan Shanahan when the Rangers played at Tampa Bay.

“It’s a combination of it got hit and I hurt it in a fight,” Avery said. “Everything just kind of piled up. I knew something was wrong. I’d rather get it taken care of now and get back as quick as I can and help the guys.”

FOOTBALL

POLICE THINK TAYLOR’S SLAYING WAS RANDOM

Sean Taylor’s father urged the Washington Redskins to make a playoff push, while Miami police asked for the public’s help to solve the safety’s death in what they suspect was a random burglary.

Miami-Dade police director Robert Parker said yesterday there were no indications the slain 24-year-old was targeted or knew his assailant.

“There’s nothing that indicates thus far that there’s some kind of involvement on the victim’s part,” said Parker, adding it was “more like a random event.”

Police have no suspects in the fatal shooting.

“We have no reason to think this was anything other than a burglary or a robbery involving an intruder,” Parker said.

MCNABB REHABBING INJURIES, HOPES FOR RETURN SUNDAY

Donovan McNabb is a veteran in the rigors of rehab. On the mend from a sprained ankle and thumb, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback has returned from a broken ankle, sports hernia, and a knee injury during his career. McNabb said yesterday his ankle and thumb have improved and he is closer to getting back on the field than he was a week ago. But his availability for Sunday’s game against the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks (7–4) is still uncertain.

“I feel a lot closer, but you have to be smart about the whole situation,” he said.

BASEBALL

BONDS CASE TRANSFERRED TO BALCO JUDGE

The perjury case against former San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds will be heard by the same federal judge who presided over cases against others linked to a steroids ring centered at a Bay Area lab.

Court documents released Tuesday show the case has been transferred to U.S. District Judge Susan Illston. The move comes at the request of federal prosecutors, who said having Illston preside over the case would be more efficient.