Sports briefs 1/15/04

Basketball

Kobe Bryant was placed on the injured list Wednesday and is expected to miss up to three weeks with a sprained right shoulder. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Bryant won't need surgery.

College

Suspended Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett, accused of lying on a police report, avoided a criminal record by pleading guilty to a lesser charge that carries no jail time.

Football

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving early Wednesday, a jail spokesman said.

John Elway and Barry Sanders were among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Hall's board of selectors selected the finalists from a list of 25 semifinalists. Two candidates, tackle Bob Brown and wide receiver Bob Hayes, were recommended by the Hall's senior committee. Other finalists: wide receiver Art Monk; defensive ends Richard Dent, Carl Eller, and Jim Marshall; guard Bob Kuechenberg; safety Cliff Harris; cornerback Lester Hayes; tackles Rayfield Wright and Gary Zimmerman. Linebacker Harry Carson and general manager George Young are automatic finalists because of their high finish in last year's voting.

-- From wire reports