PGA's boss Finchem accused of favoritism

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem sent a memo to tournament directors to explain why Steve Elkington needed invitations to get into tournaments this year. At least two players criticized Finchem for favoritism.

Elkington had been exempt for 23 consecutive years until the former PGA champion finished 183rd on the money list last year and lost his card. Four other times he finished out of the top 125. He had a 10-year exemption for winning The Players Championship in 1997.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of Finchem's memo, which was dated Nov. 23.

"I think it's out of line," said David Duval, a former major champion who also has only conditional status this year. "It never crossed my mind to ask Tim to do that for me."

Tim Herron, who has been writing tournaments for exemptions this year, said it smacked of favoritism.

"That's terrible of the tour," Herron said from Bay Hill, where he is playing as a past champion. "The tour needs to be unbiased and treat everyone the same. That's like a slap in the face. Nothing against Steve Elkington. But the tour is supposed to represent the players as a whole, and not just one player."

Elkington told KRIV-TV in Houston he wonders how anyone could believe Finchem or the PGA Tour is showing him any favoritism.

Finchem was in meetings with the policy board and not available for comment.

"We've done it with other players," Rick George, chief of operations for the PGA Tour, said Tuesday. He declined to identify those players. "If there's a unique change in eligibility or status ... we've done it a number of times."

Singh withdraws from Palmer Invitational

Vijay Singh withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill because of a back injury. This is the second consecutive week the three-time major champion has had to pull out. He was replaced by Carl Pettersson.

Steroid sale linked to Nationals, Caps

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Nagel received regular shipments of steroids, including testosterone and nandrolone, from a Florida man, Richard "Andy" Thomas. Thomas has since pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing steroids with intent to sell. According to an affidavit, Thomas told police that Nagel boasted about supplying steroids to members of the Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals.

Police, though, make no allegations in their charges about whether they believe Nagel was supplying professional athletes. Police have no direct evidence indicating that athletes received steroids from Nagel.

Saints to let Bell go to Eagles A spokesman for the Saints said the team will not match Philadelphia's offer to restricted free-agent running back Mike Bell. ... The 49ers re-signed veteran offensive lineman Barry Sims to a one-year contract. Sims filled in as the starter at left tackle for seven games last season when Joe Staley was sidelined. ... The Redskins signed free agent punter Josh Bidwell.

AROUND THE HORN

College football: Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio says Mark Dell, B.J. Cunningham, Chris Rucker and J'Michael Deane have been reinstated. The four players were suspended after a Nov. 22 campus fight with a fraternity.