Sports briefs
Warriors' Nelson to step down Monday?
Coach Don Nelson is expected to part ways with the Golden State Warriors on Monday, an NBA source told The Associated Press, possibly ending the career of the league's victory leader.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity last night because the surprising move by new team owner Joe Lacob likely won't be announced until the start of the Warriors' training camp next week.
The 70-year-old Nelson has a record 1,335 victories in 31 seasons coaching Milwaukee, Golden State, the Knicks and Dallas. The former Boston forward won five championships largely as a sixth man with the Celtics, but he never has led a team to a title or reached the NBA Finals.
He passed Lenny Wilkens' NBA record of 1,332 wins on April 7 this year, near the close of the fourth season in his second stint with the Warriors. Golden State finished 26-56 last season.
The source wasn't certain whether Nelson technically would resign or be fired, but the sometimes-litigious coach is expected to be paid the full $6 million he's owed for the final year of his contract.
Assistant coach Keith Smart, the former player and Cleveland head coach long considered Nelson's heir apparent in Oakland, is expected to succeed Nelson.
76ers, Hornets make trade
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired rookie forward Craig Brackins from the New Orleans Hornets for Willie Green and Jason Smith. The Sixers also got forward Darius Songaila in the trade. Brackins averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds last season for Iowa State.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Team USA rolls past Greece
Angel McCoughtry and Swin Cash scored 16 points apiece to lead a balanced U.S. offense that featured five players in double figures as the U.S. team beat Greece, 99-73, yesterday in the opening round of the women's basketball worlds in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
No. 19 Miami routs Pittsburgh
Seven years after they last played as Big East members, nothing's changed at all in the Miami-Pitt series. Jacory Harris led quick touchdown drives to start each half and No. 19 Miami (2-1) dominated host Pittsburgh (1-2) much as it did when the schools were conference rivals, winning 31-3. Harris was 21-for-32 for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Damien Berry did the rest by running for 87 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries in an offense that outgained Pitt's 348-232.
COURTS
Ex-Giant Taylor's court date moved back
Giants great Lawrence Taylor won't be making an appearance Friday at state Supreme Court in Rockland County. Last month Judge William Kelly set a Sept. 24 court date for more discussions in the case, which has Taylor facing statutory rape and other charges. Several media outlets have reported that a plea deal could have been offered during today's court date. He was expected to be present Friday, but his appearance has been adjourned until Oct. 28.
