Sports briefs

Rodman signs pact with Mavericks

DALLAS (AP) - Dennis Rodman finally signed with the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, and to show his dedication, he's making a huge sacrifice.

He's not going to the Pro Bowl.

Instead of partying in Hawaii, Rodman will be sweating his way back into playing shape after nearly a year-long absence from the NBA. He'll make his Mavs debut at home next Wednesday against Seattle.

Incoming team owner Mark Cuban said he's not sure whether Rodman will travel with the team for road games tomorrow against the Los Angeles Clippers or Sunday against the Vancouver Grizzlies.

"If anything, I might take him to L.A. just to get him with his trainer because he's getting that serious," said Cuban, who personally pursued the NBA's most eligible free agent since shortly after agreeing to buy the team in early January.

Clippers re second-year coach Ford

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Chris Ford was fired as coach of the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday, following humiliating losses to Golden State and Phoenix by a total of 77 points.

Ford was in the second year of a three-year contract with the Clippers. Assistant Jim Todd replaced him on an interim basis.