People talk 050/8/03

'N Sync star tries his hand at sports reporting

NEW YORK -- Justin Timberlake is going from center stage to the sidelines as a special correspondent for Turner Sports.

The 'N Sync singer will report from several sports events for TNT, including the NBA playoffs, NASCAR races and the PGA championship. For TBS, he'll appear at major league baseball games and Big 12 and Pac-10 college football games.

"We are excited at what this unique marriage between the world of sports and entertainment can bring to our high-profile sports properties," Mike Pearl, executive producer for Turner Sports, said Tuesday. "Justin's interest and enthusiasm not only in the NBA, but in all sports should help provide our broadcasts with a new, fresh approach."

Timberlake's debut solo album, "Justified," has sold more than 2 million copies.

'Kotter' star arrested on battery charges

LOS ANGELES -- Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, who played Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington on the '70s sitcom "Welcome, Back Kotter," was arrested for investigation of misdemeanor domestic battery for allegedly pushing a woman to the ground during an argument, police said.

Hilton-Jacobs was roller-skating with the 42-year-old woman at Venice Beach when two officers heard a commotion Sunday afternoon, investigated and arrested the actor, police spokeswoman Grace Brady said. Brady said there were no visible injuries to the alleged victim.

-- From wire reports