Paper Appeals to Court

A student-run newspaper asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to overturn a Florida court decision that restricts access to autopsy photos -- a case stemming from the death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001.

The publisher of the Independent Florida Alligator contends that a law that was passed after the star driver’s death and bars public access to the records is unconstitutional.

In July, Florida’s Supreme Court declined to review a decision by an appeals court that upheld a trial court’s ruling.

Attorney Tom Julin said the publisher, Campus Communications, believes the trial court violated the First Amendment because it declined the newspaper’s request to review the photos.

The Alligator and other papers asked for the autopsy photos as questions arose over how Earnhardt died and whether better safety equipment might have saved him. They also objected to the way the new law restricted access to what had been public records.

Tennis

Kim Clijsters’ sprained ankle could force her to sit out next week’s tournament in Filderstadt, Germany, an event where Justine Henin-Hardenne can overtake her for the No. 1 ranking. Meanwhile, Venus Williams announced she has pulled out of the same tournament because of an abdominal strain.

Top-seeded Sjeng Schalken was knocked out of the Kremlin Cup at Moscow, losing, 6-3, 6-1, to Igor Andreev in the first round.... Younes El Aynaoui, seeded second, was upset by Nicolas Mahut, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-6 (2), in the first round of the Open de Moselle at Metz, France.

Hockey

Restricted free-agent forward Miroslav Satan signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres.

Satan, who had 26 goals and a career-high 75 points for the Sabres last season, earned $3.55 million, and has said he wanted to be the team’s highest-paid player.

The Edmonton Oilers re-signed forward Ethan Moreau to a four-year contract. Moreau tied a career-high with 31 points on 14 goals and 17 assists last season.... The Columbus Blue Jackets released veteran left wing Benoit Hogue, 36, from a tryout agreement.

Pro Basketball

Danny Ferry ended his career as an NBA player and took a front-office job with the San Antonio Spurs, where he was a reserve forward the last three years. Ferry, 13-year veteran, was hired as director of basketball operations.

The Milwaukee Bucks are negotiating with forward Anthony Mason about ending his contract, General Manager Larry Harris said. Mason signed a four-year, $21-million deal in October 2001.... Center Ike Austin, 34, rejoined the Miami Heat, hoping to revive his NBA career after playing last season in China.

Miscellany

Terry Pettis, a Fresno State basketball player, has been suspended from the team indefinitely after his arrest on suspicion of felony vandalism and misdemeanor domestic battery.

Terry Meyocks, president and chief operating officer of the New York Racing Assn., resigned in a shakeup brought on by federal and state investigations over alleged operating irregularities. Meyocks, whose annual salary reportedly was $375,000, ran the Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga tracks.