Dominican baseball bans Jose Offerman for life

Jose Offerman was banned for life by the Dominican Republic winter league for throwing a punch at an umpire during an argument on the baseball field.

Offerman, a former All-Star shortstop with the Dodgers and Boston Red Sox and manager of the Licey Tigers, appeared to hit first base umpire Daniel Reyburn in the face or neck with a fist during a playoff game Saturday against the Cibao Giants. Reyburn fell to the ground.

The Dominican league’s president, Leonardo Matos Berrido, announced the ban Monday. He said the decision against Offerman was made shortly after the attack.

Fernando Ravelo, the general manager of the Tigers, said the club will try to appeal the ban against Offerman, who had a contract with the club for next season.

Offerman was detained by stadium security and taken to a police station to wait until the end of the game while it was determined whether Reyburn would seek charges.

It was the latest on-field altercation for Offerman. On Aug. 14, 2007, he was hit by a pitch in an independent minor league game, charged the mound with his bat and swung at least twice, striking the opposing team’s pitcher and catcher.

The Florida Marlins spent some more money, agreeing to a $7.8-million, one-year contract with second baseman Dan Uggla and reaching deals with pitchers Anibal Sanchez and Reynal Pinto. The Marlins, under pressure from the players’ association, agreed last week to increase their payroll from last year’s $37.5 million, the major league low. Two days later, they agreed to a $39-million, four-year contract with pitcher Josh Johnson.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

McKnight sets record for wins

Santa Ana Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight became the winningest boys’ coach in California history when the Monarchs (16-1) defeated Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha, 79-71, in the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass.

McKnight earned his 844th victory with help from Tyler Lamb, who scored 23 points.

In an earlier game, defending City Section champion Westchester defeated Jersey City (N.J.) St. Anthony, 55-51, to improve to 15-2.

The Brea Olinda girls’ team, ranked No. 3 in the nation by Maxpreps, defeated top-rated Mater Dei, 47-43, at the Tony Matson Memorial Classic at Mater Dei.

Sophomore forward Jeanier Olukemi led Brea Olinda (15-2) with 17 points. Junior guard Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis had 23 points for Mater Dei (17-1).

ETC.

FIFA won’t punish France’s Henry

Thierry Henry cannot be punished for his handball before the goal that helped send France to the World Cup instead of Ireland, FIFA said, adding that it had no legal right to consider the case under the governing body’s own rules.

Today’s practice round for the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta will be closed to the public because of the forecast for heavy rains. The course and the public parking area are expected to be open for the opening round Wednesday.

The San Diego Open found a title sponsor one week before its tournament, the fourth new sponsor the PGA Tour has attracted in the last nine months. The tour said that Farmers Insurance Group has agreed to be title sponsor for at least the 2010 event, with a long-term option.

Michael Phelps wrapped up the Southern California Grand Prix in Long Beach with his third victory in five events, handily beating Japan’s Masayuki Kishida in 45.68 seconds in the 100-yard butterfly.

Long Beach’s Jessica Hardy set the meet record with 58.99 seconds in the 100-yard breaststroke, barely beating Rebecca Soni (59.00).