Death of Nancy Kerrigan's father is ruled a homicide | Figure skating

Figure skating

Father's death is ruled a homicide: The family of two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan insisted Tuesday it does "not blame anyone" for her father's death and criticized a medical examiner's finding that Daniel Kerrigan died of a heart-rhythm problem after a fight with his son at their home in Stoneham, Mass.

Daniel Kerrigan's death was ruled a homicide by a state medical examiner.

The findings could prompt new charges against Nancy Kerrigan's brother, Mark, 45, who has pleaded not guilty to assault and battery on an elderly person and is undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said an autopsy determined the cause of death was "cardiac dysrhythmia" after a physical altercation with neck compression that damaged Kerrigan's windpipe. The findings noted Kerrigan, 70, had high blood pressure and clogged heart arteries.

Kerrigan's family issued a statement through its attorney, Tracey Miner, calling the findings "premature and inaccurate."

"The Kerrigan family is extremely disappointed that the medical examiner would release a cause of death without having all of the relevant facts," Miner said in the statement.

Daniel Kerrigan died Jan. 24 after what authorities said was a struggle with his son. According to a police report, Mark Kerrigan said he wanted to use the phone and his father would not let him.

WNBA

Sparks sign Penicheiro: The Los Angeles Sparks have signed guard Ticha Penicheiro, 35, who helped lead the Sacramento Monarchs to the league championship in 2005.

Penicheiro, a four-time All-Star, is the league's career leader in assists (2,178) and steals (685).

All-Stars might not play in Tulsa: One of the last things the Detroit Shock did before moving to Oklahoma was announce All-Stars Deanna Nolan and Katie Smith had agreed to contract extensions. But they might not be coming to Tulsa.

Nolan, 30, has indicated she intends to skip the upcoming season to rest instead of relocating with the team, Tulsa coach/general manager Nolan Richardson said.

The 35-year-old Smith, a six-time All-Star, is listed as a free agent by the league.

College football

Ex-UW assistant Hart to coach Stanford's defensive line: Randy Hart will coach Stanford's defensive line, coach Jim Harbaugh announced.

Hart, 61, was Washington's defensive-line coach for 21 years before holding the same job at Notre Dame last season.

Meanwhile, ex-NFL assistant Vic Fangio will be Stanford's defensive coordinator and Brian Polian will be special-teams coordinator. Polian is the son of Bill Polian, president of the NFL Indianapolis Colts.

Scelfo joins Arizona staff: Arizona coach Mike Stoops has hired Frank Scelfo to coach quarterbacks and promoted assistants Bill Bedenbaugh and Seth Littrell to co-offensive coordinators.

Scelfo comes to Arizona from Louisiana Tech, where he was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons.

Sailing

Wind prevents training: Strong wind and rough seas kept two-time defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland and American challenger BMW Oracle from training near Valencia, Spain.

The first race was called off Monday because of light, unsteady wind, moving the start of the three-race series to Wednesday.

Media

Andrews' stalker reportedly had information on other reporters: Federal prosecutors say the man who stalked ESPN reporter Erin Andrews and shot nude videos of her through a hotel-room peephole videotaped 16 other women and ran background checks on 30 people, including female sports reporters and TV personalities, according to court documents.

A sentencing memo filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles says Michael Barrett uploaded videos of 16 other women to an online account.

Barrett has pleaded guilty to interstate stalking and agreed to a 27-month prison sentence. A judge is scheduled to sentence him March 15.

Band objects to use of song: The White Stripes say the Air Force Reserve used one of their songs without permission in a Super Bowl ad shown Sunday on CBS, and band members added they are insulted their song was used to encourage recruitment during a war they don't support.

Roddick's wife on SI swimsuit cover: Model Brooklyn Decker, 22, landed the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover. Decker, the wife of tennis standout Andy Roddick, said being chosen for the cover is "the news of a lifetime."

Horse racing

Ritchey to train champion Summer Bird: Tim Ritchey will replace Tim Ice as trainer of Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird, last year's North American champion 3-year-old male.

Ice was fired as trainer of about 25 horses owned by Drs. K.K. and Vilasini Jayaraman; the owners cited "lack of communication."

Gann dies: Edmund Gann, a prominent Thoroughbred owner, died of cancer Sunday in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. He was 86.

Cycling

Farrar is ninth in Qatar: Garmin rider Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee was ninth in the third stage of the Tour of Qatar and is ninth overall. Wouter Mol of the Vacansoleil team leads the event.

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