Overtime

NFL

Winter weather will play into outcomes

A major winter storm dumped several inches of snow in Phi¤ladelphia on Saturday, forcing hundreds of stadium workers into duty to clear out Lincoln Financial Field before today's NFC Championship between the Eagles and Atlanta Falcons.

Across the state, just a few inches of snow fell in Pittsburgh the day before the Steelers and New England Patriots play the AFC title game at Heinz Field.

The Falcons arrived in Phila¤delphia early Saturday afternoon after moving their flight up 4½ hours to avoid travel delays. The Patriots averted any problems by leaving Friday night.

"I think when it's all said and done, it comes down to playing the game," Eagles coach Andy Reid said.

However, slippery field conditions could work in Philadelphia's favor against Atlanta's strong running attack, neutralizing quarterback Michael Vick's speed and elusiveness and slowing speedy running back Warrick Dunn.

About one foot of snow was expected to fall in Philadelphia before today's 3 p.m. kickoff, but city officials said the field and stadium should be completely cleared out. More than 750 workers were on standby with 975 shovels and 65 tons of ice-melt. The field at the Linc was covered by a tarp and heated to 70 degrees.

As many as 200 workers stayed busy at Heinz Field cleaning snow off seats and ramps. The field, also covered with a tarp, was not likely to be affected.

Once the snow clears out, a game-time temperature of 18 with a minus-7 wind chill factor is predicted in Philadelphia. Forecasters are calling for

16-degree temperatures and a wind chill around 10 for the early evening game in Pittsburgh.

"Regardless of weather, we're coming to play football," Vick said. "Football is played in all types of conditions: rain, sleet, snow or whatever. You have to go out and play the game."

Boxing

Briggs must pay out $2 million for brawl

In Miami, former heavyweight boxer Shannon Briggs was ordered to pay $2 million to former University of Miami lineman Brian Stinson for breaking his eye socket during a nightclub fight in 2001.

Jurors on Friday sided with Stinson, who said his football career was cut short because of the injuries.

"This was not a fight," said Stinson's lawyer, Ken Padowitz. "This was a brutal beating."

A doctor testified that Stinson has limited vision in his left eye. The player was forced to miss scouting camps and now works as a counselor at a university in Washington.

Briggs said he would appeal.

"I am a big target and people think I have big pockets," he said. "It was a football party and I was a boxer. I shouldn't have been there."

Stinson, 27, testified that he began chatting with an unidentified woman at the bar after he arrived with a group of Hurricane players. He said Briggs berated her and then cursed him, shoving him through a door into an alley. Stinson said when he tried to return, Briggs punched him.

The 33-year-old Briggs countered that he was leaving the club when a woman called his name. He tried talking to her but was rebuffed by Stinson and Miami defensive end Quincy Hipps. After some shoving, bouncers tossed Stinson into the alley. Briggs said Stinson returned and tried to tackle him.

Briggs has 25 first-round knockouts during a 12-year boxing career.

Cycling

Armstrong not likely for Giro d'Italia race

In Milan, Italy, the Giro d'Italia, the second-most important cycling race after the Tour de France, will cover a route this year in which the winner probably will be determined in the closing mountainous stages.

Organizers on Saturday announced the route for the 88th edition of the race, which will feature a final climbing showdown in the Alpine region that will also host the 2006 Turin Olympics.

Lance Armstrong, the six-time Tour de France winner, most likely will not compete. Defending champion Damiano Cunego, a climbing specialist, is pleased with the route.