Sports briefs 2/4/05

Basketball

* An appellate court ruled Thursday that a woman who accused retired basketball great Michael Jordan of reneging on a promise to pay her $5 million to keep quiet about their affair presented sufficient facts to pursue her case in court.

The ruling by the Illinois Court of Appeals says Karla Knafel's breach of contract lawsuit should be reinstated along with a lawsuit filed by Jordan accusing her of extortion.

In 2003, Cook County Judge Richard A. Siebel threw out both lawsuits.

Football

* NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith retired Thursday, calling his 15-year career "a tremendous ride."

Smith, who starred for the Dallas Cowboys for 13 seasons and spent the last two years with Arizona, made the announcement at the Super Bowl -- a fitting spot for a three-time champion.

"I've given everything I can possible to the game, on and off the field," Smith said.

Smith thanked dozens of people from Pee Wee football to the Cardinals and every stop in-between. He broke down several times..

Smith said he planned to pursue some business opportunities but vowed to stay close to the game and give something back to the fans. The 35-year-old Smith ran for 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns in his career, both NFL records. He rushed for 937 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cardinals this season.

Golf

* Dudley Hart was best at conquering a treacherous wind at the FBR Open through a slow, difficult first round that was suspended by darkness Thursday with 45 players still on the course.

Hart was the leader in the clubhouse at 4-under 67, one shot better than Stewart Cink and Hunter Mahan. Mahan finished his round just before play was stopped for the night, as did Hank Kuehne, who was two shots back at 69.

Of those who didn't finish the round, Heath Slocum was at 3 under through 16 holes and Charles Warren was 3 under through 13. The first round will be completed early this morning, before the second round begins in the 72-hole event.

Hockey

* With the NHL mired in a work stoppage that is threatening to cancel the season, two members of the St. Louis Blues are going back to the minor leagues.

Defenseman Barret Jackman and center Ryan Johnson will play for the United Hockey League's Missouri River Otters for the rest of the season or until the NHL labor dispute is resolved, River Otters spokesman Dan Silver said Thursday. The players will make their debuts Saturday at home against the Kansas City Outlaws.

The Class-A UHL is a lower-level minor league and a far cry from the sort of competition -- and money, with a $1,000 per week cap -- the players are used to. But it is a big upgrade from the pickup games and lunchtime recreational leagues many Blues have resorted to during the lockout.