Grim prognosis for Schumacher

DOCTORS OFFERED a grim assessment of Michael Schumacher's head injuries yesterday, providing no prognosis for the Formula One driving great after his skiing accident in the French Alps.

Schumacher has been placed in a medically induced coma to relieve pressure on his brain, which suffered bruising and bleeding when the retired seven-time world champion fell and struck a rock Sunday while skiing during a family vacation.

"We cannot predict the future for Michael Schumacher," Dr. Jean-Francois Payen, the doctor in charge of Grenoble University Hospital's intensive-care unit, said at a news conference.

"He is in a critical state in terms of cerebral resuscitation," said Payen, the chief anesthesiologist treating the 44-year-old German driver. "We are working hour by hour."

Schumacher's wife, Corinna, daughter Gina Maria and son Mick were at his bedside.

"The family is not doing very well, obviously. They are shocked," his manager, Sabine Kehm, told reporters.

Schumacher earned universal admiration for his uncommon driving talent, which led to a record 91 race wins. His single-minded dedication to victory sometimes meant he was denied the same affection during his career that he received yesterday.

* Olympic hopeful Theresa Cliff-Ryan was injured when she landed on her head after being struck on the sidelines by a crashing speedskater in Kearns, Utah. The 35-year-old Cliff-Ryan had her back to the ice during an off-day practice session at the Utah Olympic Oval, having completed her workout. Suddenly, Kevin Geminder lost his balance on the front straightaway while going full speed. He slid off the track and right into Cliff-Ryan, flipping her into the air. Trainers raced to the track within seconds and put her in a neck brace. There was no immediate word on Cliff-Ryan's condition, but she was conscious and talking to paramedics. A native of Cedar Springs, Mich., who now lives in Philadelphia, Cliff-Ryan was a contender in the 1,500, to be held today. She also was entered to compete in the 5,000 tomorrow, the final day of the trials in suburban Salt Lake City. It was not known if she would be able to compete in either event.

* Eero Mantyranta, a three-time Olympic cross-country skiing champion from Finland who later tested positive for doping in the 1970s, has died. He was 76.

* Nic Petan broke a tie on a power play with 2:46 left in Canada's 5-3 comeback victory over Slovakia in the world junior hockey tournament in Malmo, Sweden. Canada (2-0-1) wrapped up a spot in the playoff round entering its Group A finale today against the defending champion United States (3-0-0).

* Saint Joseph's forward Ronald Roberts, Jr. was named the Big 5 Player of the Week. The 6-8 senior helped the Hawks come back from an 11-point, second-half deficit against Boston University for a 73-67 win. He tied for the team high with 19 points, and had eight rebounds.