HORSE RACING

Eight Belles Had No Diseases, Bone Abnormalities

Eight Belles had no diseases or pre-existing bone abnormalities that caused the filly to break down after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby.

Autopsy results reviewed by the Associated Press yesterday confirm compound fractures of both front legs at the fetlock joints. They also describe lacerated skin on both legs, an absence of joint fluid in the damaged areas and congested lungs.

The filly also experienced a bruised head and hemorrhaging in the left thyroid gland, which the report blamed on her fall after the initial injuries.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Paterno Treated, Released From Hospital

Penn State coach Joe Paterno spent several hours at a hospital being treated for dehydration before returning home late yesterday.

The 81-year-old coach had been working at home late in the morning when he began feeling nauseated and was taken by ambulance to Mount Nittany Medical Center, team spokesman Guido D’Elia said. Paterno had tests at the hospital but was not admitted.

Paterno was released and back home Thursday evening, and doctors determined he suffered from dehydration, team officials said.

FOOTBALL

Former Patriots Assistant Says He Can’t Recall Talk

Former New England assistant coach Brian Daboll told the NFL he doesn’t remember speaking with Matt Walsh about the St. Louis Rams’ walkthrough Walsh attended the day before the 2002 Super Bowl.

Even if Daboll and New England’s former video assistant did speak about it, “it would not be a violation of NFL rules,” the league said yesterday.

Walsh met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday about videotaping procedures used by the Patriots. Walsh said during the meeting that he had no knowledge of that walkthrough being videotaped as had been reported by the Boston Herald the day before this year’s Super Bowl, Goodell said.

BASKETBALL

Cavs Lose Gibson With Separated Shoulder

Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson will miss Game 6 of Cleveland’s playoff against the Boston Celtics after separating his left shoulder during the second half Wednesday night.

Gibson, one of the Cavs’ best perimeter shooters, left early in the fourth quarter following a collision and did not return. The team estimated he would miss one to two weeks.

The Cavaliers trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series and could be eliminated Friday night.