Shell Named Raider Coach Again

The Oakland Raiders’ coaching search came to an end Friday night when the team hired former coach Art Shell to replace Norv Turner.

Shell, who hasn’t been a head coach since the Raiders fired him following the 1994 season, first talked to owner Al Davis about taking the job last week and emerged as the leading candidate after Pittsburgh Steeler offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt told the team he didn’t want the job.

Shell, the first black coach in modern NFL history, had a 54-38 record in five seasons, twice making the playoffs and reaching the AFC title game after the 1990 season.

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David Carr will be with the Houston Texans another three years, perhaps an indication the team might favor Heisman Trophy running back Reggie Bush over Texas quarterback Vince Young with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.

The Texans had the option of extending their quarterback’s contract for two seasons, but decided to make it three instead.

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Ron English won’t coach the defensive backs for the Chicago Bears after all. English had accepted the job earlier this week, but told the team he decided to return to Michigan, reportedly to become defensive coordinator.

BASEBALL

Soriano Loses but Is Still a Big Winner

Alfonso Soriano lost to the Washington Nationals in salary arbitration and will receive $10 million rather than his request for $12 million.

Even with the loss, the second baseman set a record for the highest salary awarded in arbitration, topping the $8.2 million Andruw Jones earned in 2001 when he beat the Atlanta Braves.

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Pitcher Shawn Chacon and the New York Yankees agreed to a $3.6-million, one-year contract.

HIGH SCHOOLS

Girls’ Basketball Coach at Artesia Is Fired

Scott Roczey, who coached the girls’ basketball team at Lakewood Artesia High to three Southern Section titles and what would have been an eighth league championship in 14 seasons, has been fired for allegedly knowing about and using an ineligible player. Roczey said he was informed on Thursday by Principal Sergio Garcia.

Southern Section Commissioner Jim Staunton said Garcia had recommended forfeiting all games that junior Arielle McClellan played in.

McClellan, who played her first two years at Long Beach Jordan, did not satisfy residency issues, according to Staunton.

-- Martin Henderson

MISCELLANY

Mauresmo Advances to Semifinals in Paris

Amelie Mauresmo knocked out defending champion Dinara Safina, 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the semifinals of the Gaz de France in Paris. Mauresmo will face Tatiana Golovin, who outlasted Nadia Petrova, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-3.

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Former Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett was indicted on charges of robbery and carrying a concealed weapon, the latest setback for the player who helped the Buckeyes win the 2002 national championship.

Clarett is accused of flashing a gun and demanding property from a man and a woman early Jan. 1 in Columbus, Ohio.

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The death of former NHL player Marc Potvin has been ruled a suicide. Potvin, 38, used a belt to hang himself from a shower curtain rod, Kalamazoo, Mich. Police Sgt. Scott Merlo said.

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The No. 7 UCLA swim and dive team will play host to No. 11 USC today at 11 a.m.