Briefs | Tennis: Andre Agassi writes of using crystal meth in 1997

Tennis

Agassi writes of using crystal meth in 1997, when he dropped to No. 141 in world: Andre Agassi's upcoming autobiography contains an admission he used crystal meth in 1997 and lied to tennis authorities when he failed a drug test — a result that was thrown out after he said he "unwittingly" took the substance.

According to an excerpt of the autobiography posted on The Times of London Web site, the eight-time Grand Slam singles tournament champion writes that he sent a letter to the ATP Tour to explain the positive test, saying he accidentally drank from a soda spiked with meth by his assistant "Slim."

Excerpts from the book also are being printed this week by People and Sports Illustrated. The book is to be published Nov. 9.

Agassi, 39, retired in 2006.

Serena Williams wins, sister Venus loses at WTA Championships: American Serena Williams overcame Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 7-6 (8-6), 7-5 in the group stage of the WTA Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Qatar, improving her chances of ending the year ranked No. 1 in the world.

The victory gives her a share of the lead in the Maroon Group with Russian Elena Dementieva, who rallied from a set and a break down to beat defending champion Venus Williams, Serena's sister, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2.

Meanwhile, Serena will compete on the U.S. Fed Cup team for the first time since 2007. U.S. Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin also is on the roster announced for the Nov. 7-8 final against host Italy.

College basketball

Ex-Indiana coach Knight rejects offer to settle suit: Bob Knight has two more complaints with Indiana University.

The former coach didn't like the school making a private matter public, and he didn't want Indiana alumni footing the bill to settle a lawsuit. Knight, 69, released a statement saying he will return a $75,000 check sent last week by Indiana donors as a settlement offer.

"Indiana University has refused for nine years to take care of their obligation in this matter," Knight said in a statement released by ESPN, his employer.

Knight sued Indiana, claiming the school did not properly defend him against a suit from Ron Felling, a former assistant coach. Knight settled that case in 2002 by paying Felling $25,000 and admitting in 1999 he shoved Felling in anger after overhearing him criticize Knight's coaching and behavior. Knight was fired by Indiana in 2000 and retired as Texas Tech's coach last year with a record 902 Division I victories.

Hampton captain dies in Va. shooting: Hampton captain Theo Smalling, 22, died Monday night from what police call an accidental shooting outside a nightclub Saturday.

Police have charged Dominique Devon Smith, 21, with reckless handling of a firearm.

Attorney in Arkansas seeks special prosecutor: An attorney representing a woman who accused three Arkansas players of sexual assault is seeking a special prosecutor after local authorities chose not to file charges. Attorney John D. Bass filed a petition on behalf of the accuser's father.

Golf

Whan reportedly will be LPGA Tour commissioner: Multiple sources reported Michael Whan, 44, will be introduced today as LPGA Tour commissioner.

Whan will replace Carolyn Bivens, who was virtually forced out by players this summer.

Sailing

Persian Gulf port is out as America's Cup venue: The America's Cup won't be sailed in the Middle East, after all.

Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, cannot host the contentious showdown between American and Swiss crews based on a 19th-century document that governs sailing's marquee regatta, a New York judge ruled.

The decision by Justice Shirley Kornreich of the New York State Supreme Court is a blow to two-time defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland, which picked the little-known Persian Gulf port for its February match against American challenger BMW Oracle Racing.

Kornreich said her decision was based on the stipulation in the 1887 Deed of Gift that the America's Cup cannot be sailed in the Northern Hemisphere between Nov. 1 and May 1.

Hockey

Junior team temporarily banished from Boise, Idaho, rink: An Idaho junior team was banished temporarily from a Boise city rink after players engaged in "strip hockey" — shedding a piece of uniform each time a practice shot missed its mark.

As redress for last Wednesday's incident, Boise forbid the Idaho Junior Steelheads team from using Idaho IceWorld for four days; one 17-year-old player who shed his underwear briefly was suspended until next week. In addition, police are investigating, a spokeswoman said.

An adult whose young daughter was on an adjacent rink saw the 17- to 20-year-old Steelheads skating in their skivvies and complained to a city hotline.

Olympics

Visa renews as Olympic sponsor through 2020: Visa extended its global-sponsorship deal with the International Olympic Committee through 2020.

The eight-year renewal was signed in Moscow. The value of the deal was not disclosed, but most four-year sponsorships are worth around $100 million.

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