Thursday, September 27, 2001

Sports Briefs

Jordan ready to “outsmart” competition

WASHINGTON — Michael Jordan might not be able to outrun or outdunk Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant upon his return to the NBA. So he has another plan.

“He told me: ‘Mr. P., don’t worry. I’ll outsmart them,”’ Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin said. “That’s Michael. He’ll do whatever it takes to be a winner.”

Winning will not be easy with the Wizards, and Jordan all but admitted as much in his statement Tuesday confirming his plans to play for the next two years. There was no mention of winning another championship, just the hope that he might help a young, rebuilding team get to the playoffs.

“I am returning as a player to the game I love,” said Jordan, 38 and three years removed from what seemed to be a storybook ending to an unparalleled career. “I am especially excited about the Washington Wizards, and I’m convinced we have the foundation on which to build a playoff-contention team.”

No QB controversy in Dallas; Carter still starter

IRVING — No thumb injury, no quarterback controversy. That is the way Dallas Cowboys coach Dave Campo sees it.

Campo may insist the situation is a non-issue if rookie Quincy Carter is healthy. But the Cowboys (0-2) could have a real mess on their hands.

Carter, the anointed starter, completed 9 of 19 passes for just 34 yards with two interceptions and a lost fumble in a season-opening 10-6 loss to Tampa Bay. But it was the thumb injury sustained on his throwing hand in a Sept. 12 practice, not his poor performance, that sidelined Carter.

Third-year pro Anthony Wright started last Sunday’s 32-21 loss to San Diego, and despite three interceptions and a lost fumble, was 12-of-25 for 193 yards and three touchdowns.

Emmitt Smith, who took over No. 2 on the NFL’s career rushing list, has since said more than once that Wright deserves to be the starter.

— From The Associated Press