THE SEOUL GAMES / DAY 4 : Lewis, U.S. Sprint Coach Rogers Settle Differences Over Relay

Carl Lewis and U.S. sprint coach Russ Rogers shook hands for photographers Tuesday and said they had patched up their differences over the makeup of the men’s 400-meter relay team.

“It doesn’t matter whether Russ and I are best of friends or worst of enemies,” Lewis said. “What does matter is that we have the best possible relay team.”

“Everything is OK,” Rogers said, “and we’re going to set a world record.”

Rogers said Monday that Lewis would be kicked off the relay team if he continued what the coach characterized as disruptive behavior.

But Tuesday, Lewis said Rogers told him that he was misquoted.

“I’m not going to call Russ Rogers a liar,” Lewis said.

Rogers said his remarks were aimed at Lewis’ business manager and adviser, Joe Douglas, not at Lewis.

“If Joe Douglas continues to stick his nose in things, (removing Lewis from the team) is still a possibility,” Rogers said.

On Monday, Rogers complained about Lewis’ attitude during practice, charging that the four-time gold medalist was not giving 100%. Head track coach Stan Huntsman sided with Rogers and had a heated exchange with Douglas.

Lewis and Douglas had been lobbying to place Joe DeLoach on the relay team instead of Albert Robinson, fourth in the 100 meters at the U.S. trials. DeLoach and Lewis run for Douglas’ track club.