Methamphetamine Is Found in Howe’s System

Former Dodgers pitcher Steve Howe, whose history of drug and alcohol abuse hampered his baseball career, had methamphetamine in his system when he died in a single-vehicle crash on April 28 east of Palm Springs, according to a coroner’s report.

Howe, 48, died of blunt force trauma when his pickup truck rolled over on the westbound side of Interstate 10. Toxicology tests established the presence of methamphetamine, though the coroner’s report did not specify the amount in Howe’s system.

The California Highway Patrol, which investigated the crash, will continue the inquiry.

Howe was not wearing a seat belt when his truck, traveling about 70 mph in the left lane, drifted into the median and rolled.

He was partly ejected from the truck, according to the CHP report, and pronounced dead at the scene. Howe was traveling to his home in Valencia.

“As to whether [methamphetamine] was a contributing factor is unknown,� Riverside County Sheriff spokesman Sgt. Earl Quinata said. “They’ll look into the crash, considering the new revelation, looking for causal effect. They’ll know more at the end of the investigation.�

Methamphetamine, made in illegal laboratories or prescribed by physicians, is a highly addictive stimulant chemically related to amphetamine.

Howe played for four teams in a career that began as 1980 National League rookie of the year for the Dodgers and wound through seven suspensions for violating baseball’s substance-abuse regulations. He helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series, was an All-Star in 1982 and finished his career with 25 appearances for the New York Yankees in 1996.

-- Tim Brown

HOCKEY

Bruins Reportedly Hire Lewis as Coach

Former Detroit Red Wings coach Dave Lewis, 52, was hired as coach of the Boston Bruins, an official within the NHL told the Associated Press.

The Bruins, who fired Mike Sullivan on Tuesday, said they would hold a news conference today to introduce their new coach, although the team did not disclose his name.

The Phoenix Coyotes signed defenseman Nick Boynton to a three-year contract, two days after acquiring him from Boston.

Four months after Portland defenseman Jordan Smith lost his left eye after being hit by a puck, the American Hockey League joined the East Coast Hockey League in requiring face protection for all players.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Marshall Named Coach at College of Charleston

The College of Charleston hired Gregg Marshall as its men’s coach, replacing Tom Herrion, who was let go this month.

Marshall, 43, has spent the last eight seasons as the coach of Winthrop, going 163-78 and leading the Eagles to six NCAA tournament appearances.

JURISPRUDENCE

Hedge Fund Manager Faces 24 More Charges

A hedge fund manager accused of disappearing with millions of dollars belonging to at least 500 investors -- including current and former NFL players -- now faces 24 additional counts in his federal fraud case in Atlanta.

Kirk Wright of Marietta, Ga., was arrested May 17 in Miami after three months as a fugitive, and was indicted May 25 on one count of mail fraud by a federal grand jury.

He now also faces 21 counts of mail fraud and three counts of securities fraud.

MISCELLANY

Bears, Peterson Agree to Extension

Chicago Bears running back Adrian Peterson agreed to a three-year contract extension through 2009.

Dwain Chambers tied for second place in the 100 meters at the European Cup in Malaga, Spain, competing for Britain for the first time in nearly three years after serving a two-year doping suspension. France’s Ronald Pognon won in 10.13 seconds, with Chambers and Russia’s Andrey Yepishin finishing in 10.19.