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Promoter King pays $7.5-million in lawsuit

Promoter Don King agreed to pay former champion Terry Norris $7.5-million on Wednesday, just as a jury was debating the boxer's claim that King stole money from him, Norris' attorney said.

King agreed to pay $3-million by next week and the remainder within 15 months, said attorney Judd Burstein, who said the settlement in the seven-year case might encourage other fighters to sue the promoter.

"A lot of people now realize he can be held accountable for what he's done," Burstein said.

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is suing King in New York, claiming King stole more than $100-million while promoting his fights after his release from prison in 1995. That case has yet to go to trial.

King could not be reached.

The New York Racing Association is expected to pay millions of dollars in fines and adopt anticorruption reforms to avoid a federal fraud prosecution, the Associated Press reported.

Authorities planned to announce the settlement today.

Prosecutors also will unseal an indictment against six people, including former NYRA managers, alleging conspiracy, tax evasion and other charges. The defendants would be prosecuted in federal court.

NYRA spokesman Glenn Mathes confirmed NYRA's board of trustees met behind closed doors, but declined to discuss whether trustees signed off on the deal.

Prosecutors declined comment.

Under the deal, NYRA reportedly would be accused of fraud and other charges, but would not go to trial. It can continue to run Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga thoroughbred tracks if it adopts reforms.

The only minority-owned team in NASCAR's top level is shutting down after losing its sponsor.

BelCar Racing fielded the No. 54 Ford for Todd Bodine this season. Sam Belnavis, who is African-American, was the majority car owner along with Travis Carter.

The team was sponsored by the National Guard, which signed to sponsor Greg Biffle and the No. 16 Ford for Roush Racing. In announcing Biffle's new sponsor, the Roush team also introduced Belnavis as its director of diversity programs.

"I knew the direction the National Guard was taking," Belnavis said. "But I needed a platform for my career but also a platform that could substantiate and support a true diversity program."

Patrick McEnroe thought his U.S. Davis Cup team would be playing on the West Coast. Instead, the Americans will be playing at a Connecticut casino in Uncasville when they meet Austria in the first round in February. The best-of-five series will be played at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED: Dade City native Jim Courier will hold a news conference today at the St. Pete Times Forum to announce the lineup for next spring's Mercedes-Benz Classic charity event, which is expected to draw several big-name players to the Forum. All proceeds benefit Tampa Bay charities. Courier, who won 23 singles titles on tour with four majors and more than $14-million, played in an exhibition with Tracy Austin, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova in March at the Times Forum.

CYCLING: When Lance Armstrong bids for a sixth Tour de France title next summer, he may do so without a key teammate. Roberto Heras is about to leave the U.S. Postal Service squad, seeking to strike out on his own. "Winning the Tour in 2005 is my prime objective," said Heras, 29. "I can no longer wait. Every year it is costing me to accept to play second fiddle."

COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL: Florida coach Mary Wise was named South Region Coach of the year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. The All-South Region team includes UF's Jane Collyjore, Aury Cruz, Benavia Jenkins and Sherri Williams. ... USF junior Shameka Mitchell was named to the All-Midwest Region team. ... FSU outside hitter Cassie McLaughlin was named the East Region's freshman of the year.