SPORTS SHORTS
The Giants did not think they needed to fortify their offensive line or find a tight end in the NFL Draft nearly as much as outsiders did, which is why they did not pick a player at either position. They did, however, make those positions a priority when signing rookie free agents.
Immediately after the draft, the team signed the TE they wanted, Oklahoma State’s Marcellus Rivers, a 6-4, 247-pounder who is a talented receiver and more of an H-back.
The team signed several offensive linemen, including Rich Seubert of Western Illinois, Ray Redziniak of Illinois and Terrance Sykes of Louisiana Tech.
– Paul Schwatrz
The Eagles released DE Mike Mamula, a first-round draft choice in 1995.
MUTOMBO TOPS IN ‘D’
The 76ers’ Dikembe Mutombo won his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, outpointing Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, and now has two more than anyone else.
Jazz guard John Starks was hospitalized overnight after complaining of abdominal pain but practiced with the team and was cleared to play in Game 2 of Utah’s playoff series against the Mavericks tonight.
ANGELS’ HILL ON DL
Angels DH Glenallen Hill, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday and could be sidelined for several weeks because of a strained muscle in his rib cage.
Harold “Hal” White, a native of Utica who pitched for the Tigers, Browns and Cardinals in the 1940s and 1950s, died at 82 Saturday at a hospital in Venice, Fla., after a stroke.
JASON BACK TO DUKE
Duke sophomore All-American Jason Williams will be back next year but most likely will leave for the NBA after the 2001-02 season, his mother said.
New Seton Hall coach Louis Orr has hired all three of his assistant coaches from Siena – Brian Nash, William Garrett and John Dunne.