National sports briefs

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Outfielder Bobby Abreu and the Philadelphia Phillies avoided salary arbitration when they agreed to a $14.25 million, three-year contract. Abreu, who made $400,000 last year, gets a $1 million signing bonus, $2.6 million this season, $4.65 million in 2001 and $6 million in 2002.

New Jets' owwner approved

NEW YORK (AP) -- After Robert Wood Johnson IV's purchase of the New York Jets was unanimously approved, the new owner promised his team will have a coach in place by the end of the week, and eventually a new stadium to call home as well.

If Bill Parcells decides to remain retired, Johnson said he would not limit his search for a coach to the Jets' current staff of assistants. Linebackers coach Al Groh has been mentioned as the main candidate within the organization.

Irish losing linebacker

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Notre Dame linebacker Joey Ferrer is leaving the team, saying the university's pristine image and restrictive rules have taken the fun out of football.

Ferrer, who has already earned degrees in sociology and computer applications, had one year of eligibility left but will transfer to a Division I-AA school, where he won't have to sit out a year.

Players were racing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Charlotte Hornets teammates Bobby Phills and David Wesley were racing at more than 100 mph when Phills lost control of his Porsche and was killed, according to a police report.

Phills, traveling 107 mph, was behind Wesley, at 110 mph, when his car spun and crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with an Oldsmobile on Jan. 12. Police originally estimated the players were racing at more than 75 mph in the 45 mph zone.

Brooks suspended

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh Penguins coach Herb Brooks was suspended by the NHL for an additional game for shoving and verbally attacking a Colorado Avalanche announc

Wimbledon TV pact awarded

NEW YORK (AP) -- NBC and Turner Sports collaborated on another bid, agreeing to three-year contract worth more than $90 million for the U.S. television rights for Wimbledon. The deal, which begins in June, is valued at about $30 million a year in cash and promotional considerations.