Sports Briefs

Last-place Canadiens switch coach, GM

MONTREAL -- Hoping it's not too late to avoid missing the playoffs for the third straight season, the Montreal Canadiens opted for a fresh start Monday.

The team with the most championships in NHL history -- and currently the 30-team league's worst record (5-13-2) -- fired its coach, Alain Vigneault, and general manager, Rejean Houle.

Michel Therrien takes over on the bench, and Andre Savard is the new GM.

McEnroe quits as Davis Cup captain

NEW YORK -- As Davis Cup captain, John McEnroe's biggest problem was that he didn't have someone like John McEnroe as a player.

For lack of such a player, one of the best in the world who would put Davis Cup first among his priorities, McEnroe has called it quits after 14 months at the helm of the U.S. team.

''John feels so passionate about Davis Cup and he is a perfectionist,'' U.S. Tennis Association president Judy Levering said Monday. ''He's disappointed with himself.''

Red Wings' Chelios out three months

DETROIT -- Chris Chelios had reconstructive knee surgery Monday and the Red Wings expect him to be out at least three months.

This is the second time this season the 38-year-old defenseman has had a knee operation. This time, he injured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee, and he had been experiencing pain the past few games.

Selig to testify on baseball disparity

The disparity between baseball's large- and small-market teams has become a federal issue.

A Senate subcommittee summoned commissioner Bud Selig to testify in Washington on Tuesday on baseball's economic problems.

''My concern is that baseball is not moving fast enough to deal with this,'' said Ohio Republican Mike DeWine, chairman of the antitrust and competition subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

''There really are the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' today,'' DeWine said. ''There are literally fans in the spring who have a hard time coming up with scenarios in which their team makes the playoffs.''

Union head Donald Fehr was invited to the hearing but will miss it because of a family commitment. Broadcaster Bob Costas is scheduled to testify along with two members off the owners' latest economic study committee: former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell and commentator George Will.

Injuries force Chapman's retirement from NBA

PHOENIX -- Rex Chapman, one of the top shooters in the NBA when he was at his best, announced his retirement Monday because of a series of injuries.

Chapman, 33, underwent surgery on his right wrist before training camp and began the season on the injured list. He is to have ankle surgery soon.

''My body just has gotten to the point where it's not allowing me to do the things I want to do,'' said Chapman who also has been sidelined by knee and toe injuries. ''I've had six surgeries in the last five years, and I need a couple of more.''

Indians hope Burks can fill the Manny hole

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians finally found a right fielder willing to accept their millions.

Ellis Burks became the first high-profile free agent hitter to go elsewhere this offseason, signing a $20 million, three-year deal Monday with the Indians, who began filling the void that would be left by the departure of Manny Ramirez.

North Carolina fires Torbush as football coach

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- North Carolina football coach Carl Torbush, who almost lost his job last year, was fired Monday after a 6-5 season.

Torbush was criticized this season when the Tar Heels had a four-game losing streak, but the team came back to win its last three games, including a 59-21 victory over Duke on Saturday. The other victories came against Pittsburgh and Maryland.

Mavericks owner Cuban fined by NBA, again

NEW YORK -- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was fined by the NBA for the second time in a week Monday for making critical comments about the officiating in one of his team's games.

The billionaire was fined $15,000 for ''confronting and verbally abusing'' the officials during and after Dallas' 99-78 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 15.

Cuban was fined $5,000 on Nov. 14 for comments he made during the Mavericks' 109-84 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 12.

Mavericks coach Don Nelson was charged with a technical foul after Cuban criticized the officials from his seat behind Dallas' bench.

Cuban has claimed the quality of officiating this season has declined and that he has charts to substantiate his charges. He said the NBA has not looked at his information.

Following the first fine, Cuban said he hoped the NBA would take his criticism seriously.

''I agree with the league in fining me,'' Cuban said after being fined $5,000. ''The policy is to fine anyone who criticizes the officiating. I knew that before I said anything.

''But it still doesn't address the issue.''