Sports Capsule for Friday — March 19, 2004

• Agassi taxation a backhand to wallet

• Shaq could go for second gold medal

Agassi taxation a backhand to wallet

Andre Agassi was ordered to pay British tax on income earned from endorsements, in a ruling that could have implications for other highly paid stars.

Judge Sir Gavin Lightman of the London High Court said Agassi had to pay about $50,000 in taxes on income paid by Nike and Head Sports to his U.S.-based company Agassi Enterprises Inc.

Anyone who competes or performs in Britain has a liability to pay tax, the court said. Athletes already pay tax on prize money but now must also pay up on earnings they receive from endorsements while they are in the country.

Shaq could go for second gold medal

Shaquille O’Neal already has a gold medal from the Olympics, and now he has a chance to try to earn another.

Two sources close to the USA Basketball selection committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that O’Neal and Kevin Garnett have been invited to play for the U.S. Olympic team.

One more spot remains open on the 12-man roster, and a second could open up if Kobe Bryant is unable to play because of his sexual assault trial in Colorado.

A third member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Karl Malone, has said he might withdraw from the team if his knee isn’t 100 percent.

Selection committee chairman Stu Jackson acknowledged that two invitations had been issued, though he wouldn’t specify who had been chosen.

Jackson also confirmed that Cleveland Cavaliers rookie LeBron James is among a group of seven or eight players being discussed by the committee for the final roster spot.