ax me Li ga 1zi PORTrS MONDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2001 SETEBE 7 201 A q Jordan's statement coming soon - via fax WASHINGTON (AP) - Forget about a big news conference announcing Michael Jordan's return. Word is more likely to come via fax. Jordan is now in no rush to announce his decision on playing again in the NBA, and plans for a major media appearance have been all but shelved in the aftermath of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. It was expected that a news con- ference would be held Thursday, but Jordan apparently felt such a specta- cle would be inappropriate. A source close to Jordan, speaking on condition of anonymity, con- firmed a report in Friday's Washing- ton Post that Jordan's announcement will be more low-key. Word probably will come via fax, although the means and time are still being determined, the source said. Jordan has come out of retirement via fax before. In March 1995, he announced his return to the Chicago Bulls with a two-word bulletin: "I'm back! " Knowing that Jordan could call at any time, the Washington Wizards' staff has been ready for weeks to Forsberg: I Ryder Cup delayed until next September A Michael Jordan was expected to announce his return to the NBA in a news conference last Thursday, but he felt it was inappropriate. Instead, Jordan - who will play for the Washington Wizards - is likely to make his announcement via fax. LONDON (AP) - The Ryder Cup was postponed for one year on yester- day because of the terrorist attacks in the United States. The action was announced by the European Ryder Cup board, which said the event, scheduled for Sept. 28- 30 at The Belfry in England, instead would be played in September 2002 at the same location. The PGA of America informed the European board that the scope of Tuesday's terrorist strikes in New York and Washington was "so over- whelming that it would be impossible for the United States Ryder Cup team and officials to attend the matches this month." "We have been placed in a position beyond our control and therefore the matches, out of necessity, have been postponed," European Ryder Cup Board spokesman Mitchell Platts said. European Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance said the decision was one of "common sense." "What happened in America last week has put the Ryder Cup and everything else into perspective," he said. "I am desperately heartbroken for all the people involved in this ter- rible tragedy. "All I can feel at the moment is an immense sadness. There will be time enough to talk further about the 34th Ryder Cup matches taking place next year."~ U.S. captain Curtis Strange called the postponement "very appropriate in light of the situation." "The tragedy in America caused us all to reflect and evaluate our own lives and relationships with family and friends," he said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by last Tuesday's disaster." The Ryder Cup, which began in 1927 and is played every other year, was interrupted for six years during World War II. It has become one of the biggest events in golf, and this year's matches were the most antici- pated. The decision came from the PGA of America, not a vote of players. Two years ago, the United States pulled off the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history with a 45-foot putt by Justin Leonard and a celebration that offended Europe. Jim Awtrey, PGA of America Chief Executive Officer, said the organization was appreciative of the respect shown by the Ryder Cup board. "Given the enormity of the tragedy in America, we informed European officials of our desire to postpone the matches until next year," Awtrey said. "The PGA of America is very appre- ciative of the support and understand- ing expressed by European Ryder Cup Officials. "We understand this is a hardship for them to reschedule the matches next year ... but it was important to us that the matches be played and not stage a news conference at the MCI Center with just a few hours' notice. The day before Tuesday's attacks, Jordan's comeback was the sporting talk of the nation's capital. He strongly indicated Monday in a dis- cussion with three reporters in Chicago that he would return from his three-year retirement and play for the Wizards, saying he was doing it "for the love of the game." It remains all but certain that he will make his intentions known before Oct. 2, when the Wizards are scheduled to begin training camp in Wilmington, N.C. Jordan's late decision has led to numerous uncertainties within the organization. Coach Doug Collins doesn't yet know whether one of the game's greatest players will be on his roster. The team's media guide is on hold as the public relations staff waits to hear whether to include sev- eral pages on Jordan among the biographies. The Wizards have experienced a surge in season ticket sales. More than 12,000 have been sold, yet there are about 8,000 more available that could go in a hurry if Jordan decides to suit up. Jordan, the team's president of basketball operations, would also need to sell his ownership stake in the Wizards if he played. Much of the paperwork has already been done to make that process happen smoothly. m taking a little break from hockey DENVER (AP) - After two years of injuries, Colorado Avalanche star Peter Forsberg said Satur- day he needs more time to heal and will take an indefinite leave of absence from hockey. A teammate said Forsberg, a six-time All-Star, told the Stanley Cup champions he would miss the entire 2001-02 season. Forsberg, whose most recent injury was a rup- tured spleen four months ago, insisted he wasn't contemplating retirement, but he had no timetable for his return. "I just feel that right now, in my current frame of mind, I can't go out and play at the level I expect out of myself," Forsberg said. "Over the last few years, the numerous injuries and the recent surgeries made me come to this decision." Te 28-year-old Swede would be the highest-paid player in the NHL this season at $11 million, according to the NHL Players Association. But he won't be paid during his absence. The star center held a news conference Saturday in Stockholm, Sweden, where the Avalanche were opening training camp. He also spoke by conference call to other reporters. "I think I need to sit back and listen to my body. I'm not getting younger. My body has been taking a lot of abuse, a lot of beating the last couple of years. I need to heal my body before I get back playing. I'm taking a little break from hockey for a while," Forsberg said. "I don't want to retire. I think I will be back. How long it's going to take, I don't know." Colorado was scheduled to return to Colorado next Wednesday. Forsberg, however, expects to remain behind in his homeland for at least a few weeks. "I'm going to rest my body," he said. "I'll stay- here in Sweden for a while, then get back to Denver. I have a lot of friends there. I love Denver. I love thed fans' and this organization. I will truly miss everything." Ville Nieminei; who finished the playoffs last seman the'Avs rookie leader in goals and assists, said Forsberg told his teammates he will not play again the entire season. "That's what he told us before practice (Satur- day)," Nieminen said. "We were shocked. I watched Peter. He looked very good on the ice. I thought he was ready for the season. "But it's hard to see inside the guy. Peter is a big competitor. He always wants to play 100 percent. Nothing else is good enough for him. We truly believe that he's doing the right thing." Asked if he thought Forsberg would play for Sweden in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Nieminen said, "As a Finnish guy I hope he doesn't, but as a teammate and friend I hope he's going to recover his health and be ready for Christ- mas or whenever he starts to feel like it's time to come back." Forsberg, who led Sweden to the 1994 Olympic gold medal, wouldn't rule out an Olympic appear- ance in 2002. However, Forsberg said he would expect to return to the Avalanche first. "If I don't go back and feel good and play with the Avalanche, I won't play in the Olympics," he said. Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix said the organization was "shocked at the decision, but we have to live with it. I know his feeling went deep. He told me he did not have the desire, strength and mental toughness to compete right now." Lacroix said the Avalanche will make no attempt to replace Forsberg via trade. "We have a lot of depth, a lot of young players," Lacroix said. "We're not going to do anything that shows Peter we have lost'hope (in him returning). We want him back when he feels better." Scanceled." called off at last minute.. Thursday afternoon the Michigan Instead of playing nonconference men'~s soccer team was scheduted to rmad games this weekend, the teamhad play in the Louisvi ehIvitatilnat Sat- a scrimmage that Burns deecribedas nrday and ycsterday. being vezy spfrited and comnpetidve' But hi Iigh of The national tragedy, While this pas week has beent a Coach Steve Burns and his piayers tough experienc0 for the WoIveines, were looking fonrdt&ihe oppotti 1 67ii~a fottned a sup-i% ty to unite a tam when they traveed work fr ah othe. Fxiday moig W have pncmintato "The team was'TIokin for a byi~~iflissi.*tir and a diversion,"Burnssaid. that they could speak their miids, and Becaus~e the University of everyone has communicatedwyell' Louisile's decision on Friday to can- Next weekend, the Wolverines will. eel all athletic contests, Michigan had prepare fr nonfeen~ce fee Bttler to htray turn its bus around -- the on Friday, and then fig Ten opponent team was ahready en route to Kentucky Nouihwestern...Sa. when it received word of the cancela-. ....... tion. -oi~e I I U I Barnes & Noble Kiosk MICHIGAN UNION BOOKSTORE 530 S State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (734) 995-8877 10 ' .: ' sn+ . __ el Limited time offer. Credit approval and activation of service on 2-year contract for eligible Cingular calling plans required. Offer cannot be combined with any special offers. Early termination and activation fees apply. Night and weekend hours are Monday to Friday 10:01 pm to 5:59 am and all day Saturday and Sunday. 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