Zambian soccer team dies in plane crash
LIBREVILLE, Gabon - A military aircraft carrying Zambia's national team to a World Cup qualifier in Senegal crashed into the sea minutes after takeoff. Rescuers said none of the 30 people, including 16 players, could have survived. Gabonese troops retrieved body parts and debris from the Buffalo CT15, a Canadian-built transport plane, 11/2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean shore.
Nationally
NBA signs new deal with NBC
NEW YORK - NBC agreed to continue telecasting NBA games through the 1997-98 season in a deal that guarantees a minimum payment that exceeds the current $650 million contract. The deal also has provisions ensuring profitability for NBC and some revenue-sharing.
Sonics, Hawks, Clips win draft tiebreakers
NEW YORK - In tiebreaking draws for the NBA draft, Seattle beat Houston for the 23rd pick, Atlanta edged New Jersey for the 15th pick and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Indiana for the 13th pick. Denver also won a draw with Miami to improve its position in the lottery.
Bills extend Levy's contract
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - The Buffalo Bills, Super Bowl losers the last three years, extended coach Marv Levy's contract through 1996. The 64-year-old Levy, whose original contract was to expire in 1994, will reportedly make about $850,000 annually.
Former Syracuse coach dies
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Former Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder died at a St. Petersburg, Fla., hospital where he was hospitalized after a heart attack last week. Schwartzwalder, 83, was 153-91-3 in 25 seasons at Syracuse and led the 1959 team to the national title.
Stieb comes off DL, gets raise
CHICAGO - Dave Stieb received an automatic $450,000 raise when he was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago White Sox. The former Toronto pitcher, who completed a three-game rehabilitation assignment in the minors, agreed to a contract in December that called for a $300,000 salary that increased to $750,000 with one day on the active roster.
Milwaukee inks Listach to extension
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee shortstop Pat Listach, last year's AL rookie of the year, agreed to a three-year contract extension through 1996 with a team option for 1997.
In Anaheim, Calif., California Angels manager Buck Rodgers, who missed most of the 1992 season because of injuries incurred in a team bus crash, was given a one-year contract extension through 1995.
New Boston arena ready in 889 days
BOSTON - After three decades of battling to replace the Boston Garden, officials promised a new arena for the Bruins and Celtics will be ready in 889 days. Civic and sports officials joined project leaders at a groundbreaking ceremony for the $160 million arena that should open in time for the 1995-96 seasons.