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Kent apparently caught in a lie

 
Published March 22, 2002|Updated Sept. 2, 2005

Giants second baseman Jeff Kent might have broken his wrist falling off a motorcycle, not while washing his truck as he claims, general manager Brian Sabean said.

"There's mounting evidence from all sorts of eyewitnesses that says he fell off a motorcycle popping wheelies," Sabean said Wednesday.

The guarantee language in Kent's contract bans certain activities, including motorcycle riding, meaning the Giants could try to void the contract or fine him. The former MVP, who hopes to play by opening day, is in the option year of the deal, which would pay him $6-million.

A report in Wednesday's Arizona Republic, quoting police reports and eyewitness accounts, said Kent might have been injured on a road about a mile from the Giants' minor-league training facility.

"Unfortunately for me and Jeff Kent this is part of my job," Sabean said. "We'll weigh all the information and all the options. The most important thing is to get him back on the field. Meantime, all this other stuff is a distraction."

Kent reported the injury to the Giants on March 2, a day after he said he was hurt washing his truck. The Giants began investigating March 15.

Kent declined comment Wednesday and was not available Thursday, when he had an off day.

CAMINITI SENTENCED: Former Astros and Padres third baseman Ken Caminiti pleaded guilty to cocaine possession and was sentenced to three years' probation in a Houston court.

Caminiti, 38, must receive counseling three times a week, speak to students about drugs, continue attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and submit to periodic urinalysis. District Judge Bill Hatten also ordered Caminiti to pay a $2,000 fine.

JONES APPEALS: Padres right-hander Bobby Jones, who initially said he would serve his seven-game suspension for his role in a double brawl March 9, changed his mind and will appeal.

"I talked to my agent, and the union wants me to appeal," Jones said.

Angels third baseman Troy Glaus also is appealing.

BRAVES: Former Rays right-hander Albie Lopez had his best outing of the spring, allowing one run in six innings against the Blue Jays. Second baseman Marcus Giles could miss at least a week after having hemorrhoids surgery.

CARDINALS: Outfielder J.D. Drew left the game against Boston with a sore right knee, but he said the injury wasn't serious.

D'BACKS: First baseman Erubiel Durazo was scheduled for surgery to remove a broken hamate bone in his right wrist. He is expected to be out six weeks.

EXPOS: Right-hander Carl Pavano pitched six innings for Triple-A Ottawa, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out five.

PIRATES: With Pittsburgh coming off a 100-loss season and increasing ticket prices, season-ticket sales have dropped 40 percent in the second season at PNC Park. Ten days before the season opener, the team has sold about 10,000 season tickets, a drop of 7,000. On the heels of Derek Bell's declaration that he would go into "Operation Shutdown" if he weren't handed the rightfield job, right-hander Pat Rapp said he is upset about a lack of playing time. "I thought I was coming here to get a chance, that they weren't completely happy with their starting pitchers because they were either always hurt or too young," said Rapp, who signed a minor-league contract before spring training. "I don't know what to think now." Manager Lloyd McClendon did not hesitate to fire back: "Usually, people who make excuses are losers."

REDS: Manager Bob Boone named right-hander Joey Hamilton his opening day starter.

_ TIMES WIRES