Report: Suit filed against Seahawks TE Stevens

SEATTLE -- Former River Ridge High School and University of Washington star Jerramy Stevens has been sued by a woman who says he raped her three years ago, a Seattle television station reported Wednesday.

Stevens, a second-year tight end for the Seattle Seahawks, was arrested in 2000 on suspicion of rape, but charges were never filed.

KING Channel 5 reported that the alleged victim has filed suit against Stevens, saying he caused her severe distress.

Stevens' attorney denied the charges. "Jerramy did not rape this girl, period," Mike Hunsinger said.

The lawsuit alleges that the victim was drugged at a Sigma Chi fraternity party before being raped. The alleged victim is also suing the fraternity house for not doing enough to supervise the party.

HORSE RACING

Funny Cide favored in six-horse Belmont field

NEW YORK -- Funny Cide was made the even-money favorite to win the Belmont Stakes on Saturday and become the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner will take on five challengers in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, one less than expected after Best Minister was withdrawn with a cough Wednesday.

The six-horse field is the smallest since 1994, when Tabasco Cat won. Affirmed defeated four rivals in his Belmont victory.

BASEBALL

Florida team will spoof Sosa with cork promotion

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A Florida minor league baseball team plans to poke fun at Sammy Sosa by giving away pieces of cork to the first 505 fans through the gate at its game today.

The Fort Myers Miracle, Minnesota's Class A affiliate in the Florida State League, also will hand out Cubs hats during the game, and will offer free admission to anyone whose name includes the words "Sammy," "Sosa" or "Corky."