Sampras Explains Davis Cup Absence

Pete Sampras, criticized for skipping the Davis Cup quarterfinals, says if the year-long tournament was played less frequently, he might be more involved.

“If the Davis Cup was held once every two years, maybe then I would be more committed, but with the Olympics this year, there is a danger that I will play too much tennis,” he said.

“I definitely want to play in the Olympics this year.”

The four highest-ranked Americans--Sampras, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang and Jim Courier--all passed up the quarterfinal series against Czech Republic. The defending champion United States was eliminated.

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Thomas Muster, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, defeated Czech qualifier David Rikl, 6-1, 7-5, in the first round of the Estoril Open in Portugal.

But second-seeded Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia was sent to a quick exit by Italian Andrea Gaudenzi, who came from behind to win, 1-6, 6-3, 6-0, in the first round.

American Jonathan Stark upset Magnus Norman of Sweden. 6-1, 7-6 (7-4), in the opening round of the Indian Open in New Delhi, India, the country’s first top-level ATP tournament.

Nicklas Kulti of Sweden upset his Davis Cup teammate Jonas Bjorkman, 6-3, 6-4.

Jurisprudence

Michigan quarterback Brian Griese was suspended from the team and appeared in court in Ann Arbor, Mich., for arraignment on a felony charge stemming from a weekend incident in which he allegedly smashed a bar window.

Athletic department spokesman Keith Molin said the matter is being treated as alcohol-related, which mandates suspension.

Griese, 21, the son of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese, is barred from spring practices, which have started.

Griese became the Wolverines’ starting quarterback five games into last season after Scott Dreisbach broke his thumb in a practice. The two are expected to vie for the starter’s spot this season.

Pro Football

The former Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore despite meeting just one of three key NFL guidelines for a franchise move, The Plain Dealer reported.

Three of the league’s nine guidelines for a franchise relocation were detailed in a confidential report--given to each team by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue--and the Browns met just one: the deteriorating condition of Cleveland Stadium made it unsuitable for long-term use by the team, the newspaper said.

Howard Cross, one of the NFL’s best blocking tight ends, got his wish and remained a member of the New York Giants by signing a four-year, $5.2 million contract.

David Klingler, a free agent after four years in the NFL, is leaning toward signing with a new team rather than return to the Cincinnati Bengals as a backup quarterback.

The Atlanta Falcons, in another move to bolster their defense, have reached agreement with defensive lineman Shane Dronett on a two-year contract.

The Philadelphia Eagles have re-signed defensive tackle Kevin Johnson to a one-year contract.

Basketball

Dominique Wilkins scored 35 points in Paris, leading Panathinaikos of Athens into the European Club Championships final as the Greek club beat CSKA Moscow, 81-71.

Barcelona won the second semifinal over defending champion Real Madrid, 76-66.

Wake Forest basketball coach Dave Odom, who has led the Demon Deacons to consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference titles, agreed to a contract extension.