PIAZZA RIPS

VIN SCULLY

Mike Piazza has not set foot in Dodger Stadium since his retirement and doesn't figure Dodgers fans mind.

In his new book "Long Shot," Piazza blames iconic Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully for turning fans against him during the contract stalemate that preceded his trade to the Florida Marlins in 1998.

Piazza, who was eligible for free agency after the 1998 season, set a deadline of Feb. 15 to reach a new contract. In the book, Piazza wrote that Scully asked him about the deadline in a spring interview.

"He wasn't happy about it," Piazza wrote. "And Scully's voice carried a great deal of authority in Los Angeles.

"The way the whole contract drama looked to (fans) -- many of whom were taking their cue from Scully -- was that . . . I was demonstrating a conspicuous lack of loyalty to the ball club."

ELS SUPPORTS

BELLY PUTTERS

With only a few weeks left before a decision on long putters, British Open champion Ernie Els hopes that golf officials change their minds.

The U.S. Golf Association and Royal & Ancient Golf Club have proposed a new rule that would outlaw a stroke in which the club is anchored to the body. Els used a belly putter to be the third winner in the last five majors to use a belly putter.

"Hopefully, they don't ban it," Els said Wednesday. "There's no data that really confirms that they have to ban it."

HIGH HITS WILL

BE PUNISHED

A college football player who delivers a hit to the head of a defenseless opponent could be kicked out of the game next season under an NCAA proposal that took a step forward Wednesday.

The NCAA Football Rules Committee said it had unanimously approved strengthening of the penalty for intentional above-the-shoulder hits. The 15-yard penalty will now have an ejection tacked on, assuming the Playing Rules Oversight Panel approves the plan.

-- Press Democrat

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