Charges dropped against Jones

By Kevin Baxter

Feb. 1, 2008 12 AM PT

From Times Staff and Wire Reports

A judge in Murfreesboro, Tenn., dismissed 2006 misdemeanor charges against suspended NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones on Thursday, agreeing with a prosecutor that the player has been punished enough with his legal trouble over the last year.

Jones knows his behavior outside a Murfreesboro nightclub on the night of the arrest was inappropriate, District Atty. Gen. William Whitesell said at a hearing to reconsider a previous plea deal on the charges.

The cornerback was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct after police said he got into an argument with a woman, refused to leave the suburban Nashville club and shouted vulgarities at officers. He could have faced a $100 fine for both charges.

The Oakland Raiders were close to finalizing an agreement with James Lofton to join the team’s staff as receivers coach.

BASKETBALL

O’Brien is cleared to return to coaching

Jim O’Brien, fired by Ohio State and essentially banned from coaching by the NCAA for paying a recruit, can return to the college sidelines after an appeal changed his punishment.

An NCAA ruling on March 10, 2006, all but prevented any colleges from hiring O’Brien until May 2009.

But an appeals committee changed the start date of the sanctions against the coach, making him free to return to coaching effective March 10.

Utah guard Luka Drca was suspended for one game by the Mountain West Conference for elbowing a Texas Christian player Saturday. Drca will sit out the Utes’ game Saturday against Colorado State. . . . Clemson point guard Demontez Stitt will sit out at least two weeks after having arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in a knee.

BASEBALL

Gonzalez, McPherson sign with the Marlins

A former Dodger and a former Angel found homes in South Florida with free agents Luis Gonzalez and Dallas McPherson agreeing to one-year deals with the Marlins.

Gonzalez, 40, an 18-year veteran, played sparingly in the second half of his only season with the Dodgers last year, and finished with a .278 average, 15 home runs and 68 runs batted in. His deal with Florida would pay him a base salary of $2 million with $1 million in performance incentives.

McPherson sat out the 2007 season while recovering from back surgery. He batted .261 with seven homers and 13 RBIs in 40 games in 2006. His contract will pay him $425,000 if he makes the Marlins.

-- Kevin Baxter

Outfielder and first baseman Brad Wilkerson agreed to a $3-million contract with Seattle. . . . Catcher Johnny Estrada and Washington agreed to a $1.25-million, one-year contract. . . . Right-hander Matt Belisle agreed to a one-year, $1.25-million contract with Cincinnati.

Third baseman Pedro Feliz finalized an $8.5-million, three-year contract with Philadelphia. . . . Morgan Ensberg signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees and plans to switch from third to first base. . . . Free-agent reliever Jorge Julio agreed to a minor league contract with Cleveland.

JURISPRUDENCE

Judge orders Leyritz to take breath tests

Former World Series star Jim Leyritz was ordered to take daily breath tests while he awaits trial on DUI manslaughter charges in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Judge Marc Gold said Leyritz must stay away from drugs and alcohol while waiting for trial, and he must blow into a machine three times a day to prove he is following orders.

Kansas State assistant men’s basketball coach Dalonte Hill was arrested early Thursday on suspicion of driving under the influence, hours after the team upset No. 2 Kansas, 84-75.

Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur turned himself over to Montreal police after a warrant was issued for his arrest for giving contradictory evidence as a witness at his son’s bail hearing.

MISCELLANY

UCLA water polo coach is reprimanded

UCLA water polo Coach Adam Krikorian was publicly reprimanded by Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Commissioner Al Beaird and will be suspended for the Bruins’ first two conference games of the next men’s season.

The action stemmed from Krikorian’s approaching a game official at a hotel in November after UCLA’s men’s team lost an overtime game to UC Irvine in the conference’s championship tournament.

Krikorian, who is also coach of the UCLA women’s team, has been further disciplined by the school but will not be suspended.

Pete Sampras will face Marat Safin in an exhibition during the SAP Open on Feb. 18 in San Jose.