Sports digest 12/13/01

Cubs broadcaster's foot amputated

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs broadcaster and former All-Star third baseman Ron Santo had his right foot amputated Wednesday because of problems caused by diabetes.

"I spoke to him on the phone and he sounded great," said Mary June Rose, program director for Chicago-based WGN Radio. "He was in good spirits and very alert and positive."

The amputation was the first of two surgical procedures scheduled for Santo, 61. He is expected to have his right leg amputated below the knee on Monday.

Santo, a diabetic since the age of 18, has undergone nine operations in 10 weeks with hopes of correcting a circulatory problem. Doctors determined last week that previous treatments had not been successful, leaving him with only one option.

"The last thing you want to do is lose your leg," Santo said Tuesday on WGN Radio. "But you have to do what you have to do. It's very difficult, but I know I'm going to get through this. All I want to do is walk again, play with my grandson, broadcast the Cubs and enjoy my life."

Former NBA player, coach Costello dies

NEW YORK -- Larry Costello, who won NBA titles as a player and coach and was one of the last to use the two-handed set shot, has died. He was 70.

Costello died Tuesday, the NBA said.

Costello played in five NBA All-Star games and twice led the league in foul shooting.

A 6-foot-1 guard, Costello played 12 seasons for the Philadelphia Warriors, Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers and averaged 12.2 points per game.

Griese questionable for Sunday's game

DENVER -- Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese, recovering from a concussion, remained questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs in Kansas City.

Griese said Wednesday that he no longer is dizzy and feels pretty good. He planned to do some strenuous workouts later in the day.

The Denver quarterback was hit Sunday night by Seattle linebacker Levon Kirkland at the end of a 9-yard scramble early in the third quarter. He had to be helped to the sideline and didn't return. The Broncos won the game 20-7.

White, Yankees reach tentative agreement

BOSTON -- Outfielder Rondell White and the New York Yankees reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a $10 million, two-year contract.

The deal is subject to White passing a physical and agreement on final details of the contract, a source familiar with the negotiations said on the condition he not be identified.

The Yankees have sought after White since he played with Montreal, considering dealing for him before the 2000 trade deadline.

Instead White went to the Chicago Cubs.

Central eighth-grade boys split pair

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Cape Central's eighth-grade boys teams split a pair of games Wednesday night.

The 'A' team lost 49-29, while the 'B' team won 41-19.

Kingsley Ehie led the 'A' team with 11 points, while Josh Porter led the 'B' squad with 11 also.

The teams are a collective 6-3 on the season.

-- From staff, wire reports