London – Though Tim Montgomery did not test positive for drugs, the American sprinter was banned for two years Tuesday for doping, based on evidence gathered in the criminal investigation of the BALCO steroid scandal and the testimony of fellow sprinter Kelli White.
For the same reasons, two-time Olympic relay medalist Chryste Gaines also received a two-year ban from the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency had requested four-year suspensions for both runners, but CAS – the highest court in sports – cut the penalty in half. The decisions are final and binding.
The bans were backdated to June 6, 2005, the first day of Montgomery’s hearing. CAS voided all of Montgomery’s performances since March 31, 2001, and Gaines’ results since Nov. 30, 2003. That means Montgomery’s former world 100-meter record of 9.78 seconds – set in Paris in September 2002 – is no longer recognized.
That record was broken June 14 in Athens, Greece, when Jamaica’s Asafa Powell ran it in 9.77.
Montgomery, 30, also will lose the 100-meter silver medal from the 2001 World Championships, a race won by former record-holder Maurice Greene. The silver will go to American Bernard Williams, with Ato Boldon of Trinidad and Tobago going from fourth to bronze.
Montgomery, who is the father of a child with Olympic sprint champion Marion Jones, also forfeits his gold medal in the 400-meter relay from the 2001 worlds.
“It is always a great day for clean athletes when individuals who cheat are held accountable and stripped of the rewards gained through doping,” USADA chief executive officer Terry Madden said in a statement. “The unfortunate part of this BALCO chapter is that these two athletes knew they were guilty of doping and they wasted everyone’s time and resources attempting to run from the consequences of their actions.”
USA Track & Field, the sport’s national governing body, said it would negate all of Montgomery’s performances from March 31, 2001, to the present, and all of Gaines’ from Nov. 30, 2003 until now.
BASEBALL
Dodgers send Bradley to Athletics
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded outfielder Milton Bradley and infielder Antonio Perez to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for outfielder Andre Ethier, the Texas League player of the year.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Bradley said. “I’m playing Major League Baseball and having fun. I’m a California guy – it’s exciting for me. I wish the Dodgers well.”
Bradley didn’t play after accusing teammate Jeff Kent of a lack of leadership and an inability to deal with African-American players Aug. 23. The following day, Bradley learned he had suffered serious injuries to his left knee that required surgery. Bradley, 27, hit .290 with 13 homers and 38 RBIs in 283 at-bats.
New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez said he probably will play for the Dominican Republic in the inaugural World Baseball Classic from March 3-20 rather than the United States. Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. agreed to play for the United States if he is picked.
Time Warner is exploring the possibility of selling the Atlanta Braves and the Turner South cable network.
The Houston Astros agreed to a $7.5 million, two-year contract with former Rockies catcher Brad Ausmus.
The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year deal with right-hander Jason Grimsley worth about $825,000.
TENNIS
Seles aims for comeback next year
Monica Seles said if she doesn’t get back on the tennis court by the end of 2006, she may hang up her racket. Seles, a nine-time Grand Slam winner known for her loud grunts when hitting the ball, never officially retired, but last played a Grand Slam tournament in 2003. A broken bone in the ball of her right foot has hampered her return.
“I’m still training and still trying, but at the same time I’m realistic,” Seles said. “After 2006, if not, then it’s pretty sure. You have to move on.”
A judge in West Palm Beach, Fla., declared a mistrial in a lawsuit by promoters who contended Venus and Serena Williams reneged on a deal to play men in a proposed “Battle of the Sexes” tennis event in 2001. Judge Jeffrey A. Winicoff granted a request for a mistrial by John Romano, attorney for promoters Carol Clarke and Keith Rhodes, after almost three weeks of testimony. It was not immediately clear if the case would return to court.
SOCCER
Wizards staying in Kansas City for ’06
The Kansas City Wizards are still up for sale but will remain in Kansas City at least through the 2006 season, owner Lamar Hunt said. The team also announced Bob Gans- ler, Major League Soccer’s longest-tenured coach, will return for an eighth season in 2006. Hunt has said he hopes to sell the Wizards to a buyer who will keep them in the Kansas City area – and build a soccer-specific stadium.
FOOTNOTES
Sorenstam wins European award
Annika Sorenstam has won the European Golf Writers’ Trophy for the second time in three years, becoming the first woman to claim the award more than once. The Swede edged Michael Campbell and Colin Montgomerie to win the 55-year-old trophy.
Columbia cross country runner Caroline Bierbaum and Maryland field hockey star Paula Infante received the Honda Award, given annually to the top female athletes in 12 NCAA sports.
