National sports briefs

Mike Webster, the rugged Pittsburgh Steeler center who snapped the ball to Terry Bradshaw to win Super Bowl championships but was beset by physical and financial difficulties in retirement, died Tuesday in Pittsburgh. He was 50.

No cause of death was announced by Allegheny General Hospital at the request of the family, but Webster was being treated in the coronary care unit after being admitted Monday.

Known as "Iron Mike" when he played because of the strength and doggedness that allowed him to play 10 seasons without missing a game, Webster announced in 1999 that the battering had taken a tremendous toll.

Repeated blows to his head during his 17-year NFL career caused injury to his brain that interfered with his judgment, memory and attention span, Webster and his doctors told reporters as he sought to explain a charge that he forged prescriptions for Ritalin. He said he used the drug to treat his condition. (Webster was sentenced to five years' probation.)

Leon Hart dies

Leon Hart, who won the 1949 Heisman Trophy and helped Notre Dame win three national titles, died at 73.

Good news for Rams

Marshall Faulk's neck injury doesn't appear to be as serious as first thought, but the status of the St. Louis Rams running back is uncertain for Sunday's game with the Dallas Cowboys.

Teen remains in custody

The teenager who ran on the field with his father during a game and attacked Kansas City Royals coach Tom Gamboa will spend at least two more weeks in custody.

The 15-year-old boy's lawyer was granted a request for more time to gather evidence. A trial date has not been set. The teenager is charged with aggravated battery, a felony.

The hearing in Tom Gamboa's right ear has been impaired since two men attacked the Kansas City Royals' coach at Comiskey Park last week.

Gamboa plans to see a hearing specialist but hopes the condition is temporary.

Diamondbacks still losing money

Despite an increase in attendance and a likely playoff appearance, the Arizona Diamondbacks are projecting operating losses of $40 million to $50 million this season.

Webber's father arraigned

The father of Sacramento Kings star Chris Webber was arraigned on charges of lying to a grand jury about the player's dealings with a University of Michigan booster.

An innocent plea was entered on behalf of Mayce Webber Jr., who was indicted Sept. 9 along with his son. Also indicted that day was Charlene Johnson, Chris Webber's aunt.

Pistons, Nuggets plan trade

The Detroit Pistons will trade forward Rodney White to the Denver Nuggets for a first-round pick and 6-foot-11 Chinese center Menk Bateer and former Detroit forward Don Reid, a basketball source said.

Olympic probe continues

McLEAN, Va. (AP) -- Federal agents investigating the Olympic figure skating scandal are interviewing international officials from the sport, according to a published report.

Three officials -- Jon Jackson, Ron Pfenning and Sally Stapleford -- said they were recently interviewed by FBI agents and members of the U.S. Attorney's Office in New York.