Grant Signs Contract Approved by the NBA

Horace Grant, his first contract with the Orlando Magic struck down by the NBA, signed with the Magic for five years in a deal already approved by the league.

The 6-foot-10 free-agent power forward played the last seven years with the Chicago Bulls.

The contract, with a two-year, early release option clause, was signed exactly a week after a federal judge in Newark, N.J., ruled Grant’s first offer from the franchise--a $22.3-million contract with a one-year escape clause--could violate the NBA salary cap. Details of the new contract weren’t disclosed.

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Jim Brewer, a former Laker, has been hired as an assistant coach by the Clippers. Barry Hecker, the Clippers’ director of scouting since 1987, will become a bench assistant. Bob Ociepka, hired as an assistant last season, has been retained by new Coach Bill Fitch.

Baseball

The players’ union intends to file grievances and default notices for about a dozen players by Wednesday in an effort to force clubs to pay them.

The actions, which will be heard by arbitrator George Nicolau, will cover Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher Randy Tomlin, Texas Ranger infielder Jeff Huson and others recalled from the minor leagues after the strike began Aug. 12.

The New York Mets eliminated more than one-third of their administrative staff, getting rid of 28 full-time employees in a mixture of firings and layoffs. The Houston Astros laid off eight more front-office employees, increasing the total to 19 cut since the strike began.

Dodger outfielder Cory Snyder will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Wednesday, the team announced.

Miscellany

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released former Arizona Cardinal quarterback Timm Rosenbach, taking the cash-strapped CFL club off the hook for $150,000 this year and $1 million in 1995.

Coroner’s officials ordered further tests in the death of Larry Klein, a world champion yachting captain who was tossed from his boat during a race on San Francisco Bay. An autopsy was inconclusive, and there was no evidence of trauma or that he had drowned, officials said.

The Kings sent centers Guy Leveque and Yanic Perreault, left wing Barry Potomski and defenseman Sean O’Donnell to their minor-league affiliate in Phoenix.