Two More Ducks File for Benefits

Two more Mighty Duck players, defensemen Tom Kurvers and David Williams, have filed for unemployment benefits because of the NHL lockout.

Kurvers, a 10-year-veteran who was scheduled to make $450,000 this season, filed in New York state because he was employed by the New York Islanders the last three years before being traded in June.

“I’m sure there will be people out there who don’t quite understand, but a lot of people don’t understand the issues unless they’re directly involved,” Kurvers said.

Williams, who has played parts of three seasons in the NHL and was scheduled to make $250,000, filed in California, one of about 20 states that consider locked-out employees eligible for unemployment benefits.

Teammate Don McSween filed an earlier claim, but is still waiting to hear if it will be approved.

Meanwhile, the Ducks are reassigning 22 of their 41 administrators and other staff in lieu of layoffs, and eight workers are being sent to work at Disneyland.

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Brian Burke, the NHL’s senior vice president and director of hockey operations, said anti-Semitism underlies criticism of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman published in Canadian newspapers. “It’s not speculative. Based in large part on one gentleman’s comments made directly to me, it’s clear there’s an anti-Semitic agenda,” said Burke, who would not identify the sources or the exact nature of the remarks.

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Former King Luc Robitaille of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Brett Hull of the St. Louis Blues are the first announced participants in a charity exhibition tournament Nov. 10-12 at Hamilton, Canada.

Miscellany

Andre Agassi rallied to defeat Nicklas Kulti, 0-6, 7-5, 6-3, but seventh-seeded Michael Chang was upset by Magnus Larsson, 6-4, 6-3, at the Stockholm Open.

The NFL filed suit against three Atlanta-area restaurants, seeking a $200,000 penalty from each for illegal use of its broadcasts.

Larry Holmes, who will be 45 on Nov. 3, will challenge Oliver McCall for the World Boxing Council heavyweight championship on Jan. 21, a Holmes aide said.

The Seibu Lions defeated the Yomiuri Giants, 6-5, in 12 innings at Tokyo, tying the Japan Series at two victories each.

Right-hander John Farrell agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians.

A Miami Beach businessman filed a class-action lawsuit against the Florida Marlins, alleging the team breached a contract with season-ticket holders by not completing its 81-game home schedule. The suit, similar to ones filed against the Dodgers and Kansas City Royals, seeks refunds for all season-ticket holders.

The 4-year-old daughter of Golden State Warrior guard Latrell Sprewell was mauled by a pet dog in the family’s backyard and had an ear bitten off, officials said.

Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain has decided not to join the U.S. PGA Tour as a full-time player.

Notts County, in last place in Division One, produced the upset of the English soccer season, beating Tottenham, 3-0, and eliminating the Spurs from the English League Cup.