Sports in brief

AUTO RACINGWheldon's head hit a post

Dan Wheldon was killed when his head hit a post in the fencing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway -- contact that created a "non-survivable injury" to the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

The cause of death was revealed yesterday when IndyCar presented its findings of the Oct. 16 accident, a crash that collected 15 cars. Wheldon came from behind the initial contact, launched over spinning cars and sailed about 325 feet into the catchfence.

GOLF

U.S. teen leads women in Dubai

American teenager Lexi Thompson has taken a two-shot lead after the second round of the Dubai Ladies Masters in the United Arab Emirates. Thompson, 16, the youngest LPGA Tour winner, shot a 6-under 66 for a 136 total.

COLLEGE FOOTBALLGill named coach at LibertyFormer Kansas coach Turner Gill was named coach at Liberty University, the school announced. Gill replaces Danny Rocco, who left the Flames to coach Richmond. Gill went 5-19 in two seasons at Kansas and was fired on Nov. 27.

In addition to introducing Gill, Liberty Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. announced that the school will conduct a feasibility study to determine if it should make a move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Stony Brook defeated Liberty, 41-31, in its regular-season finale to win the Big South championship.

LEGAL MATTERSEX-AAU head's lawyer: He's innocent

Steve Farese Jr., an attorney for former Amateur Athletic Union President Bobby Dodd,, said his client is innocent of allegations that he molested two former basketball players in the 1980s.

FIGURE SKATINGKwan elected to U.S. Hall

Nine-time U.S. champion and five-time world champion Michelle Kwan was elected to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. -- AP