FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A jury Saturday acquitted former major- league baseball player Jim Leyritz of DUI manslaughter, after days of testimony that centered on whether Leyritz ran a red light moments before the 2007 crash that killed a mother of two.
The jury did convict Leyritz of driving under the influence, a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum six-month jail sentence. Jury foreman Brian Hall said the panel wanted to send a message that drinking heavily before driving was not acceptable — but no juror believed Leyritz had committed manslaughter.
“When you look at the manslaughter part of the case, it’s not provable either way,” Hall said. “It’s just two people who made bad decisions that night.”
On the night of the crash, Leyritz had been celebrating his birthday at local nightspots, according to trial testimony. The woman who died after the vehicles collided on Dec. 28, 2007 — 30-year-old Fredia Ann Veitch — had a blood-alcohol content twice Florida’s legal limit.
Stojakovic part of big trade
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Hornets and Toronto Raptors agreed in principle to a five-player trade that will send Peja Stojakovic to Toronto in exchange for guard Jarrett Jack, a person familiar with the trade said.
The person, who spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because the trade was not yet official, said New Orleans also will receive center David Andersen and guard Marcus Banks, while guard Jarryd Bayless will go to Toronto.
Poulter leads Hong Kong Open
HONG KONG — Ian Poulter shot a 6-under-par 64 for a two-shot lead through three rounds at the Hong Kong Open.
• John Mallinger shot a 2-under 70 to maintain a one-stroke lead in the Pebble Beach Invitational in Pebble Beach, Calif.
Browns’ Cribbs won’t play
BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns wide receiver and return specialist Joshua Cribbs will not play today against the Jacksonville Jaguars because of three dislocated toes on his right foot, which he sustained in last Sunday’s loss to the Jets.
• The Minnesota Vikings activated wide receiver Sidney Rice in time to play against the Green Bay Packers today.
• The New York Jets signed wide receiver Patrick Turner from the practice squad to help fill in for the injured Jerricho Cotchery.
Devils’ Brodeur sidelined
NEWARK, N.J. — New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur could be sidelined up to two weeks because of a bruised right elbow.
• Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller is day to day because of an undisclosed lower-body injury.
Footnotes.
Alex Morgan scored in the fourth minute of added time to give the U.S. a 1-0 win over Italy in the first leg of a playoff to determine the final spot for the Women’s World Cup in Padua, Italy.
• Marcus Hellner of Sweden and Marit Bjoergen of Norway opened the new World Cup cross country season with victories in Gallivare, Sweden.
